Celebrate Einstein
Photos by Gloria Starr Kins
From left: Kathy K. Weinberg, National President, Women's Division; Earle Altman; Linda Altman, Honoree; Dr. Allen M. Spiegel, the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz, Dean of Einstein; Arnold S. Penner, Honoree; Madaleine Berley; Raymond S. Cohen, Chairman, Men's Division.
The National Women's Division and Men's Division of Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University honored two preeminent leaders with the first "Einstein Lifetime Leadership Award" for their extraordinary contributions to supporting the mission of Einstein, one of the nation's premier centers for biomedical research and medical education. The awards were presented to Linda Altman and Arnold S. Penner at the "Celebrate Einstein" dinner on Wednesday, November 16, at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. The event was emceed by Bruce Beck, lead sports anchor for WNBC in New York, and featured entertainment by Neil Sedaka.
For more than 50 years, the National Women's Division and the Men's Division have been instrumental in the growth and development of Einstein. "Celebrate Einstein" will benefit both divisions' current projects including: the Women's Division Initiative for Research in Women's Health and Cancers, which helps fund cutting-edge research studies at the Albert Einstein Cancer Center targeting breast, ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers; and the Men's Division Research Scholars Program, supporting the career development of Einstein physician-scientists who collaborate with senior research scientists to develop innovative treatments for cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and other devastating diseases.
Earle and Linda Altman, Honoree, far right, celebrating with their lovely and proud grandchildren, Stephen, Greg and Amanda Steiger, daughter Liz Steiger and her escort, Ed Gaelik.
Honoree Linda Altman: Linda Altman is a leading advocate for the vital programs supported by Einstein's National Women's Division. She has served as the Division's national president and as president of the Westchester/Fairfield Chapter. Ms. Altman was elected to the Einstein Board of Overseers in 2006, serves on its executive committee and chairs its communications committee. She received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Yeshiva University in 2005 in recognition of her philanthropic leadership and her outstanding service to the College of Medicine. She and her husband of more than 50 years, Earle - chairman of ABS Partners Real Estate LLC and a respected 50-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry - are benefactors of Einstein, helping to advance cutting-edge cancer research.
Neil Sedaka
"Linda's tireless efforts on behalf of the Women's Division have been nothing short of extraordinary and have in no small way helped to ensure steadfast support for Einstein's vital research and medical education programs, particularly in the area of women's health and cancer initiatives," said Kathy K. Weinberg, president of the National Women's Division.
Honoree Arnold S. Penner: Arnold S. Penner is an inspirational leader and longtime executive board member of the Men's Division. He was elected to the Einstein Board of Overseers in 1998. He received the Albert Einstein Humanitarian Award in 1992 and an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Yeshiva University in 2006 in recognition of his distinguished service to the College of Medicine. Mr. Penner is a partner in real estate holdings across the U.S., including office, medical specialty and retail, and is a part owner of P.J. Clarke's restaurants. He has been a leader of Israel Bonds' Real Estate Division and a veteran member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). Mr. Penner and his wife, Madaleine Berley, are benefactors of the College of Medicine. Their most recent commitment will help advance the outstanding work of Einstein's Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), which services 7,800 adults and children with physical, developmental, language and learning disabilities each year.
Arthur and Janet Hershaft.
"Arnold's deep commitment to Einstein has spanned more than three decades, and has touched the lives of so many," said Raymond Cohen, chair of Einstein's Men's Division. "Arnold is an exceptional leader and has spearheaded efforts to ensure the future of Einstein as a great medical institution."
"It is my honor and privilege to recognize both Linda and Arnold for their longtime service as they receive the first Albert Einstein College of Medicine Lifetime Leadership Award," said Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., chair of the Einstein Board of Overseers. "Their ongoing dedication and support has helped the medical school grow and flourish over the years."
Dr. Diane and George Fellows.
The National Women's Division of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is dedicated to advancing the College of Medicine's mission: transforming human health through cutting-edge medical research and education. Since its founding in 1953, the Women's Division's philanthropic initiatives have included a wing for prenatal studies and birth defects research; endowments for diabetes, women's cancers, brain sciences and cancer immunotherapy; and most recently a major campaign to support CERC.
For more than 50 years, the Men's Division has supported the extraordinary medical and scientific achievements of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Since its formation in 1961, the Men's Division has established a wing of laboratories for research on the nervous system, a research program on viruses and cancer, an endowed chair in cardiovascular physiology, a program for prostate cancer research and a wing of laboratories for research in stem cell and regenerative medicine.
Rita and Philip Rosen, founding Einstein benefactors and members of the Board of Overseers. Rita is Einstein's "resident film-maker" and an accomplished actress.
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Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University is one of the nation's premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2010-2011 academic year, Einstein is home to 724 M.D. students, 256 Ph.D. students, 122 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 375 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has 2,770 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2010, Einstein received nearly $200 million in support from the NIH. This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in diabetes, cancer, liver disease, and AIDS.
From left: Edward Pantzer; Dr. Ruth L. Gottesman, Chair of Einstein's Board of Overseers; Pam Pantzer.
Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Through its extensive affiliation network involving five medical centers in the Bronx, Manhattan and Long Island - which includes Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital and Academic Medical Center for Einstein - the College of Medicine runs one of the largest post-graduate medical training programs in the United States, offering approximately 150 residency programs to more than 2,500 physicians in training. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu.
