Louis D. Brandeis Centennial Celebration Update
Sept. 3, 2015
Dear Members of the Brandeis Community,
Since the founding of Brandeis University in 1948, the ideals of Justice Louis D. Brandeis have been the underpinning of our institutional values. His views on society, government and the issues before them are as relevant now as they were during his lifetime.
In January 2016, we will mark the 100th anniversary of Justice Brandeis’ nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Woodrow Wilson. As we celebrate this historic moment, we have the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of our university’s namesake and the principles he valued.
Starting in January and continuing throughout the spring, we invite members of the Brandeis community to take part in the celebration “Louis D. Brandeis 100: Then and Now.”
We will host five panel discussions on notable issues Justice Brandeis championed:
Thursday, January 28 — “Louis D. Brandeis, the Supreme Court and American Democracy” We are delighted to welcome Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, H’96, to Brandeis 100 years to the day that Justice Brandeis was nominated to the Supreme Court. Justice Ginsburg’s remarks will be followed by comments from panelists Ralph D. Gants, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court; Philippa Strum ’59, senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Jeffrey Toobin, staff writer at The New Yorker; and Mark Wolf, senior judge for the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts. This event will require a ticket for entry. Details about location and time as well as ticket information will be made available later this fall.
Monday, March 7 — “Citizenship and the Economy: Labor, Inequality and Bigness”
Monday, March 21 — “Privacy, Technology and the Modern Self”
Monday, April 4 — “Jewish Justices and the Expanding Diversity of the Supreme Court”
Monday, April 18 — “Speech and Participation in a Democracy: What Are the Rights and Responsibilities of the Educated Citizen?”
In addition to the panel discussions, there will be many ways for members of the Brandeis community to take an active part in the celebration. For example, the university will make small grants to fund events and projects that add to our understanding of Justice Brandeis and his legacy. These events and projects, slated throughout the spring 2016 semester, will be proposed by faculty, staff, alumni and students. More details on the project grants will be sent in a separate email and are available online.
We also will be posting updates about all the panels and centennial activities online, so please check the website throughout the fall and spring for the most current information.
We are grateful to all those who have contributed to the planning of the centennial celebration, and we are looking forward to coming together as a community to honor Justice Brandeis and the ideals he valued greatly — ideals our university continues to value today.
Best regards,
Lisa M. Lynch
Interim President
Daniel Terris
Director, International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life