HTC OPENS NEW STUDENT LEARNING CENTER
- HTC
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
HTC is pleased to announce the opening of its new Student Learning Center of the Rabbi Saul Silber Z"L Memorial Library, which opened in early June.
This project marks the first renovation of this space since the Skokie campus opened in 1958. The renovated learning center was completely gutted and features all new doors, windows, lighting, flooring, and all new furniture, including lounge chairs and sofa-style seating, along with modern workspaces for both individual and group work. The ceiling has been opened up, with the new HVAC ductwork running along the perimeter of the room, creating a blend of a modern space below with an exciting, retro-industrial feel above.
The highlight of the new Student Learning Center, however, is the four individual study rooms modeled after those found at the Skokie Public Library. Located along the south wall, these rooms are demarcated with full glass panels and doors on their front side and offer more sound insulation for even quieter study. Three rooms feature seating for 2-4 students, while the fourth can seat up to six students for group projects or meetings. During the day, these study rooms will primarily be reserved for individual student support under the Fasman Yeshiva (FYHS) Department of Academic Services; when available, they will be free for use by all students.
The project was made possible through a lead gift by Gershon (FYHS '98) and Dr. Natasha Vladimirskiy, whose sons Ben (FYHS '22 ) and Eli (FYHS '24) are also proud FYHS alumni. Additional funding was provided by a forthcoming grant from the State of Illinois through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Study rooms were dedicated by Mrs. Bernice Novick and family in memory of Dr. Oscar Novick z"l; by Larry z"l & Evelyn Yellin in memory of Barnet Yellin z"l ; and by friends/classmates and family in memory of Zali Arnold z"l (FYHS '20). An additional study room remains available for dedication.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Vladimirskiy family for their generosity and their vision in this project," said Rabbi Shmuel Schuman, CEO of HTC. "It was essential for us to provide an attractive, modern space for our high school and college students to study and get work done during the school day, in a comfortable setting away from the classroom. And for our residential students, this space provides a quiet environment for homework and projects outside the dormitory."
The Student Learning Center marks another major upgrade to HTC's main campus, coming on the heels of adding the Rothner Family Gymnasium in 2023. Additional recent smaller projects have included the addition of a new faculty lounge and modernizing the FYHS office, along with other security-focused upgrades.
"This renovation was the next critical step in upgrading our facilities to match the incredible Torah and academic learning that takes place in our Yeshiva," said FYHS Principal Rabbi Aaron Leibtag. "Our students have all seen the space and can't wait to start using it in full next school year."
The Student Learning Center is outfitted with wifi access and will be available to students throughout the school day and into the evening. The project was led by HTC Chief Operating Officer Sid Singer, who worked closely with Touro University's design team led by Natalya Vidokle, Senior Director of Campus Planning, Design, and Construction.
"We're thrilled to see this exciting, student-focused project come to fruition, and our hope is that this is just the beginning," said Aveeshi Lev, co-chair of HTC's Board of Governors. "We have a beautiful, sprawling campus with many more opportunities for modernization, and we're working toward that goal. This new Student Learning Center is a great start and will provide an immediate impact for our students."
To learn more about this project or other HTC/FYHS donor opportunities, please contact Rabbi Josh Zisook, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, at jzisook@touro.edu, or (224) 406-8902.
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