Neighbors in the News

Scholar from West Hempstead receives highest rank at Yeshiva University

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West Hempstead resident Alexander Selesny was among the hundreds of students from Yeshiva University’s undergraduate schools to will receive a degree during its 88th Commencement Exercises on May 30. Nine students, including Selesny, were honored as valedictorian for their outstanding academic achievements.
“I’ve been blessed to be in Rav Rosensweig’s shiur for the last three years and have gained a tremendous amount,” said Selesny, who majored in finance at the Sy Syms School of Business and is a third-generation YU graduate. “I’ve also had many opportunities to learn from the other roshei yeshiva [rabbinic leaders], rebbeim [teachers] and other students, and the beis medrash [study hall] has provided me with a place to continue to grow religiously.”
Selesny said he was impressed by how much the success of the students has been the primary focus of the teachers. “They go out of their way to explain ideas, however many times necessary, until we understand, and make themselves available for students with questions even outside of class,” he said. “Particularly in Syms, several of the professors and adjuncts who were very successful in the business world gave up their time and devoted themselves to sharing their experience and knowledge.”
Selesny will pursue semicha [rabbinic ordination] at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and study in the RIETS kollel (institute of study) for the next few years. He plans on working as an actuary.

Compiled by Nakeem Grant