New ATS President, Milken Coach Recognized, Rabbi at Newsom Pre-Inauguration

[additional-authors]

Ryan Torok

January 12, 2023

ATS President Janey Sweet Courtesy of American Technion Society

Janey Sweet of Beverly Hills has been named the new president of the American Technion Society (ATS).

“It’s an honor and privilege to lead the American Technion Society, especially at this very pivotal time when we commemorate the Technion’s upcoming Centennial Celebration in 2024,” Sweet said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to elevate public awareness about the Technion’s remarkable impact on Israel and humanity.”

Sweet was elected to the position by the ATS board of directors. She succeeds outgoing President Steve Berger, who becomes the organization’s chairman of the board.

“Janey Sweet has long been a true champion for the Technion, and is very qualified to lead the American Technion Society,” Berger said. “Her knowledge and passion will be invaluable as we work to advance the Technion research, education, and innovation that benefit Israel and the world.”

Sweet’s term as president began Oct. 1. It comes at a defining moment for the Technion as it marches towards its Centennial celebration in 2024.

Working with CEO Michael Waxman-Lenz, the new ATS president is leading efforts to generate awareness of and raise philanthropic support for the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, a science and technology research university in Haifa.

Stephen Wise Temple Rabbi Sari Laufer joined other faith leaders for an interfaith unity service in Sacramento with Gov. Gavin Newsom ahead of Newsom’s Jan. 6 inauguration. Courtesy of Stephen Wise Temple

Stephen Wise Temple Rabbi Sari Laufer was among the faith leaders who celebrated California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent reelection to a second term.

On Jan. 6, Laufer traveled to Sacramento and took part in a pre-inauguration interfaith unity celebration at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Laufer recited the Traveler’s Prayer on Newsom’s behalf while wishing him continued success as California’s topmost elected official.

“We know that there is potential ahead — so much potential,” Laufer said. “That is why the people of California believe in you, why we elected you again, why we support and work for and with you. We also know there are pains and pitfalls, and we are ready to face those with you as well.”

Laufer was one of three women rabbis to participate in gubernatorial inaugurations across the country this month, according to Stephen Wise Temple.

Milken Community School celebrates the induction of basketball Coach Mike Whiting (far left) into the Southern California Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, during a Jan. 5 reception at its campus. Courtesy of Milken Community School

Former Milken Community basketball Coach Mike Whiting was inducted into the Southern California Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Milken welcomed back Coach Whiting to its campus on Jan. 5 along with many of his former players as the school honored him.

Coach Mike Whiting (fourth from left) is joined by former players at a reception at Milken Community School. Courtesy of Milken Community School

Whiting was a Milken basketball coach from the ‘90s until five years ago. While coaching at Milken, he had a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) championship — with the banner still proudly displayed on Milken’s gym wall — and was the CIF-Southern Section Division 4A boys basketball Coach of the Year; won 15 League titles; and trained 11 All-CIF athletes. Besides all these incredible statistics, he helped shape the basketball program and Milken athletics as a whole and make it what it is today.

In attendance at the Thursday night reception was Whiting’s wife, Ann, who was also a teacher at Milken’s middle school for 12 years; his sons, AJ and Nicholas; his mother, Edith Parkinson; and his brother, Peter, and sister-in-law, Tracy.

The evening included light refreshments, followed by a Milken Boys Varsity Basketball game. Coach Whiting received special recognition during halftime.