Honoring a Legend, Introducing a Leader - The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is Open for Public Service
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The legacy of David Rebovich will indeed perpetuate, as Rider University officially renamed the institute that he founded (and so dearly loved) in his honor. In a ceremony before more than 250 friends, family members, faculty, staff, students and honored guests, The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics was formally dedicated on Monday, September 22, and its new director, Ben Dworkin, delivered an inspiring oration promising to teach Rider’s political science students the values of ethics and public service with the same passion and verve that were hallmarks of Rebovich’s for more than a generation.
Listen to the audio or watch the video of the dedication ceremony. The video is best viewed in either the Firefox or Safari browser.
In his welcoming remarks, President Mordechai Rozanski spoke of Rebovich’s love for his students. “As a devoted and highly accessible advisor, mentor and master teacher, David inspired generations of Rider students,” Rozanski said. “They loved, respected and flocked to him because his enthusiasm for politics was magnetic. It fired their passion both for academic success and political engagement.”
Rozanski then introduced U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, who recalled having been on that same stage in the Bart Luedeke Center Theatre some years ago for an event organized by Rebovich and the Institute. “He was the consummate gentleman in a field in which finding gentlemen is rare,” Menendez said. “Groucho Marx once said, ‘Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.’ This institute has always been about finding the right solutions.” As he concluded, he invited Rozanski to join him on stage to accept a proclamation on behalf of the U.S. Senate honoring the University and congratulating Dworkin on his appointment.
Mike Hennessy ’82, chairman and CEO of Michael J. Hennessy and Associates and member of the Rider Board of Trustees, was a student of Rebovich and fondly recalled his unique style with his students. “He was my favorite professor and then a mentor. He would tell me everything, and then he would tell me nothing,” Hennessy said to the chuckling audience. “His support for his students was genuine as was their love for him.” Hennessy’s company owns, among other entities, Political World Communications, the parent company of Campaigns and Elections magazine.
Master of Ceremonies Jonathan Meer, vice president for University Advancement, then introduced Melissa Rebovich, David’s daughter and sophomore at Rider University. “There has been a lot of talk this afternoon about David’s legacy,” Meer said. “Perhaps his greatest legacy is his wonderful daughter, Missy.”
Missy Rebovich, a Rider sophomore studying political science, recollected her father’s idiosyncrasies, including “keeping outdated text books, articles from years ago, and every item you have ever wanted from those ‘As Seen on TV’ commercials,” she said as she recalled the times she talked to her father about his classes and each of his students. “My father would be elated to know that he has made such an impact at the place he loved most, Rider University. Though he is not here to continue his vision for the Institute, his dream will live on through students, faculty, and of course, Ben Dworkin, the amazing new director of the institute. His ideas, diligence and work ethic will go a long way in helping the institute write a new chapter that builds on its great history.”
Missy’s reflection led up to the unveiling of a sign officially renaming the Institute, as all in attendance erupted into applause. Meer then introduced Dworkin to the community.
Dworkin spoke with enthusiasm for the opportunity he has been given, with passion for the subject he will teach and with respect for the man whose vision and drive fueled the Institute since its founding in 2001.
“Politics is tough stuff, and it takes a lot of nerve, fortitude and a gigantic sense of humor to teach it,” Dworkin said. “For if we are to inspire our students, then we cannot afford to become cynical ourselves. David Rebovich was a great teacher who had all these gifts – plus empathy and affection for Rider that was returned to him in full, by his students and his colleagues.
“As we rename the Institute in David’s honor, let us rededicate ourselves to the student-centered focus that made David so beloved by those in his classes,” he continued. “Let us rededicate ourselves to expanding our voice and analysis of what is happening, so that all who hunger for understanding can come eat at our table of learning. Let us rededicate ourselves to something bigger than ourselves – to being nothing less than the vanguard of a more vibrant democracy.”
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to advancing the understanding of political processes and public policies at all levels of government in New Jersey, as well as the impact of national politics on the state. The Institute also seeks to encourage a sense of civic responsibility in members of the Rider community and to prepare our students for purposeful participation in public affairs.
Submitted on September 24, 2008
