Its status as an independent school with a nondenominational approach grew precarious in the past five years. As enrollments declined, The Associated, under new President Marc B. Terrill, began to rethink the relationship.
With Jewish studies becoming a more common offering at colleges across the country, Terrill said, it became increasingly difficult to justify The Associated's investment in BHU. While emphasizing his high regard for BHU - he called it "first rate" and "a gem" - Terrill said it was becoming part of an "archaic breed" of stand-alone Jewish schools. Including BHU, there are now five such institutions in the United States.
In 2007, The Associated said it would cut its annual contribution to BHU from $1.1 million to $600,000 over the next five years. The organization's grant funded about half the school's budget.
Terrill and Schon said that about three years ago, BHU started looking at new ways to continue the school's work. Discussions included the consideration of merging with a larger institution, the possible partners including the University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Goucher College, The Johns Hopkins University and Towson.
Caret spoke at an Associated lunch a year ago. Shortly after, he heard from officials of the organization and BHU.
"Towson University was the best fit," said Terrill, expressing a sentiment that seems widely shared, not least because the location keeps the programs and the library close to home. Terrill said The Associated plans to continue to support the Baltimore Hebrew Institute and the academic programs, with a $550,000 contribution slated for the fiscal year starting July 1.
Regent David H. Nevins said the arrangement made sense for tough economic times, as the state adds to the offerings at Towson at no cost. The new programs at Towson will be funded by The Associated, the BHU endowment and student tuition.
But the merger means that five full-time and a larger number of part-time BHU employees will lose their jobs.
The longest-serving current faculty member, Barry M. Gittlen, professor of biblical and archaeological studies, was facing the change with mixed emotions.
"I'm leaving a place where I've taught for 37 years," said Gittlen, who had packed up only a few of his books this week. "It's been my home, my headquarters. It's meant a lot to me. The students have meant a lot to me."
At the same time, he said, "I'm excited and energized by this move. I think all of us are."
