In Defense of YU's Potential... Let's Not Overreact

To the Editors:

I write to defend the potential of our Yeshiva University against Aaron Ganz’s attack. With reckless incoherence, illogical reasoning and overly emotional rhetoric, Mr. Ganz - who chose to transfer out of YU — condemned a constructive proposal to encourage YU students to expand their dramatic skills in directing plays. Simply put, I believe YU students should be encouraged and allowed to direct student plays. This effort to improve our student’s learning, has nothing whatsoever to do with YU’s esteemed speech and drama professor, Dr. Beukas, despite Mr. Ganz’s repeated perception that it does.

I could not identify more with Ganz’s esteem for YU’s beloved Dr. Beukas. In fact, it is my admiration for this professor’s qualities and the high standards he infuses into YU’s dramatic presentations that permits me to make such a suggestion. Since Mr. Ganz is so fond of Dr. Beukas and our well-regarded Drama Department, I invite Ganz to return to Yeshiva University, reclaim his Jewish connection, and utilize our extensive dramatic faculties under the wonderful leadership of his favorite drama teacher. But, should he like so many others wish to direct, I invite him to join me and others in working to expand and improve the drama department with Dr. Beukas’ blessings.

Ganz, perhaps unwittingly, shortchanges Dr. Beukas in usurping from him the possibility to expand the Drama Department. He ignores the merit of giving students the chance to direct. Indeed, Dr. Beukas has done so well with bringing out acting skills, why not bring out student’s directing?

By slighting Dr. Beukas (the opportunity to teach) and any Yeshiva University dramatics student (the opportunity to learn), Ganz has merely solidified his reputation for overacting. My suggestion comes from abiding and enduring love and pride for Yeshiva University and yes, even our drama production department. Mr. Ganz, though, has chosen to leave Yeshiva. This is just another obvious example of a (now former) student underestimating the potential of YU, in every department. I am sorry that Mr. Ganz is too impatient to try to improve the University himself, rather than to accept the status quo (or leave).

Mr. Ganz misrepresented my suggestion, and implied a derogatory message where there was none. Mr. Ganz does not know me. I have faith in Dr. Beukas’ tireless efforts and I am an avid fan of his work, every semester. I make my assertion because I believe in his ability to help YC/SSSB students engage in directing - not only as "production assistants" or "stage managers."

I wish YCDS continued success and much hatzlocha in their current play, and I thank Mr. Ganz for his continued interest in our University. However, I recommend that he show more respect for one of his many alma maters, and recognize YU’s top-tier potential, not squash it. I also suggest Mr. Ganz reflect on what YU did teach him - dan l’chof z’chus. It is about time Dr. Beukas is given his due…and room to expand his superlative teaching practices.