Film composer Elmer Bernstein was the featured honoree at the University Women’s Author/Artist luncheon on April 18, 2002. The honor was originally begun in 1967 and annually honors and outstanding individual for his or her body of work and contributions to the community.

The luncheon was a highlight of the University Women’s yearly curriculum. It has established a highly regarded program in support of the institutional programs within the University of Judaism as well as furthering artistic, cultural and social awareness. It also supports scholarships and grants to the school’s College of Arts and Sciences, graduate programs and its Ziegler School of Rabbinical Studies, the only independent ordaining institution on the West Coast.

Previous honorees include David Hockney, Marilyn & Alan Bergman, Neil Simon and Helen Hayes.