Get Back: 0s and 5s Classes Gear Up for Reunion

It’s that time of year. Members of graduating classes ending in 0s and 5s are preparing to return to campus June 5-7 to celebrate their milestone Reunion.

“Reunion gets bigger and better each year,” says Patsy Fisher, vice president for alumni relations. “Between our class-specific programming, organized by hundreds of Reunion volunteers, to the all-class events like Fire and ’Deis, Reunion offers a little bit of everything that alumni remember about their days at Brandeis: great conversations, intellectually stimulating interactions with faculty and fun with friends in the place they called home for four years.”

The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 5, with Alumni College, a daylong series of courses taught by some of Brandeis’ most renowned faculty. This year, four of the sessions (designated as the “B” classes) will explore interesting influences on and aspects of film and television. Reunion events begin Friday evening with a Welcome Back Reception, followed by the Fire and ’Deis Gala. An elegant all-classes party, Fire and ’Deis features tapas-style gourmet desserts and cocktails, along with music by the 17-piece Beantown Swing Orchestra, led by “American Idol” finalist John Stevens.

Saturday opens with several events, including a conversation with Provost Lisa Lynch, P’17; an alumni engagement panel featuring representatives from the Office of Admissions, the Alumni Association and the Hiatt Career Center; a moderated panel discussion, “Making the Most of Our Social Justice Commitment,” hosted by Alumni of Color; and an exhibition assembled by University Archives. The Ralph Norman Barbecue, a perennial Reunion favorite, begins at noon on the Great Lawn, followed by an Ice Cream Social. In the afternoon, Reunion-goers may visit the Rose Art Museum to meet Chris Bedford, the museum’s Henry and Lois Foster Director; bring the kids to Ollie’s Family Fun for games and activities; or join a friendly kickball game. On Saturday night, alumni will gather for Alumni of Color and class dinners.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday morning to honor Reunion-classes alumni who have passed away. Following the traditional Farewell Champagne and Jazz Brunch, the acclaimed documentary “Anita: Speaking Truth to Power” will be screened. The film marks the first time Anita Hill, senior adviser to the provost and professor of social policy, law and women’s studies at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, speaks in depth about what led her to testify in the confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Don’t miss any of the Reunion excitement. Online registration is open at alumni.brandeis.edu.

Reunion logo
Adam Rifkin '97
Adam Rifkin '97

Brandeis Success: The Next Chapter

It is with mixed emotions that I write my last message as president of the Brandeis Alumni Association.

Holding the office of Alumni Association president for the past four years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Although my relationship with Brandeis will certainly continue, I find the closing of this chapter bittersweet.

I have been active with the Alumni Association since my student days, when I served as the Alumni Board’s undergraduate representative. Back then, I was impressed by the board members’ commitment to building a vibrant alumni community. I wondered whether I could match their devotion once I entered the professional world and my time and energy became more limited.

However, soon after graduation, I realized Brandeis would always be one of my top priorities, and I began to volunteer. My four years as an undergraduate gave me the academic and social foundation for my adult life, and my 18 years as an alumnus have allowed me to have an impact on the school, its students and more than 40,000 Brandeis alumni.

As Alumni Association president, I had the pleasure of working with people who, like me, wanted to give back. Hundreds of alumni leaders are helping to take Brandeis to new heights. They have dedicated their time and shared their connections and financial resources to serve the alumni community.

Together, we have engaged thousands of alumni worldwide in social and professional networks, events and special initiatives. We have expanded B Connect and our online services, created a range of social-media sites and platforms, established affinity groups and new alumni clubs, elevated the profile and presence of our Alumni Board, and expanded Reunion. Our Alumni Board has served as an important conduit between alumni and various constituents on campus, including the faculty, the administration and the Board of Trustees.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the many alumni who have served on the Alumni Board and in various leadership roles across the globe. Mark Surchin ’78 takes over as president on July 1, and I’m happy to report that his love and enthusiasm for Brandeis will serve us well.

Now, on to my next Brandeis chapter.

Best,

Adam J. Rifkin ’97
President, Brandeis Alumni Association

Annual Golf and Tennis Outing Aims for Another Hole-in-One

The annual Brandeis Alumni Association Golf and Tennis Outing, which has raised more than $500,000 for student scholarships since its inception, will tee off once again, on Monday, Aug. 10, at the Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, N.Y.

In addition to golf and tennis competitions, the event will feature a live auction, contests, brunch, cocktails and dinner. Proceeds support current-use undergraduate scholarships.

The Metropolis golf course, regarded as one of the area’s best, features several holes redesigned by noted fairway architect A.W. Tillinghast.

Cost of the event is $350 for golf, $250 for tennis, and $100 for dinner only. Early registration (before June 15) saves $50 on golf or tennis.

For more information, visit alumni.brandeis.edu.

Inside History

Inside history
Shira Konski, Scott Moerdler ’08, Zack Sax ’12 and Adi (Fried) Sax ’14 joined 125 alumni and friends for the Alumni Club of New York’s visit to the Tenement Museum, which included a reception featuring turn-of-the-20th-century Lower East Side food and private tours of the tenement buildings. Museum president Morris Vogel ’67 welcomed the Brandeis group and delivered remarks.