A message from President Raab on the death of Bel Kaufman '34

It is with profound sadness that the Hunter College community mourns the passing of our esteemed alumna Bel Kaufman’34, who touched millions with her best-selling novel Up the Down Staircase. Bel was an ardent supporter of the College and a frequent visitor, who most recently attended and spoke at Hunter’s first all-class Homecoming. In 2001, Hunter awarded Bel an honorary degree for her literary achievements and her service to the College and in 2011, at the age of 100, she taught a class at Hunter on Jewish humor. Bel will always be remembered for her wit, her kindness and her generosity.

Contributions in her honor can be sent to the Bel Kaufman Fund at the Hunter College Foundation, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065.

Jennifer J. Raab
President, Hunter College