The diminutive sex therapist Ruth Westheimer -- known to millions as "Dr. Ruth" -- will present her unique, German-accented perspective on sexuality to the University community next month. According to Arianna Koransky, Hillel's Jewish Campus Service Corps fellow, Westheimer will discuss sexuality -- specifically focusing on the Jewish aspects of it -- at Irvine Auditorium on March 27. "I'm really excited," said Koransky, who received confirmation Monday that Westheimer was coming to campus. "I think she's somebody who's fun and informative." Hillel, the Steinhardt Jewish Heritage Program, the Philadelphia Jewish Federation, Connaissance and Facilitating Learning About Sexual Health are co-sponsoring Westheimer's visit. Connaissance has committed $5,000 to Westheimer's $11,500 speaking fee and travel expenses, according to Connaissance Co-Director Richard Archer. Hillel and the Philadelphia Jewish Federation are each contributing $1,000, and Connaissance will sell tickets to make up the difference. According to Archer, a Wharton junior, the organization voted unanimously to provide the funding to bring the sex therapist to the University. "I don't think they'll have any trouble selling out," Archer said. Hillel will also host a reception for Westheimer, who holds a doctorate in Education. Currently, Westheimer has a syndicated newspaper column, "Ask Dr. Ruth," and she has written several books on sexuality. Her frank radio show, Sexually Speaking, propelled her to fame in the 1980s. Koransky said Westheimer, who survived the Holocaust and lived in Israel for several years, should appeal to all students. Koransky and Hillel's Jewish Freshman Social Council were the main forces behind bringing Westheimer to the University. The council first discussed bringing Westheimer to campus in December and began searching for funding in January. Koransky contacted Admire Presentations, the agency that arranges lectures for Westheimer. Other council members went to various organizations to obtain financial and technical support. FLASH will handle publicity, and plans to distribute condoms and safer sex information at the speech, according to Kurt Conklin, health educator and FLASH adviser. "We're inspired," he said. "She made people fear sex less and make it seem more playful and enjoyable." Archer said that Connaissance -- which just contracted with Billy Joel to speak and perform in April -- is benefiting from its new status as part of the Social Planning and Events Committee. When Connaissance was simply a member of the Student Activities Council, it could not charge admission for events. "With the ability to sell tickets, we have more leeway on who we can bring," Archer said. The tickets will probably cost between $2 and $4, according to the event's organizers.
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