Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

10:30-11:45 a.m.

As artificial intelligence becomes more capable and widely used, it is reshaping how people think, create, communicate, and make decisions. This raises urgent questions about human agency, responsibility, and moral accountability. Panelists will discuss not only what AI systems can do and how they are built, but what their design and use reveal about human values, institutional choices, and society's future.

Speakers:
Josh Broderick Phillips ’23, MS’24, artificial intelligence engineer at MITRE
Elijah Rivera, assistant professor of computer science
Umrao Sethi, assistant professor of philosophy

1:15-2:30 p.m. 

The United States has long been considered one of the safest countries for Jews in the history of the world, yet recent disturbing episodes are on the rise. In a moment defined by both extraordinary success and growing unease, how should American Jews think about the future? Join us for a conversation with Mark Oppenheimer, author, scholar, and journalist, in dialogue with Professor Flora Cassen. Sponsored by Alberta Gotthardt Strage ‘56 and Henry Strage Foundation.

Speakers:
Mark Oppenheimer is a renowned journalist, author, and lecturer who wrote the former "Beliefs" column for The New York Times. He co-hosts the hit Jewish culture podcast Unorthodox and created the Ivy League antisemitism series Gatecrashers.
Flora Cassen, Lavine Family Director of the Brandeis Center for Jewish Studies, director of the Sarnat Center for the Study of Anti-Jewishness

2:45-4 p.m.

Join us for a conversation on the high-stakes midterms, where 45,000+ races and control of Congress meet a polarized electorate. Panelists discuss the major issues shaping the election, voter priorities, and the national conversation. The session also explores the growing role of emerging technologies in democracy, including how AI is shaping information trust, public discourse, and policy debates from jobs to the environment, and what this means for the future of American democracy.

Speakers:
Lily Adams ’09 is a managing director at Orchestra, former assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and communications manager for treasury secretary Janet Yellen and then-Senator Kamala Harris.
Joe Conason ’75, journalist, author, and political commentator, founder and editor-in-chief of The National Memo
Amber Spry, assistant professor of African and African American Studies

1:30-2:45 p.m.

Learn what it takes to succeed in the arts and entertainment industry today. Join a conversation featuring distinguished alumni with career paths across film, television, and live entertainment. Speakers share real-world insights on the skills, networking, and adaptability needed to build a career and thrive in the arts and entertainment industry. Co-sponsored by the Brandeis Arts Alumni Network.

Moderator: Michelle Miller ’11, chair, Brandeis Arts Alumni Network, actor, model, producer, and host, Mentors on the Mic podcast.

Speakers:
Caroline Baron ’83, American film producer and philanthropist. Best known for producing “Mozart in the Jungle,” “Capote,” “Monsoon Wedding,” and “Severance.”
Stan M. Brooks ’79 is an award-winning producer of film and television with over 30 years of industry experience. He produced more than 70 movies and founded Once Upon a Time Films and Stan & Deliver Films.
John-Andrew Morrison ’95 is an award-winning actor best known for his Tony Award-nominated performance in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical “A Strange Loop.” He recently starred in the award-winning play “Oh Mary,” as Mary’s husband on Broadway.
Eric Tuchman ’84 is an Emmy Award-winning writer-producer best known for The Handmaid's Tale, where he served as co-showrunner for the final season. His acclaimed career also includes Kyle XY, Eureka, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and the animated musical Anastasia.

3-4:15 p.m.

In just over two decades, television has evolved from scheduled programming to a fully on-demand, digital experience. Streaming platforms and YouTube now offer instant access to entertainment anytime, reshaping how audiences watch and discover content. This seismic shift has pushed producers and networks to innovate to reach younger viewers. Looking ahead, the future of TV may be more personalized and interactive, blurring the lines between traditional media, social content, and emerging technologies. Co-sponsored by the Brandeis Journalism Program.

Speakers:
Audrey Gruber ’94, SVP of News 12 and a veteran network executive.
Rob Sharenow ’89, president of programming for A+E Global Media
Josh Wolk, professor of the practice of journalism