Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

Board of Directors

Officers

Amy L. Cohen ’85
Amy L. Cohen ’85

President

New York, New York
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Jerry Cohen

Favorite Place on Campus: The information booth in Usdan (where I worked all 4 years at Brandeis).

Favorite Brandeis Memory: There are so many it is hard to pick one. Almost all of my favorite memories involve friends. One memory that stands out is when our mod hosted a “Risky Business” party complete with Tom Cruise sunglasses and matching t-shirts (picture available upon request).

I volunteer because getting involved with the Alumni Association was a way to express my gratitude for everything Brandeis provided me. My experience at Brandeis shaped who I am today. I could have never attended Brandeis without the generous financial aid package the school provided. I am happy to give my time to the University that gave me so much – a stellar education, a group of lifelong friends, and my husband Sid.

Carolyn Gray Kimberlin ’99
Carolyn Gray Kimberlin ’99

Vice President

Gardiner, Maine
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement, Alumni Relations, Dartmouth College

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Jane Kamensky

Favorite Place on Campus: North Quad

I volunteer because my years at Brandeis were some of the most important years of my life. I made lifelong friends and learned to think critically. I volunteer and give back each year to help ensure that future generations of Brandeis students have the same transformative experience.

Napoleon Lherisson ’11
Napoleon Lherisson ’11

Vice President

Durham, North Carolina
Teacher, Cary Academy
Steven W. Rabitz ’92, P’26
Steven W. Rabitz ’92, P’26

Vice President

Teaneck, New Jersey
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Partner, Dechert LLP

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Robert J. Art

Favorite Place on Campus: Massell Quad

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Too many to list. 

I volunteer because Brandeis is a special institution that not only has a prominent place in my life but has a singular mission that remains urgent and current. It is unique in its value system which is rooted in Jewish history and experience but it also serves as a model of ethnic and religious pluralism. Few institutions can claim such top-tier research faculty who are also accessible and with whom students can build close relationships, and few institutions can claim such an accomplished number of alumni. Many of our alumni are modest, but they have a lot to be modest about.

Lewis Brooks ’80, P’16
Lewis Brooks ’80, P’16

Immediate Past President

Richboro, Pennsylvania
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Ralph Norman (he didn’t teach a class but I learned a lot from him).

Favorite Place on Campus: There’s a spot next to the library, at the top of the hill, where the extraordinary view across chapels field is incredible. And with each season the view just keeps getting better.

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Besides my wedding in the Berlin Chapel, or watching my daughter graduate, there was this one night during my sophomore year in Reitman, at 2:00 in the morning, when my next-door neighbor woke up my roommate and me as he and another friend carried the front doors of Usdan into our room.

I volunteer because Brandeis had, and continues to have, a profound impact on my life. Relationships, friendships, family, career, the list goes on and on. Volunteering is the least I can do to give something back.

Members-at-Large

David Allon ’81, P’22
David Allon ’81, P’22
Wayne, Pennsylvania
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Managing Representative, Woodbury Financial LLC

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Peter Petri, Barney Schwalberg, Robert Art and Stephen J. Whitfield, PhD’72.

Favorite Place on Campus: The peaceful trail to Sachar International Center

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Braunstein weekend, and watching Friday movies with friends at the Levin Ballroom (preceded by Lewis Brooks ’80, P’16 slide show of “the week that was”)

I volunteer because Brandeis gave me the analytical and critical thinking skills to succeed in life. Brandeis was where I made many lifelong friends. Brandeis was where I matured from a young lad to a man.

Joan Feinberg Berns ’70, GSAS MA’71, PhD’74
Joan Feinberg Berns ’70, GSAS MA’71, GSAS PhD’74
Wayland, Massachusetts
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
President, Kenmore Realty Corporation

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Karen Klein and Allen Grossman

Favorite Place on Campus: The Library

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Receiving news about awards senior year and being accepted to continue on with graduate studies.

I volunteer to give back to the University community that supported me through three degrees.

Hannah R. (Johnson) Bornstein ’02
Hannah R. (Johnson) Bornstein ’02
Norwell, Massachusetts
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP
Gary “Sundance” Clay, Sr. ’80
Gary “Sundance” Clay, Sr. ’80
Douglasville, Georgia
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Coach Bob Brannum - He believed in me as a person and as an athlete. Sometimes his silence was so loud! Gilbert L. Raiford, Heller PhD’81, mentored me which allowed me to earn a full scholarship to grad school in Miami, FL.

Favorite Place on Campus: The Gym, The Mods, Grad Housing, and the Cafe. Did I say the Gym?

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Surviving the Blizzard of ’78, while having two ankle surgeries from a basketball injury and being on crutches for months. I appreciate security providing rides to class and the support of many friends. It showed an unexpected Brandeis STRONG. My fondest memory, however, is the call of the wild from the Sandwich Man announcing their arrival, during an all-night paper writing or study session.

I volunteer because to me, I’m NOT volunteering! I’m going to Work - Work in whatever capacity to positively influence any assignment that I’m charged with. Additionally, I would like to spearhead the development of a MKTYP alumni function associated with the Brandeis University Alumni Association. Timing is Everything and my Season is Now to extend myself to my cherished alma mater.

David H. Coburn ’73, P’04, P’07, P’10
David H. Coburn ’73, P’04, P’07, P’10
Bethesda, Maryland
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Senior Counsel, Steptoe & Johnson

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Eugene Black (history); John Elliff and John Roche (Politics)

Favorite Place on Campus: Sherman Dining Hall, where I spent fun times eating with friends.

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Meeting my future wife (Phyllis Brenner Coburn '75); making so many lasting friendships; enjoying some great classes; being involved in the Vietnam War protests

I volunteer because of my many Brandeis connections, ranging from my wife, three sons, two daughters-in-law and lots of lifelong friends who have kept me involved and interested; volunteering on the Board is an opportunity to grow my commitment.

Roy L. DeBerry, Jr. ’70, GSAS MA’78, PhD’79
Roy L. DeBerry, Jr. ’70, GSAS MA’78, PhD’79
Oxford, Mississippi
Executive Director, The Hill Country Project
Steven Greenfield ’79
Steven Greenfield ’79
Woodmere, New York

Favorite Place on Campus: Usdan

Favorite Brandeis Memory: My roommates

I volunteer because I love Brandeis!

Adam M. Greenwald ’98
Adam M. Greenwald ’98
Los Angeles, California
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Lynette Bosch, Art History

Favorite Place on Campus: The Justice offices in Usdan basement

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Spending time in the basement of Usdan working on the Justice. 

I volunteer because I am a passionate representative of Brandeis in my community. 

Yuki Hasegawa ’09, IBS MA’10
Yuki Hasegawa ’09, IBS MA’10
Tokyo, Japan
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Ed Bayone

Favorite Place on Campus: Close tie between the Castle Suite and offices in Lower Usdan - Dining Services

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Co-leading the Alpine Snow Sports club and organizing a 30+ people trip to Vermont during the February break.

I volunteer because I dedicate myself to supporting our current and future students as well as fellow alums, who all call this university our home.

Dr. Lucretia E. Jones ’77
Dr. Lucretia E. Jones ’77
Bronx, New York
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Director Communicable Diseases GSU, NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Robert Jones - AAAS Chair

Favorite Place on Campus: The Stein

Favorite Brandeis Memory: One of my favorite memories was when I was a part of a diverse coalition of Brandeis students who took over Perlman Hall in my Junior year, Spring ’76. We were protesting the proposed tuition increase, financial aid decrease, cuts to the TYP program as well as having other demands of the administration. It was the beginning of my passion for social justice activism.

I volunteer because I had a wonderful experience at Brandeis. I volunteer to give back/pay forward for the great education, experience, lifelong friendships, and opportunities Brandeis afforded me. I want to assist in ensuring that incoming students are a diverse group including students of color coming from underprivileged communities like mine and to give guidance to anyone interested in the field of public health.

Michele Silber Kaish ’84, P’22
Michele Silber Kaish ’84, P’22
Princeton Junction, New Jersey
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Favorite Brandeis Professor: As a history major, my favorite classes were taught by Gregory Freeze, P’22, Eugene Black, P’89, and James Kloppenberg. But I suppose my favorite Brandeis Professor would have to be Barney Schwalberg because I married his TA!

Favorite Place on Campus: Eating lunch with my friends at The Boulevard.

I volunteer because my time at Brandeis was among the best years of my life. As a passionate alumna and proud Brandeis parent, I want to share my Brandeis love and pride with others.

Michael Kivort ’87
Michael Kivort ’87
Scarsdale, New York
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Associate Attorney, O’Connor Redd Orlando LLP

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Peter Woll

Favorite Place on Campus: Slosberg

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Playing with my bands — the pep band, concert band, jazz ensemble, and No Don’t Stop.

I volunteer because I like maintaining the connection and giving back to the current generation of students.

Alexandra “Lexi” Kriss ’11
Alexandra “Lexi” Kriss ’11
Rumford, Rhode Island
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Assistant State Court Administrator, Community Outreach and Public Relations, Rhode Island Supreme Court

Favorite Brandeis Professor: This is a trick question. Two standouts: Professor Sara Shostak and Professor Jen Cleary.

Favorite Place on Campus: Shapiro Campus Center, but the Rose Art Museum has a piece of my heart

I volunteer because I love to connect with Brandeis alumni, students, faculty, and staff and have a strong pull to advocate for what is best for the Brandeis of today and of tomorrow. I'm honored to be a part of the Brandeis community and feel deeply connected to the university’s pioneering social justice history and trajectory. I hope to be a part of ensuring that legacy for years to come. I hope to represent mid-years and my class well through my alumni participation.

Engy Lamour ’07
Engy Lamour ’07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Vice President, Raines

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Robert Reich

Favorite Place on Campus: Shapiro Campus Center

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Getting locked in the Library during finals week.

I volunteer because Brandeis has given me so much. I wouldn't be here if it wasn’t for my Brandies education and the support I received.

Alyson Tarr Popper ’90
Alyson Tarr Popper ’90
Medfield, Massachusetts
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Senior Vice President/Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Professor Stephen J. Whitfield, GSAS PhD’72, American Studies

Favorite Place on Campus: Chapel field

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Having a wonderful group of girls on my dorm floor freshman year. Many of whom immediately became some of my closest friends and have remained that over the years.

I volunteer for the joy it brings me to be able to help others. It is important to first find the need, whether it is food, clothing, books, shelter, etc. I then help to alleviate some of that concern by donating my time, goods, or money.

Elias Rauch ’84
Elias Rauch ’84
Scotch Plains, New Jersey
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Co-Founding Partner, Gitterman Wealth Management

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Barney Schwalberg

Favorite Place on Campus: Sachar IBS Library

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Late night Sandwich Man Delivery

I volunteer because it feels better to give than receive.

Julie B. Smith-Bartoloni ’90
Julie B. Smith-Bartoloni ’90
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Associate Vice President, Boston Foundation

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Luis Yglesias - Remembered as “a humanist, a true Renaissance man: teacher, storyteller, poet, gardener, carver, drummer, trickster, humorist”, Professor Yglesias encouraged me to delve into the Italian language for my senior thesis and to stretch my intellectual comfort zone beyond where I ever would have ventured without his guidance and support.

Favorite Place on Campus: The Boston skyline overlook behind the Castle and Chum’s is my favorite spot on-campus. Off-campus, my heart will always be with 169 South Street.

Favorite Brandeis Memory: There are so many memories but what really sticks with me is the impact of my experience as a whole. The first day I set foot on campus, I was introduced to the issue of apartheid and the power of protest for change, a lesson that has helped to shape many of my life’s choices. Later, my study abroad experience led not only to a revamping of my European Cultural Studies major, but also a life-long love of travel and ten wonderful years working in the travel industry.

I volunteer because in the dozen years that I worked on campus, I had the chance to pull back the curtain of my student experience and deepen my engagement with multiple aspects of the University. The conversations I had with hundreds of alumni, parents and friends around the country were exhilarating to me and propelled me to choose my alma mater again and again. In this tumultuous time in our nation’s and world’s history, I believe that the need for a Brandeis is stronger than ever before. I feel privileged to represent the broader alumni body in seeking renewed ways of lifting up the University’s incredible present along with its illustrious past.

Ora M. Wexler ’04
Toronto, Canada
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Dentons Canada LLP

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Robert Reich

Favorite Place on Campus: I have many, including Gosman Gym and the Stein

Representatives

Shota Adamia ’15
Shota Adamia ’15

Brandeisians of the Last Decade (BOLD), National Co-Chair

New York, New York
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Jessica Bergma ’91
Jessica Bergman ’91

Friends of Brandeis Athletics (FOBA), Co-Chair

New York, New York
Director Fixed Incomes Sales, Toronto-Dominion Securities
Joram C. Cukierman ’98, IBS MA’99
Joram C. Cukierman ’98, IBS MA’99

Brandeis International Business School Representative

Scarsdale, New York
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Portfolio Manager, Citadel Energy Marketing

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Rachel McCulloch

Favorite Place on Campus: Bottom of the library - in the little cubicles by the window

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Sitting in the cafeteria in Usdan and spending time with my friends talking about nothing in particular but making lifelong friends.

I volunteer because I loved my experience at Brandeis and hope that I can help bring that experience to others.

John Malcolm Gillis, Rabb MS’20, BNC
John Malcolm Gillis, Rabb MS’20, BNC

Rabb/GPS Representative

Cary, North Carolina
Pronouns: He/Him/His
IT Engineer, Qualcomm Incorporated

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Dr. Patricia Steiner

Favorite Place on Campus: Berlin Jewish Chapel

Favorite Brandeis Memory: As an online student, I made a special effort to visit the Brandeis campus. It was a beautiful experience and visiting the chapel gave me a sense of spiritual peace. Besides that visit, it was my interview with Lewis Brooks, who was not only engaging but a humorous and warm gentleman.

I volunteer because as a Rabb graduate, I felt that the GPS School was underrepresented and it is my endeavor to ensure our alumni are given equitable representation.

Carmen Hicks, Heller MPP’14
Carmen Hicks, Heller MPP’14

Heller School for Social Policy and Management Representative

Somerville, Massachusetts
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Group Project Manager, Code for America

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Laurie Nsiah-Jefferson ’80, MA’06, PhD’06

Favorite Place on Campus: The Heller School

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Playing a fun, yet competitive game of kickball with MPP first and second years, with Professor Doonan, PhD’02, P’17 and Professor Brolin, PhD’05 in the capacity of team captains.

I volunteer because the time I spent at the Heller School was some of the most memorable, and I want to provide that same experience to current and future Heller and Brandeis students alike.

Thabang Siyabonga kaMatona ’24
Thabang Siyabonga kaMatona ’24

Senior Undergraduate Student Representative

Johannesburg, South Africa
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Leslie Effron Levin ’94
Leslie Effron Levin ’94

Women’s Network Co-Chair

White Plains, New York
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Attorney, Cuddy & Feder, LLP

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Antony Polonsky

Favorite Place on Campus: Woods next to Sachar International Center - so beautiful in the Fall!

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Cheerleading at basketball games - especially when the Men’s Team won the ECAC tournament in 1992.

I volunteer because I recognize that my Brandeis education and extracurricular activities while I was a student, impacted the person I am today. My father taught me the value of giving back to your college both with your time and your pocketbook. By volunteering, I am able to maintain my connection with Brandeis and see how Brandeis continues to grow and evolve. I love connecting alumni to each other and to the school. By doing so, they can also build their networks and see the amazing things that are happening on campus. Once a cheerleader - always a cheerleader!

Akanksha Majumber, Heller ’24
Akanksha Majumber, Heller ’24

Graduate Student Representative

Waltham, Massachusetts
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Elena Lewis

Favorite Place on Campus: The great lawn

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Until Now, when I stood below the huge banner of Brandeis University and clicked a photo to share with my family and friends. It felt like a dream come true!

Brandeis is a family to me. I have heard and witnessed people learn, grow, and evolve by being a part of this community. I volunteer to stay connected and attached to these vibrant transitions along with giving back to the family which will be my home forever.

Nikhat Meman ’26
Nikhat Meman ’26

Junior Undergraduate Student Representative

Valley Stream, New York
Michelle S. Miller ’11
Michelle S. Miller ’11

Arts Alumni Network, Co-Chair

Brooklyn, New York
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Actor & Podcast Host

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Adrianne Krstansky

Favorite Place on Campus: Shapiro Campus Center or Spingold Theater

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Bringing Ben Folds to Brandeis for a Fall Concert or being in The Vagina Monologues junior year.

I volunteer because I want to strengthen the existing Arts Alumni Network with events, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

Brandon S. Pick ’08
Brandon S. Pick ’08

Friends of Brandeis Athletics (FOBA), Co-Chair

Short Hills, New Jersey
Partner, Director of Investment Research, BBR Partners
Talee Zur Potter ’97

Brandeis Women’s Network, Co-Chair

New York, New York
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Head of People and Employment Law at Axoni

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Prof. Keller

Favorite Place on Campus: SSB

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Meeting my husband at SSB

I volunteer because I owe my education, career, and family to Brandeis.

Dr. Chari Smith, GSAS PhD’89
Dr. Chari Smith, GSAS PhD’89

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Representative

Durham, North Carolina
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
VP Translational Biology, Kriya Therapeutics

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Chris Miller

Favorite Place on Campus: The Miller lab!

Favorite Brandeis Memory: There are many wonderful memories, but I loved the annual holiday party where the first-year graduate students did skits to spoof the faculty and staff. They were always hilarious, and the “victims” were great sports about it all.

I volunteer because Brandeis gave me all of the tools and support to go on to a long and satisfying career in science. Along with all of the pipetting and enzyme kinetics came a thorough grounding in the responsibility to be ethical, careful with valuable resources, and respectful of and curious about others’ viewpoints. The longer I work as a professional scientist the more I value those fundamentals. I want to play a role in enabling Brandeis to continue to provide a simultaneously content and values-driven curriculum for every student.

Helen Stewart, GSAS PhD’80
Helen Stewart, GSAS PhD’80

Alumni Admissions Council Representative

Honolulu, Hawaii
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Club Presidents

James R. Felton ’85
James R. Felton ’85

Alumni Club of Southern California, President

Calabasas, California
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Favorite Brandeis Professor: James Kloppenberg

Favorite Place on Campus: Usdan

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Tropics dance - sophomore year

I volunteer because I love Brandeis. I want to make sure it is around forever.

James Finney-Conlon ’16, Heller MPP’18
James Finney-Conlon ’16, Heller MPP’18

Alumni Club of Southern California, President

Los Angeles, California
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Senior Public Policy Manager, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Professor AOKO

Favorite Place on Campus: Louis Brandeis Statue

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Pulling an all-nighter and watching the sunrise from the top of the castle my freshman year with a bunch of friends.

I volunteer because Brandeis is my home away from home and I want to help ensure the institution supports upcoming students so they feel they can truly grow while studying at Brandeis.

Zoe Hertz ’20
Zoe Hertz ’20

Alumni Club of Northern California, Co-President

Berkeley, California
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Co-founder and Teacher at Spokes on a Wheel

Favorite Brandeis Professor: I loved many of my professors, but Hannah Snyder is who I want to highlight. Her Developmental Cognitive Psychology class was so impressive that I ended up going to work at her lab for a year and a half!

Favorite Place on Campus: I seriously can't pick! There are so many places on that campus that I loved - SCC comfy chairs, DCL office snack closet, my senior Mod, the peace room, and the second level of Mandel being a few of my favorites.

Favorite Brandeis Memory: In my sophomore and junior years, I would finish class on Fridays by midday, and I would spend the afternoon bopping between different friends' dorms, eating and chatting. This tradition is one that will always be precious to me.

I volunteer because I loved my experience with Brandeis! It turned out to be exactly the right place for me in a way that grew over time. I was able to explore all of my academic and out-of-classroom interests and follow the ones that turned into passions. It brought me my fiancé, a few best friends, and a social community that continues to grow and flourish to this day. It exposed me to a way of life that is brimming with curiosity and a deep sense of purpose. It connected me to an alumni community that is full of hope and positivity for the future and continues to have excitement at getting to spend time with other Brandeis alumni, whether they graduated in 1952 or 2023. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with people in my age group who went to over 100 different colleges and universities. Very few people feel the way about their alma maters as I find Brandeis people do. I want to help preserve the optimism and enthusiasm that already exists in the Brandeis community and help steer it through modernity as the community, and its needs, continue to change.

Dmitry Isenberg ’97
Dmitry Isenberg ’97

Alumni Club of Connecticut, President

Hartford, Connecticut
Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation, Inc.
Howard Jeruchimowitz ’94, P’23
Howard Jeruchimowitz ’94, P’23

Alumni Club of Chicago, President

Chicago, Illinois
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Shareholder Attorney, Greenberg Traurig

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Jeffrey Abramson, Thomas Doherty, Stephen Whitfield, PhD’72

Favorite Place on Campus: The Justice office, The Stein, Cholmondleys, the Mods

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Late night with my fellow justice editors putting out The Justice each week, living with my suitemates especially in Ziv and the Mods, watching the Celtics play in Gosman.

I volunteer because I want to give back to the university that gave me so much. To better alumni relations and student interaction with the school.

Steven H. Levine ’90
Steven H. Levine ’90

Alumni Club of Greater Boston, Co-President

Acton, Massachusetts
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Principal/Economic Consultant, The Brattle Group

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Professor Barney Schwalberg. He made an economics major out of me.

Favorite Place on Campus: On top of the hill at Fellows Garden, in front of the statue of Justice Brandeis, where I proposed to my wife.

Favorite Brandeis Memory: As a member of the Orientation ’89 core committee, interviewed Sara Pollak ’92 for a volunteer position. I married her in 1996!

I volunteer because Brandeis was the best gift my parents ever gave me and I loved my time on campus from 1986-1990. I want to spread my enthusiasm for Brandeis to others and hope it rubs off on them.

Ji Yun Lee ’11
Ji Yun Lee ’11

Alumni Club of New York City, Co-President

New York, New York
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Executive Director & Chief of Staff, Condé Nast

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Professor Coiner

Favorite Place on Campus: Rose Art Museum

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Rehearsing and performing with Voices of Soul A Cappella Group

I volunteer because, during my time at Brandeis, I had the privilege of being immersed in an environment that prides itself on educational excellence and engaging in various enriching activities that left a lasting impression. The most significant aspect of my time at Brandeis was the relationships I formed with lifelong friends and mentors. Their guidance and support have played an instrumental role in shaping my personal and professional growth. I am forever grateful for the community that Brandeis fostered and am delighted to have an opportunity to give back.

Edgar Ndjatou ’06
Edgar Ndjatou ’06

Alumni Club of Washington, DC, President

Washington, DC
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Owner/Principal, Officium, LLC

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Professor Ibrahim Sundiatta

Favorite Place on Campus: Shapiro Student Center

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Planning and participating in the annual Posse Plus retreats as a Posse Scholar on campus.

I volunteer because Brandeis continues to be an important part of my life. My connection to Brandeis has given me a community of lifelong friends who inspire me to be at my best. This gift that Brandeis has given me makes it an easy decision to give back to the university.

Ivan Ponieman ’14
Ivan Ponieman ’14

Alumni Club of South Florida, President

Miami, Florida
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Vice President, I Squared Capital

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Mike Coiner - Economics

Favorite Place on Campus: The Mods

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Hard to pick just one! Perhaps moving into The Village as a Midyear Freshman in January of 2011.

I volunteer because Brandeis changed my life. Volunteering is my way to give back and to stay connected to such a wonderful place and community. And because it's a lot of fun!

Ariella S. Raviv ’09, GSAS MA’11
Ariella S. Raviv ’09, GSAS MA’11

Alumni Club of Israel, President

Tel Aviv, Israel
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Manager, Lis Ventures LLC

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Rick Alterman

Favorite Place on Campus: The coffee shop at IBS (because it had better coffee).

Favorite Brandeis Memory: When then-president Jehuda Reinharz, PhD’72, HHL’11 stopped me on the sidewalk to tell me my backpack was open (and then he zipped it up for me).

I volunteer because Brandeis is making the world a better place, and I want to be a part of that journey.

Hanna Switlekowski ’13
Hanna Switlekowski ’13

Alumni Club of Greater Boston, Co-President

Sharon, Massachusetts
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Jonathan D. Sarna ’75, MA’75

Favorite Place on Campus: Mandel Humanities Center, I loved studying outside on the deck with friends and watching the changing light colors at night. It was such a cool addition to campus!

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Spending Friday night Shabbat with my friends. Each week, we’d get dressed up, some of us would go off to services, either BUCO or Baruch, and then we all would gather for dinner in Upper Sherman, & take up usually an entire table. I loved our conversations and hearing the entire community also join in song. After dinner, my friends & I would hang out, play games, watch a movie and sometimes bake!

I volunteer because Brandeis is not just a University to me, but a community for life, which has fostered close friendships, mentors, and the special bond of alumni. It’s important to me to give back to the place that shaped my academic & professional career. The alumni board community is also such a fun, diverse group of Brandeisians whom I continue to learn from all the time.

Zhichu (Sean) Xiang, IBS MA’09
Zhichu (Sean) Xiang, IBS MA’09

Alumni Club of Shanghai, Co-President

Shanghai, China
Co-founder/Vice President of Strategy, HOUMO.AI
Reed Zukerman ’13
Reed Zukerman ’13

Alumni Club of New York Region, Co-President

New York, New York
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Senior Director, Retail Leasing, Tishman Speyer

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Professor Bayone

Favorite Place on Campus: Shapiro Campus Center

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Fall and Mid-Year Orientation! I loved being an Orientation Leader

I volunteer because I love staying connected with Brandeis University and continuing to spearhead initiatives to drive interest and support back-to-campus programming and student connections.

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Committee Chairs

Alyssa I. Sanders ’89
Alyssa Iris Sanders ’89

Alumni Weekend Committee Chair

Kensington, Maryland
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Director of Advocacy, EveryMind

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Christine Heyrman - she was an American history professor and remains a good friend to this day.

Favorite Place on Campus: I loved the backwoods area by where Sachar was (is?)

Favorite Brandeis Memory: We had a great Tropics Night in Levin Ballroom, dancing all night in shorts and leis and it snowed outside!!! So after the dance ended we all ended up traying down the hill by the libraries, many of us still in our shorts and leis. (Not me though...brrr)

I volunteer because my time at Brandeis was some of the best years of my life. Volunteering provides me with an awesome opportunity to remain connected and help to connect others.

Non-Voting Member

Noah Prawer ’01
Noah Prawer ’01
New York, New York
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Global Head of Products and Benefits, American Express