Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

Connecting Across Generations: Alumni and Students Network at Annual Dinner

January 2, 2025

Dinner saw over 100 alumni and students mingling and swapping career advice.

Energy buzzed through the room at the fourth annual ‘Deis Dinner as over 100 students and alumni joined together for an evening of networking and lively conversation.

The dinner is a flagship event for Brandeis’ Rise Together Mentor Network, which connects students starting their careers with alumni representing companies ranging from tech startups to non-profits. Some alumni were new to the event, while others were veteran attendees. The Hiatt Career Center and Brandeis Alumni Association co-hosted the event.

Amid the conversation, we took the chance to ask attendees – whether networking newcomers or industry titans eager to share insights -- what their biggest takeaway from the evening had been.

Shota Adamia ’15

Shota Adamia, an investment banking associate director at UBS, highlighted the power of Brandeis’ alumni network in shaping and advancing careers in a rousing keynote speech that set the tone for the rest of the night.

He credited Brandeis with setting him on the path to where he is today.

“At Brandeis, you find help,” he said. “At Brandeis, you find support. That's what we're here for. Please don't be strangers -- just reach out to other Brandeis alumni.”

Zoe Brown ’17

Zoe Brown, an administrative and database coordinator at the Harvard Kennedy School, said the powerful alumni network within the Brandeis community helped her as she began her career after graduation.

She is now paying it forward by volunteering with Hiatt Career Center to help prepare students to network effectively at career fairs. It’s a role that gives her a lot of meaning and reminds her of why she is proud to be a Brandeisian.

“Everybody holds a door open for everybody else in the Brandeis community,” she said.

Gary “Sundance” Clay ’80

Gary “Sundance” Clay, an actor, writer, and public speaker, believes that alumni can play a role in helping students explore career opportunities and navigate the post-graduation world.

“Students have access to a much greater level of professional support than when I went to Brandeis,” he said. As a member of the Alumni Board, he strives to strengthen that support and encourage students to take advantage of it.

Steven Greenfield ’79

Steven Greenfield was in high demand among students. He is chairman of Commonwealth Toy and Novelty Co., an industry stalwart that partners with high-profile brands like Paw Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

His biggest advice to students: Take advantage of every opportunity at Brandeis, do internships, and meet new people.

He recognizes that the students in the room–mostly freshmen and sophomores–are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives.

“It’s difficult because they’re so young and inexperienced,” Greenfield said. “But there’s also so much potential.”

Tara Powell ’28

It was Tara Powell’s first time networking, and she was thankful to have access to alumni from multiple STEM fields as she sought to nail down her career goals. A first-year student, she plans to major in biology.

“I just really want to start these connections here and hopefully continue them on LinkedIn,” she said.

Primarily geared toward first-and-second year students, the dinner is, in part, an introduction to the world of networking for them.

“Even if I don’t meet anyone for the long-term, It’s going to help me get better at networking and meeting people,” said Oliver Geiss ‘28.

Ji Yun Lee ’11, IBS MA’12

Ji Yun Lee, vice president of creative at Condé Nast, found it energizing to talk with the students at the event.

As a mentor, she frequently helps current students navigate what they learned at Brandeis to propel themselves in the workspace.

“I think we’re here to help them connect the dots,” she said.

Jordan Medved ’28

Jordan Medved wants to work in government, and he’s already gained some valuable experience in his field. In the crucial days before the 2024 election, he took a break from his studies to knock on doors for a Maine congressional candidate, who ultimately won a razor-thin victory.

He understands that networking will be crucial as he pursues a political internship this summer, so he appreciated the networking practice he gained at the dinner.

Want to get involved?

Interested in becoming a mentor or offering career guidance? Join the Rise Together program on B Connect, Brandeis’ online networking and mentorship hub.