Students Across the Globe Call Touro University Home

Provost Salkin highlighted some of Touro’s newest academic offerings, including a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, recently designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA), a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, and an updated MS in UX/UI & Interaction Design program reflecting new technology. She also announced that the Graduate School of Business’s MBA program has received STEM designation, allowing graduates an additional two years of optional practical training employment in the United States.

“Touro is on the cutting edge,” said Provost Salkin. “We are investing in technology, in our faculty, in our programs, and in our students.”

Rabbi Krupka reflected on the university's growth from a modest building with only 35students to a global institution now headquartered in Times Square with nearly 19,000 students. He emphasized Touro’s commitment to inclusivity, referencing the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and the upcoming American Thanksgiving holiday as symbols of gathering and gratitude.

"I see diversity among our students, staff, and faculty," Rabbi Krupka said. "In a very real sense, we reflect the spirit of gratitude and community. For all of us to come together under this roof, as equals, as colleagues, and as a family—this is our Touro home."

Following the remarks, attendees watched Chasing Dreams in New York, a video created by Graduate School of Technology student Dileep Mada that showcases a student's experience as a foreigner in New York. “This is a heartfelt love letter to the city that inspires me,” Mada explained. “The cinematography captures the eclectic beauty of New York, portraying it not just as a location but as a character influencing my dreams.”

After the speeches, students enjoyed a catered lunch and games.

Chadeh Hutchinson, a first-year student at Touro College of Pharmacy from Jamaica, shared her appreciation for the sense of community. “Like Jamaica, New York is a melting pot,” she said. “I love that Touro is in the city. The school feels personable. Your professors know you. It’s one big, happy family.”

Xuhang Ouyang, from Guiyang, China, who is studying business, discovered Touro through an online advertisement and was drawn by the university’s reputation and global presence.

Diruv Upadhyay, from New Delhi, decided to attend the Graduate School of Technology after his brother’s successful experience there. He values Touro’s practical training through internships and career-focused programs, and he now has an internship with Lander College for Women. “It’s really awesome,” he said. “I’m learning and developing skills here that I can take anywhere.”

Phoebe Wang, an education graduate from Columbia University now in Touro’s applied behavior analysis (ABA) program in the School of Health Sciences, praised the ease of starting a new program. “I was working in education, but I realized I wanted to study something new,” she said. Danielle Livioco, of the Philippines, expressed appreciation for the faculty’s support and engaging classes. “The teachers really push me to bring out my creativity in a way I hadn’t experienced in the Philippines. They don’t shut down my ideas—they help me develop them.”

Chumeng Li, a graduate of Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan who is studying data analytics at the Graduate School of Technology, expressed relief at the smaller class sizes, compared to her previous university experience. “New York is a city where I can be myself,” she added.

As the event ended, students gathered in small groups to discuss their lives in New York. Many spoke of how much they enjoyed Touro’s new campus and loved being in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world.

“If you ever want to take a world food tour, New York City is the place to be,” laughed Livioco.