Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

Zoraida Ibarra ’23 wasn’t always certain she’d complete her degree, but her family and Brandeis community were always there to support her along the way. The anthropology and psychology major shared a moment with her parents.

“I’ve had so many obstacles these last 4 years. There were many times of doubt, but my family preached the importance of being here,” she said. “Brandeis helped me rediscover the desire to be curious and showed me how to step into the classroom with pride.”

Krupa Sourirajan ’23, a neuroscience and biology major, snapped photos with friends Nadia Romanazzi ’23 and Celia Wu-Hacohen ’23. 

“Being at Brandeis made me try new things outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “All of my opportunities took me to places I didn't even think to experience.” 

When Eunice Adjei, Heller MA’23 told friends and family in Ghana about her experiences at Brandeis, they were inspired. Five of her acquaintances from back home will be enrolling at Brandeis soon, she said. Adjei felt bittersweet about leaving Brandeis but is already looking to return.

“I’m hoping to attend Heller again for my Ph.D.,” she said. “But I’ll be back soon. I have five friends from Ghana that will be attending Brandeis this fall.”

Sander Cohen-Janes ’23 (far right) posed for photos with classmates (from left) Mikal Kizilbash ’23, Mattie Doherty ’23, Adam Schrier ’23, and Abi Zuber ’23 inside Gosman. As an annual tradition among members of their club, the MAD Band gave them matching hats to adorn their caps.

Despite the feelings of nervousness and excitement in the air, Cohen-Janes is confident in his future. The chemistry major will be pursuing a Ph.D. at Yale University.

“I discovered more about myself and became more confident at Brandeis,” he said. “I built a strong foundation that will be helpful in any field.”

Adrian Koretsky ’23 (right) and Vidisha Jha ’23 will be parting ways after graduation, but their friendship won’t soon be forgotten.

“Brandeis helped us create friendships with classmates and alumni along the way,” Korestsky said, "I’m confident that these connections will last a lifetime."

Ronunique Clark and Jennifer Cañas, graduates of the Heller School’s master’s program, were looking forward to the big event. For Cañas, it’s a special day for her whole family. They will be traveling from El Salvador to see her walk the stage on Commencement day.

“My grandmother, who just completed her high school degree, will be attending this weekend. She plans to continue attending school to become a teacher,” said Cañas. “She inspires me in everything I do. It’s going to mean a lot for her to see me graduate.”

Completing her undergraduate degree in 2020, Clark was one of the many graduates who didn’t get their pomp and circumstance.

“I’m excited for my family to finally see me get to walk the stage,” she said.

For Ashley Moushegian ’23, Commencement will be her first graduation with classmates. The psychology major was homeschooled before attending Brandeis. She fell in love with her clinical research program and the tight-knit community she found among friends.

“I love that Brandeis is big enough for me to explore every interest but small enough that I can walk around and know everyone I see on campus,” said Moushegian. “I found my own little community.”