By Eric Marmon
When Meena Bose left her teaching position at the University in 2000, it seemed as if the University was forever losing one of it’s most respected political science professors. Now, six years later, Bose is returning to Hempstead as the Peter S. Kalikow Endowed Chair in Presidential Studies.
The position is expected to add to the national recognition the University receives for its Presidential studies. To date, the University has held 11 different Presidential conferences, from Franklin Delano Roosevelt to William Jefferson Clinton. “[The conferences] are recognized academically and publicly,” Bose said.
The position was made possible by Peter S. Kalikow and his $3.5 million donation. Kalikow, the president of H.J. Kalikow & Company, LLC since 1973, is a University alumnus and trustee. In 1965, he graduated with a degree in business administration. In 1986, he was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree. Two years later, Kalikow was named the University’s 1988 Alumnus of the Year. Kalikow is currently the chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. His donation will also be used to finance the Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency.
Bose originally taught at the University from 1996 through 2000. At the turn of the millennium, she accepted a position teaching at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In the spring of 2006, Bose served as the West Point director of American politics. Now, she is back to head the University’s study of the American Presidency.
The installation took place at the University Club last week. Some of the speakers included Stuart Rabinowitz, the University president, Herman Berliner, the provost and Bernard Firestone, the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The only person not in attendance at the start of the ceremony was Kalikow himself, who arrived 20 minutes late.
“It was Peter Kalikow’s intent to use this chair…in conjunction with our presidential conferences to help secure Hofstra’s standing as a national center for the study of the presidency and its effect on our domestic and foreign policies, our society and our lives,” said Rabinowitz during the ceremony. “With the creation of the center and the selection of Dr. Bose…for the endowed chair, I am convinced we have taken a major step toward achieving that goal.”
Each speaker was wearing the University ceremonial robe, including Bose. Kalikow was the only one not dressed in a robe and instead wore a dark suit. Rabinowitz described Kalikow as “not a man of many words.” Regardless, upon his arrival, Kalikow did address the small audience. He praised the selection of Bose, and then spoke briefly about the history of the presidency as well as his own personal interest in political science.
Bose appeared ecstatic about her return. “It’s a dream position, and I feel so fortunate that Hofstra created the position and then invited me to fill it,” said Bose. She thanked her family, friends and former students, many of whom were present at the installation.
Rabinowitz made sure to acknowledge that Bose’s departure was prior to him becoming president, and then described her as “a nationally recognized scholar on the American presidency.”