To the students of Yeshiva University,

Orientation 1999 was a phenomenal success. Starting with a flawless check-in for incoming students, a barbecue, a book discussion, and a shiur by our esteemed President Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, students immediately felt at home and comfortable within the Yeshiva University environment.

Every event was sold out in record time with unprecedented attendance for each student activity. The opening event featured 400 undergraduate students on a Circle Line dinner cruise around Manhattan with live entertainment provided by Aish Orchestra. This event set the tone for the rest of the orientation activities. Our second event featured an outing at Yankee Stadium, where 230 Yeshiva University undergraduate students were on hand to witness the Bronx Bombers take on the Oakland Athletics in front of a packed Yankee Stadium crowd. On Thursday evening, 230 Yeshiva University undergraduate students brought down the house at the hit off-Broadway production Stomp. Shabbos, too, took on a unique quality with 400 plus students participating. The special inaugural Shabbos program was enhanced by the presence of Rabbi Blau and Rabbi Goldwicht. On Motzei Shabbos, Rabbi Willig led an uplifting kumsitz, which established the mood for Slichot later that evening. The final event of orientation, a relaxing day at Six Flags Great Adventure, was attended by 200 undergraduate students. After being transported to the amusement park in comfortable coach buses, and eating complimentary lunches provided by the Yeshiva University food services committee, students enjoyed a day of leisure in anticipation of the upcoming semester.

We would like to thank our governing YCSC board, Jonathan Mell, Dov Brandstatter, Chaim Schneider and Aryeh Goldberg, for all their help and assistance in making Orientation 1999 an unprecedented success. We would like to thank our orientation staff and all the R.A.'s for all their hard work. In addition we would like to thank our counterparts at Stern College, Miriam Grossman and Zoya Mardakhayev, and SCWSC, for their contributions to Orientation 1999.

Most people are unaware of the effort, commitment, dedication and guidance provided by the administration in planning and coordinating the many events that occur all over the campuses throughout orientation. Orientation '99 would not have been as successful as it was without the help of Dean Nulman, Dean Himber, Andrew Leibowitz, Sharon, and Madeline. Had it not been for their creative ideas, sleepless nights, and overwhelming support and confidence, Orientation '99 would not have happened. Their continuous hard work and effort has not only manifested itself in a successful orientation program, but in many aspects of student life as well. The Office of the Dean of Students, and Student Services, have made our lives and experiences as students easier and more enjoyable in our three years on campus. We would therefore like to publicly thank them for being more than just Deans, but also our friends.

Wishing you all a happy new year,

K'tiva v'chatima tova,
Moish Schmerler & Ari Wiesen Chairmen, Orientation 1999