University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs (MC 288)
601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607-7113, (312) 996-3456, www.uic.edu/depts/paff

February 8, 2001

Contact: Anne Dybek (312) 996-8279; adybek@uic.edu

HEILMAN JOINS UIC AS VISITING JEWISH SCHOLAR

Samuel Heilman, scholar, author and lecturer, joins the University of Illinois at Chicago for the spring 2001 semester as the Drobny Visiting Professor of Jewish Studies.

"Both the university and the community will benefit from Heilman's expertise and contributions to Jewish studies," said Carmel Chiswick, interim director of Jewish studies. "His scholarship on the sociology of American Jewry is internationally respected and several of his books are classics in the field." Each year, the Drobny Visiting Professorship in Jewish Studies is awarded to a scholar of the highest distinction with expertise in any area of the arts, humanities or social sciences bearing on Jewish studies. The Drobny Professor is in residence at UIC for one semester to teach, lecture and consult with students and faculty.

"I came to UIC because of its diverse student body and the absolutely first-rate and distinguished faculty," Heilman said. "While I am here, I hope not only to help enhance the respect and appreciation for Jewish studies but also to help shape the newly developing Jewish studies program at UIC. I have been particularly gratified to find the faculty and the administration both enthusiastic and supportive about the future of Jewish studies at a public university."

Heilman currently holds the Harold Proshansky Professorship in Jewish Studies and Sociology at the City University of New York. He has also been a visiting professor of sociology at various universities in Israel, Australia and the United States, and has appeared as guest lecturer in many more.

The author of seven books and numerous articles and reviews, Heilman is the recipient of a number of literary awards including the National Jewish Book Award. His most recent book "When A Jew Dies," a study of the social meaning of Jewish death and mourning practices, will be published in April by the University of California Press. For the past several years, he has written a monthly column on the sociology of Jewry for the New York Jewish Week.

Heilman received his bachelor's degree from Brandeis University, his master's degree from the New School University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. The Drobny Program enriches Jewish Studies at UIC by sponsoring public lectures, enhancing library resources and bringing visiting faculty to campus. "Heilman is an excellent choice for the Drobny Professorship," said Chiswick. "We are very fortunate to have his help as we work to expand and deepen Jewish studies at UIC."

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