The "Why" for Weissman: Reflections from 50 Years in the Classroom
Monday, March 24, 2025
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THE “WHY” FOR WEISSMAN:
REFLECTIONS FROM 50 YEARS IN THE CLASSROOM
Photo Caption: Ira Weissman, CPA, CGMA, Professor, Accounting and Finance, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®, teaches in New York City, circa 2011.
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While teaching is often a work of heart, it can also be a work of humor, and few know this better than Ira Weissman, CPA, CGMA, Professor, Accounting and Finance, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business® . “I learned this from one of my favorite professors, and now I tell it to every class,” said Weissman, who is celebrating 50 years in the classroom. “He who laughs last gets the bottom grade, so be careful what you laugh at.”
A star student himself, Weissman first was approached about teaching in 1975, just days before graduating with his bachelor’s degree from Long Island University “I graduated on a Sunday and started teaching that Monday,” Weissman said. “One student asked where the professor was when class started, and I turned around and looked for one. Then I remembered it was me. That’s how I got started in teaching.”
Through the years, Weissman expanded his teaching credentials at Baruch College, Metropolitan College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, St. Francis College, Rutgers University, Pace University, Long Island University, Seton Hall University, and Berkeley College, just to name a few. “One semester I taught 14 classes for six different schools while working as the president of an apparel company,” he said. “I didn’t get much sleep.”
Weissman said highlights of his career include being named Berkeley College 2007 Student Body Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award, being invited to the Baruch College prom, and being asked to be the keynote speaker at a conference attended by Bill and Melinda Gates. He was even invited to the wedding of two students who had met in his class – and asked to accompany the bride down the aisle.
While Weissman is currently focused on spending time with his four grandchildren, he said he has no intent on retiring anytime soon. He and his wife currently reside in Monroe Township in New Jersey.
“Berkeley College always has a warm spot in my heart,” Weissman said. “Teaching is an act of love to give back to our next generation.”
Photo Caption: Ira Weissman, CPA, CGMA, Professor, Accounting and Finance, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®, (center) celebrates 20 years working at Berkeley College in 2023. Pictured (L to R) are Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College; Weissman; and Kevin L. Luing, Board Chairman, Berkeley College.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 12 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2025 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
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