FEATURED JOBS
Comments (0)September 2008: The dehydrated jade plant sat abandoned in the far corner of the windowsill of the BHU President’s office. Wrinkled like a new born baby, only two small and barely green leaves still clung stubbornly to the stem of the plant. But a jade is tough, and this one still had fight left in it. So, knowing that this plant could survive under very adverse conditions, I gave the plant a drop of water, and moved it to a lighter location.
The obvious metaphor ends here. The process of institutional change is always complex, especially for an entity as deeply rooted as Baltimore Hebrew University. Ties to BHU run in Baltimore families through many generations, creating both a strong emotional as well as intellectual bond to the University and the charismatic, influential teachers that shaped its legacy.
While bricks and mortar have never defined BHU, the iconic Park Heights building housed fine memories of scholarly pursuits and academic achievement, and over time became a neighborhood anchor. Working at BHU, it was impossible to forget the visionary leaders who once roamed the halls, as distinguished oiled portraits of the founding presidents loomed large in every public space.
The New Year gives us cause to reflect and reconcile events of the past year, and in this regard, BHU, Towson University and the Associated have shared the spotlight as key players in the ambitious task of re-envisioning the delivery of higher Jewish education in Baltimore.
Over the past 12 months, negotiations with Towson proceeded at a remarkable pace, with early conversations quickly progressing to implementation. While an integration of BHU into Towson made practical and theoretical sense, and Towson’s academic leadership was quick to see potential synergies and opportunities, the success of the entire process hinged on the strong ongoing relationship and trust between BHU and the Associated.
Most remarkably, in the midst of a challenging fiscal environment of frozen state allocations, our community funding partners came readily to the negotiating table prepared to guarantee a transitional budget that would enable the newly formed BHI to establish roots at Towson over the next few years. In truth, the Associated’s unwavering commitment to allocate funding for BHU through its transition to Towson was the lynchpin that enabled the entire process to move forward.
The faculty and staff, as well as the students now at TU in the graduate Judaic studies programs, owe a debt of gratitude to the Associated and its leadership for the support and guidance that they continue to provide as we forge a bright future in our new home.
Towson’s academic leaders are to be commended for successfully crafting an unprecedented model for the integration of BHU that preserves the programs and degrees of BHU, provides continuity and identity for our students, and supports a structure for community outreach and shared programming through the BHI.
While a keen sense of mission guides BHI to vigilantly address the highest standards in Judaic studies, there is still need for innovation as we explore the new paradigms of the 21st century for educators, communal professionals, and scholars. Pride of ownership in the “crown jewel” of Baltimore’s Jewish community is now shared with Towson, and I am confident that our jewel will shine brightly in its new home.
Please take the time to check out our website, http://www.towson.edu/BHI for links to the academic degree programs as well as continuing education opportunities and upcoming guest lectures. We are still getting settled, but comments and suggestions are always welcome.
A new transitional board, under the able leadership of Jon S. Cardin, is working to build a close and responsive relationship with our community stakeholders and patrons. In addition to providing support for our students, BHI’s commitment to serve the community is still paramount. We value this partnership, and look forward to providing educational offerings for a broad range of constituents.
Beyond the obvious upgrade in physical space at Towson University is an enriched academic and social setting for our programs. The growing undergraduate interest in Judaic studies will provide a natural segue to graduate studies.
The former BHU faculty now employed by Towson have begun to teach new courses in Judaic studies, adding depth to the undergraduate offerings and a new dimension of scholarship to several departments. With tremendous regard for the history and prominence of our venerated institution, the academic leadership at Towson University worked diligently to respect the educational tradition of our University, incorporating all of the graduate programs into an interdisciplinary framework within the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Education.
In addition to the warm reception extended to former BHU faculty and staff on campus, the Towson Hillel has enthusiastically welcomed our graduate students, and planning is underway to offer meaningful programs jointly sponsored by both BHI and Hillel that will appeal to a broad spectrum of students.
Change has brought a welcome opportunity for the renewal and rebirth of BHU at TU, enabling us to look forward with optimism. The Joseph Meyerhoff library has been moved to a cohesive and inviting space on the second floor of the Albert Cook Library on campus, making the entire collection completely accessible to all patrons for the first time. In addition, rare books have moved to the newly constructed special collections on the 5th floor, and Starbucks is conveniently located off the lobby on the 3rd floor.
Yes, parking is a challenge, as patrons can anticipate a four-minute walk from nearby university lots, but once on campus, the energy from thousands of students and faculty is palpable and inspiring. Scholarship is alive and well on Towson’s growing, bustling campus, and I am invigorated by being a part of it.
While some things may change dramatically in the reincarnation of BHU at Towson, other things will stay the same. Our students will continue to receive the highest caliber education as well as the BHU hallmark of personal attention and guidance that has been the key to our students’ success for generations.
Our partnerships with other universities, schools and communal organizations are thriving, and our students continue to benefit from the outstanding internship opportunities in the greater Baltimore area. The library resources are in place to continue to support the academic programs, now enhanced by the collections at Towson. And even the esteemed presidents’ portraits and stunning artwork have found a new home.
September 2009: Please visit my jade plant in the College of Liberal Arts building, room 4117. Full of life and new growth, the plant has numerous, plump green leaves edged with a touch of red. I have grown quite fond of this jade, with its now sturdy stem, and dimpled leaves. It had a noble beginning at BHU, and has a promising future in its new light-filled home on my windowsill at BHI.
Recently, a professor walked into my office and remarked upon seeing the portrait of the late Dr. Louis Kaplan, “Now there’s the face of a mentsch.” This professor isn’t Jewish, but he astutely recognized the essence of one of BHU’s greatest scholars and leaders. Yes, Dr. Kaplan sits in his chair comfortably at home in the BHI office, observing the transformation of BHU. Dare I say, I think he would approve.
Erika Pardes Schon is the director of the Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University.