Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends
All Brandeisian Stories
Brandeisians are remarkable.
They’re making a difference in the worlds of science, literature, arts and entertainment, public policy and various other fields — and they’re doing so in service to others, boosting a culture of generosity at the same time that they are repairing the world. Here are a some of their stories. Read them and get inspired.
Browse Stories by Type
All Stories
Odenheimer is one of three alumni who have graduated in the last ten years who are being honored as a BOLD Rising Star.
Massefski is one of three alumni who have graduated in the last ten years who are being honored as a BOLD Rising Star.
Moyal is one of three alumni who have graduated in the last ten years who are being honored as a BOLD Rising Star.
In recognition of Pride Month, the chair of Middlesex County, New Jersey’s LGBTQIA+ Community Caucus shares why representation is so important.
Her second annual restaurant week celebrates Asian community, culture, and food.
Alumni and friends help make career exploration and preparation possible for Brandeis students.
Bruce Litwer ‘61 and his wife Vicki want to create a ripple of new opportunities for students who need financial aid.
Joy and passion, fueled by a relentless work ethic. That’s the trademark vibe of actor John-Andrew Morrison.
Alan Rosenberg ’74, P’07, first conceptualized a campus tavern as an election campaign promise. A half century later, it’s still a uniquely Brandeisian jewel.
Faced with a moral dilemma, Nathan Cohen ’77 created new technology to negate one of his own inventions
To mark Brandeis' 75th anniversary, Athletics Hall of Fame alumni share the impact the university has had on their lives.
At Georgia’s Global Village Project, Edber oversees schooling for young girls whose families have fled persecution around the world
The new course will center health and well-being in the conversation around climate change.
Meet newest Alumni Association President Amy Cohen ’85.
New MBTA board chair Thomas Glynn, Heller MSW’72, PhD’77, talks reliability and rider safety.
Richard Rosenberg, former CEO of Bank of America and benefactor to the International Business School, is remembered.
Maya Sigel ’04 speaks about her time at Brandeis, the art of production design and her new project, "Hello Tomorrow!."
Meyers shares what a day in her life looks like as the Director of Canadian Affairs with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as some Brandeis memories.
Her voice has taken her from NPR’s airwaves to a cameo performance in a best picture nominee.
Elizabeth Alexander ’67 gives back in honor of cherished faculty mentor.
In this second installment from his book "Overruled Mr. Bernstein! Sometimes Down But Never Out," Jules Bernstein ’57 remembers a few of the great minds at Brandeis who influenced his life.
Jules Bernstein ’57 cements his Brandeis legacy with a new bequest. And in a new collection of personal essays, the labor lawyer reflects on Brandeis’ early years, and his own.
Yael Buechler ’07 and her business Midrash Manicures make the perfect gifts for the holiday season. Her hair scrunchies were a favorite of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Former prosecutor Jeremy Hamburgh ’04 is the founder of My Best Social Life, helping young adults with autism find love and friendship.
New Alumni Board member Gary “Sundance” Clay ’80 has a driving mission: nurturing relationships.
This Brandeisian lineage has deep roots.
Members of the Coburn family, whose allegiance to Brandeis is seven alumni strong, share what Brandeis means to them and why they give back.
New gathering space on campus honors the memory of Barbra Barth Feldman ’86.
Actress and podcaster Michelle Miller '11, recounts a captivating and emotional evening watching “A Strange Loop” with fellow alumni.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we take a look back at the on-campus community and activism led by Hispanic students in the early 1970s.
Aviva Davis '21 writes about intersectionality, battling prejudice, and "continuing to promote essential conversations" about antisemitism and racism.
Journalist and publisher Peter Osnos ’64 looks back on a transformative trip to Mississippi to meet with civil rights pioneers.
Civil rights attorney Laura Wolf ’08 is giving Brandeis students opportunities her grandmother didn't have.
Unexpected DNA test results send an only child on a search for her extended “bamily.”
Fellow alumni and theater colleagues John-Andrew Morrison ’95 and Rachel Peters ’99 discuss how their Brandeis connection evolved into a working relationship and friendship as they navigate careers in the theater.
In the cut-throat entertainment industry Josh Gondelman is known for being the nice guy of comedy.
Students Alexander Wicken ’23 and Daphne Ballesteros ’24 discuss the benefits of peer mentorship and why it's inspired by Brandeis values.
Jennifer Post ’86 empowers queer entrepreneurs to become leaders in business.
Jiahuan “Green” Xia ’15 is bridging cultural divides while building a streetwear empire.
A Westchester-based book club that includes several Brandeis alumnae, reflects on over 50 years together.
A tenacious Gerry Guttell ’60, P’86, G’22 pays it forward.
In honor of National Poetry Month, we celebrate Elisa New ’80, who brings poetry to the masses with a pop-culture twist.
Behind the notorious trial of Leo Frank in 1915 and the letters and archives held by Brandeis that help to tell his story.
The story behind the founding and purpose of the Brandeis National Committee in the 1940s.
How the efforts of the Brandeis National Committee are evolving to meet the current needs of the university.
After heading off to dental school post-Brandeis, Daniel Levine ’94 pivoted to becoming a performer and now heads to the Grammys as a nominee.
As the head of passenger operations at Ukrzaliznytsia – Ukrainian Railways – Oleksandr Pertsovsky ’10 i is one of the people keeping Ukraine moving.
Elana Hagler ’02 was chosen to honor the first American woman astronaut in a unique form - the US quarter.
A forward-thinking Black Indian Brandeisian excavates his past and comes full circle, back to the Rose Art Museum.
Retired businessman Bob Mallet established the Robert and Toni Mallet Endowed Scholarship with a $1 million gift. The scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduate business students who have a commitment to the Jewish community.
Physicist extraordinaire, Deborah Berebichez ’96, is celebrated in a Smithsonian exhibition honoring 120 female scientists this Women's History Month.
Lizzy Topper ’21 and her experience at Brandeis inspired her parents to support the university's accessibility efforts.
Co-founder of the advocacy group the Breasties, Brianna Majsiak ’16 supports people dealing with breast cancer throughout their journey.
A member of the national volunteer network Team Rubicon, Laura Block ’91 helps people rebound after a disaster.
Former Facebook engineer Sahar Massachi ’11, GSAS MA’12, is leading a high-profile group of tech experts trying to fix the social internet.
Erica Rabner ’13 and her filmmaker husband put together a not-your-average wedding video. It's narrated by their 90-year-old Jewish grandmothers. Just in time for Valentine's Day.
This award-winning alumna brings Brandeisian values to the world's largest retailer.
Actor and podcast host Michelle Miller ’11 says versatility is the key to any creative journey.
In a powerful new book, Anita Hill describes the true costs and consequences of gender-based violence.
Paula García, MA SID’13, is taking a people-first approach to solving the climate crisis.
Heller alumni are advancing health equity from every angle.
Yoni Battat discovered the oud as a teenager and has been in love with Arabic music ever since.
Brandeis student William Kevorkian ’23 interviews inspiring alumni for his WBRS radio show.
The subject of a recent documentary, Pauli Murray was a pioneer of law, social justice and gender identity, at Brandeis and worlds beyond.
A successful field project at Brandeis International Business School helped Elan Kawesch ’20, MA’21 land a full-time job with a tech startup.
David Allon '81 talks about his father's life and the process of writing his memoir.
Members of the Alumni Club of Chicago were recently treated to a unique - and tasty - theater production by Amy Rubenstein ’00 .
Since his time at Brandeis, Donald Soffer ’54 has realized his business vision and inspired students that have come after him.
As the hospital's director of spiritual care, Harris helps kids and families withstand the trials of hospitalization and serves as a supportive advocate for young patients like Spencer Raifman.
With the creation of the Baruchowitz Family Fellowship for Dysautonomia Research, Brandeis Neuroscience Professor Susan Birren will aim to broaden understanding of a chronic, sometimes debilitating, condition that’s often misdiagnosed.
More than 100 alumni volunteers answered the call when Prof. Ed Bayone set up virtual networking opportunities for his students during the pandemic. “You never know what connections you might create,” says Allan Volf ’15, MA ’16.
For scholarship recipient Peter Agaba, MA’20, a lifelong passion for learning led him to Brandeis. Now he’s giving back to his home village in Uganda by supporting the next generation of students
Klodeta Janaqi’s childhood dream of studying in the U.S. was out of reach. Then the Peter Petri Global Fellowship changed everything. “Donors should know they are making many people’s dreams come true,” says the MBA’21 graduate.
Natasha Frye ’14 honors her indigenous heritage through her work and her art.
The late Professor Robert Stevenson “was pivotal in my life,” says Elaine Yamaguchi ’71. She hopes the fund will provide career guidance as well as support for research.
Daniel Estrin ’06, NPR's Jerusalem bureau chief, helps Americans understand the complexity — and the possibilities — of the Middle East.
Artist Amelie de Cirfontaine ’18 covers storefronts on the streets of San Francisco with joyful color.
Michael Horowitz ’84, inspector general of the U.S. Department of Justice, is committed to truth, even unto its innermost parts.
Classically-trained pianist Benjamin Schore ’56 had success in real estate and a long-standing commitment to the arts.
Angela Self ’22 is researching why so many young Americans are leaving Christianity behind.
Journalist Elizabeth Bruenig ’13 peers into the human condition’s dark corners to explore sin, guilt and evil.
Matthew Ginsburg and Joanna Fung, parents of Anna Ginsburg ’21, honor her grandparents and their reverence for education with a gift to Brandeis.
Jazz bassist Chuck Israels ’59 reflects on a career playing with legends, the current state of jazz and his time at Brandeis.
Prince Charles Alexander ’79 has played many starring roles in the music world.
Proud alumni Ira and Nancy Shapiro, both Class of 1969, support Brandeis to honor all that makes the university great.
Health-conscious entrepreneur Michael Shoretz ’09 enjoys the sweet taste of success.
Former Traquina Scholar Shekeyla Caldwell Sandore ’14 turned her childhood experience into a children's book to promote diversity and inclusion.
As one of few out trans rabbis in the United States, alum Lily Solochek ’11 shares their perspectives on recent anti-trans legislation and violence.
2021 marks signature anniversaries of several commencements, including one that became a sing-along.
Exceptional graduates of Waltham High School express gratitude to the Stroum Family Foundation for the opportunity to attend Brandeis with full scholarships
Scott Feinberg ’08, awards columnist at The Hollywood Reporter, knows a thing or two about winning and losing.
In her Instagram account Nail the Cocktail, Claudiane Philippe ’13, MA’14, combines an interest in cool libations with a passion for social change.
Ariana Boltax ’14 helps vets learn how to communicate with grieving clients.
Up at bat: Amelia Schimmel ’08, public-address announcer for the Oakland Athletics.
Alex Goldstein ’06 uses his Twitter account @FacesOfCOVID to remember lives ended by the coronavirus.
The scion of a progressive-politics family, Lily Adams ’09 has made her own way as a Democratic Party operative through smarts, moxie and, occasionally, sharp elbows.
The alumni of the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program hail the impact it had on their lives.
Bela (Apparao) Labovitch ’87, P’17 is making a difference in the tech world and is attracting more young women to do the same.
Chari Smith, PhD’89 found that enthusiasm for science was contagious during her time at Brandeis.