Baltimore Hebrew University was founded as Baltimore Hebrew College and Teachers Training School in 1919 to promote Jewish scholarship and academic excellence, it continues to be the only institution of higher learning in Maryland devoted solely to all aspects of Judaic and Hebraic studies. Located in the northwest, Park Heights neighborhood, section of Baltimore, BHU confers degrees up to the doctorate level. Though small in size, with classes having between 8 and 25 students, it has strong ties to the community and to several other local colleges and universities. On August 3, 2006, the university was firebombed by unknown assailants, causing approximately $200 in damage. Baltimore Hebrew University officially became a part of Towson University when the University System of Maryland Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve the merger on June 19, 2009. The BHU building was demolished in October 2009.