Yeshiva University’s Katz School of Science and Health offers an exceptional blend of programs in key modern sectors. This article delves into the story behind the school’s name, Dr. Mordecai Katz, an engineer, businessman, and philanthropist. Discover how his dedication to Jewish education and scientific advancement continues to inspire a new generation of leaders and innovators.
Nestled within the bustling heart of New York City, Katz School of Science and Health is part of the prestigious private Orthodox Jewish Yeshiva University. Their master’s programs span a range of health and technology specializations, including Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Fintech, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology.
Beyond its academic rigor, Katz School is characterized by its vibrant, close-knit community. Students from diverse backgrounds find a common cause in their pursuit of knowledge, driven by a cosmopolitan ethos deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of New York City’s cultural and professional landscape.
The Katz School of Science and Health proudly bears the name of Dr. Mordecai Katz, a distinguished individual celebrated for his generous philanthropic endeavors, scholarly passions, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish community. Dr. Katz’s values and vision remain central to the institution, deeply grounding it in Jewish traditions and values.
Dr. Mordecai D. Katz (1933-2021), affectionately known as Morty, was an engineer, legal professional, investor, and philanthropist. His relationship with Yeshiva University began early and lasted all his life. He graduated from Yeshiva University High School in 1948 and received an honorary doctorate from the university in 1993.
After completing his education at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he ventured into diverse professional avenues. He held a strategic role in corporate planning at Kollsman Instrument Corporation and later practiced law at a major NYC firm.
Passionately invested in Jewish education, Dr. Katz served as the Vice Chairman of Yeshiva University’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Katz also sustained a long-term association with Ohr Torah Stone, a consortium of 30 institutions focused on Jewish education, leadership, and community development.
Together with his wife, Dr. Monique C. Katz, a radiologist, he generously donated $25 million to establish the Katz School in 2016. The ethos of the Katz School is a living tribute to Mordecai Katz’s values and principles with the motto “Making the World Smarter, Safer and Healthier”.
Reflecting on Dr. Katz’s passing, President Ari Berman acknowledged Dr. Katz’s profound impact, highlighting his dedicated philanthropy that significantly shaped both Yeshiva University and the broader Jewish community. Similarly, those who knew and worked with Dr. Katz fondly remember his balanced approach to life, juxtaposed with his deep commitment to family, Jewish education, and Israel.
Despite being a young institution, the Katz School of Science and Health has rapidly positioned itself as a leading center for intellectual excellence in technology, science, and health. atz’s alumni are already beginning to shape industries and drive innovations.
Rebecca Russo-Schlossberg earned her MSc in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship in 2023. She established a startup called Genosa Diagnostics which is creating an at-home miscarriage test kit that can help determine the medical cause of the miscarriage.
Mendel Lerner graduated in 2019 with an MSc in Quantitative Economics and quickly found a use for his skills. During the pandemic, he co-authored a pilot study for the early detection of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes.
Positioned at the forefront of innovation, the Katz School of Science and Health is charting a course for an interdisciplinary future. With aspirations to nurture global academic alliances, the institution seeks to be a beacon for sustainable technological, science, and health advancements.
In this urban academic haven, the legacy of Dr. Mordecai Katz lives on, inspiring countless students to reach new heights of success and make meaningful contributions to the world.
Learn more about Yeshiva University’s Katz School of Science and Health on their MASTERGRADSCHOOLS profile page.
