Brandeis Magazine

Andrew Albert, a gastroenterologist and the medical director of digestive health at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, was named one of 2018’s Most Inspiring Chicagoans by StreetWise, a workforce development agency. Andrew’s mission is eradicating colon cancer, a disease that is 90 percent preventable. After losing a young patient to colon cancer in 2017, Andrew began wearing a sign on his back that reminded people to get colonoscopies, inspiring the #backoffcoloncancer movement. Ramon Barquin is chair of the board of directors of the National Student Mock Election, the largest civic-education program in the U.S. The program has helped more than 60 million students learn about American politics and the importance of democracy. Ramon is working on a book, “Teen Voices of Democracy,” scheduled for publication in 2019. Valerie Epstein-Johnson is a licensed psychotherapist and registered, board-certified art therapist. In her private practice, Focal Point Art Therapy + Counseling, she uses art therapy, talk therapy and other therapeutic modalities to help clients of all ages live their lives with less suffering and more connection to their values. Valerie lives in Denver with her husband, Aaron, a biochemist at the University of Colorado Medical School, and their two daughters, Lyra (9) and Iris (4). Ari Globerman, who has completed his 12th year in a structural integration therapy practice, is enrolled in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Miami. He and his wife live in Coral Gables, Florida. Joshua Kaplan was inducted into the hall of fame of New York City’s Old Blue Rugby Football Club, a rugby club founded in 1963. Josh played with Old Blue from 1996-2007, appearing in numerous national competitions and serving as captain from 2003-04. At Brandeis, he was captain of the Rugby Club from 1994-95. A real estate investor at Western Avenue Capital, Josh lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Joanna, and their three children.