Sad News Concerning Alex Barkas '68

Dear Members of the Brandeis Community,

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we write to inform you of the sudden death yesterday of Trustee Alex Barkas '68, a man of exemplary character and deeply held values who was a cherished friend of this university.

Alex, 64, of Los Gatos, CA, joined the Brandeis Board of Trustees in 2001. He received his B.A. in Biology from Brandeis and had been serving as the committed chair of the University Science Advisory Council. As recently as the last two weeks, Alex and Provost Steve A.N. Goldstein had been working together on enhancing the competitiveness and financial strength of the sciences at Brandeis. That work will continue in his honor. Alex and his wife, Lynda Wijcik, also supported a wide range of university initiatives, including the Student Committee for the Rose Art Museum (SCRAM) and the Brandeis International Business School. 

Alex was a dedicated son of Brandeis and had a vision for what the university could become, and he was generous in sharing that vision. Just as importantly, he had great values and spoke of them, and those moments inspired us all.

Alex, who received a Ph.D. from New York University, had a distinguished career as a prominent biotech venture capitalist and served as managing director at Prospect Venture Partners. In addition to his board duties at Brandeis, he sat on the boards of multiple biotech companies over the years.

We know that all of you join us in extending condolences and profound sympathy to Lynda and their two daughters, Alina and Johanna, and all members of their extended family.

Malcolm L. Sherman
Chairman
Board of Trustees

Fred Lawrence
President