Coming home to Brandeis
By Kennedy Ryan
Photography by Dan Holmes and Gaelen Morse
October 16, 2023
Alumni, families, and friends came together throughout a gorgeous fall weekend to commemorate the Brandeis’ 75th Anniversary from Oct. 13 to 15.
John-Andrew Morrison ’95, a Tony-nominated performer, stopped by the Welcome Reception, held in a giant tent set up on the lawn outside Shapiro Campus Center, to mingle with friends on Friday evening. He planned to return the next day to speak on one of the weekend’s panels, hosted by radio journalist and podcast producer Guy Raz ’96. He said his love for Brandeis continues to bring him back to campus.
“Brandeis is special to me because it was the first place that encouraged me to do this,” said Morrison, reflecting on the encouragement faculty gave him to pursue the performing arts. “It’s the first place that said ‘Come try.’”
Mark Beatty ’90 spent the Welcome Reception catching up with long-time friends and classmates. The former psychology and history major said the value of friendship and the unique way Brandeis carved his future.
“Brandeis has provided me with lifelong friends, a fantastic education, and the ability to think differently,” Beatty said. “I draw on my liberal arts education all the time, even though I do technical work. I think I was the only one in my class to fulfill the language requirement learning Egyptian hieroglyphics.”
Among the sea of long-time friends, current students and families spent Friday evening reconnecting. Visiting campus to spend Family Weekend with her daughter, Zahra Lohoue ’27, Valerie Tchikanda was taking it all in.
“Zhara is my only child and I haven’t seen her since August,” said Tchikanda. “It’s great to learn about everything the school has to offer her. I’m enjoying seeing where she is growing.”
Saturday’s events gave visitors the opportunity to enjoy some food and participate in activities for all ages.
The anniversary weekend also offered a special opportunity for class gatherings. Brandeis President Ron Liebowitz and his wife, Jessica, greeted alumni at the 50th reunion for the Class of 1973 on Saturday.
The weekend also featured a solar eclipse. The Alumni Association provided special glasses for a safe viewing experience.
Jon Stern ’02 and Becky (Smith) Stern ’03 brought their two children to the homecoming tailgate event outside Gosman Sports and Convocation Center ahead of a men’s soccer game Saturday afternoon.
The pair met during their time at Brandeis. “We met at a party in the mods,” said Smith. After realizing they were both English majors, they quickly hit it off. They live in Natick, Massachusetts with their two children.
Linda Jack ’27 gave her family a glimpse of her Brandeis experience during the weekend. Her mother, Teresa, made the trip from Philadelphia.
“We finally get to see our kid that we sent off to college,” said Teresa Jack. “Being here with other families has given our whole family a chance to experience Brandeis.”
First year students Evan Reif ’27 and Marco Ratermann ’27 enjoyed spending time with their classmates while meeting other members of the Brandeis community.
“It’s been really nice to meet the alumni and see the school come together,” said Ratermann. “There’s a lot of school spirit this weekend.”
Following the awards ceremonies, the crowd let loose and danced to 10-piece band "The Connection."
