Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends
Brandeis Beacons
As student ambassadors, the Brandeis Beacons inspire Brandeis pride and spirit while fostering a culture of belonging, community and support for Brandeis among fellow students and alumni.
The Beacons are the faces of Brandeis, champions of all that make Brandeis what it is: a community dedicated to intellectual growth and inquiry, social justice and service, athletic competition, artistic expression and inclusivity. The Beacons take part in a range of activities, including:
- Hosting alumni speakers and alumni engagement activities
- Serving on student panels
- Bolstering philanthropic support for Brandeis
Since the group's founding in 2014, the Beacons have been active in various university organizations, assisting the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association Board of Directors; playing leadership roles in Kindness Day, Alumni Weekend, the Student Union and the Senior Class Gift Committee; and serving as orientation leaders, Admissions tour guides and Phonathon callers.
The 2020-21 Beacons are excited to continue their work as Brandeis student ambassadors and spirit-leaders.
2020-21 Team Leaders

Team Leader, Membership
My name is Emma Black and I am from Worcester, MA. I am a biology major on the premedical track and aside from being a member of the Brandeis Beacons, I am a teaching assistant for organic chemistry. I am also the fly-half for the Brandeis Women’s Rugby Club on campus. I am extremely excited to be leading the membership team this year and see what is in store for the Beacons for Fall 2020!
Team Leader, Philanthropy
Hey everyone! My name is Rachel McAllister and I am a senior from North Carolina. I am majoring in film with a minor in economics. I will be your philanthropy team leader this year. Let’s make it a wonderful year!

Team Leader, Community Engagement
Hi, y’all, my name is Ysabel and I am a senior from California studying HSSP & environmental studies. Aside from being a Beacon, I work with BTW and am the president of the Brandeis Mountain Club. I’m stoked to be working with the community engagement team this year!
Team Leader, Communications
Hey everyone! My name is Cyril Ojilere. I am a senior at Brandeis, majoring in biology. I am a Nigerian-American from the Bronx, NY. The things I like to do for fun are hanging out with friends, reading, and listening to music. I am serving as the communications team leader this year in the Beacons. I’m so excited for you to see what the Brandeis Beacons has planned for this year.
2020-21 Beacons
Andrew Baxter ’21
Sharona Bellin ’21
Emma Black ’22
Gabi Burkholz ’21
Harrison Carter ’22
Jess Daniel ’22
Laura Grunenkovaite ’22
Maggie Hastings ’22
Haoxuan Hou ’22
Isha Jha ’22
Rebecca Levinson ’22
Rachel McAllister ’21
Ysabel Munoz ’21
Cyril Ojilere ’21
Janet Orozco ’21
Jonah Sanders ’22
Angela Self ’22
Justin Sohn ’22
Rebecka Sokoloff ’22
Tamara Tarwoe ’21
Events
This year, the Beacons’ traditional on-campus events must be reimagined for the health and safety of our community. Events will either be postponed or virtualized unless otherwise specified.
The Beacons' three marquee events—Beaconnected, Deiscream! and Hoops for Help—focus on alumni engagement, social life and wellness, and philanthropic support.