A Return to Commencement Weekend
May 31, 2022
Dear Members of the Brandeis Community,
I am delighted to report that the University’s Commencement and [Re]Commencement exercises were a resounding success recently. After more than two years of pandemic-related constraints, it was a true joy to be able to witness the graduates celebrate this important milestone in their lives with their families and loved ones. Pulling off this complex series of events was no small feat, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the festivities. Thanks to their hard work, Brandeis marked a triumphant return to tradition as we gathered to recognize the achievements of the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022.
It was a historically hot day, and the University’s honorary degree recipients along with the keynote speakers braved the heat, with former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, H’17, delivering a call to action to the graduates of the Class of 2022 in the morning to take up the responsibilities of citizenship. Later in the evening, “Friends” and “Grace and Frankie” co-creator Marta Kauffman ’78, H’20, inspired the alumni from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 with a funny, thoughtful, and moving set of lessons. You can read more about their remarks, my address, and the ceremonies online.
I also write to share that on the Friday ahead of Commencement, the Board of Trustees met virtually in order to approve the conferral of degrees to be granted at the exercises. During the meeting, they also voted to approve a change to the faculty handbook, which had been recommended by the faculty. With this approved change, faculty can attend faculty meetings in person or online, and each meeting will be recorded and available for voting-eligible faculty to review after. This change will also allow for voting to take place asynchronously online for a period of days after the meeting.
Finally, I am pleased to share that the following faculty were promoted with the approval of the Board:
- Maya Eden was promoted to the rank of associate professor with tenure in the department of economics.
- Davide Pettenuzzo was promoted to the rank of professor with tenure in the International Business School.
- Anna Scherbina was promoted to the rank of professor with tenure in the International Business School.
Please join me in congratulating these faculty members in recognition of their scholarship, teaching, and contributions to the Brandeis community. I look forward to welcoming them — and you all — back to campus in the fall. In the meantime, I wish you all the best for a restorative summer.
Sincerely,
Ron