Stern College Honors Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Hannah L. Golden
Issue date: 12/21/09 Section: News
The S. Daniel Abraham Honors program at Stern College for Women celebrated its 10th anniversary on December 10th with over one hundred students who have joined the program. The evening was both a celebration and request for funds from its founders, donors, and participants. "The women of S. Daniel Abraham Honors program distinguish themselves as being holkhei derakhim [forgers of paths]," began Dean Karen Bacon, looking out at all the attendees, some dressed formally for an evening out, others having just run in from lab. "They're very intentional about the way they spend their time…I acknowledge your efforts and your transformative activities and we're very proud of you."
Yet Bacon tempered her remarks, once the audience, including YU benefactors and faculty as well as students, finished their dinners. "I do have some reservations; they started from day one," said Bacon seriously. "I always have been concerned that when we single out people for distinction and tell them how impressed we are, we're concerned about them being too haughty. There are some women who turned their backs on the people behind them, when they were successful. This is a risk when you single out people and tell them they're that good. If anyone in this room should fall into this trap of false gaavah [self-importance], to turn your back on this institution, and the benefactors of this institution, then you would have failed."
This is a trap easily avoided, according to Dr. Meredith Weiss (SCW '03), graduate of the first honors class, winner of the Anne Scheiber scholarship to Albert Einstein School of Medicine and current YU fundraiser. "I remember looking around the classroom [of my first honors course] and thinking there was definitely a mistake," explained Weiss with humor. "And then I got my first paper back, and then I knew that definitely did not belong there."
The Honors Program "fostered my intellectual and formative growth in college," said Weiss, encouraging those who shared the same experience. "I recognize that without their support I would not be where I am today," to donate to the university. "With power comes responsibility…please recognize what Stern had given you and please donate in whatever way you can," she appealed.
Yet Bacon tempered her remarks, once the audience, including YU benefactors and faculty as well as students, finished their dinners. "I do have some reservations; they started from day one," said Bacon seriously. "I always have been concerned that when we single out people for distinction and tell them how impressed we are, we're concerned about them being too haughty. There are some women who turned their backs on the people behind them, when they were successful. This is a risk when you single out people and tell them they're that good. If anyone in this room should fall into this trap of false gaavah [self-importance], to turn your back on this institution, and the benefactors of this institution, then you would have failed."
This is a trap easily avoided, according to Dr. Meredith Weiss (SCW '03), graduate of the first honors class, winner of the Anne Scheiber scholarship to Albert Einstein School of Medicine and current YU fundraiser. "I remember looking around the classroom [of my first honors course] and thinking there was definitely a mistake," explained Weiss with humor. "And then I got my first paper back, and then I knew that definitely did not belong there."
The Honors Program "fostered my intellectual and formative growth in college," said Weiss, encouraging those who shared the same experience. "I recognize that without their support I would not be where I am today," to donate to the university. "With power comes responsibility…please recognize what Stern had given you and please donate in whatever way you can," she appealed.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
sbedder
Sarah Bedder
posted 12/30/09 @ 9:47 AM EST
Hey, thanks for quoting me in the article! :)
Zen
posted 1/24/10 @ 1:22 PM EST
hm...That's an interesting article.I didn't even know that there exist something like this program.But I'm not shure if I'd wish "the same" for my daughter. (Continued…)
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