Brandeis Magazine

Esky Fischer writes, “Though my husband, Louis, retired 14 years ago, I have no plans to, even after 18 years in retail management, and 32 years and counting as a personal assistant. What I do is way too much fun.” Bernard Gerber, P’98, sadly reports the death of his wife, Carol, P’98, in January. He continues his psychiatry practice in Houston, now with an emphasis on consultation and teaching. His two children also live in Texas: Sarah Gerber Abrahams ’98 is in Austin, and Jacob is in McKinney. Bernard has five grandchildren, “a constant source of amazement and pleasure,” he writes. Mitchell Klapper works full time as a dermatologist, and has trained residents and medical students at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland. He writes, “Recently saw the fourth generation of a family of my patients, so the thought of finally retiring is starting to cross my mind.” Ira Shapiro is the author of “The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America,” which was published by Rowman & Littlefield in May. In the book’s acknowledgments, Ira notes the deep, continuing influence Brandeis has had on his career and his life. Nancy Shapiro, associate vice chancellor at the University System of Maryland, received the Civic Leadership Award from Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic, a nonprofit association of colleges and universities. Heleni Thayre reports she is suing the town of Brookline, Massachusetts, in the wake of its decision to shut down the Airbnb she operated in her home. “It was one of the most fulfilling activities I’ve ever engaged in, and I loved it so much,” she writes.