Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program celebrates incoming class

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Photo/Mike Lovett

Robert Kraft received a Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program sweatshirt from the students during the reception he hosted.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft hosted a reception at his home to recognize students who have been admitted to Brandeis through the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program (MKTYP) on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The program, established in 1968 and renamed last year for Myra Kraft ‘64, the late Brandeis alumna and trustee, provides small classes and strong support systems for students who have had limitations to their precollege academic opportunities.

Each year, 20 students who have shown exemplary focus, energy, perseverance, maturity, and leadership in their life experiences are admitted to Brandeis through the program.  Since its founding, more than 1,000 students have participated in the program. It is the oldest continuous program of its kind in the country.

This year’s entering class of MKTYP students comes to Brandeis from as nearby as Boston to as far away as Waukegan, Ill. While they arrive on campus with different experiences and backgrounds, they come with a shared goal to earn a college degree and the opportunities that come with it.

Victoria “Alex” Carter ’17, who completed the MKTYP last school year, and is now a second-year undergraduate at Brandeis, was the keynote speaker at the reception. She shared her story of overcoming the challenges of earning a high school degree in New Orleans, which was still affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She said it truly takes a village to raise a child and that the MKTYP students should consider the program, its administrators, the Kraft family and their fellow students to be part of their village while they are studying at Brandeis.

During the reception, Kraft brought out one of the Patriots’ three Super Bowl trophies to show the students. “This trophy represents a world championship and a lot of hard work and effort. I think all of you being part of this program is because of your hard work, and we feel you are champions,” Kraft said. Then, to the applause of the students, he gave club level tickets to the Oct. 5 Patriots game to 21 randomly chosen students.

Brandeis President Frederick M. Lawrence echoed Kraft’s confidence in the students. “You are Myra’s kids. With that comes a great honor but also a great responsibility,” Lawrence said. “Maybe we expect too much from you, but I know that you won’t let us down, because with all that work comes the potential of greatness in each and everyone of you.”