After over 32 years of dedicated service, Mrs. Rita Lipshitz, Assistant Dean of Sarah Hartman Women’s College of Touro, is retiring. Mrs. Lipshitz has been a cornerstone of the college since nearly its inception, contributing her wisdom, grace, and passion to the growth and success of the institution.
Mrs. Lipshitz’s journey at HTC began in January 1993, when she was invited by Dr. Esther Shkop to join the Anne M. Blitstein Teachers Institute for Women. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for countless students. From planning events to guiding and advising students, her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment have been evident. Her impact has not only been administrative; she has also taught courses such as Religion to women from the former Soviet Union, History of Russian Jewry, and Advanced Composition. Her dedication to mentoring students and celebrating their achievements has left a lasting legacy.
Mrs. Lipshitz’s impressive background laid the foundation for her influential role at the college. After a year of study and work in Israel, she attended Northwestern University, where she studied Russian language and culture and spent six weeks in the former Soviet Union. She went on to earn an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Illinois. Her career included positions at the Northwestern University Library, the Chicago Board of Education, and as a director and teacher in the Russian Tutorial Program. She also taught at P’TACH and took on significant volunteer roles in several Chicago Jewish organizations, such as Arie Crown Hebrew Day School, AMIT, and Hanna Sacks Bais Yaakov.
Reflecting on her years at Sarah Hartman Women’s College, Mrs. Lipshitz shared that working with outstanding faculty members and staff in a collegiate atmosphere has been a true honor. She expressed her joy in mentoring students and recognizing the accomplishments of the many remarkable women who have attended the college.
Dr. Chani Tessler, Dean of SHWCT, shared her appreciation for Mrs. Lipshitz: "Mrs. Lipshitz has been part of the fabric of the Women's College since practically its inception. Her calm, steady, professional demeanor ensured that the program always ran smoothly in the best possible way. Whether planning magnificent events, overseeing class schedules, or guiding and advising students, her kindness, humility, and great sense of humor were always on display. A treasured colleague and a dear friend, I am 'leaving the light on' for her! We wish her mazel, bracha, joy, good health, happiness, and much nachas from her beautiful family, ad mea v'esrim shana."
Rabbi Shmuel Schuman, CEO of HTC, echoed these sentiments: "For the past 30+ years, Rita has been extraordinarily dedicated to our women's college. She has been the wise, classy, and calming force that has propelled the institution to its growth and success, faithfully supporting the leadership team through every challenge."
As we bid farewell to Mrs. Lipshitz, we extend our deepest gratitude for her years of dedication and wish her all the best in her retirement. May she enjoy many years of joy, health, and nachas from her family.
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