DU Announces Endowed Professorship in Holocaust and Antisemitism Studies

Colorado leaders unveil world's first permanent academic position focused on Holocaust education and research

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:47pm

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On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the University of Denver announced the creation of the world's first endowed professorship dedicated to Holocaust and antisemitism studies. The permanent academic position will be housed within DU's Center for Judaic Studies and aims to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust remain central to education and civic life.

Why it matters

The new professorship builds on DU's existing Holocaust Awareness Institute, founded in 1983, which provides educator training, public programming, and operates the state's only university-affiliated Holocaust survivor speakers bureau. Establishing this endowed position underscores that Holocaust remembrance is a civic responsibility, not just a historical one.

The details

The announcement was made on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Among the speakers was 90-year-old Osi Sladek, a Holocaust survivor who fled Nazi persecution as a child in Slovakia. The endowed professorship will focus on Holocaust education, research, and the study of antisemitism.

  • The announcement was made on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, 2026.
  • The University of Denver's Center for Judaic Studies is approaching its 50th year in 2026.

The players

Osi Sladek

A 90-year-old Holocaust survivor who fled Nazi persecution as a child in Slovakia. He lost 28 members of his family during the Holocaust, many in concentration camps.

University of Denver

The university where the new endowed professorship in Holocaust and antisemitism studies will be housed, within the Center for Judaic Studies.

Center for Judaic Studies

The academic center at the University of Denver that will oversee the new endowed professorship, as it approaches its 50th year in 2026.

Holocaust Awareness Institute

An institute at the University of Denver, founded in 1983, that provides educator training, public programming, and operates the state's only university-affiliated Holocaust survivor speakers bureau.

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What they’re saying

“I am here today as a Holocaust survivor from this community. I was born in a wonderful democracy that quickly collapsed when the Nazis took control, and my life became hell.”

— Osi Sladek, Holocaust survivor

“I'm a singer and songwriter, and I find joy in bringing people together through music.”

— Osi Sladek, Holocaust survivor

“I am so pleased that Denver will be home to the endowed professorship of this kind. I know this will inspire change and shape future generations who can learn from the lessons of the Holocaust.”

— Osi Sladek, Holocaust survivor

What’s next

The new endowed professorship in Holocaust and antisemitism studies at the University of Denver is expected to be filled and begin work in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The takeaway

Establishing the world's first endowed professorship focused on Holocaust studies at the University of Denver underscores the civic responsibility of Holocaust remembrance and education. The new permanent academic position will help ensure these critical lessons remain central to both academia and the broader community.