President Berman and Congressman Espaillat Meet to Explore Opportunities for Community Engagement
On February 20, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, representative of New York's 13th congressional district, visited ۿ۴ý's Wilf Campus. He was greeted by ۿ۴ýPresident Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman and Andrew Lauer, vice president for legal affairs, secretary and general counsel at YU. Together, they discussed community engagement opportunities for the University.
"ۿ۴ý is an epicenter of education in the Jewish community, both in the United States and around the world," said Espaillat. "I look forward to working with President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman to further ۿ۴ý’s mission as an educational institution and a strong partner in our diverse upper Manhattan community.”
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, left, and Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)Espaillat also sat down with student club representatives to hear about ways in which ۿ۴ýis already giving back to its community. These clubs included START Science, whose members teach science through fun activities at local public schools; Music Vs., whose students share their musical talents with elderly nursing home residents and hospital patients; and The Eruv, a club that runs programing with senior citizens in the area as well as in local soup kitchens.
In addition, Espaillat spoke with students interested in government-related fields and was able to answer questions and offer career advice. “Congressman Espaillat showed his devotion to the cares of his constituents as well as broad national concerns. As someone potentially looking towards a career in civil service, his character inspires me,” said Reuven Herzog, a Yeshiva College student who hopes to attend graduate school for urban planning.
The Congressman met with student leaders to learn about YU's current community engagement efforts.“Congressman Espaillat faithfully executes the duties of his office and we are proud to have him serve as our representative,” said Dr. Berman. “I look forward to exploring how ۿ۴ý can further integrate into the broader community in a way that is mutually enriching.”
