Strassler Center at Clark University

06/16/2026

Congratulations to the Center's incoming David P. Angel Chair, Dr. Ashley Valanzola, on the publication of her recent book, When She Remembered.

When She Remembered showcases an intertwined group of seven influential women, from well-known figures such as Simone Veil to memory activist Sabine Zlatin, who shaped the production of Holocaust memory in France from 1945 to the present.

https://www.amazon.com/When-She-Remembered-Transformed-Holocaust/dp/0253075815

We celebrate Dr. Valanzola’s important contribution to the study of memory, history, and the enduring legacy of Holocaust remembrance.

06/04/2026

As many of you may have heard, Thomas Kühne has stepped down as Director of the Strassler Center. He will return to his faculty and scholarly work, including a research sabbatical during the coming academic year. While it is bittersweet to see him leave this leadership role, we are pleased that he will have the opportunity to devote greater attention to his research and teaching.

At the same time, we are delighted that Ken MacLean will serve as Interim Director of the Center during the 2026–27 academic year.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Magee aptly captured Thomas's contributions:

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Thomas Kühne for his service as Director. Over the past several years, he has provided steady and thoughtful leadership during a period of meaningful work and transition for the Center, including guiding the recently completed self-study. This has also been a time of broader challenge and heightened visibility for scholars and centers working in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and Thomas has led the Center with care, seriousness of purpose, and a deep commitment to its mission. This work has helped position the Center well as it prepares for its external review, and I am grateful for the strong foundation it provides.”

We extend our gratitude to Thomas for his dedicated leadership and many contributions to the Center. We also look forward to working with Ken as he guides the Center through the coming year and helps build upon this strong foundation.

05/19/2026

Congratulations to the Center’s student assistant, Jennifer Krulisz-Hossain, on earning her Master’s in Public Administration at yesterday’s graduation ceremonies. Over the past three years, Jen has been an invaluable part of the Center, and her dedication, professionalism, and positive spirit will be deeply missed by everyone. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and have no doubt that she will continue on to do amazing things.

05/19/2026

Congratulations to our new PhD graduates! Dr. Hana Green, Dr. Diana Hayrapetyan, and Dr. Emil Kjerte (not pictured). We are so proud of your accomplishments.

05/14/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Valanzola to the Strassler Center!

Dr. Ashley Valanzola has been appointed the inaugural David P. Angel Endowed Chair in Holocaust Pedagogy and Antisemitism Studies.

05/06/2026

Good conversations with Aleksandar Hemon, Frances Tanzer, Sandra Grudić '25, Alina Bojcic and Nitzan Lebovic

04/29/2026

The Center was so happy to host, in collaboration with Lehigh University’s Berman Center for Jewish Studies, a fantastic group of scholars, writers, and artists over the last two days at our "Never Always Again" workshop. It explored the history and meaning of “never again,” focusing on a central paradox: whether it is applied to a specific group or to all people, the phrase can unintentionally create the conditions for repetition rather than prevention.

04/29/2026

Author Aleksandar Hemon speaking about the Logic of Genocide at today's "Never Always Again" workshop co-sponsored by Lehigh University’s Berman Center for Jewish Studies.

04/28/2026

Many on hand listening to the Center's Asher Lecture "All Men Are Brothers: Bundist Resistance in Nazi-Occupied Poland.” with speaker Molly Crabapple. Co-sponsored by Lehigh University’s Berman Center for Jewish Studies.

04/28/2026

It's not too late! Join us this afternoon for a lecture by author Molly Crabapple at 4:00 pm in Higgins Lounge, Dana Commons.

Clark’s Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and Asher Lecture Series, with Lehigh University’s Berman Center for Jewish Studies and College of Arts and Sciences, are launching a joint graduate conference this week with lectures by authors Molly Crabapple and Aleksandar Hemon.