Brandeis Magazine

Since opening its doors in 1948, Brandeis has prioritized academic excellence — a commitment reflected in both the quality of its academic programs and the caliber of its faculty. Graduating seniors consistently rave about their academic experience on exit surveys. Faculty research earns the highest accolades, such as the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science.

But students don’t choose a university on the basis of academics alone. They also want a vibrant campus life that fosters growth, connection, belonging and fun. They want modern residence halls; labs and studios; and spaces that make it easy to gather, relax and create.

As universities nationwide compete for a shrinking pool of college-age students, the quality of a campus environment can make all the difference. Last year, in fact, the vast majority of students admitted to Brandeis reported that academic and housing facilities played an important role in deciding where they enrolled.

For years, Brandeis delayed upgrades of and maintenance on its physical infrastructure as it focused on other critical needs. Now, it’s time to reinvest in the campus.

This work is already underway via two major projects: a new residence hall, designed to enhance the student experience, and a Center for Jewish Life, which will bring all Jewish life and culture under one roof.

Other improvements are under consideration, too, such as reimagining the main entrance to campus and renovating the Shapiro Campus Center atrium into a larger, more open space that flows seamlessly onto the Great Lawn.

These changes mark an exciting new chapter at Brandeis — the creation of a future-focused campus that supports a 21st-century education, and reflects the needs, ambitions and spirit of today’s students.

A hub for all Brandeis students

Behind Spingold Theater on Brandeis’ Lower Campus rise twin elevator shafts wrapped in scaffolding and draped with a “Brandeis Builds” banner. This is the site of the state-of-the-art residence hall that began construction last June.

The building — two towers connected by a Campus Commons — will house 631 students. The fully accessible structure will have a village-like feel, with rooms clustered in “neighborhoods” of about 45 students each. Shared spaces throughout will encourage connection and creativity.

Amenities will include air-conditioning, single-occupancy restrooms, 14 community kitchens and lounges, an exercise room, landscaped gardens and terraces, and a small amphitheater.

Designed to meet sustainability standards for energy efficiency, the building will feature triple-glazed windows and a rooftop ready for solar panels. Electrified bike shelters will support green transportation.

The Campus Commons will have an open, flexible layout that can accommodate up to 150 people, allowing the space to serve as an inviting center for student life — ready to host impromptu coffee chats, group study sessions, yoga classes, lectures, performances and more.

“The new residence hall will transform how students live, learn and play together,” says Andrea Dine, vice president of student affairs. “Every detail in the building’s design reflects the university’s commitment to community — fostering connection, shared traditions and wellness.”

In addition, the building will provide residential space for summer programs and university events, extending its use beyond the academic year.

Slated to open in spring 2027, the new residence hall — the first since Skyline opened in 2018 — is one of the most significant campus-infrastructure investments in Brandeis’ history.

The support of alumni and friends is vital to the project. So far, Brandeis has raised $25 million toward the new building, but much more is needed. Donors who join the effort at this stage will play a pivotal role in defining the future of campus life while leaving a lasting legacy for Brandeis students.

For more information on supporting the residence hall, contact Mike Booras at mcbooras@brandeis.edu.

An anchor for Jewish life and culture

Founded as a bold experiment rooted in Jewish values, Brandeis remains one of the most-welcoming colleges for Jewish students in the United States — especially notable given the rising antisemitism at many campuses in recent years.

In partnership with Hillel, the Jewish student-life organization with chapters at more than 850 colleges, Brandeis provides countless ways for students to express their values, deepen their identities, enhance their learning and practice their Judaism with confidence and pride, through Shabbat dinners and services, arts and cultural events, internships, symposia and conferences, rabbinic mentorship, Torah learning, and more.

Yet surprisingly, Jewish student-life programming has always been scattered at various locations across the Brandeis campus. This is why the university and Hillel seek to build a Center for Jewish Life, which will bring all these offerings under a single roof and provide a permanent home for Hillel. The center will serve as both a sanctuary for Jewish students and a launchpad for the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.

“The center will bring visibility and vitality to Jewish life at a time when our students — and the world — need both,” explains Rabbi Seth Winberg, executive director of Brandeis Hillel.

To create the center, the university plans to renovate a vacant 28,000-square-foot administrative building, Kutz Hall, located in the heart of campus. The center will feature gathering, study and event spaces; student lounges; a kosher cafe and kitchen; and a beit midrash.

Coco Trentalancia ’27, a member of the Hillel student board, is thrilled. “I’ve immersed myself in Hillel’s programming since I first stepped on campus and love it,” she says. “I could not imagine going through my college journey anywhere else. The center will take Jewish life at Brandeis to the next level and allow it to soar.”

Brandeis seeks to raise $25 million from alumni and friends toward renovating the building and strengthening programming. Construction will begin once half of this amount has been raised. The project has early momentum, having raised $4.6 million to date. Jim Shane, G’26, chair of Brandeis Hillel, and Sheri Gurock ’99, P’25, chair of the center’s campaign, are leading the charge.

“This is more than a campaign for a building,” says Winberg. “It is a call to affirm Brandeis University as a leader in shaping the Jewish future.”

For more information on supporting the Center for Jewish Life, contact Ruth Maffa at ruthmaffa@brandeis.edu.

To make a gift online, visit giving.brandeis.edu.