October 20, 2023 – Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is honored and grateful to announce the “Bert Breiner Memorial Scholarship,” established in 2023 in memory of the late Reverend Dr. Bert Breiner, former MCNY Adjunct Professor of Ethics. Funding for the scholarship is supported by Friends of Bert Breiner for the academic year 2023-2024.
The “Bert Breiner Memorial Scholarship” is earmarked for eligible undergraduate students with outstanding performance throughout the term of study who need financial support to help ensure the completion of their degree. Four awards will be awarded to students between fall 2023 and spring 2024. The selection of students will be determined by committee with final approval by Humphrey Crookendale, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
His love and talent for teaching were expressed in a review of his classes by one of his students, “Professor Breiner is hands down one of the nicest, most genuine and passionate persons I have ever met. This class and professor hold a special place in my heart.”
About the Late Bert Breiner (July 20, 1948 – May 27, 2023)
For many years, the Reverend Dr. Bert Breiner taught ethics and related subjects at the Bronx campus of Audrey Cohen College, now Metropolitan College of New York. He emphasized the importance of language, culture and constructive relationships in his teaching.
Dr. Breiner was also a scholar of Abrahamic faiths. He was a priest in the Diocese of New York and died peacefully on May 27, 2023. He served many years at Christ and St. Stephen’s church on Manhattan’s Upper Westside. Accompanied by his wife Margaret, he served as a deacon at St. Martin in the Fields parish in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA.
After becoming ordained, he taught seminarians in Malaysia (1973-1976) and at the Selly Oak Colleges in Birmingham, UK (1976-1995). He was also an associate of the Society of St. Margaret.
On return to the United States in 1995, Bert served as co-director of interfaith relations at the National Council of Churches. Shortly before 9/11, he served as chaplain at Grace Church School in Manhattan. At the invitation of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Abrams, he worked for peace in New York City by facilitating dialogue between local rabbis and imams.
Over the years, he taught courses in religion at St. Francis College, Hartford Seminary and General Seminary; he also taught religion courses for many years at CUNY’s Hunter College.
