William Kolodney
William Kolodney (1899 – January 18, 1976) was a Russian-born American cultural educator and program director for two major New York City institutions, the 92nd Street Y and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Early life and education Kolodney was born in Minsk, and his family moved to America when he was 4 years old. He attended New York University as an undergraduate and earned a master's degree and a Doctorate from Columbia University. His dissertation was based on his work at the 92nd Street Y, describing its transformation during his tenure into "a major arts institution". 92nd Street Y Kolodney created the educational program for the YMHA in Pittsburgh in 1926. In 1935, he joined the 92nd street Y in New York as Educational Director, instituting a wide-ranging educational program. He made the "Y" a center for chamber music, poetry readings, and dance performances. He was guided by idealistic principles. He decided "not to popularize or glamorize knowledge through publicity methods designed to attract large numbers." At the same time, he felt that fees for "Y" programs "should be small enough to enable the clerical or the salaried worker with a modest income to enroll in any activity which might