Author Marlene Trestman ’74 Speaks to Newman Students & Community

Members of the Newman community had the unique opportunity to engage in conversation with alumna Marlene Trestman ’74 during this morning’s Coffee and Conversation program. At this exciting event, Trestman shared personal insights about her writing journey and insights into the inspiration for her new book, Most Fortunate Unfortunates: The Jewish Orphans’ Home of New Orleans.

Her book, which serves as the first encompassing history of America’s first purpose-built Jewish orphanage, provides an intimate portrayal of what life was like in the Jewish Orphans’ Home and the important purpose it served for both the children who lived there and the city of New Orleans.

 

During her visit Trestman also had the opportunity to interact with students, in which she shared her perspective as an alumna of Newman and the impact her Greenie education has had in her life.

 

“Newman’s education to me was life-changing,” Trestman said. “I can’t think of anything I do today, as a lawyer, writer, and person, that hasn’t been impacted and influenced by my time spent at the School. I strongly believe the education I received at Newman is exactly what the Home’s leaders envisioned when they opened the doors in 1904, offering a superior, rigorous, academic program combined with manual training. It has lived true to the School’s motto of Discimus Agere Agendo – We learn to do by doing,” Trestman said.

“I am so proud that Newman has continued to honor these founding values and cannot imagine another place I’d want to bring this book to first than Isidore Newman School. I am so grateful for the education I received here.”

 

Trestman also offered students a few words of advice with regards to navigating the world, both at Newman and beyond. "I encourage you to embrace other people and exhibit mutual respect for each other," Trestman said. “Reach out and collaborate with other groups. Listen to opinions and ideas that are different than your own. You will all be stronger for that. Newman will be stronger for that.”

 

Additional information about Trestman’s most recent work, along with Home alumni profiles and stories can be found on her website, marlenetrestman.com.