Bel Kaufman, 100-Yr-Old Author of Best-Selling “Up the Down Staircase” To Speak At Iona College

June 22, 2011 - PRLog -- NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 2011)   Bel Kaufman, the 100-year-old author of the best-selling novel, “Up the Down Staircase,” will speak before an audience who have a lot in common with her. They are seniors, many in their 80s and 90s, who are all actively engaged with life.

Ms. Kaufman, who is a grande dame of letters, still teaches Jewish humor as an adjunct professor at Hunter College and attends weekly ballroom dancing classes, will address members of Iona’s Learning in Retirement at Iona College (LIRIC) program at 12:30 PM, Thursday, July 14 at Iona’s Romita Auditorium, 750 North Avenue, New Rochelle.  It will be Ms. Kaufman’s first appearance before a group in Westchester. The program is FREE and open to the public but reservations are required by contacting Dawn Insanalli by e-mail: dinsanalli@iona.edu or calling (914) 637-2726.

Published in 1965, “Up the Down Staircase” is a humorous novel about the trials and tribulations of a rookie English literature teacher in a New York City high school. It topped the New York Times best-seller list for 64 weeks and has been translated into 16 languages. The film adaptation starred Sandy Dennis and the high school play version has been performed throughout the U.S.

Ms. Kaufman is the granddaughter of the beloved Yiddish writer, Sholem Aleichem. Her remarks will focus on humor, Jewish humor, teaching and the novel that catapulted her to fame. The discussion will be moderated by Ted Levine, a retiree and LIRIC professor and Linda Whetzel, Vice President, LIRIC.

Mr. Levine got the idea of inviting Ms. Kaufman after he read a New York Times article on May 11 by Joe Berger, “At 100, Still a Teacher and Quite a Character,” about Ms. Kaufman celebrating her milestone birthday. Mr. Levine said, “It struck me that this remarkable woman would make a perfect complement to my summer LIRIC course on humor. Also, she will be an inspiration to LIRIC members who share Ms. Kaufman’s thirst for knowledge and are enjoying their post retirement years in various pursuits.”

Don Hayes, LIRIC President, stated: “We are honored that Ms. Kaufman will visit us for what promises to be a highly stimulating and entertaining session. There is no doubt that she will be in excellent company given the backgrounds and interests of our LIRIC members.”

Founded in 1994, LIRIC became Westchester’s first self-governing, comprehensive program offering not-for-credit courses and social activities for retirees.  LIRIC’s student body consists of about 300 seniors. Nearly all of them are college graduates who had successful careers as teachers, attorneys, physicians, nurses and other professionals. They are very active in their communities and volunteer their time for a wide range of charitable causes. They are computer savvy, world travelers, health conscious, stay fit and are independent. They also share a passion for learning which attracted them to LIRIC. A typical LIRIC semester comprises courses and programs that are created by the members as well as some Iona College lectures and special events that reflect their interests. All LIRIC members are encouraged to suggest courses. The curriculum committee designs the programs and arranges for presenters and speakers from among the Iona faculty and from the community at large.  

Founded in 1940 by the Congregation of Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, Iona College is a private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of American Catholic higher education.  Iona - currently listed in the top tier of US News and World Report's annual "America's Best Colleges 2011"; The Princeton Review's Best Northeastern Colleges 2011 edition and Business Week's Top 25 Undergraduate Business Schools in the Northeast - offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and master of business administration degrees and numerous post-graduate certificate programs.