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Briefs 3-7-2023

January Board of Trustees meeting report

‘Succession’ actor Eric Bogosian speaks on living in world of fantasy

The Importance of Black joy

 "Always Been is a celebration of Black humanity and joy and lies in contrary to the American historical record and its in relationship to Blackness” —Parker Thompson 

‘A never-ending fight’: The long history of Brandeis’s divestment movement

As Brandeis celebrates the Year of Climate Action this year, another important climate campaign at Brandeis observes its ten-year anniversary — the fossil fuel divestment campaign.

‘Maybe An Artist’:

With a slower start to the semester, I decided to celebrate Black History Month by educating myself on Black artists, creators, and change-makers. I grew up around various mediums of art, but one I never outgrew was graphic novels. I loved all of Raina Telemeger’s novels growing up, and one of my favorites to this day is “Smile.” However, finding media that represents me had been difficult until this past fall when I found a new favorite: “Maybe An Artist” written and illustrated by Liz Montague.

The Office of Study Abroad hosts I Love Study Abroad Week

With 200 study abroad programs available spanning 50 countries and all seven continents, the Office of Study Abroad set out to promote the diversity of its choices during “I Love Study Abroad Week” from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3. 

What’s in a name? Angélica María Aguilera hosts writing workshop on language and identity

On Jan. 27, Brandeis welcomed poet, artist, and educator Angélica María Aguilera for the “Say My Name Poetry Workshop” held in Ridgewood Commons. Aguilera is a Chicana poet and musician originally from Los Angeles. A finalist of the National Poetry Slam, the Women of the World Poetry Slam and the author of “They Call Me,” her work has been featured by organizations such as TEDx, Puma, and the United Soccer League’s Women’s League. Attendees listened in on Aguilera’s spoken word performance, whose themes included Latinidad machismo, womanhood, culture, and immigration. All present were then invited to write their own poetry — the prompt being an ode to their name — with tips and assistance from Aguilera. Throughout the two-hour event, conversations about identity, European colonialism, heritage, and cultural roots were fostered, and poetry on all these topics and more was shared and workshopped. 

Vanessa “Ness” Mark leaves legacy of “impossible goodness”

“She demonstrated all of the wonderful things the human spirit is capable of,” Paul Weir ’25 said of student Vanessa — better known by her close friends as Ness — Mark, who tragically passed away in the shuttle accident on Nov. 19. 

Calling all creatives: Basement Records is back on campus

As of this semester, Basement Records is back on campus to facilitate connections between student artists. Like many other clubs, Basement Records died out when Brandeis went remote during the pandemic. Originally founded in 2019 by Avi Hershbein ’19 as a student-run record label (without contracts, of course), the club made a quick splash, but failed to pick up steam. Without online recruitment opportunities, all the members graduated without successors. Basement Records, it seemed, was dead.

Leading abortion journalists on the abortion news landscape

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the University hosted panelists Josh Prager and Margaret Talbot to discuss the current political climate surrounding the issue of abortion access in the United States. The event, sponsored by the Journalism program and co-sponsored by the Co-Curricular Fund of Arts and Sciences and the Women’s Studies Research Center, was moderated by program Profs. Neil Swidey and Ann Silvio (JOUR). 

A message from the Justice editorial board

In light of the recent tragic shuttle accident on Saturday night, the Justice editorial board would like to offer our deepest condolences to the students, friends, families, and others who have been impacted by this event. We especially want to express our sadness and condolences to the friends and family of Vanessa Mark. Our hearts go out to those who were on the bus, and we hope that everyone injured in the crash makes a speedy recovery. 

Resources available in the wake of Saturday’s tragedy

Students can contact the Brandeis Counseling Center 24/7 at 781-736-3730. The Golding Health Center can be reached at 781-239-1948.

Covering Roe: Journalists take on timely topic

On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned the ruling of Roe v. Wade, revoking the constitutional right to abortion. In the days, weeks, and months following, abortion has been at the forefront of newsrooms across the country. But long before this decision, journalists have been digging deeper into the history and significance of Roe and reproductive rights.

Student Union announces special election results

A special Student Union election took place on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The nine winners of the open seats were announced, save for the election for the East Quad Senator, which resulted in a tie. 

Student Union meets, charters three new clubs

The Student Union Senate chartered three new clubs at its Oct. 30 meeting, all of which the Senate had granted probationary status during the last academic year. The Senate also voted to give probationary status to the Chinese Students & Scholars Association, which they had originally voted against at last week’s meeting.

Brandeis welcomes families to campus for family weekend

Campus was bustling this past weekend with over 1,300 families from 42 different states and 11 countries flocking to the University for Brandeis Family Weekend, according to  the Brandeis Family Weekend webpage. The programming of Family Weekend consisted of a wide variety of activities including various sporting events, student performances, academic lectures from faculty members, campus tours, support staff-based information sessions, and family gatherings. The University worked to make this programming accessible to all, including Shabbat observant families, by offering guided walks with volunteer escorts from Usdan Student Center to the Boston Marriott Newton.

Antiracism initiatives in School of Arts and Sciences

Two weeks ago, the School of Arts and Sciences published several new initiatives prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Brandeis faculty. These initiatives prioritize retaining faculty of color, increasing diversity within the Brandeis faculty, developing an equity liaison role in departments, adding endowed chairs, and establishing programs to support and mentor faculty.

Carol Anderson presents her work on voter suppression

On Oct. 26, Provost Carol A. Fierke presented Dr. Carol Anderson the Joseph B. and Toby Gittler Prize. 

Another year of success for Giving DEISday

September Board of Trustees meeting report

On Oct. 3, University President Ron Liebowitz sent an email to the Brandeis community with a summary of the September Board of Trustees meetings. The Board convened in person for the first time since January 2020.