Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

Officers

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.

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Gordon Fellman

Favorite Place on Campus: Perlman

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Seeing The Opening of Misty Beethoven as a freshman. Everyone watching Luke and Laura’s wedding. All of the Senior Week activities and graduation. Being able to walk into my favorite professors’ offices to just talk.

I volunteer because I credit Brandeis for bringing out the best in me in so many ways. Volunteering is the least I can do to repay what I got out of my four years.

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.

Members-at-Large

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.

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.

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 basketball injury and being on crutches for months. Appreciation for 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 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.

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Just one? Schwalberg, Bernstein, Keiler -- the list is long.

Favorite Place on Campus: Roaming the basement stacks of the library (while procrastinating, of course).

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Seriously? Spring Break, Cancun, senior year.

I volunteer to support an institution that took a chance on me and shaped me; and routinely demonstrates unwavering support for the pursuit of truth, academic excellence, and social justice.

Favorite Place on Campus: Usdan

Favorite Brandeis Memory: My roommates

I volunteer because I love Brandeis!

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Lynette Bosch

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. 

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 support our current and future students as well as fellow alums, who all call this university our home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Representatives

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.

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.

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Jerry Cohen

Favorite Place on Campus: WBRS and the Justice offices.

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Weekly overnight sports talk radio show with JJ Berney, Chris Shea, Jonathan Berkowitz (among others) and intramural basketball.

I volunteer because I loved my time at Brandeis and want to help alumni engage and show their passion for the school.

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.

Presidential Appointees

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.

Favorite Brandeis Professor: David Hackett Fischer

Favorite Place on Campus: Chumley's

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Any given weekend, being with my friends.

I volunteer because I love Brandeis and feel that it shaped who I am. My hope is to give back to the institution.

Club Presidents

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Laura Goldin

Favorite Place on Campus: Slosberg’s many rehearsal rooms

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Hours spent in Slosberg rehearsing vocals (and having a blast together) with the Rather be Giraffes a cappella group!

I volunteer because Brandeis was a formative time in my life, and reminds me how far I’ve come because of the people who influenced me here.

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.

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.

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!

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Sarah Lamb

Favorite Place on Campus: Einstein Bros in the campus center

My Favorite Brandeis Memory: My roommate bought me a pair of earmuffs because I was from California and utterly unequipped to deal with the weather!

I volunteer because I have always enjoyed bringing people together and building community. First, as a resident assistant in college and now as a party planner, creating fun and engaging programming that adds meaning to peoples' lives is my biggest goal. My time at Brandeis showed me what a special community it is, and I appreciate the education and experiences it gave to me, so I'd like to give back and think that this is a fitting way for me to do that.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Nominating Committee

Ex-Officio