Class Correspondent

The Brandeis Class of 1981 collectively would like to know: Can it really be 30 years since we graduated? With that question asked, I am happy to report that all 625 members of the class will be attending our 30th Reunion — or wishing they could. We’re all excited to see old friends, reminisce, drive on the peripheral road, and search for Friday-night movies at Usdan. On a personal note, I live in Wayne, Pa., with my wife, Andrea, and sons Sam and Zach. I work with clients in the area of wealth management and retirement planning. Sam is a junior in high school and I am teaching him to drive. (You might want to stay off the roads Sunday mornings.) Zach started middle school and is our local com-edian. We took a summer family trip to Israel and visited Jerusalem, Masada and the Galilee region.

Glen Shear and his wife, Marina, moved their family to Ra’anana, Israel, 10 years ago. He writes, “We’re blessed with four wonderful girls — ages 7, 13, 16, and 18 (all with red hair and personalities to match). Our eldest, Rachel, a black belt in karate, will be inducted into the army this December. Israel is a complicated but very special place to live, even for guys like me who still can’t get the language. Although I continue to raise funds for public and private companies (in North America, Israel and China), I’ve recently discovered a love for painting. If you’re interested, check out www.glenshear.com."

Dvora Weisberg was appointed director of the School of Rabbinic Studies at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. Her book “Levirate Marriage and the Family in Ancient Judaism” was recently published by Brandeis University Press.

Joan Cullinane celebrated her 50th year by getting on Facebook, seeing Aimee Mann live in Los Angeles, and teaching her first college course via telephone to other mental-health counselors in Alaska.

Marilyn Nadelhaft Hirsch is a freelance copywriter and takes care of her family — husband Cliff; daughters Rachel, 16, and Abby, 14; and beloved cats Grayball and Spots.

David Sidransky was named to the board of directors of Rosetta Genomics and K-V Pharmaceutical. David is a director of the Head and Neck Cancer Research Division at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is professor of oncology, otolaryngology, cellular and molecular medicine, urology, genetics and pathology at Johns Hopkins University and Hospital.

Gregg Bannett and Julie Blinderman Bannett enjoyed Brandeis Commencement ’09 as their son Jeremy ’09 and daughter-in-law Shoshana Wirshup ’09 (who were married in August of this year) joined the ranks of Brandeis alumni. Harrison Bannett ’11 and Jonah Bannett also attended.

Carl Rubin was named president and chief operating officer of Ulta Salon, Cosmetics and Fragrance. He had been president of North American retail for Office Depot.

Deborah Gallant has moved with her family from Southern California to Baltimore for her husband Jonathan Lieber’s new position at Stifel Nicolaus. Daughter Amy is a member of the Class of 2014 at the Baltimore Friends School. Deborah would be happy to hear from any Baltimore/Washington area alums.

Actress Stephanie Clayman played the role of advice columnist Ann Landers in “The Lady with All the Answers,” a Nora Theatre Company presentation that had a seven-week run at the Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Mass.

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