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Over the fall of 2005 and spring of 2006, LCM Political Science alum Ari Lustig interned in the office of then-New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Seven years later, he still culls inspiration from those whirlwind six months. “Not anything having to do with her politics,” he explains. “The one thing that always struck me was how Senator Clinton was always on top of her game. She always seemed to have an intense awareness of what was going on. Even though I worked in New York and she was primarily based in Washington, it was interesting to see—when she’d visit the New York office—how she had her finger on the pulse. I really admired that, and it’s something I think about a lot. I try to emulate that model.”

A little advice from those who have just graduated from Lander College for Men. Some things they learned along the way and a warm welcome to the family.

When Chicago native Gershon Firestone graduated from LCM in 2008 with a Math degree, he wasn’t seeking your traditional accounting position at an international firm. But since earning his diploma, Firestone passed all eight exams required for full membership in the Actuarial Society of Greater New York (ASNY), which promotes knowledge and expansion of actuarial thought.

Touro College students at Lander College for Men, Lander College for Women and Lander College of Arts & Sciences, along with Machon l'Parnassa, and School for Lifelong Education, celebrated their graduation at Touro's 39th commencement exercises at Lincoln Center. Congratulations to the class of 2013. And a very special mazal tov to Dean Robert Goldschmidt on the conferral of a much deserved honorary doctorate.

On Sunday, just before the graduation ceremony, Lander College for Men hosted an awards reception to celebrate the occasion. Dr. Mark Hasten, Chairman of the Board at Touro College, gave a warm welcome; Rav Yonason Sacks, Rosh HaYeshiva of Beis Medrash L'Talmud offered divrei bracha and using a debate in the Talmud about Pesach Sheni, Rabbi Dr. Moshe Sokol, dean of Lander College for Men, explored the three great challenges of leadership and responsibility Lander graduates will be called upon to meet as they leave the halls of Lander and go out into the world. Roles and responsibilities he knows Lander College for Men has prepared them for well.

And remind the graduates that while they should take what they've learned at Lander College for Men with them, hopefully they will never truly leave the yeshiva and will be back often to keep in touch.

With sunny skies, a clear basketball court, plenty of green grass for football and soccer and pool ready and waiting, how could anyone not enjoy the shabbaton. Rabbi Shmulewitz, as usual, was parked by the lake, “fishing, not catching.” Students stopped by to throw out a line.

The guys played their hearts out each Wednesday night, leading up to the intramural championships last week. Irv Bader, Touro College’s Director of Athletics, oversaw the games and handed out trophies to the winning team at the banquet.

The students agree. That’s why it’s with a heavy heart that everyone said goodbye and wished him well at the end of this year as he takes retirement.

Rabbi Sacks spoke about how Rabbi Berzon is a living example of someone who loves to learn and who is relentless in his pursuit of knowledge of Torah, spending day and all night in the beis medrash. A real role model for the guys, it’s a bittersweet tzeitchem l’shalom.