Brandeis Magazine

Jian Wang, GSAS PhD’02, of Newton, Massachusetts, on Aug. 28, 2022. A vice president at Bellen Chemistry who earlier worked as a medicinal chemist at Vertex Pharmaceuticals for 21 years, he had a gregarious nature, and a passion for running marathons and supporting charitable causes. Survived by wife Yixian Zhang and two daughters.

Montroville C. Williams, GSAS MFA’03, of Huntsville, Alabama, on Oct. 5. A staunch advocate for disenfranchised populations, he was devoted to numerous faith communities; enjoyed gospel and theatrical performance; and believed in the power of art as a conduit for truth, justice, love, and laughter. Survived by his parents and a brother.

Michael F. Kurtz, GSAS MFA’06, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 20, 2022. A longtime theatrical technical director, he had many passions, including dancing at concerts, hiking, hot dogs, and the New York Yankees. Survived by wife Kathleen, two children, and his mother.