Yeshiva Mourns the Loss of Sy Syms

            Sy Syms, eponym of Yeshiva University’s undergraduate business schools and the Wilf Campus’ fitness center, passed away on Tuesday from heart failure.  He was 83.  His work ethic as well as his commitment to Jewish community will always remain an example for Yeshiva students to follow, and will ensure the continuity of his illustrious legacy. 

            Mr. Syms, founder and chairman of the discount clothing chain SYMS, established the Sy Syms School of Business in 1987 with a $12.5 million dollar gift.  On the first day of Orientation 2004, Yeshiva opened its commercial-grade fitness center, made possible by another donation from Mr. Syms.  His contributions to Yeshiva have greatly enhanced the students’ educational capacities and on-campus life.

            SYMS was the first retail store, according to experts, to offer low-priced name brand clothing.  SYMS eventually grew to be a public company with 30 stores in 13 states.  Mr. Syms’ daughter, Marcy, assumed the position of CEO in 1998.  In an article in the Washington Post on November 18, she said, “My father was a really passionate person and someone who was a bit of a visionary.  And he was above all tenacious.  Once he believed something could happen, he pulled out all the stops to make it happen.”

            In 1974, Mr. Syms authored his store’s enduring slogan, “An educated consumer is our best customer.”  But to Mr. Syms, this was far more than a marketable motto; rather, Syms was true to his mantra.  Syms placed tremendous value in education, as evidenced by his enormous contribution to the Yeshiva University community.  Yeshiva is proud to boast institutions and facilities carrying the namesake of Sy Syms, a Jew who exemplifies so many values Yeshiva seeks to instill within its students.