Class of 1966
Robert Acker lives in Laos, where he’s working on a temple reconstruction, a scholarship and library support program at Souphanouvong University, and an objects survey and conservation lab at the National Museum. The projects are funded by the Bonnie Baskin ’68 Memorial Trust, established in honor of Bob’s late wife. Susie Kaufman writes about memory, “aging in amazement” and the inner life at susiekaufman.substack.com. Michael Leiderman reports that approximately 25 members of the Class of ’66 participated in a Zoom discussion, organized by Peter Siris, with members of the Prevention, Advocacy and Resource Center at Brandeis. The topic was the group’s suggested language list. Michael says he and his classmates appreciated the PARC members’ candor and willingness to participate in the give-and-take. Rabbi Jonathan Porath is putting the final touches on his upcoming book “Here We Are All Jews: 175 Russian-Jewish Journeys,” which will be published by Gefen this year. The volume discusses Jonathan’s visits with Soviet and Russian Jews from 1965-2019. Journalist William Schneider was named professor emeritus in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He reports a colleague describes the position as “nice title, no paychecks.” Rosalie (Ripaldi) Shane writes she is still painting; showing her work; and managing Saxonville Studios, 10 artist studios in Framingham, Massachusetts. She also serves on the boards of Brandeis’ Women’s Studies Research Center, where she is co-chair; the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association; and the Vineyard Trust, which maintains 20 historic properties on Martha’s Vineyard.