Gideon Klein Award

The Gideon Klein Award is a $3000 award given for a student to study the work of artists (musical, visual, or literary) who were persecuted by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The student who is chosen will hold the title of “Gideon Klein Scholar.” Over the course of the academic year, the Gideon Klein Scholar will prepare a performance, create an original work, or conduct research; at the end of the year, he/she will submit the results of his/her research, offer a public presentation at Northeastern, and archive the project on the Jewish Studies website. Students at Northeastern or Hebrew College are eligible to apply.

To apply for this award, please submit a one-page proposal, a resume, and one faculty recommendation to the director of Jewish Studies no later than April 7, 2008. The proposal will describe the projected research and/or performance and the reasons for pursuing the chosen topic. Selection will be based on overall academic achievement and on the appropriateness of the topic. You may deliver applications to the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in 1 Nightingale Hall or email them to the Director of Jewish Studies, Professor Jim Ross, at .

Once selected, the Gideon Klein Scholar should submit his/her topic to the CEA-Way project (Center for Experiential Education and Academic Advising) (www.cea.neu.edu).

If you have any questions, please contact Professor Jim Ross () or Professor of Music Josh Jacobson ().

This award honors the memory of Gideon Klein, brilliant pianist and composer, who was imprisoned in Terezin and other concentration camps until his death in 1945. While in Terezin, Klein inspired other musicians to compose and share their music with others in most difficult circumstances. The award was established in 1997 by Prof. Bill Giessen in memory of his mother, Gustel Cormann Giessen.

Current and Previous Gideon Klein Scholars

2006-2007: Jonathan Meacham

2005-06: Coleman Goughary

2004-05: Amie Brehm

2002-03: Jungmee Kim

2001-02: Melissa Misicka (Visit Misicka's website on musical activites at Terezin, created as her Gideon Klein project)

2000-01: Fay Gerbes

1999-2000: Sarah Heile

1998-99: Virgil Bozeman