JCDS honors Dr. Michael Wasserman at Higgins Hotel
By ALAN SMASON
The Jewish Community Day School (JCDS) honored Dr. Michael Wasserman as a pivotal figure in the school’s reorganization on Sunday, February 16, at the Higgins Hotel.
Wasserman was cited as the chairman of the board of JCDS following the devastation from Hurricane Katrina and the years that followed.
Gabe Feldman, the present chairman of the JCDS board, served as the emcee for the event attended by several hundred members of the Jewish community and supporters of the school. He acknowledged the hard work and initiative taken by the now-retired pediatrian to ensure that the school rebounded from the uncertainty that followed the flooding and evacuation of the city in 2005.
In honoring Dr. Wasserman, a now-retired pediatrician, Feldman also made the announcement that the school would officially open a Grade Eight beginning next year.
Following Feldman, one of Wasserman’s closest friends, Dr. Kevin Krane, gave the crowd some insights into his love of travel and appreciation for good food and, especially, red wine. “Mike does not do white wine,” he noted.
Lynn Wasserman, the wife of the honoree, acknowledged the attendance of their two children and seven grandchildren at the event.
In a short address to the crowd, she noted several of his failings including his punctuality, his abllity to dance well and his trouble with color coordination of his outfits. However, she said in speaking directly to her grandchildren, “today is not about teasing grandpa. It’s about recognizing how truly great he is.”
“And remember, kids, behind every great man,” she continued to the delight of the crowd, “there’s a woman who has to pick out his pants.”
Brad Philipson, Ph.D, the JCDS head of school, also spoke about Wasserman’s leadership and dedication to the school.
Philipson said it was Wasserman’s reputation throughout the greater community that was a major factor in the school’s rebuilding efforts.
In closing, Philpsonn thanked everyone for attending the event. “Your support for the vision Mike has for our school – for the vision all of our board have for our school – help us bring that vision to life everyday now and for a long time,” he said.
JCDS head of school Brad Philpson, left, and JCDS board chairman Gabe Feldman, right, present “yad” award to honoree Dr. Mike Wasserman. (Photo by Alan Smason)
Dr. Wasserman received a special commemorative “yad” that was presented by Feldman and Philipson prior to his remarks.
At the podium, Wasserman acknowledged the ongoing work with Philipson and Feldman, but also emphasized the work he did with former head of school, Sharon Pollin, Ph.D, with whom he did the largest amount of work during his tenure prior to Philipson taking over at head of school in 2019.
Photos from the event can be found here:
