Lamia Harper ’12, Philip Geter and Sarah McGinley ’06 chat after listening to Lieberman’s remarks.
Lamia Harper ’12, Philip Geter and Sarah McGinley ’06 chat after listening to Lieberman’s remarks.

Lieberman Talk Kicks Off Young-Alumni Initiative

Former U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman shared his insights about the partisan gridlock in Congress during a special event for young alumni at the Time Warner Center in New York City.

More than 225 alumni attended the Oct. 22 launch event for a new initiative, established by the Richman Family Foundation and the family of Michael Saivetz ’97 and Aliza Saivetz Glasser ’01, designed to expand programming for Brandeis alumni who have graduated since 1994. “We are thrilled with the turnout and the reaction from young alumni,” Michael Saivetz says. “Since more than half of our alumni graduated during the past 20 years, it is important to provide programs that appeal to their interests and keep them engaged in the life of Brandeis.”

Lieberman — a four-term senator from Connecticut (1988-2012) and the 2000 Democratic vice-presidential hopeful with running mate Al Gore — discussed a wide range of political issues facing the U.S. He told attendees that until Congress sees the value in political compromise, the government standstill is likely to continue. He also said President Barack Obama needs to get more involved in the day-to-day legislative process, similar to the way President Bill Clinton stayed engaged to ensure certain measures were passed.

Brandeis President Frederick Lawrence introduced Lieberman and moderated a lively Q&A session. Lieberman was welcomed by Nancy Winship, P’10, P’13, senior vice president of institutional advancement, as well as Trustee Carol Richman Saivetz ’69, P’97, P’01, whose late husband, Richard Saivetz ’69, P’97, P’01, served as president of the Brandeis Alumni Association. Brandeis Trustee Olaf Olafsson ’85, executive vice president of international and corporate strategy at Time Warner, served as host.

“This was the type of engagement opportunity that our alumni are asking for — a great speaker, an intellectually stimulating topic, and a chance to mingle with large numbers of fellow alumni in a convenient and interesting location,” says Patsy Fisher, vice president of alumni relations. “We are grateful to the Richman and Saivetz families for their support.”

Adam J. Rifkin '97
Adam J. Rifkin '97

Advancing the Cause

This has been a busy fall for the Alumni Association. We are implementing a range of new programs and initiatives designed to keep our alumni engaged in the intellectually, socially and professionally enriching life of the Brandeis community.

We held a number of heavily attended events across the country at exciting new venues, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Arts Club of Chicago and the Seattle Art Museum. We selected these locations to meet the demand for bigger and better events, and to accommodate more attendees.

In September, hundreds of alumni and friends from the Greater Boston area visited campus for the dedication of the Light of Reason installation, created by the celebrated artist Chris Burden, at the Rose Art Museum. This spectacular work of art has already become part of Brandeis’ daily life. The incoming class recently held a candlelight ceremony there to mark the beginning of what promises to be an illuminating four-year journey.

Over the span of a few days in October, the Alumni Association welcomed more than 200 alumni at Homecoming and the Zero-Year Reunion for the Class of 2014; hosted a Lawyers Network event in Washington, D.C.; and organized a talk in New York City featuring U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, which attracted more than 225 young alumni.

Against the backdrop of this exciting activity, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations has changed its name to Institutional Advancement, which more accurately reflects our efforts to engage alumni of all ages; provide meaningful, enriching and lifelong connections; and ensure the future of our alma mater by offering our time, talent and treasure.

In the months ahead, we will introduce more professional and affinity networks across the globe to expand alumni connections. Further, we will create additional opportunities for alumni to become engaged in our growing alumni community.

Our thanks go to the many alumni and friends who serve as event hosts, admissions volunteers, financial supporters, advisers and ambassadors. Your participation in the life of our university is critical to its future success. I ask that you continue to help us make Brandeis the very best it can be.

Best,

Adam J. Rifkin ’97
President, Brandeis Alumni Association

Jessica Bergman ’91 (second from right) moderated a panel on career paths featuring Serena Madar ’96 (softball), an attorney; Nelson Figueroa ’98 (baseball), a professional baseball player; and Omri Ayalon ’05 (basketball), a resident physician.
Jessica Bergman ’91 (second from right) moderated a panel on career paths featuring Serena Madar ’96 (softball), an attorney; Nelson Figueroa ’98 (baseball), a professional baseball player; and Omri Ayalon ’05 (basketball), a resident physician.

Bringing It All Back Home: Homecoming 2014

Hundreds of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and families filled the Brandeis campus with Judges pride at Homecoming 2014.

The festivities, held the weekend of Oct. 18-19, featured athletic contests, a career-path discussion with a panel of alumni-athletes, family-friendly activities and the Homecoming Bash. In addition, dozens of Class of 2014 members returned to campus for a Zero-Year Reunion.

“Homecoming is a wonderful opportunity to bring the Brandeis community together in a celebration of what the university is all about,” says Patsy Fisher, vice president of alumni relations, whose office organized the weekend’s events along with the Office of Student Life and Brandeis Athletics.

The idea to build Homecoming around Brandeis sports came from Jessica Bergman ’91, a former member of the basketball, softball, and track and field teams, who joined the Brandeis Alumni Association board of directors in 2012.

“Homecoming is becoming the weekend for many athletes to visit with former teammates and see their friends who played on other teams as well,” says Bergman, who also chairs Friends of Brandeis Athletics (FOBA). “We are so excited to give athletes their day on campus and make them feel welcomed back to the university.”

Saturday’s Homecoming schedule featured alumni basketball, softball and baseball games, and the varsity swimming and diving teams opened their seasons against Wheaton.

On Saturday evening, Bergman moderated “Where Are They Now,” a panel discussion allowing alumni-athletes to share their career paths and offer career advice to students and fellow alumni. Along with Bergman, a director of fixed-income sales at Credit Suisse, the panelists were Omri Ayalon ’05 (basketball), a resident physician at NYU Langone Medical Center; Nelson Figueroa ’98 (baseball), a professional baseball player; and Serena Madar ’96 (softball), an attorney. The event was sponsored by the Hiatt Career Center, the Alumni Association and FOBA.

A large crowd came out on Sunday to root on the men’s and women’s soccer teams against Emory. The Gordon Field stands were packed as the men beat the Falcons, 1-0, and the women tied, 1-1.

In between the soccer matches, Brandeisians and their families enjoyed a barbecue and a carnival, which featured a petting zoo, a rock-climbing wall, inflatables and pony rides.