Stern Seminar Room is Dedicated 12/5/01
With the construction and furnishing complete, a ceremony was held on November 5, 2001 to dedicate the Harry Stern '44 '56 Judaic Studies Seminar Room located in Room 302 Hagerty Library. The seminar room, along with the adjacent Judaic Studies offices in 331 Hagerty, were built thanks to a generous grant from alumni and Judaic Studies Advisory Board member Harry Stern ('44, '56, Mechanical Engineering). The room was designed by Drexel's Department of Planning, Design and Construction and built and beautifully finished by the Department of Facilities Management. It is furnished in a reading room style, to accommodate not only quiet study, but small meetings and lectures.
The dedication ceremony, held on Monday, November 8, 2001 in Hagerty Library, just outside of the Seminar Room, was a richly cultural affair. It was attended by family and friends of the Stern family, the Judaic Studies Advisory Board, and Drexel administrators, including University President Constantine Papadakis. The ceremony, conducted by Advisory Board member Lisa Eizen, began with a few words from Dr. Rakhmiel Peltz, Director of Judaic Studies. Bruce Whitham, Head of Information Services of Hagerty Library, represented Carol Montgomery, Dean of Libraries. Following that, President Papadakis gave a message of gratitude to Harry Stern and his family for this gift which will so greatly benefit Drexel University, specifically by fostering the Judaic Studies Program. Dr. Papadakis and Ms. Eizen then formally dedicated the room by reading the words on the plaque, "The Harry Stern '44 '56 Judaic Studies Seminar Room, dedicated in memory of Martha Novoseller Stern, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. November 5, 2001, 19 Heshvan 5762." Martha Novoseller Stern was the late wife of Harry Stern.
A short concert of cantorial and Yiddish music followed, given by Richard Lenatsky, tenor, and Alexander Botwinik, pianist. The musicians performed four selections, each more beautiful than the last. The pieces were: "Tikanto shabos" ('You Have Established the Sabbath'), music by Vilkomirski, "Shma koleynu" ('Hear Our Voice'), music by Helfman, "Rozhinkes mit mandlen" ('Raisins and Almonds'), music by Goldfaden, "Sha, shtil!" ('Hush, Quiet!'), music by Jassinowsky. Afterward, Mr. Jerry Stern, son of Harry Stern, offered a few remarks about his family's philosophy of support of Jewish interests. Finally, Rabbi Howard Alpert, Director of Hillel of Greater Philadelphia, gave closing words of blessing and prayer. All adjourned to the Seminar Room for lively discussion and refreshments.