Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Grow your entrepreneurship and leadership abilities through our prestigious honors program. Apply Now Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Computer Science Cybersecurity Data Analytics and Visualization Digital Marketing and Media Mathematics Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Physics Speech-Language Pathology Maximum Honors Scholarship $25,000 Required courses 6 Honors courses Achieve academic excellence at Sy Syms The Sy Syms Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program aims to provide an accelerated and enriched academic experience and enhanced credentials to students seeking top positions in business and related fields after graduation. Another objective of the Honors Program is to create a social environment in which students of high academic potential can find a community of classmates with similar scholarly goals and professors to support them in pursuit of those goals. Finally, the establishment of the Honors Program helps contribute to an even more serious academic environment on both the Wilf and Beren Campuses that benefits all undergraduates at Yeshiva University. The program focuses on providing honor students with leadership opportunities, significant interaction with senior faculty in business, liberal arts and sciences, and career-changing contacts with global business leaders and senior executives. The curriculum is designed to challenge students in various areas of business, to encourage imagination and creativity and to prepare students for exceptional career opportunities. The Sy Syms Edge Prepare for a meaningful and challenging career in a variety of sectors Build a network of peers, faculty, and alumni who will help you navigate the business world Learn from respected researchers, academics, and business professionals Gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects that will help you excel after graduation Study business principles rooted in Jewish values and become a part of a small, close-knit community Faculty Spotlight: Laizer Kornwasser Laizer Kornwasser is the COO and President at Carecentrix, a home health organization. Laizer Kornwasser brings more than 20 years of executive experience to CareCentrix. As President and Chief Operating Officer, he is responsible for driving operational excellence and business strategy. Prior to CareCentrix, Laizer was a professor of management at the Sy Syms School of business at Yeshiva University, and has held executive leadership positions in investment banking and Fortune 50 companies, including having served as the Senior Vice President of Consumer Solutions and Retail Markets at Medco. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Accounting from Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business. Professor Kornwasser teaches Entrepreneurial Leadership, the second year honors course. Q: Can you talk a little bit about your course? “My course Is about creating entrepreneurial leaders to be able to lead in whatever field they go into, whether it be business or Chinuch, and to be able to have an entrepreneurial mind frame that will assist them in both their personal and their business lives. I’m looking to create real leaders that will be able to make a difference in the community and in the business world.” Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching honor students? “I love the students, so for me it’s the interaction with the students, it’s watching/them grow and thrive. I enjoy having a mentor relationship with my students that start the first day of class and continues throughout their careers. I taught my first class 25 years ago and I am still advising my students from my first class. So, for me it’s watching those students grow and be successful, in the way that they define success and feeling like I’m making a difference in their lives, no matter how small.” Q: What are some of the unique opportunities that come along with the honors program? “So, there’s a couple things, first is that one of the great things about being in Yeshiva University is the network you get to create. Being in the class of the Honors students creates a very tight networking opportunity that I don’t think the students fully appreciate until they’re out in the business world and they realize that their peers and fellow students are in successful positions, some in banking, some in consulting, some in technology, some in marketing, really all over the place. So, number one would be from a networking perspective. Two, the caliber of students and the dialogue I have with my students in the Honors program is probably not a dialogue that I’d be able to have in a regular class because I can push the students and I can get them to think because I know that they’re capable of it. It really takes up the level of conversation to a gradual level and you can really have an enriching conversation.“ Another opportunity is that I I bring in Fortune 20 CEO’s, successful entrepreneurs and other titans in various industries (ranging from entertainment to government). Some of the speakers are alums and other are just passionate about guiding our students. Q: What makes an honors course different than a regular business course When you’re in a class where everybody has the potential to engage in an enriching conversation, as a professor, I know that I can push more, and I can expect more, and I think that allows them to gain more from the class as well. Full Program Breakdown The Sy Syms Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program aims to provide an accelerated and enriched academic experience and enhanced credentials to students seeking top positions in business and related fields after graduation. Another objective of the Honors Program is to create a social environment in which students of high academic potential can find a community of classmates with similar scholarly goals and professors to support them in pursuit of those goals. Finally, the establishment of the Honors Program helps contribute to an even more serious academic environment on both the Wilf and Beren Campuses that benefits all undergraduates at Yeshiva University. The program focuses on providing honor students with leadership opportunities, significant interaction with senior faculty in business, liberal arts and sciences, and career-changing contacts with global business leaders and senior executives. The curriculum is designed to challenge students in various areas of business, to encourage imagination and creativity and to prepare students for exceptional career opportunities. The Sy Syms Edge Prepare for a meaningful and challenging career in a variety of sectors Build a network of peers, faculty, and alumni who will help you navigate the business world Learn from respected researchers, academics, and business professionals Gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects that will help you excel after graduation Study business principles rooted in Jewish values and become a part of a small, close-knit community Faculty Spotlight: Laizer Kornwasser Laizer Kornwasser is the COO and President at Carecentrix, a home health organization. Laizer Kornwasser brings more than 20 years of executive experience to CareCentrix. As President and Chief Operating Officer, he is responsible for driving operational excellence and business strategy. Prior to CareCentrix, Laizer was a professor of management at the Sy Syms School of business at Yeshiva University, and has held executive leadership positions in investment banking and Fortune 50 companies, including having served as the Senior Vice President of Consumer Solutions and Retail Markets at Medco. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Accounting from Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business. Professor Kornwasser teaches Entrepreneurial Leadership, the second year honors course. Q: Can you talk a little bit about your course? “My course Is about creating entrepreneurial leaders to be able to lead in whatever field they go into, whether it be business or Chinuch, and to be able to have an entrepreneurial mind frame that will assist them in both their personal and their business lives. I’m looking to create real leaders that will be able to make a difference in the community and in the business world.” Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching honor students? “I love the students, so for me it’s the interaction with the students, it’s watching/them grow and thrive. I enjoy having a mentor relationship with my students that start the first day of class and continues throughout their careers. I taught my first class 25 years ago and I am still advising my students from my first class. So, for me it’s watching those students grow and be successful, in the way that they define success and feeling like I’m making a difference in their lives, no matter how small.” Q: What are some of the unique opportunities that come along with the honors program? “So, there’s a couple things, first is that one of the great things about being in Yeshiva University is the network you get to create. Being in the class of the Honors students creates a very tight networking opportunity that I don’t think the students fully appreciate until they’re out in the business world and they realize that their peers and fellow students are in successful positions, some in banking, some in consulting, some in technology, some in marketing, really all over the place. So, number one would be from a networking perspective. Two, the caliber of students and the dialogue I have with my students in the Honors program is probably not a dialogue that I’d be able to have in a regular class because I can push the students and I can get them to think because I know that they’re capable of it. It really takes up the level of conversation to a gradual level and you can really have an enriching conversation.“ Another opportunity is that I I bring in Fortune 20 CEO’s, successful entrepreneurs and other titans in various industries (ranging from entertainment to government). Some of the speakers are alums and other are just passionate about guiding our students. Q: What makes an honors course different than a regular business course When you’re in a class where everybody has the potential to engage in an enriching conversation, as a professor, I know that I can push more, and I can expect more, and I think that allows them to gain more from the class as well. Swipe to learn more! The Sy Syms Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program aims to provide an accelerated and enriched academic experience and enhanced credentials to students seeking top positions in business and related fields after graduation. Another objective of the Honors Program is to create a social environment in which students of high academic potential can find a community of classmates with similar scholarly goals and professors to support them in pursuit of those goals. Finally, the establishment of the Honors Program helps contribute to an even more serious academic environment on both the Wilf and Beren Campuses that benefits all undergraduates at Yeshiva University. The program focuses on providing honor students with leadership opportunities, significant interaction with senior faculty in business, liberal arts and sciences, and career-changing contacts with global business leaders and senior executives. The curriculum is designed to challenge students in various areas of business, to encourage imagination and creativity and to prepare students for exceptional career opportunities. Prepare for a meaningful and challenging career in a variety of sectors Build a network of peers, faculty, and alumni who will help you navigate the business world Learn from respected researchers, academics, and business professionals Gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects that will help you excel after graduation Study business principles rooted in Jewish values and become a part of a small, close-knit community Faculty Spotlight: Laizer Kornwasser Laizer Kornwasser is the COO and President at Carecentrix, a home health organization. Laizer Kornwasser brings more than 20 years of executive experience to CareCentrix. As President and Chief Operating Officer, he is responsible for driving operational excellence and business strategy. Prior to CareCentrix, Laizer was a professor of management at the Sy Syms School of business at Yeshiva University, and has held executive leadership positions in investment banking and Fortune 50 companies, including having served as the Senior Vice President of Consumer Solutions and Retail Markets at Medco. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Accounting from Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business. Professor Kornwasser teaches Entrepreneurial Leadership, the second year honors course. Q: Can you talk a little bit about your course? “My course Is about creating entrepreneurial leaders to be able to lead in whatever field they go into, whether it be business or Chinuch, and to be able to have an entrepreneurial mind frame that will assist them in both their personal and their business lives. I’m looking to create real leaders that will be able to make a difference in the community and in the business world.” Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching honor students? “I love the students, so for me it’s the interaction with the students, it’s watching/them grow and thrive. I enjoy having a mentor relationship with my students that start the first day of class and continues throughout their careers. I taught my first class 25 years ago and I am still advising my students from my first class. So, for me it’s watching those students grow and be successful, in the way that they define success and feeling like I’m making a difference in their lives, no matter how small.” Q: What are some of the unique opportunities that come along with the honors program? “So, there’s a couple things, first is that one of the great things about being in Yeshiva University is the network you get to create. Being in the class of the Honors students creates a very tight networking opportunity that I don’t think the students fully appreciate until they’re out in the business world and they realize that their peers and fellow students are in successful positions, some in banking, some in consulting, some in technology, some in marketing, really all over the place. So, number one would be from a networking perspective. Two, the caliber of students and the dialogue I have with my students in the Honors program is probably not a dialogue that I’d be able to have in a regular class because I can push the students and I can get them to think because I know that they’re capable of it. It really takes up the level of conversation to a gradual level and you can really have an enriching conversation.“ Another opportunity is that I I bring in Fortune 20 CEO’s, successful entrepreneurs and other titans in various industries (ranging from entertainment to government). Some of the speakers are alums and other are just passionate about guiding our students. Q: What makes an honors course different than a regular business course When you’re in a class where everybody has the potential to engage in an enriching conversation, as a professor, I know that I can push more, and I can expect more, and I think that allows them to gain more from the class as well. Visit Us The Office of Admissions conducts regular tours of both the men’s and women’s undergraduate campuses. In addition to touring our campuses, you might also sit in on a class or shiur or have lunch with current students. Reservations are required for all visits. To schedule a visit, please fill out the appropriate form for the campus you would like to see. APPLY NOW Contact Us Sy Syms School of Business Wilf Campus 500 West 185th Street, BH412 New York, NY 10033 (212) 960-0845 sssb@yu.edu Dr. Moses Pava is the former Dean of the Sy Syms School of Business and current Director of the Honors Program. He can be reached at mpava@yu.edu Prospective Students Current Students Learn more about the Sy Syms School of Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Admissions Requirements The Sy Syms Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program was created to give high-achieving students the opportunity to study the areas of business that interest them, while enriching their education through world class professors, exclusive courses, supplemental extracurricular events, and a cohort of like minded students. Candidates to the Honors Program should exhibit excellent academic achievement as well as evidence of significant leadership potential. Sy Syms Honors students have a list of requirements while on campus which include required honors courses, elective honors courses, a business internship, and a 3 year residency requirement. Students are expected to maintain a 3.5 GPA while maintaining a comparable level of excellence in Jewish studies. The current Honors cohort averages: GPA of 94 SAT score of 1460 ACT score of 32 Deadlines One of the most prominent features of the Honors Program is the exclusive Honors Courses offered to students. These courses offer unique experiences including select industry-leading professors and a specialized career-focused curriculum. These courses are undoubtedly the highlight of many students’ academic careers and have implications that reach far beyond the classroom. Furthermore, the “cohort” structure that is in place for each year’s group of incoming Honors students creates opportunities to make deep connections with fellow students. While other students at Yeshiva University rarely take classes with the same individuals more than once, Honors students have the opportunity to take classes together with their cohort multiple times each semester. This creates a strong and cohesive unit from the very first day on campus. Below is a list of mandatory honors courses: 1. BLW 1800H Business as a Human Enterprise (year 1) 2. ENT 2800H Entrepreneurial Leadership (year 2) 3. IDS 3800H Data Driven Decision Making (year 3) Or ACC / FIN 3855H Corporate Accountability 4&5. Two additional honors courses of your choice Honors #4 6. ACC/BUS 4741 Internship - 3 credits (summer year 2) Link for Requirement Sheet Beren Willf Learn more about the Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership program Admissions Prospective Students Learn more about the Sy Syms School of Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Admissions Requirements The Sy Syms Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program was created to give high-achieving students the opportunity to study the areas of business that interest them, while enriching their education through world class professors, exclusive courses, supplemental extracurricular events, and a cohort of like minded students. Candidates to the Honors Program should exhibit excellent academic achievement as well as evidence of significant leadership potential. Sy Syms Honors students have a list of requirements while on campus which include required honors courses, elective honors courses, a business internship, and a 3 year residency requirement. Students are expected to maintain a 3.5 GPA while maintaining a comparable level of excellence in Jewish studies. The current Honors cohort averages: GPA of 94 SAT score of 1460 ACT score of 32 Deadlines Current Students One of the most prominent features of the Honors Program is the exclusive Honors Courses offered to students. These courses offer unique experiences including select industry-leading professors and a specialized career-focused curriculum. These courses are undoubtedly the highlight of many students’ academic careers and have implications that reach far beyond the classroom. Furthermore, the “cohort” structure that is in place for each year’s group of incoming Honors students creates opportunities to make deep connections with fellow students. While other students at Yeshiva University rarely take classes with the same individuals more than once, Honors students have the opportunity to take classes together with their cohort multiple times each semester. This creates a strong and cohesive unit from the very first day on campus. Below is a list of mandatory honors courses: 1. BLW 1800H Business as a Human Enterprise (year 1) 2. ENT 2800H Entrepreneurial Leadership (year 2) 3. IDS 3800H Data Driven Decision Making (year 3) Or ACC / FIN 3855H Corporate Accountability 4&5. Two additional honors courses of your choice Honors #4 6. ACC/BUS 4741 Internship - 3 credits (summer year 2) Link for Requirement Sheet Beren Willf Learn more about the Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership program Admissions Events One of the hallmarks of the Sy Syms Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program are the regular “honors events” that students are invited to. Several times each semester, students have the opportunity to hear from leaders in a variety of industries in events such as fireside chats, author interviews, and professional workshops. These events serve to expand the horizon on the knowledge gained from attending classes and working as interns in firms or offices. Guest speakers bring an entirely new perspective and allow students to hear from professionals that don’t regularly teach at Sy Syms School of Business. By hearing from leaders of the world’s biggest banks, former senators, TV show writers, federal judges, and more, the Honors Program seeks to give students a well rounded view of the many different pathways that their education is preparing them for. 2020-2021 Fireside Chats How Has the Pandemic Affected the Orthodox community? Hear about the OU's hot-off-the-presses Study and Data With Matt Williams, Inaugural Director of the Center for Communal Research at the OU Educated Consumers to SSSB graduates: the Story of Syms A Fireside Chat with Marcy Syms and Laizer Kornwasser A fireside chat with Judge Solomson Judge Matthew H. Solomson is an Orthodox Federal Judge in Washington D.C. He was be interviewed by Dean Leslie of Cardozo Law School. From the Senate to the Campaign Trail to Yeshiva University. Senator Joseph Lieberman in Conversation with President Emeritus Richard Joel. Learning the Business and Achieving Balance in the Entertainment Industry. Ilana Wernick is the Emmy award-winning Producer of the hit sitcom Modern Family. She will be interviewed by Leah Gottfried. Read more here: From Bear Stearns to Bava Metzia, A Decade Later. Andrew Neff is an Institutional Investor All-Star and former Bear Stearns Senior Managing Director. He published his personal and religious lessons from the financial crisis. Author Chats Signature Bank Chairman and Co-Founder Scott Shay, Author of In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism. Serial Entrepreneur and Thought Leader Scott Seigel, Author of NY Times Bestseller Let There Be Water Workshop Personal Productivity Systems and Time Management Workshop with YU alumni Kuty Shalev, Founder and CEO of Clevertech 2019-2020 Fireside Chats College is a Start-Up: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Moses Pava and Dr. Noam Wasserman Read more here Trailblazer Farooq Kathwari in Conversation with Charlie Harary Taking over the world's largest mutual fund from a legend, living a Torah-grounded lifestyle while doing it, and then giving it all up to make Aliyah, a conversation with former Magellan Fund manager Morris (Moshe) Smith moderated by Michael Klein. Hear from the head of the RIETS Semicha program on how business skills helped him found and build a shul, and other reflections on life, careers, and Torah. An event with Sy Syms graduate, Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz.
