Entering Albert’s Den, A New Space for Einstein Students to Study and Relax
On Thursday, September 14, 2023, Einstein held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce a new space for students within our Max and Sadie Friedman Lounge. Thanks to the generosity of several donors and creative updates completed by our facilities management and engineering team, Einstein students can now kick back in Albert’s Den (on the lower level) or find a quiet place to relax or study (on the upper level). These two areas are specifically for student use only and were designed according to input from students.
From left: Student Emmanuel Mbamalu, Dr. Josh Nosanchuk, board members Melissa Ceriale and Leslie Nelson, Drs. Harris Goldstein, Yaron Tomer, and Allison Ludwig, and student Peter Ch’en officially cut the ribbon marking the opening of Albert’s Den.
In the common area where one passes from Forchheimer to the Chanin building, all members of the campus community can enjoy comfortable seating, a billiards table, and table tennis. Additionally, students and postdocs can access the Einstein Kitchen to augment food options. They also can enjoy prepared food from the Student Café. Upstairs, a common area offers some café-style seating and lockers, the latter of which are for use by students.
Class of 2025 co-presidents Peter Ch’en and Emmanuel Mbamalu share their gratitude for the creation of Albert’s Den as donors Melissa Ceriale and Leslie Nelson, Dr. Harris Goldstein, and Dr. Yaron Tomer look on.
“The creation of this space provides a much-needed, dedicated space where students can build camaraderie or take a moment to recharge,” noted Allison Ludwig, M.D., associate dean for student affairs.
Worthy of Celebration
The ceremony, hosted by the offices of student affairs and development and alumni relations, focused on gratitude, with Dr. Ludwig, Dr. Josh Nosanchuk, senior associate dean for medical education, and Dr. Harris Goldstein, interim dean, each acknowledging and thanking the donors whose generosity made the renovations possible and the facilities management team who carried the vision set forth by both donors and students to fruition—creating “a hub of creativity, relaxation, and collaboration for our students.”
The space, for which the initial work had begun in 2008, was able to cross the finish line thanks to the generosity of donors Melissa and John Ceriale, Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., and her late husband, David S. Gottesman, and Trudy Elbaum Gottesman and Robert Gottesman and Leslie and Mitchell Nelson.
Inside Albert’s Den
“In my role on the board I’ve always been involved with academic affairs and students, so this was a perfect fit for me,” noted Ms. Nelson, who, like Ms. Ceriale and Dr. Gottesman, is a member of Einstein’s board of trustees. She co-chairs the student & educational affairs committee.
She added, “We’re so pleased to provide students with a place where they can relax and gather in community.”
“The execution of everything surpassed what we could imagine,” noted a beaming Ms. Ceriale, who is co-chair of the board’s development committee.
A Grateful Reception
Einstein’s then incoming dean, Dr. Yaron Tomer, also shared his gratitude and delight at the space created for the students, which factored in their feedback. “We are here to serve you,” he told the students crowding the common area outside Albert’s Den. “We are here to listen to you and to support you.”
Students enjoy one of the quiet spaces in the upper level of The Den.
Co-presidents of the class of 2025, Peter Ch’en and Emmanuel Mbamalu concluded the ceremony portion of the event by offering their thanks as well. Manny, as he is known to his classmates and friends, summed up how many felt when he simply said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!” his voice ringing with delight and excitement as it rose an octave with each exclamation.
Students and others attending the gathering then explored Albert’s Den and the study space, trying out chairs and other seating, and commenting on the beautiful, thoughtful design of each area. They also enjoyed a celebratory buffet of food and beverages in the central courtyard.
Posted on: Thursday, October 12, 2023