NYC Gazette

Stern College for Women celebrates its 70th anniversary, reflecting on its journey since its inception in 1954. The college has been a pivotal institution for Jewish women's education, blending rigorous secular studies with intensive Jewish learning. "I went to Stern," is a phrase proudly spoken by thousands of alumnae who have passed through the halls of Yeshiva University.

Founded with a generous donation from Max Stern, the college initially welcomed 32 students and has grown significantly over the decades. Today, it serves as a beacon for women pursuing diverse careers while maintaining strong ties to their Jewish heritage.

The college's main building at 253 Lexington Ave., originally constructed in 1911, once housed the Packard Commercial School. Over time, Stern expanded into what is now known as YU’s Israel Henry Beren Campus. Notable advancements include the restructuring of its Judaic Studies department in 1980 and establishing various programs such as the S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program in 1999 and the Graduate Program in Advanced Talmud/Tanach Studies in 2001.

Dr. Karen Bacon played an instrumental role during her tenure as dean from 1977 to 2024, guiding significant growth across multiple dimensions of the college.

Throughout its history, Stern has hosted numerous dignitaries including Eleanor Roosevelt and Maya Angelou. In addition to expanding academic offerings, partnerships like that with YU’s Sy Syms School of Business have broadened educational opportunities for students interested in business disciplines.

STEM fields have become increasingly popular among current students at Stern College. Graduates continue to achieve impressive acceptance rates into prestigious law schools and medical programs across the country.

Stern alumnae have excelled in various professional arenas while many remain influential Torah scholars globally. The commitment to chesed (kindness) is evident through initiatives such as vigils at Ground Zero post-9/11 and support efforts for Jews worldwide.

From humble beginnings with just over thirty students, Stern College now enrolls around 760 students annually—a testament to its enduring legacy as an esteemed institution fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth within modern Orthodoxy.