‘Lipinsky Institute’ : SDSU Creates Program for Judaic Studies

San Diego State University officials Monday announced the creation of the Lipinsky Institute for Judaic Studies, a program that will include two new faculty positions for the study of modern Jewish history and affairs.

SDSU officials said they have already raised $425,000 in cash and pledges toward the $875,000 goal for private gifts for the institute. The university will contribute enough money to push the total endowment over $1 million.

School spokesman Rick Moore said the institute will pursue a mutual interest for SDSU and the San Diego Jewish community. The school was looking to expand its existing Jewish studies program, he said.

The institute will be run by a full-time faculty member, who is to be an expert in modern Jewish affairs and culture. It will also include a rotating faculty position to pay for visiting Jewish professors and authorities, who will receive one-year appointments to teach at SDSU, said Moore.

Both positions will be funded by interest earned from the endowment.

In addition, Moore said, the institute will encourage an exchange program in all academic areas of SDSU and universities in Israel.

The institute is named for Bernard and Dorris Lipinsky, who contributed $250,000. The Lipinskys own the Kona Kai Club on Shelter Island. Bernard Lipinsky attended San Diego State, Moore said.