Academic Chairs and Distinguished Professorships
The John Cranford Adams Chair in the Humanities: established in 1965 by the Hofstra Alumni Association, honors Hofstra’s President Emeritus Adams. The Chair brings distinguished visiting scholars to the University. Dr. Adams was president of Hofstra from 1945 to 1965. He was a noted Shakespearian scholar with works represented in the Folger Library. The Chair is currently held by Dr. Phillip Lopate, Professor of English.
The Donald E. Axinn Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Ecology and Conservation at Hofstra University was established in 1987 by gifts from Donald E. Axinn. Mr. Axinn is a Hofstra alumnus, a Hofstra Trustee and real estate developer. Under this professorship, a program of public awareness in ecology and conservation will be developed with special application to the Long Island environment.
The Bernon Family Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Business was established in 1991 by the Bernon Brothers Foundation. Alan Bernon is a Hofstra alumnus, a Hofstra Trustee and an outstanding business and community leader. The distinguished professorship was established in support of the Dean of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business as an indication of leadership in the field of business education as well as in the business community.
The Alexander M. Bickel Distinguished Professorship in Communication Law was established in 1983 by several persons, including two graduates of the Yale Law School, where Professor Bickel was one of the more prestigious faculty members. He was a nationally prominent professor of constitutional and communication law. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Bernard E. Jacob.
The Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra Endowed Chair in Sikh Studies is endowed by Mr. Ishar Singh Bindra and Family in honor of Mr. Bindra’s wife and family matriarch Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra. Established in 2000, the chair is designed to promote the academic study of Sikh religion, culture, and history. The endowment supports the appointment of a faculty member in Sikh Studies, builds the University Library’s holdings in Sikhism, provides scholarship assistance to students interested in Sikh religion and culture, and funds annual conferences and lectures directed toward the academic community as well as the general public.
The Andrew M. Boas and Mark L. Claster Distinguished Professorship in Civil Procedure was established in 1986 by gifts from two graduates of the Hofstra School of Law, Andrew M. Boas, Class of 1980, and Mark L. Claster, Class of 1977. The purpose of the Professorship is to promote research, lectures and other scholarly activities relating to laws designed to endure the fair and efficient resolution of civil disputes. The Professorship is currently held by President Stuart Rabinowitz.
The Brodlieb Distinguished Professorship in Business was established in 1984 through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brodlieb [Ken and Judy] and Theodore Brodlieb. The Brodliebs firmly believe in a business developing a close relationship with the surrounding community and its responsibility to society in general. This gift reflects their especially strong commitment to quality higher education on Long Island.
The Richard J. Cardali Distinguished Professorship in Trial Advocacy was established in 1989 in memory of Richard J. Cardali, who was a prominent attorney specializing in plaintiff’s negligence work. Mr. Cardali devoted a substantial amount of his time and energy to teaching advocacy skills to other lawyers and to law students. The Professorship will promote the continued training of advocacy skills. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Lawrence W. Kessler.
The Edward F. Carlough Chair in Labor Law, established in 1981, honors Edward F. Carlough, President Emeritus of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association, is funded by a gift from the Sheet Metal Workers International Association and reflects the strong labor law discipline of the Hofstra School of Law. It supports the Labor Law Forum, a scholarly publication, and the annual Edward F. Carlough Labor Law Conference.
The Chaykin Endowed Chair in Accounting was established in 1990 through the proceeds from the Chaykin continuing professional education programs at Hofstra University. Professor Irving J. Chaykin is a nationally prominent professor of accounting and founder of the Chaykin CPA Review Program. The Chair was established to encourage and reward excellence in research and teaching. The Chair is currently held by Dr. Ralph S. Polimeni, Vice Provost for Accreditation and Assessment.
The Chaykin Distinguished Teaching Professorship in Accounting was established in 1989 through the proceeds from the Chaykin continuing professional education programs at Hofstra University. The distinguished teaching professorship was established to encourage and reward excellence in teaching. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Robert Katz, a past recipient of the Hofstra University Distinguished Teaching Award.
Cypres Family Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Legal Studies in Business in the Frank G. Zarb School of Business shall be awarded to a full professor in the Zarb School of Business who is a member of the Accounting, Taxation and Legal Studies in Business Department. The recipient should have a national reputation for scholarship in legal studies in business (business law). The recipient should have excellent service to the Zarb School of Business and the University and should be licensed to practice law. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Susan L. Martin.
The Robert F. Dall Distinguished Professorship in Business was established by Robert F. Dall in 1989. Robert F. Dall is a Hofstra alumnus and a Hofstra Trustee who has had a prominent career in finance and investments. The Dall Professorship is currently held by Professor Matthew C. Sonfield, a faculty member with a distinguished background in the field of management.
The Maurice A. Deane Distinguished Professorship in Constitutional Law, established in 1986, is supported by a gift from Maurice A. Deane, a member of the Hofstra University School of Law class of 1981. Its purpose is to encourage scholarly research, professional conferences and other appropriate study of constitutional law. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Eric M. Freedman.
The Jack and Freda Dicker Distinguished Professorship in Health Care Law, established in 1985 by gifts from Mr. Ernest Dicker and his brothers Stanley and Daniel Dicker in honor of their late father and mother. The Dicker family is a leader in institutional health care for the aged. Under the Professorship a curriculum in health care law will be developed, and research, conferences and other professional scholarly activities in the field of health care law will be undertaken. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Janet Dolgin.
The Adolph J. and Dorothy R. Eckhardt Distinguished Professorship in Corporate Law was established in 1992 by gifts from Mr. Adolph J. Eckhardt and his wife Dorothy. The Professorship is designed to promote research, lecture series, and other scholarly activities in the field of corporate law. The Professorship is currently held by Senior Vice President M. Patricia Adamski.
The Leo A. Guthart Distinguished Professorship in Teaching Excellence was established in 1996 through the generosity of Dr. Leo A. Guthart, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Pittway Corporation and Chief Executive Officer of its Security Group. Dr. Guthart also has an exceptional record of service to Hofstra University including 20 years on the University’s Board of Trustees including three years as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Guthart received a doctorate in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School and has taught at both Hofstra University and Harvard University. This Distinguished Professorship was established to recognize the role of the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence in promoting the University’s highest priority which is excellence in teaching. The Professorship is currently held by Dr. Liora Pedhazur Schmelkin, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies.
The Msgr. Thomas J. Hartman Chair in Catholic Studies honors Msgr. Thomas J. Hartman, whose career has been devoted to promoting the public’s understanding of Catholicism and the many ways Catholics and members of other faiths might learn from one another. Established in 2004, the chair is designed to promote the academic study of Catholic religion, culture and history. The Chair is currently held by Dr. Julie Byrne.
The Lawrence Herbert Distinguished Professorship was established in 1996 through the generosity of Dr. Lawrence Herbert, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pantone, Inc., which is the world’s premier color standards company and color authority. Dr. Herbert is an alumnus and former member and vice-chairperson of the Hofstra University Board of Trustees. The Distinguished Professorship was established in support of the University’s Provost and Dean of Faculties and in recognition of the Provost’s overall leadership role in advancing the University’s educational mission. The Professorship is currently held by Dr. Herman A. Berliner, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The Steven A. Horowitz Distinguished Professorship in Tax Law was established in 2005 by Steven A. Horowitz, ‘84, a partner in the law firm of Moritt, Hoch, Hamroff, & Horowtiz LLP. The first Steven A. Horowitz Professor of Tax Law is Professor Mitchell Gans, a nationally-recognized authority in family partnerships and valuations and an expert on the intersection of trusts and estates and tax.
The Peter S. Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies was endowed by Mr. Peter S. Kalikow in November 2005. The chair is designed to promote the academic study of the American presidency through teaching, scholarship, and periodic conferences on the presidency. The Chair is currently held by Dr. Meena Bose.
The Peter S. Kalikow Distinguished Professorship in Real Estate Law was established in 1987 by a gift from Peter S. Kalikow, a prominent real estate developer and Chairman and President of the H. L. Kalikow Company. The Professorship is designed to promote research, symposia and other professional and scholarly activities in the field of real estate law and to enhance the curricula of the Law School in the fields of real property and real estate. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Ronald H. Silverman.
The Samuel M. Kaynard Distinguished Visiting Professorship in Labor and Employment Law was established in 2000 by the family and friends of Samuel M. Kaynard, a distinguished educator and practitioner in the labor and employment law area, who was a Professor of Law at Hofstra University School of Law. The Professorship supports the appointment of a visiting professor each year who will teach a course in the labor or employment area.
The Joseph Kushner Distinguished Professorship in Civil Liberties Law was established in memory of the late Joseph Kushner, who headed a real estate concern involved in development and acquisitions in New Jersey. He was a survivor of the Holocaust and was keenly interested in the protection of civil liberties. The Professorship is endowed by contributions from his son, Charles Kushner, a graduate of the Hofstra Law School class of 1979. It promotes scholarly activities in civil liberties law. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Leon Friedman.
The Howard Lichtenstein Distinguished Professorship in Legal Ethics was established in memory of Howard Lichtenstein, the late senior partner of the law firm of Proskauer Rose Goetz and Mendelsohn. The Professorship is endowed by that law firm and by friends of Mr. Lichtenstein. It supports planned monographs, lectures and other scholarly activities in the field of legal ethics. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Roy D. Simon.
The Walter H. “Bud” Miller Distinguished Professorship in Business, established in 1980 in recognition of Mr. Miller’s business acumen, community involvement and concern for higher education. Its purpose is to foster teaching, research and training in the field of marketing and management. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Barry Berman, a faculty member who has a distinguished record of teaching and scholarship in the field of business.
The Jean Nerken Distinguished Professorship in Engineering was established in 1990 through the generosity of Mr. Albert Nerken, noted engineer and inventor, in honor of his wife. The Professorship is designed to recognize and encourage outstanding teaching, research, and leadership in the field of engineering sciences. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Sina Y. Rabbany.
The Harry H. Rains Distinguished Professorship in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Settlement Law, established in 1983, is supported by a gift from Muriel and Harry H. Rains of Locust Valley. Mr. Rains, senior partner in the law firm of Rains and Pogrebin of Merrick, distinguished himself in this area of law and was one of the founding members of the National Academy of Arbitrators. The Professorship enables the development of publications, research, symposia and a curriculum of dispute settlement methodology as an alternative to courtroom litigation. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Robert A. Bush.
The RMI Distinguished Professorship in Business was established in 1989 through the generosity of several noted retailers and retail-related firms. It is designed to promote teaching, research, and training in the fields of retailing and retail management. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Joel R. Evans, a faculty member with an outstanding record of teaching and scholarship in the field of business.
The Rivkin Radler Distinguished Professorship was established in 1987 and funded by Rivkin, Radler, Dunne & Bayh, a prominent Nassau County law firm with a specialty in environmental law. The Professorship will expand and develop new courses in environmental law and will be the center for scholarly and professional activities in the environmental law field. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Linda C. McClain.
The Dr. Mervin Livingston Schloss Distinguished Professorship for the Study of Disabilities was established in 1983 by Dr. Schloss in memory of his parents, Lillian and Hyman Schloss. Dr. Schloss has had a distinguished career in dentistry in addition to being closely identified with civic, professional, fraternal, humanitarian and philanthropic causes. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Frank Bowe.
The Eric J. Schmertz Distinguished Professorship in Public Service and Public Law was established in 1993 in honor of Eric J. Schmertz, the Edward F. Carlough Distinguished Professor of Labor Law and Dean of the School of Law from 1982 to 1989. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Eric Lane.
The Max Schmertz Distinguished Professorship, established in 1982, honors and perpetuates the memory of Max Schmertz, a business and political leader of the city of New Rochelle. It is funded by grants from Eric J. Schmertz, former Dean of the Hofstra School of Law, and Herbert
Schmertz, vice president, Mobil Corporation. It supports a Distinguished Lecture Series in various legal disciplines. The Chair is currently held by Professor Mark Movsesian.
The Sidney and Walter Siben Distinguished Professorship in Family Law and Torts was established in 1984 and is supported by a gift from the law firm of Siben & Siben. Its purpose is to promote scholarly research, conferences and publications in the fields of torts and product liability. The Professorship is currently held by Professor John DeWitt Gregory.
The Honey and Arthur Sorin Distinguished Teaching Fellow in Business was established in 1988 through the generosity of Honey and Arthur Sorin. The Teaching Fellow was established to recognize the important contribution made by Hofstra adjunct faculty. First priority in selecting the recipient is given to senior Hofstra University administrators presently teaching as adjunct faculty members in the School of Business. The Teaching Fellow is also responsible for the annual Sorin Conference on Mediation which brings together leaders of labor, business and the public sectors to discuss the crucial issues in this area. The Teaching Fellow is currently held by Professor James Fellman, Adjunct Associate Professor of Management.
The C.V. Starr Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Finance and International Financial Services was established in 2003 by the Starr Foundation, supporting its ongoing relationship with Hofstra and acknowledging the critical discipline of global financial and business education. The C.V. Starr Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Finance and International Financial Services is awarded to a finance department faculty member engaged in ongoing scholarly research and production and other professional activities. The Professorship is currently held by Dr. Esmeralda O. Lyn, Professor of Finance.
The C.V. Starr Distinguished Professorship in Finance and Investment Banking was established in 2004 by the C.V. Starr Foundation, supporting its ongoing relationship with Hofstra and acknowledging the critical discipline of investment banking operations and capital raising. The C.V. Starr Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Finance and Investment Banking is awarded to a finance department faculty member engaged in ongoing scholarly research and production and other professional activities. The Professorship is currently held by Dr. George J. Papaioannou, Professor of Finance.
The Lawrence Stessin Distinguished Professorship was established in 1989 through the generosity of Lawrence Stessin, Professor Emeritus of Management. This Professorship resides in New College and reflects Professor Stessin’s wide range of interests and his career as a faculty member and journalist.
The Lawrence Stessin Distinguished Professorship in Journalism was established in 1998 through the generosity of the estate of Lawrence Stessin, former Professor Emeritus of Management and longtime journalist for The New York Times. This gift reflects Professor Stessin’s strong commitment to the important role of a free press in a democratic society. The Professorship is currently held by Professor E.R. Shipp, associate professor in the department of Journalism, Mass Media, and Public Relations.
The Harry H. Wachtel Distinguished Teaching Professorship for the Study of Nonviolent Social Change was established in 1998 in memory of Harry H. Wachtel, a long time civil rights activist who served as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s lawyer and one of his closest advisers. Its purpose is to promote teaching, research, and curricular development in the areas of nonviolent social change and peaceful conflict resolution. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Michael D’Innocenzo.
The Benjamin Weintraub Distinguished Professorship in Bankruptcy Law was established in 1984 to honor Mr. Weintraub’s accomplishments as adviser and advocate for financially ailing businesses. Mr. Weintraub is counsel to Levin & Weintraub & Crames, a nationally prominent law firm which he co-founded in 1933 and is a member of the National Bankruptcy Conference. His numerous publications have contributed to the development of bankruptcy law. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Alan N. Resnick.
The Mel Weitz Distinguished Professorship in Business was established in 1982 in recognition of Mr. Weitz’s accomplishments in the field of business, his involvement in humanitarian causes and his dedication to higher education on Long Island. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Harold Lazarus, a faculty member with a distinguished background in the field of management.
The Augustus B. Weller Chair, funded in 1963, brings an outstanding teacher and scholar to the University. The Chair was established by friends and admirers of Mr. Weller in recognition of his accomplishments as a Hofstra trustee, banker, educator and dedicated servant of his community. As president of the First National Bank of Merrick, he guided its growth into the complex that became the Meadowbrook National Bank. When it merged with the Bank of North America, its name was changed to National Bank of North America, later to become National Westminster Bank USA. The Chair is currently held by an outstanding economist, Dr. Irwin L. Kellner.
The Siggi B. Wilzig Distinguished Professorship in Banking Law, established in 1985 by gifts from The Trust Company of New Jersey and the Wilshire Oil Company of Texas, honors Siggi B. Wilzig, New Jersey banker and philanthropist. Mr. Wilzig is chairman and president of The Trust Company of New Jersey and former chairman of the Wilshire Oil Company of Texas. The Professorship is designed to provide a curriculum in banking law and will conduct research, symposia, and other professional and scholarly activities in the field of banking law for the business and banking communities. The Professorship is currently held by Professor Malachy T. Mahon, founding dean of the Hofstra School of Law. |