Advance, Fall 2016

fall 2016

inform. inspire. engage.

THE

BRANDEIS EQUATION

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W E L C O M E GREETINGS FROM BRANDEIS

WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL ISSUE OF OUR NEW institutional advancement magazine.

We named this biannual publication Advance to underscore the impact that fundraising has had in building and sustaining Brandeis, and to emphasize the important role that it will play in our future success.

We synchronized Advance’s launch with the arrival of President Ron Liebowitz, a successful and experienced leader who was named one of country’s top 10 college presidents by Time magazine during his time at Middlebury. I have delighted in seeing the warm welcome that Ron has received from our community, as more than 800 alumni and friends came out to meet him at events in New York and Boston.

Ron’s arrival begins a new chapter at Brandeis, while we maintain our focus on the ideals of our University’s founding — a Jewish-sponsored, non-sectarian institution that combines liberal-arts study with top-notch research and is committed to educating all talented students.

As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we are proud that more than two-thirds of Brandeis students receive financial aid.

In the pages of Advance, we will share the stories of our diverse donor community who make the Brandeis ideal possible through their generosity, and explore their own compelling reasons for supporting our University. In this first issue, we are proud to highlight three students and two young alumni who were able to attend Brandeis because of scholarships provided by donors.

Whether you support financial aid for students; make an online gift every year to provide for your favorite club or team; or give to an endowed chair to ensure Brandeis can attract and retain our world-renowned professors, please know that every gift helps us secure the future of the University.

I hope you enjoy reading Advance and learning more about the impact that donors have had on Brandeis.

Nancy Winship P’10, P’13 Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement

know that every gift “Please helps us secure the future

”

of the University.

giving.brandeis.edu

IN THIS ISSUE

GIFT FOR HILLEL: New challenge grants to support Hillel and the vibrancy of Jewish life at Brandeis. Story on page 12.

2 Innermost Parts Ron Liebowitz inaugurated as ninth Brandeis president.

4 In Their Own Words Alumni and friends explain why they support Brandeis.

giving.brandeis.edu

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The Brandeis Equation Three members of the Class of 2017 and two young alumni share their own Brandeis Equations, the elements that come together to provide students a life-changing educational experience. For each of them – and for two-thirds of the Brandeis student body – scholarship support makes the difference.

Making a Difference

14 Faces

16 Brandeisians of the Last Decade (Bold) Jacob Abrams

17 Today & Tomorrow Fall 2016 ADVANCE

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I N N E R M O S T PA R T S NEWS FROM CAMPUS

Kanarek named to lead trustees Larry Kanarek ’76

was elected chair of the Brandeis Board of Trustees, only the third alumnus to lead the University’s governing board. He replaces Perry M. Traquina ’78, who concluded a three-year term as board chair in May. Kanarek spent 34 years with McKinsey & Company, the global management-consulting firm, before retiring in 2014. He is currently a private consultant.

“It’s a privilege to have one more way to give back to this

New Leadership: Ron Liebowitz with Jon Davis ’75, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, and Larry Kanarek ’76, board chair

‘Reignite the flame of our mission’

In his inaugural address, Ron Liebowitz emphasizes Jewish roots, openness, academic excellence and knowledge creation Ron Liebowitz, former president of Middlebury College, was inaugurated the ninth president of Brandeis on Nov. 3.

In his inaugural address, he emphasized Brandeis’ Jewish roots and openness to all, as well as its commitment to academic excellence in the liberal arts and world-class knowledge creation from its outstanding faculty. Liebowitz also called for a new era of transparency, decisiveness and accountability in governance and administration at Brandeis.

“Brandeis is a young institution, boldly conceived, intent on carrying on the great traditions

of learning at the highest levels of rigor and meaning, with a moral conviction for inclusion and justice,” Liebowitz told the crowd at the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center. “In a world challenged by intolerance and ignorance, and burdened by disregard and disdain for learnedness, reason and inquiry, this University has a special role to play, just as it did when it was founded 68 years ago.”

He called for the University to expand educational opportunities to gifted students from groups that have long faced prejudice in American society;

provide an environment in which all students feel respected and supported; and ensure that students of all Jewish backgrounds can thrive at Brandeis.

Liebowitz concluded: “We have a great opportunity before us – an enormous opportunity – to get out in front of some of the big challenges facing higher education and lead, as we did in fighting anti-Semitism in 1948.

It is our charge, our opportunity now, to reignite the flame of our mission for a new generation.

I ask each of you today to join me in the big task ahead of us and our University.”

ONLINE: Watch President Liebowitz’s inaugural remarks at brandeis.edu/inauguration.

“It’s a privilege to have one more way to give back to this institution and community that mean more to me than any other.”

—LARRY KANAREK

institution and community that mean more to me than any other,” Kanarek says. “As Brandeis has done for so many other young people, its exceptional faculty, students and values changed the arc of my life.”

Georg Muzicant ’02, IBS MA’03, and Mindy Schneider ’75 were

elected to four-year terms on the board.

Muzicant serves as chief executive officer of Colliers International, a global real-estate brokerage based in Austria that his late grandfather founded in 1958.

Schneider is a former health-care executive in New York City and has been active in Brandeis alumni affairs for decades.

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Lipstadt wins Alumni Achievement Award Deborah Lipstadt, MA’72, PhD’76, the Emory University historian whose legal battle with Holocaust denier David Irving in 2000 was the basis for the movie “Denial,” received the 2016 Alumni Achievement Award.

President Ron Liebowitz presented Lipstadt with the award as part of a special screening on campus. The award recognizes alumni for distinguished contributions to their profession or chosen field of endeavor and is the highest honor the University bestows exclusively on alumni.

Groundbreaker: Eve Marder

Marder captures prestigious prize

Lofty Praise: Deborah Lipstadt and President Ron Liebowitz

Sarna named University Professor American Jewish historian Jonathan D. Sarna ’75, MA’75, was named a University Professor by the Board of Trustees, an honor that has been conferred on just a handful of faculty in Brandeis history.

Sarna, the Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, joined the Brandeis faculty in 1990. An acclaimed scholar and teacher, he has written or co-authored more than 30 books on Jewish history, and chaired the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies three times.

The title of University Professor is awarded to faculty members whose renown cuts across disciplinary boundaries, who have achieved exceptional scholarly or professional distinction within the academic community and whose appointment will enhance the University’s reputation.

Eve Marder ’69, the Victor and Gwendolyn Beinfield Professor of Neuroscience, received the renowned Kavli Prize in Neuroscience for her groundbreaking research on the nervous system.

Marder’s research on small neural circuits found in lobsters and crabs has revolutionized our understanding of the fundamental nature of neuronal circuit operation, including how neuromodulators control behavioral outputs and how the stability of circuits is maintained over time.

BY THE NUMBERS

MORE THAN

11,000 APPLY FOR CLASS OF

2020

Making History: Jonathan Sarna receives rare University honor.

giving.brandeis.edu

It’s harder than ever to gain admission to Brandeis.

Brandeis topped 11,000 applications for the Class of 2020, meaning that more than 13 high school students applied for each available spot in the class.

A total of 845 first-year students, hailing from 43 states and 30 countries, began their college journeys at Brandeis on Aug. 21.

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WHY WE I N T H E I R O W N W O R D S WHY THEY SUPPORT BRANDEIS

“WE GIVE TO BRANDEIS BECAUSE WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR WHAT BRANDEIS GAVE TO US! OUR HAPPY, POSITIVE, MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES MOTIVATE US TO STAY CONNECTED AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO STRENGTHENING BRANDEIS’ FUTURE. WE WANT BRANDEIS TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE TRANSFORMATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS FOR YEARS.” — HARVEY ’82 and MICHELE SILBER KAISH ’84

“I always give back to Brandeis because it has never stopped giving to me. Even now, and looking ahead, I desire to see the truth, even unto its innermost parts.”

— Matt Jennings ’09

“Brandeis provided me with a world-class education, my closest friendships and a drive to use my abilities to make the world better. I want to help students continue to have the opportunities that I was lucky to have.” — Zach Seeskin ’08 “We wanted to honor our late mother, Ellen Nathanson, who lived her life helping less fortunate people, and encouraged us to fully embrace Brandeis’ liberal arts education. Brandeis was essential in helping shape our lives and to establishing enduring friendships.” — Michael Nathanson ’85 & Steven Nathanson ’89

“My membership in the Brandeis National Committee has done more for me personally than I could ever repay. It’s an honor to be part of and supportive of this great institution. By leaving a bequest to Brandeis, I know that I can continue the BNC legacy of making a difference.” — Sondra HomerWarner, Brandeis National Comm.

“Brandeis shaped us. Brandeis sparked in us a thirst for learning and for being creatively involved with the world. With our endowed scholarship and participation in the Arts Council, we feel enormously proud and happy to be able to give back and help worthy students experience Brandeis’ magic and, in so doing, say thank you.”

— Penny ’68 and Jonathan Bernstein ’68

“I don’t think of it as giving. I think of it as giving back.” — Deborah Chariton ’91 “Brandeis taught me that it is nice to do well, but even more important to do good. That is why I give back to the school that gave me so much.”

— Jess Willingham ’10

“Brandeis challenged our sons (Daniel ’11 and Gabriel ’14), while at the same time providing them with the support and resources crucial to their success, both academically and personally. We want to make sure more students have the opportunity to benefit from the Brandeis experience!”

— Vivian Fried and Lee Podair, P’11, P’14

“WITHOUT A FINANCIAL AID AWARD, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ATTEND BRANDEIS. I HAVE OFTEN SAID THAT BRANDEIS CHANGED THE ARC OF MY LIFE. THAT’S WHY MY WIFE AND I DECIDED TO PAY IT FORWARD AND GIVE BACK TO SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS.” — CURTIS TEARTE ’73 “My experience gave me the confidence to own my own business and be a leader in my field.” — Jessica Goldberg ’96

“Not only did Brandeis give us an excellent education, but it was our home for four years. We can’t think of a better way to say thank you.” — Aliza Saivetz Glasser ’01 and Daniel Glasser ’02

“Brandeis is virtually part of my DNA, having been associated with my alma mater, in various capacities and roles, for more than 60 years. Providing financial support is a tangible way I can express my affection and appreciation for these experiences and opportunities, my respect for the institution, and its significance and meaningful impact.” — Robin Brooks ’57

“Brandeis planted the seeds for our careers, gave us a Jewish community away from 4 ADVANCE Fall 2016 giving.brandeis.edu

GIVE “What I learned at Brandeis has served me well in my career. Now I enjoy helping the next generation of emerging scientists. I think scientific innovation has the potential to change people’s lives, and I enjoy promoting this effort at Brandeis.”

— Eric Furfine, PhD’88

“We received scholarship support thanks to the generosity of alumni who came before us. One generation helps the next, and we are proud to give back to Brandeis and support current students!” — Daniela ’04 & Benn Egan ’04

“While many universities expose students to new ideas, Brandeis creates critical thinkers and thought leaders who will shape society.”

— Ruth & Jeffrey Steinberg, P’16

“Brandeis gives back to me by permitting me to practice tikkun olam (repairing the world) by helping to raise funds to pursue ideals of social justice, medical research and funds for student scholarships.” — Lynne Groban,

“Without Brandeis’ generous financial support, college may have remained a dream. Nearly a de- Brandeis National Committee cade has passed since I enrolled at Brandeis, and “I could not have yet it remains an everyday part of my life.” attended Brandeis, — Mohit Gourisaria ’09

“ALUMNI GIVING IS AN IMPORTANT METRIC IN MANY COLLEGE RANKINGS. THE MORE WE GIVE, THE STRONGER BRANDEIS’ BRAND IS AND THE MORE VALUABLE OUR DEGREES BECOME.” — JOSH MAGID ’12 “Brandeis taught me the true meaning of community, and I want to continue to support my community even after I am no longer physically in it.”

— Avi Fuld ’14

Why do you support Brandeis?

Email us at advance @brandeis.edu.

“I feel so grateful to Brandeis and Mr. and Mrs. Wien (founders of the Wien International Scholarship Program) for making my life so different. Since I am now in the position to give back to Brandeis, I would like my contribution to make changes to some young person’s life, just as happened to me.” — Lan Xue ’90, IBS MA’91

“I can never repay my debt to Brandeis for providing my scholarship, loans and work-study employment, and for equipping me with the tools of learning. Still, every year since graduation in 1967, I have tried to pay it back.”

— Howard Scher ’67

“Brandeis is where I grew into an adult, discovered my love of philosophy and met my wife (thanks to philosophy professor Jerry Samet on the latter two fronts). I am so thankful to be in a position to give something back to the University.” — Jay Edelson ’94

“A mentor of mine often says, ‘Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy in this world.’ I believe that supporting a community that has given so much to us is an important part of that service.” — DANIEL ACHEAMPONG ’11

let alone taken advantage of all it had to offer, if it had not been for the scholarships allotted to students. I cannot afford to give much, but I know a little goes a long way.”

— Ari Salinger ’12

“I am beyond grateful to Brandeis, and supporting the University financially is the least I can do to convey my deep appreciation.” — Caroline Grassi ’12 “Brandeis is not only an exceptional academic institution, but it is a place where our Jewish youth can be proud of their roots in a community where diversity in religion, race, gender and other differences are celebrated.”

— Lydia and Michael Frankel, P’17

home and introduced us to amazing friends.” — Erica ’06 and Donnie Phillips ’05 giving.brandeis.edu

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BRANDEIS What are the components that make up the Brandeis Equation, the combination of elements that for nearly 70 years has provided our students with a life-changing educational experience?

What you will discover by reading the student and alumni profiles on the next several pages is that there is no single Brandeis Equation. Because of Brandeis’ intimacy and small-college feel, students have the opportunity to pursue highly individualized educational experiences. No two students have the same Brandeis Equation.

For two-thirds of our students, the availability of financial aid is an important part of their personal Brandeis Equation. The University awards about $60 million a year in scholarships and grants to deserving undergraduate students.

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, Brandeis is able to maintain our commitment to admit students based solely on their academic promise rather than their ability to pay.

You make each student’s own Brandeis Equation possible.

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EQUATION

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRACY POWELL

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Hannah (Johnson) Bornstein ’02

Recipient of Lew and Edie Wasserman Endowed Scholarship BEFORE BRANDEIS: I grew up in Speedway, Indiana (home of the Indianapolis 500 auto race). There were only a couple of students in the Class of 2002 from Indiana.

“I am grateful for the community that Brandeis provided me.”

AT BRANDEIS: I majored in History and German and minored in Art History.

I studied abroad in Munich the summer before my senior year. I was a diver on the varsity swimming and diving team.

MEMORABLE BRANDEIS MOMENT: There are many: Then-President Jehuda Reinharz, PhD’72, volunteering to carry the large boxes I was mailing home to the mailroom; representing Brandeis at the NCAA Championships; and writing my senior thesis (a legal history of Nazi-era looted art) under the direction of Professor Michael Willrich.

WHY BRANDEIS WAS RIGHT FOR ME:

MY BRANDEIS EQUATION FINANCIAL AID+ COMMUNITY +INSPIRING ACADEMICS+ ATHLETICS

giving.brandeis.edu

My college choice came down to Brandeis and another elite university. The acceptance letter from the other school was very congratulatory, while the Brandeis letter focused on how excited the University was to have me join its community. The difference in word choice between those letters was subtle, but the difference in meaning was vast. I am grateful for the community that Brandeis provided me.

AFTER BRANDEIS: I am a white-collar criminal defense attorney at Nixon Peabody in Boston, where I focus on False Claims Act cases and defending companies and individuals in matters alleging health-care fraud violations. I live on the beautiful South Shore of Boston with my husband and two young children.

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Stephanie Sjoblom ’17 Recipient of Lan Xue ’90, MA’91, Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Limin Zhang and Minglun Xue

“Brandeis turned out to be the perfect combination of a caring community and an amazing educational institution.”

MY BRANDEIS EQUATION COMMUNITY+ TECHNOLOGY +BUSINESS+ FINANCIAL AID

BEFORE BRANDEIS: I was born in Stockholm and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when I was 5. While growing up, it seemed as if I was either traveling the world with my father or spending time in the dojo practicing and teaching martial arts.

AT BRANDEIS: I am a Business major with a double minor in Economics and Legal Studies.

I serve as the student manager at Media Technology Services, where I lead a team of students who provide tech support for the campus community. I am also chief justice of the Judiciary, the judicial branch of Brandeis’ Student Union.

MEMORABLE BRANDEIS MOMENT: This summer

WHY BRANDEIS WAS RIGHT FOR ME: I came from a very

I interned and studied in Shanghai, where I met a number of Brandeis alumni and made connections that helped me in my journey through China. It was really special to recognize that even though Brandeis is small, its global support system stretches across the world and its alumni consider fellow Brandeisians to be “family.”

small high school that specialized in project-based learning and teamwork. I wanted a tightknit community at a school with a rigorous academic program.

Brandeis turned out to be the perfect combination of a caring community and an amazing educational institution.

AFTER BRANDEIS: I hope to go into management in either international business or the global IT industry. I also plan to pursue business law and travel the world as much as possible.

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BEFORE BRANDEIS: I was born and raised in Boston by my mother, sister and brother. I am Haitian-American.

Napoleon Lherisson ’11 Recipient of Hassenfeld Foundation Endowed Scholarship

AT BRANDEIS: I was a student in the Myra Kraft ’64 Transitional Year Program and majored in African and Afro-American Studies (AAAS).

I was co-president of the Brandeis Haiti Initiative. I was also a member of the Brandeis varsity basketball team, a community adviser and editor of the Archon yearbook.

I worked as a student manager in campus operations for Mark Collins and Steve Romanelli.

MEMORABLE BRANDEIS MOMENT: I remember meeting with Professor Peniel Joseph during his office hours one afternoon. He instilled discipline in me and set the bar even higher for me as a student.

I learned so much in his course and in the many classes in the AAAS department.

WHY BRANDEIS WAS RIGHT FOR ME: Brandeis actually found me and it turned out to be a perfect match. The professors, students, staff and ethos of the place allowed me to think big, and provided me with many platforms to pursue social-justice work. I learned more about myself and my place in the world.

AFTER BRANDEIS: I am committed to working with and providing opportunities for young people.

I serve as the assistant director of admissions and diversity coordinator at Thayer Academy.

I am also involved in the St. Rock Haiti Foundation and active with Bold (Brandeisians of the Last Decade) and the Brandeis Alumni of Color group.

MY BRANDEIS EQUATION ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITY+DIVERSITY +INCLUSION+ FINANCIAL AID

“The professors, students, staff and ethos of the place allowed me to think big, and provided me with many platforms to pursue social-justice work.”

MY BRANDEIS EQUATION COMMUNITY+ TEACHING +CHILDREN+ FINANCIAL AID

BEFORE BRANDEIS: I was born and raised in Ecuador until I was 6 years old, then moved to the United States. My family settled in New York City, where I have lived ever since.

AT BRANDEIS: I am majoring in Hispanic Studies with minors in Education and Politics. I am the treasurer and trainer for the Boxing Club, and have worked at the Lemberg Children’s Center since my first year at Brandeis.

I am part of several intramural

sports teams. I also serve as a student teacher for Spanish at Bigelow Middle School.

MEMORABLE BRANDEIS MOMENT: My intramural soccer

team lost during the playoffs, and we were feeling blue. The opposing team came over to shake our hands, compliment us and remind us that the result of a soccer match is sometimes based on luck. This moment reassured me that I was part of a strong and caring community.

WHY BRANDEIS WAS RIGHT FOR ME: I wanted to belong to a

supportive community where I felt confident and comfortable.

I pictured myself becoming a Brandeisian during Orientation and that feeling hasn’t changed.

My classes inspire me to become a better citizen.

AFTER BRANDEIS: I plan on pursuing my master’s degree in Education and teaching Spanish to middle schoolers. I am also interested in education reform.

Angelica Fajardo ’17

Recipient of Morris J. Winokur Endowed Scholarship

“I pictured myself becoming a Brandeisian during Orientation and that feeling hasn’t changed. My classes inspire me to become a better citizen.”

“Coming to Brandeis has allowed me to pursue my academic passions outside of science. Brandeis is a place where I can be both a classicist and a pre-med student.”

Jacob Abrams ’17 BEFORE BRANDEIS: I was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to travel with school groups to many different parts of the world, including Egypt, Greece and Italy.

Though I already knew I wanted to become a physician, these trips inspired my love of history and archaeology.

AT BRANDEIS: I am majoring in Biology and Classical Studies with a minor in Italian Studies.

I serve as the undergraduate department representative for Classics and the undergraduate adviser to the Classical Artifacts Research Collection (CLARC) internship. I am also the director of the Student Ambassador progiving.brandeis.edu

Recipient of Joyce Krasnow Endowed Scholarship

gram for the Brandeis National Committee and senior student representative to the Brandeis Alumni Association board of directors.

MEMORABLE BRANDEIS MOMENT: Last year, the CLARC

internship partnered with the Digital Humanities Lab and the Brandeis MakerLab to create three-dimensional scans and prints of existing ancient artifacts in the school’s collection. This allowed me to work with cutting-edge technology to make one of my passions more accessible to other students.

WHY BRANDEIS WAS RIGHT FOR ME: Coming to Brandeis

has allowed me to pursue my academic passions outside of science. While I am totally committed to becoming a physician and I have a deep love for medicine and biology, I also have a passion for history and archaeology. Brandeis is a place where I can be both a classicist and a pre-med student.

MY BRANDEIS EQUATION SCIENCE+ TECHNOLOGY +CLASSICS+ FINANCIAL AID

AFTER BRANDEIS: I plan to take a gap year and return home to help my family care for my grandfather, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

While home, I hope to gain clinical experience as a phlebotomist before going to medical school in the fall of 2018.

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M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E GIVING NEWS

Board Games: Brandeis Hillel leaders enjoy their annual teambuilding day.

Supporting Brandeis Hillel Challenge grant to enrich Jewish life on campus in the challenge, supports the Since its founding, Brandeis has launch of a search for a new offered a uniquely rich environexecutive director of Hillel at ment for Jewish student life and the University and will position leadership. Now, a Brandeis Brandeis Hillel for operational trustee and a foundation that and programmatic excellence. supports young adults in their “We thank Meyer and the embrace of Jewish identity Shapira Foundation are making a significant for these generous gift to support HilWATCH: investments in Jewlel and the vibrancy Check out a video about ish life at Brandeis,” of Jewish life at Jewish life at Brandeis. says President Ron Brandeis. giving.brandeis.edu/ Liebowitz. “The Trustee Meyer videos/jewish-life.

University is comKoplow ’72, P’02, html mitted to continuing P’05, and the Shato provide our Jewish pira Foundation (led students with an enriching

by President Cynthia Shapira, experience — both in and a Brandeis trustee) have each out of the classroom — by made $300,000 challenge grants, combining our commitment intended to encourage new to excellence in Jewish studies gifts to Brandeis Hillel. The $1.2 with dynamic Jewish programmillion total in grants, which ming across the campus.” includes the amount to be raised

“The University is committed to continuing to provide our Jewish students with an enriching experience.”

Advancement wins honor Brandeis’ Institutional Advancement Division was recognized as

one of the nation’s premier fundraising operations by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the leading professional association for advancement, marketing and communications staff at educational institutions.

Brandeis, along with the University of Miami and Marquette University, received a CASE 2016 Educational Fundraising Award for overall performance by private universities with endowments less than $1 billion. Stanford University and the University of Notre Dame won the award for schools with endowments more than $1 billion.

Alumna gives back Inspired by the Brandeis community’s compassion when her mother, Arlene Levy, died while she was a student, Amy Levy Bergner ’86 turned her grief into a powerful, pay-it-forward experience: She and her husband, Jonathan, created the Arlene E. and Morton T. Levy Scholarship for those who have lost a parent.

Bergner has always remembered how supportive the community was after her mother died of leukemia during her freshman year. “I made strong friendships at Brandeis that changed the course of my life,” she says.

—RON LIEBOWITZ

Motherly Love: Daughter Amy with mom Arlene.

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Forty-Love: Jonathan and Melissa Cordish

University launches The Brandeis Fund

Net gain for Brandeis Former Brandeis tennis star Jonathan Cordish ’90 and his wife, Melissa Fishman Cordish ’90, made the lead gift to support the indoor tennis court refurbishment project at the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center.

“This gift has real meaning to me, and I’m tremendously proud to be able to help deserving students-athletes in this way,” says Jonathan, who was nationally ranked throughout his Brandeis career. “My wife and I are so grateful for our Brandeis experience, and for me, the tennis team was a big part of that.”

“My wife and I are so grateful for our Brandeis experience, and for me, the tennis team was a big part of that.”

—JONATHAN CORDISH ’90

The University has launched The Brandeis Fund, a new fundraising initiative that allows alumni to impact the areas of the University that shaped their experiences.

The Brandeis Fund replaces the Annual Fund as the primary giving platform for supporting the University’s mission and programs.

Gifts to The Brandeis Fund will pay for scholarships, ONLINE: faculty, academic programs Watch a video and and extracurricular activities find our more about (sports teams, clubs, campus The Brandeis Fund at media, etc.). giving.brandeis.edu/giving“We are excited to estabopportunities/brandeislish The Brandeis Fund,” says fund.html.

Nancy Winship, P’10, P’13, senior vice president of institutional advancement. “Through The Brandeis Fund, alumni will be able to support the programs and initiatives that most impacted their Brandeis experience, and ensure that today’s students will have the resources to find their passions.”

Honoring Bob Simon To acknowledge Brandeis’ central role in launching the career of one of America’s most respected journalists, the family of late CBS newsman Bob Simon ’62 made a generous gift to endow a scholarship for first-generation students in his name at the University.

“It all began for Bob at Brandeis. It was the cradle of his life and career,” says his wife, Françoise, who made the gift along with their daughter, Tanya. “It formed him and informed him. He found his voice at Brandeis.”

giving.brandeis.edu

Humble Beginnings: Bob Simon, one of America’s great journalists, found his voice at Brandeis.

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faces

EVENT SNAPSHOTS

NYC welcomes new president

More than 500 alumni, parents and friends gathered at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers to hear from and meet President Ron Liebowitz.

1. Nehama Libman ’08, Elayna Koevary ’08, Melissa Rothwax ’07 and Elana Kieffer ’07

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2. Michael Lesser and his wife, Trustee Mindy Schneider ’75; Michael Baumrin ’75; and Vic Ney ’81, P’11, and his wife, Karen Binder, ’82, P’11

3. President Ron Liebowitz with Zachary Klein ’07, David Milch ’08, Ari Schnitzer ’07 and Derek Berezdivin ’07

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New president meets Boston alumni, parents and friends President Ron Liebowitz spoke to and visited with about 300 members of the Brandeis community at the Moakley Courthouse in Boston.

4. Jennifer Seadia ’02, Bradley Burns ’15, Sneha Walia ’15 and Jill Cetel ’06

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5. Leroy Ashwood ’71 and President Ron Liebowitz

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Friends visit campus

9. President Ron Liebowitz and President Emeritus Jehuda Reinharz, PhD’72, the Richard Koret Professor of Modern Jewish History, with Trustee Emeritus Carl Shapiro, H’03

10. Amy Klein meets with the Fein Fellows at the Genesis summer program for high school students at Brandeis.

Amy’s uncle Ed Fein generously provides financial assistance for the Fein Fellows.

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Commencement Dinner The Brandeis community recognized the honorary-degree recipients, including The HistoryMakers founder Julieanna Richardson ’76, at the annual dinner the night before Commencement.

6. Trustee Curtis Tearte ’73 and his wife, Jylla, with Joel-Burt Miller ’16, the senior speaker at Commencement

7. Valya Shapiro ’61; Susan and Trustee

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Bart Winokur; Nancy Winship, P’10, P13, senior vice president of institutional advancement; and Patricia Reiner

8. Len Asper ’86 with his daughter

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Sarah and wife Susan

Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon Scholarship recipients enjoyed visiting with the donors who support their scholarships and fellowships at the annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon.

11/12/13. Trustee Barbara Mandel, P’73; Robin and Trustee Perry Traquina ’78; and

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Margot, Heller MA’05, PhD’08, and Trustee Jon Davis ’75 with their students.

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B O L D YOUNG ALUMNI

Informed, inspired and engaged

Bold national co-chairs explain why they stay connected to Brandeis Talking About My Generation: Marissa Pick with son Lucas Emet.

What was your most memorable Brandeis moment?

BP: The cruise during Senior Week. There is a great picture of my group of friends with our arms intertwined while jumping up and down in a circle. It is a moment in time that I will never forget.

NR: Being an Orientation leader. It was awesome having 100 of the happiest students on campus together to welcome in the new school year and greet first-year students.

How do you stay connected to Brandeis?

BP: We attend alumni events in New York and make frequent trips to Waltham to watch sporting events or drive through campus to see the continued evolution.

MP: We have remained close to our best friends from college, and regularly get together with friends near and far. Brandeis has a dear place in both of our hearts, and I envision staying connected for many years to come.

Bold (Brandeisians of the Last Decade) is dedicated to strengthening the young alumni community by addressing the needs and interests of recent graduates. Bold alumni participate in initiatives designed just for them, including volunteer opportunities, networking events and happy hours. Bold is designed to increase young alumni engagement, develop future leaders and cultivate support for the University.

Bold National Co-Chairs Brandon Pick ’08, Marissa (Rubin) Pick ’07 and Nate Rosenblum ’10 discussed their enduring connections:

Why do you give back to Brandeis?

MP: Without Brandeis, I would not have met my closest friends, my husband or been fortunate enough to receive such a great education.

I would like to help as many people as I can enjoy the same experience.

NR: Brandeis was pivotal in helping me develop into the person I am now. I don’t think any other university could have done what Brandeis did for me in those four years.

ONLINE: For more information about Bold programming, visit alumni.brandeis. edu/bold.

Bold events are held around the country, bringing together young alumni for networking, happy hours, bowling nights, sporting events and more.

16 ADVANCE Fall 2016 giving.brandeis.edu

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PLANNED GIVING T O D AY & T O M O R R O W

the confusion; Bob was on the Brandeis campus so frequently that a chair in the lounge of the Hamilton dorm, where Natalie lived, had his name on it.

Bob refers to himself as an “adopted son of Brandeis” and shares Natalie’s deep affection for the University. They showed their gratitude to the institution that has been such a central part of their lives when they established a charitable gift annuity.

“We are so proud of what Brandeis has become,” Natalie says. “I received a great educa-

tion and made friends for life.”

Natalie grew up in Brooklyn and learned about Brandeis from two friends who became interested in the school because it had a kosher kitchen. She arrived on campus in the fall of 1952 and immediately felt at home. She enjoyed the cozy feel of campus and the small class sizes.

“It was the perfect place for someone like me, who was shy and not very garrulous,” she remembers.

Although Natalie majored in Anthropology and Sociology, she nurtured her interest in the visual arts by taking a number of arts classes. She took an accelerated course load, including summer classes at schools in New York City, in order to graduate in three years to be with Bob. He had graduated from MIT in 1954 and was already flying planes in the U.S. Air Force in Texas by the spring of 1955. They were married in Brooklyn, during Natalie’s spring break, about a month before Commencement, and ended up in Houston at the end of that year, returning to Massachusetts in late 1958.

In the first few years after her graduation, as new buildings were going up around campus, Natalie wasn’t sure that the expanding school would retain the intimacy that had been so fundamental to her experience.

Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement

MOLLY McKINNON

PURITAN PRESS

Art Director

Institutional Advancement 415 South Street, MS 122 Waltham, MA 02453 giving@brandeis.edu

Brandeis Pride: Natalie (Kantor) Warshawer ’55 and her husband, Bob, generously support Brandeis.

Grateful couple establishes charitable gift annuity BOB WARSHAWER SPENT so much time at Brandeis while his wife, Natalie (Kantor) Warshawer ’55, was a student and has attended so many Reunions over the last 50 years that some of her classmates thought he graduated from Brandeis.

At their 10th Reunion, Elliott Bradley ’55 asked Bob which dormitory he lived in during his days as a Brandeis student.

Bob remembers responding, “I lived on Ames Street in Cambridge. I went to MIT.” Bradley can be forgiven for

advance fall 2016

inform. inspire. engage.

NANCY WINSHIP, P’10, P’13 Vice President of Development

MYLES WEISENBERG ’78 the

brandeis equation

=

Vice President of Alumni Relations

F. PATRICIA FISHER

Co-Chairs, Advancement Committee, Board of Trustees

JON DAVIS ’75, BARBARA MANDEL, P’73 Editor

T h e

i n s T i T u T i o n a l

a d v a n c e m e n T

giving.brandeis.edu

m a g a z i n e

o f

b r a n d e i s

u n i v e r s i T y

DAVID E. NATHAN

Managing Editor

JOHN SIZING www.jspublicationdesign.com Contributors

DID YOU KNOW

• Compared to today’s CD and savings account rates, Brandeis charitable gift annuities offer very attractive rates of income – 4.7% for an individual age 65, and 7.8% for an 85-year-old. A significant portion of the gift used to fund the annuity is also tax deductible, and part of the annuity income is tax free.

• If you’re considering a bequest to Brandeis but don’t want to revise your will, consider making us a residual beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or other retirement plan. You can do that by filing a form that your plan custodian provides.

CONTACT:

If you want to know more about planned giving at Brandeis, visit

giving.brandeis.giftplans.org or contact James Gibert, director of planned giving, jagibert@brandeis.edu or 781-736-4034.

“I had to stay away; it didn’t feel like my school anymore,” she recalls. “But I came to understand that while it was growing and changing, it was still the Brandeis I loved.”

Production

CAROLINE CATALDO, EMILY EVANS, BRIAN KLOTZ

GIVING.BRANDEIS.EDU/ADVANCE advance@brandeis.edu

Photography

Advance is published twice a year by the Institutional Advancement Division at Brandeis for alumni, parents, friends and members of the Brandeis National Committee.

MIKE LOVETT, TRACY POWELL, ANDREA FISCHMAN, ASHLEY McCABE, HERATCH EKMEKJIAN

Fall 2016 ADVANCE

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