Educational and Professional Endeavors
The quest for knowledge was a core value that drove both José and Josy professionally and personally. They had a thirst for learning that permeated their lives and careers.
José earned his PhD in 1950 and taught advanced scientific courses well into his 80’s. He served as a host and guest lecturer at many national and international conferences, while also conducting research to advance knowledge and understanding in many fields. He had a keen sense of the morality of conducting research on humans, and helped to create the Human Committee at the VA Hospital before the ethics of such research was carefully monitored.
Josy taught French, Spanish, and English, initially to veterans returning from World War II and for most of her career to junior high and middle school students. She worked for the benefit of her students’ culture and wellness beyond the classroom. Her personal education culminated with her earning a PhD at the age of 69.
In keeping with these priorities, José and Josy funded several scholarships at local universities. In the early 1990s they created a research grant at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine where José taught. This ongoing grant provides seed money for young researchers who might have difficulty acquiring funds to support new ideas. The Joseph and Josephine Rabinowitz Award for Excellence in Research is presented annually. They were emphatic in allowing the funds to be used at the discretion of the researchers, to provide support where it is most needed.
