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IN MEMORIAM FOUNDER AND FIRST PRESIDENT DR. BERNARD LANDER
from Touro At A Glance
by Touro
Dr. Bernard Lander was a brilliant, inspirational leader and visionary who revolutionized the field of education. As an educator and preeminent scholar, he devoted his life to Jewish and general higher education.
Dr. Lander founded Touro College in 1970 and served as its first president until his passing in February 2010.
Under his leadership, Touro grew significantly into an institution with multiple campuses and international reach. Today, Touro educates nearly 19,000 students across the United States and around the world.
Dr. Lander’s creative genius and original thinking continue to be reflected in Touro’s innovative approach to higher education. He believed that it was his mission to strengthen Jewish continuity and provide opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to achieve academic advancement and career success.
During the administration of former New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, Dr. Lander was named associate director of the Committee on Unity, a precursor to the city’s Commission on Human Rights, and was recognized as an authority on human rights.
He served for more than 30 years as vice president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, where he emerged as a
“Dr. Lander utilized his myriad talents to improve the lives of so many. He dedicated prodigious efforts to making his dreams come true, not for himself, but for the community. He taught us all how to live with joy and optimism while living for others, how to care for the individuals while thinking of the larger whole, how to take action while being a receptive listener and how to reach thousands while remaining true to one’s own inner vision.” spokesman for the American Jewish community and was deeply involved in the creation of its acclaimed youth movement, the National Conference of Synagogue Youth.
The Touro University System is Dr. Bernard Lander’s legacy. Its institutions will continue to provide leadership for the community and academic excellence for many generations to come.
