The Einstein community has lost two of its most devoted supporters. Rita and Philip Rosen were Benefactors of the College of Medicine and distinguished members of Einstein’s Board of Overseers. They were involved with the College of Medicine for more than 50 years. Mr. Rosen died on January 19, 2014, at the age of 92; Mrs. Rosen passed away less than two months later, on March 8, at age 88.
Philip Rosen joined the Board of Overseers in 1977, served as vice chair from 1994 to 2007 and was honored with the title of Life Overseer. He was also a founding member and past chair of the Einstein Men’s Division and served for many years on its executive board. The division provides philanthropic leadership to help advance Einstein’s mission, and Mr. Rosen considered it a training ground for the Board of Overseers. Many current Board members are “graduates” of the Men’s Division. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and esteemed Life Overseer,” says Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., chair of the Board of Overseers. “We have cherished and will sorely miss his friendship, wisdom, passion and creativity.”
Rita Rosen was a longtime member and ardent supporter of Einstein’s Women’s Division and was a dynamic and inspirational leader. Over the years, she served as the division’s president and as an executive vice president, and on the executive committee of its New York chapter board. In 2004, the Women’s Division honored her with its highest accolade, the Lizette H. Sarnoff Award for Volunteer Service.
A trained actress and award-winning film producer, Mrs. Rosen contributed her time and creativity to making nearly 20 films for Einstein to tell the College of Medicine’s story, highlight the importance of medical research and inspire others to become involved. Her documentary about Einstein’s Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center received a prestigious Clarion award. She joined the Board of Overseers in 1984. “Rita was a vibrant, creative and active member of the Board,” notes Dr. Gottesman. “We will miss her elegant, intelligent and spirited presence.”

Philanthropists with a Special Cause

Although success in business was important to Mr. Rosen, “giving back” and social responsibility were paramount. His interest in Einstein was inspired by his mother, Anna, who established the College of Medicine’s first cancer research laboratory, in memory of his father, Isadore. Mrs. Rosen shared her husband’s deep philanthropic convictions. She remarked that of all the causes they embraced, Einstein was the closest to their hearts.

A Lasting Legacy

The College of Medicine recognized the Rosens’ extraordinary service with its Humanitarian and Lifetime Achievement awards, and Yeshiva University awarded them honorary doctorates. The remarkable couple were tireless champions of Einstein and its mission to improve human health and used their many talents to help the College of Medicine grow and flourish. Einstein’s department of communications and public affairs is named in their honor.
“Rita and Philip were both inspired by Albert Einstein’s credo that ‘we are here for the sake of others—upon whose smiles and well-being our own happiness depends,’” says Allen M. Spiegel, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean. “Their exceptional devotion to Einstein and its mission will have an enduring impact on the College of Medicine.”
Please visit our website for individual tributes and additional photos of Rita and Philip Rosen.