Ramapo College of New Jersey has announced the establishment of the Richard E. Fertel, z”l, Emerging Scholars Endowed Prize and Lecture in Holocaust and Antisemitism Studies, a new initiative made possible through the generosity of his wife, Bonnie Fertel. The recipient will receive an honorarium and the opportunity to deliver a public lecture at Ramapo College, bringing new and relevant research to the campus community.
Each year, the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (CHGS) at Ramapo will award the prize to an outstanding scholar in the field. The initiative not only brings leading research in Holocaust and antisemitism studies to Ramapo, but also provides scholars with an opportunity to present their work to an audience.
The selection process for the prize will begin in August when the CHGS issues a Call for Papers through academic networks. A committee of Ramapo faculty and staff with expertise in the field will review the proposals in a two-stage process. Each submission will be assessed using a shared rubric, with factors such as originality of methodology and evidentiary sources, as well as any additional skills or disciplines that scholars use in their work.
This prize is part of the CHGS mission to educate people about the Holocaust and other genocides and to encourage justice, human rights and moral leadership. By bringing young scholars to Ramapo, the initiative helps the community engage with new research and fresh perspectives on these important topics.
“The academic job market has been difficult for over a decade and is worsening. Some of our most brilliant, young scholars do not find employment opportunities in their fields,” said Jacob Labendz, director of the CHGS. “We hope that the prize will help our honoree with their job search. Whether they are successful or not, this is a chance for them to find an audience for their work.”
Faculty members at Ramapo will play a central role in selecting the prize recipient, and there may also be opportunities for students to participate in the process. However, Labendz stressed that the most important way for the Ramapo community to support the initiative is by attending the lectures and engaging with the research being presented.
“Our most important task is to be a warm, welcoming, and receptive audience. Scholars thrive on constructive feedback and hone their messages at events like the one we will hold,” said Labendz.
In addition to attending lectures, members of the public can support the initiative by helping to promote CHGS events and spreading awareness about the program. Those interested in making a financial contribution to the Center can find more information on the CHGS website.
By supporting emerging scholars, the Richard E. Fertel Emerging Scholars Endowed Prize and Lecture will ensure that Holocaust and antisemitism studies continue to thrive and evolve. More information about the endowment is available on the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies website at www.ramapo.edu/holocaust.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Ramapo College of New Jersey
