Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

Across the Generations: How an Unlikely Friendship Blossomed Between a 1952 Alum and a Current Student

March 7, 2025

Max Perlitsh ’52 and Izzy Kim ’27 have plenty to share with one another despite being from classes 75 years apart.

On a rainy night last spring, Izzy Kim ’27 was studying for finals in the Shapiro Campus Center, while the Alumni Board was hosting a nearby ice cream social to connect students with alumni.  Curious about the university’s history, she decided to take a break from her studies to check out the event.

“I had always wanted to know more about the Castle,” she said. “Here I was in a room full of alumni, so I started asking if anyone had lived there.”  

Lewis Brooks ’80, P’16 — a former Alumni Association president, long-time volunteer, and photographer of all things Brandeis — overheard her questions. Wanting to help, he offered to connect Kim with Max Perlitsh ’52, a friend and member of the first-ever graduating class. Perlitsh lived in the Castle in 1948, and Brooks knew he would surely be able to answer all of Kim’s questions. And thus, a cross-generational friendship was born.

Kim and Perlitsh have since met on Zoom; gotten together in person; including for a dinner at Perlitsh’s home outside Boston, and become good friends. They’ve discussed everything from travel and Beethoven to cell biology, inflammation in the body, and the importance of observing the world around you. And along the way, they’ve built a bond that connects the university’s earliest days to its present. 

A new friendship is born

Upon connecting, the pair quickly found common ground. For starters, they each majored in science, Perlitsh in biology and Kim in chemistry. They share a love of history and a natural curiosity that aligns perfectly with Brandeis’ motto: “Truth Even Unto Its Innermost Parts.” They believe that learning requires continuous exploration and a commitment to the truth, whether in the pursuit of social justice, engineering, or medical advances. 

“I was struck by his intellect and perfect memory. He was so charming and kind,” said Kim. “I knew the relationship we were building was special. I grew up without grandparents, and I feel so lucky to find so much in common despite the generations between us. Max challenges me to look at things differently and think about our wildly different yet very connected paths.”

Perlitsh shared with Kim how he would get Saldi’s pizza and watch Sid Caesar on the “big” TV in the common room at the Castle on Sunday nights. Kim shared her  love of Springfest, when “academically committed Brandeisians finally let loose to have a little fun.”

Perlitsh is amazed that Kim has available to her the Cryo-Electron Microscope, offering the most cutting-edge microscopy. Kim would give anything to have a Chumley’s or the old wishing well.

As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Seven decades later, Brandeis continues to provide an excellent education and remains faithful to its founding principles. 

“Max and Izzy are from classes 75 years apart. Seeing them connect was one of the most heartwarming and enjoyable exchanges I had ever witnessed,” said Brooks. “I honestly got chills listening to them talk.” 

Lending a Helping Hand

One of 107 students to enroll at Brandeis in 1948, Perlitsh has been a presence on campus from the literal start. He recalls, with admiration and a measure of astonishment that comes with age, how a group of teenagers took a chance on Brandeis, helping it to become the academic leader it is today. 

Invoking the Jewish expression Tikkun Olam, which means to “repair the world,” Perlitsh says mentoring Kim toward an impactful career in science that holds promise for the future of society is just one way that he can give back to Brandeis and to the world. 

“As Izzy moves into her critical third year, she will be making important decisions about her future,” said Perlitsh. “I am ready to help in whatever way I can.”