The professor (center) with Dollars & Sense editors (from left) Abbe Goldfarb and Anne Schwimmer circa 1990. Bernstein created and directed the long-enduring student-produced business magazine.

[dropcap sid=”dropcap-1446758078″]P[/dropcap]rofessor of Journalism Roslyn (“Roz”) Bernstein has taught, mentored, and inspired thousands of students since joining Baruch’s journalism program in 1974 and, as important, has helped shape the intellectual life of the College. “She’s a force for good in the Weissman School and Baruch at large,” says Joshua Mills, professor and chair of the Department of Journalism and the Writing Professions, adding, “It’s hard to imagine life at Baruch without her.” Bernstein retires at the end of this academic year.

The incomparable professor’s contributions are almost too many to list: She’s advised student journalists at The Ticker, Baruch’s undergraduate student newspaper, and Dollars & Sense, the student-produced business review/magazine she created. In 1998 she founded and directed the Sidney Harman Writer-in-Residence Program, a unique literary salon that brings a different distinguished writer to campus each semester. Says friend and longtime colleague Professor of Psychology Susan Locke, “Roz represents that rare trifecta of scholarship, service, and teaching.” Bernstein’s honors include Presidential Excellence Awards for Distinguished Teaching and Service and the Baruch College Alumni Association’s Faculty Service Award.

The beloved professor was honored in Fall 2013, at the 15th anniversary of the Harman Writer-in-Residence Program, which she founded.

But perhaps Bernstein’s greatest legacy is reflected in the fierce loyalty and affection shown to her by the alumni whose lives and hearts she has touched. And that feeling is mutual. “Baruch was to be a five-year stint, but I never left,” says Bernstein with a smile. “Why? Baruch was perfect for me: bold new endeavors and classrooms filled with scrappy, smart students. So five years became 10, and 10 became 20, and 20 became 42.” 

Bernstein’s contributions over those years will continue to inspire. Says Weissman School of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Alison Griffiths, “Roz Bernstein has built a lasting legacy at Baruch College and will be sorely missed.” 

—Diane Harrigan

ALUMNI: Share your tribute to Professor Bernstein in the Comments section below. The College will host a career celebration for Roz on Dec. 8.