Eli was my mentor. If there’s a heaven for teachers, he is there.  He is encouraging independent thinking and decision making based on the most recent reliable, valid evidence available. He is modeling integrity, kindness, and grace. I will always be grateful to him. I know I told him how much I admired him. His response was always the same, “Oh, Harriet, you say such things.” He wore humility as authentically as he wore his brilliance.

The first time I met Eli, I was applying to the newly established Goucher College-Sheppard Pratt Graduate Programs in Education. My respect and admiration started that day and lasted for years. After Zahava’s death, and Eli’s need for home care, I used to bring our lunch from 7 Mile Market (Kosher) and we laughed and talked. I will treasure those memories with my mentor and friend for the rest of my life.

Just belatedly learned of Eli’s death. My colleague at Goucher for 37 years, he always fought the good fight for humanism and enlightenment through education. Unquestionably, the finest example of a mensch I was ever lucky enough to encounter. His death is the symbol of the passing of a great era in higher education America is unlikely to see equaled. Like MLK and John Lewis, Eli was a member of the oft forgotten, morally heroic Silent Generation—between the Greatest and the Boomers—which triumphantly fought for justice for minorities, women, and the LGBTQ community by creating all the great “movements” of the Sixties. Eli’s memory will be in the hearts of all he touched as long as they live.

Sara Irwin, April 28, 2020
Doctor Velder was a very important influence in my life.  He was a mentor to me as I first navigated the world of teaching as a French and Secondary Education student at Goucher.  After "paying my dues" teaching at Pimlico Junior High School in Baltimore, I moved to Georgia, to work on an M.A. in French Literature, but eventually, after returning to teaching French at the high school level, I ended up receiving a second master's degree in Applied Linguistics and ESOL (English as a Second Language).  This set off a 22 year career for me working with undocumented Latino children and their families at a small Atlanta public school.  Presently, I am retired and working with another underserved population of students - those with dyslexia whom I tutor one-on-one.  Dr. Velder taught me the importance of advocating for children who are often overlooked, as well as providing them with effective instruction.  I have found much satisfaction in this work. 
My sympathies go out to all of Dr. Velder's family and to those former Goucher students who were inspired by him to go into teaching.  His calm, steady, caring and honest example gave me a model to emulate.  He will forever be a part of my work as a teacher and I will never forget him.

I will never forget the first time I met Dr Velder. I was the first candidate he interviewed for the new Masters in Education program that was connected with Sheppard Pratt Hospital. This unique program was designed for experienced teachers. One area of specialization was at-risk education. I was one of 7 students who were the first to graduate from our cohort. Every one of us found the program under his leadership a challenging and life-changing experience. I was blessed to have him as a teacher, mentor and friend. May his memory be for a blessing.

I have so many fond memories of Dr. Velder at Goucher College.  He was the Dean of teachers and education. He inspired many to pursue careers in education and I had the distinct pleasure of being one of his many generations of students. My sister was also one of his students who later graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

Even though I chose a career in law, he always encouraged me and supported me with letters of recommendation when needed. I was saddened to learn he passed. My heartfelt condolences to his family. 

I happened to think about  Professor Eli the day before I saw he had passed. He truly is a spirit of wisdom and insight and best of all questions. Through his questions it brought a group of 7 or 10 of us Goucher students into one of the most memorable classes I've ever had. He did not lecture, he asked us qestions about what we thought and in doing so we learned and listened. Thank you Professor Eli, sail on knowing you have made a dfference to me.I send my condolences and love to family and friends.

Dr. Velder was a wonderful and kind person that everyone loved. 

He was a wonderful father, husband and brother and Saba. He will be missed by so many. His memory will live on forever in our hearts and he will be greatly missed. I am glad that I was able to know him for so many years.

My sympathies go out to my brother in-law , David and his wife my sister, Jill and their children Jason and Rebecca and Ruthie his daughter and all of his other loved ones.

Eli made an impact on so many and touched people deeply and he was very loved and will be missed.

My deepest sympathies to David and the rest of the family for your tremendous loss. May your dad rest in peace.

With deep sorrow and regrets,
Carolyn and Danny

Dr. Velder was a one of my favorite people.  He was a ray of joy and light.   He was kind, he was bright, he was eager to teach and influence others.  I feel so blessed that he was my teacher and equally blessed that he shared his wisdom with me.  I will forever remember his ability and willingness to see the good in people.   The world has lost a brilliant light.  Wishing you peace and comfort at this time of sorrow.

OBITUARY

Eli Yehill Velder

November 9, 1925 – April 6, 2020

Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services