College Mourns Passing of Benefactor Selma Klingenstein

It is with sadnesss that New College officials report the passing of College benefactor Selma Klingenstein at the age of 86.

Klingenstein, who along with her husband Paul helped establish the Klingenstein Chair in Judaic Studies at New College in 2001, died in New York on July 18 following a brief battle with cancer.  She was preceded in death by Paul, who passed away in 2003.

Noted for their philanthropic support of education, the arts and Jewish culture, Selma and Paul Klingenstein supported the American Friends of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, helped establish Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key, funded a variety of social programs through Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Sarasota-Manatee, and donated to the Asolo Repertory Theatre and numerous other cultural organizations in addition to their support for New College.  In addition to the Klingenstein Chair at New College, the Klingenstein Jewish Center, home of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation, also bears the couple’s name.

“Selma was an unusually warm and gracious woman who clearly had a soft spot for New College students,” said New College President Mike Michalson in announcing the news to campus.  “She herself always struck me as young at heart, beginning with that marvelous twinkle in her eyes.  The generous support she and Paul provided to our efforts to enhance Judaic Studies at New College has been a tremendous gift to campus life, a gift that will continue for generations to come.”

Following Klingenstein’s death, a private service was held in New York.  Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Sarasota-Manatee has announced that they will hold a service to commemorate her in Sarasota this fall.  Memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Sarasota-Manatee, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237.

For more information contact Jake Hartvigsen, Director of Public Affairs, (941) 487-4150 or [email protected].