"The move we are leading is of significant importance, and I wish and hope for continued academic growth and expansion that will inspire challenging thinking in and outside Shenkar": With these words, President of Shenkar Prof. Yuli Tamir opened the launch event of the new School of Industrial Engineering and Management, and added that "we are proud of the department which has become a school and of the graduates who represent us in diverse occupations in the public arena".

In a festive event in the spirit of Hanukah, Dean of the Pernick Faculty of Engineering Prof. Shmuel Kenig stated that the establishment of the school is part of an overall strategic vision that will affect the entire college: "This is the academic and student foundation of Shenkar". He thanked the departing head of the department, Dr. Elad Harison, and welcomed the incoming dean of the school, Prof. Ehud Menipaz, on taking up the challenging post.

"A move of significant importance": Prof. Yuli Tamir and Prof. Shmuel Kenig (Photograph: Achikam Ben-Yosef)

Prof. Menipaz expressed his excitement and pride on the special occasion, and stated that "the school’s vision is to be the most favored in its field, with emphasis on an excellent faculty possessing rich experience in teaching, research, and practice, innovative and current curricula, and students with high motivation and abilities".

He reviewed the challenges facing the Israeli economy and society, and said that “I believe our school, its faculty and students, can contend with these issues. This will be our contribution to Israel and perhaps to the world as well".

During the event, Dr. Nir Perel - a faculty member at the School of Industrial Engineering and Management - presented an international research initiative that he is leading with colleagues from the Copenhagen Business School that engages in crowdfunding and big data.

Dr. Mel Rosenberg, Advisor to the President on Student Affairs, hosted his brother, Dr. David Rosenberg, who served as a senior economist at Merrill Lynch, and discussed with him the secrets to success in the international arena.