New Name for Jewish Studies Program at the UW
 Samuel (of blessed memory) and Althea Stroum |
May 18, 2009 Seattle— The University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences announced that the Jewish Studies Program (JSP) in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies is being named The Samuel and Althea Stroum Jewish Studies Program, in recognition of the Stroum’s steadfast commitment and dedication to the University.
For nearly 40 years, Samuel (of blessed memory) and Althea Stroum have been generous supporters of the University and the JSP since its inception. Their ongoing support has played an instrumental role in the JSP becoming the premier Jewish studies program in the Northwest and a leading program worldwide, generating exceptional scholarship and research in the field. Additionally, the Stroum’s support produces the annual prestigious Stroum Lectures and associated book series through UW Press.
“Samuel and Althea Stroum’s gifts to the University over the years have had a transformative effect, and this latest expression of their generosity will have a lasting impact on our Jewish Studies Program,” said University of Washington President Mark Emmert.
In addition to the JSP, the Stroum name appears frequently across the University campus in places such as the Henry Art Gallery, Athletics, Medicine, Business, and the Evans School of Public Affairs. Samuel also served as a Regent of the University for thirteen years.
The official naming of the Samuel & Althea Stroum Jewish Studies Program at the University of Washington took place yesterday during a reception that occurred after the first Stroum Lecture by Professor Zerubavel. Dr.Gad Barzilai, the Lucia S. and Herbert L. Pruzan Professor of Jewish Studies and Chair of the Jewish Studies Program directed the events.
About the Jewish Studies Program
The Jewish Studies Program (JSP) began in 1974 as part of the undergraduate division in the College of Arts & Sciences, and became part of Jackson School of International Studies in 1982. The JSP includes 22 faculty members from more than a dozen departments. Students can major or minor in Jewish Studies at the undergraduate level in one of two tracks: Judaic Cultural Tradition or The Jewish People in the Modern World.
The JSP contributes to the vitality of the broader community by offering public events on campus, participating in educational programs off campus, welcoming non-degree students to classes (including students in the Access program, which is open to those age 60 and over), and preparing students for community service and leadership
In 1975, the Stroums established a lecture series in Jewish Studies, bringing renowned scholars from throughout the world to the University for symposiums. Long-time supporters of the JSP, the Stroums have contributed more than $10 million to support faculty, students and the critical needs of the program.
About The College
The University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences provides an education of tremendous breadth and depth to more than 25,000 students while advancing research in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. With more than 6,000 classes offered in the College annually, students can study everything from art to physics. More than 70% of all University bachelor’s degrees and nearly 30% of all PhD degrees are from the College. Additionally, undergraduates who are pursuing non-Arts and Sciences degrees take at least one-fourth of their credits in the College.
The College has more than two dozen interdisciplinary centers and ties to many other centers, enabling scholars in diverse fields to collaborate on complex research questions in the humanities, demography, labor studies, law, astrobiology, climate change and other areas.
The College teaches more than 50 languages and offers study abroad programs in London, Rome, Paris, Prague, Spain, Mexico, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other locations.
All of the University’s arts units – the Schools of Music, Art, and Drama, the Dance Program, Digital Arts and Experimental Medial (DXARTS), the Henry Art Gallery, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, UW World Series, and Meany Hall for the Performing Arts – are part of the College. They offer more than 280 performances, 60 exhibits, and 100 public programs annually.
