Highlights from the November Board of Trustees meeting, Nov. 13-15, 2017
General Summary The board passed three resolutions from the Academy Committee. Olga Papemmanouil, in computer science, was given an associate professorship with tenure. The Board approved a new Master of Science program in robotic software engineering in the Rabb School of Continuing sciences. They approved a Master of Science program in business analytics in the […]
Transparency cannot be in name only
President Liebowitz and the Brandeis administration have taken steps to improve transparency on campus. But transparency is only valuable if it is accessible. While the administration has been sharing information through a series of open forums, they could do more to encourage attendance and reach more students with this information. We appreciate Liebowitz’s efforts to […]
Reflecting on Nobel Prize winners
With the recent awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Brandeis professor Michael Rosbash (BIOL) and professor emeritus of biology Jeffrey Hall for their work on circadian rhythms, The Brandeis Hoot explored other members of the Brandeis community who have won Nobel Prizes in the past for their revolutionary work in their […]
2017 American Music Awards, a night of dazzling performances and uplifting messages
Self empowerment was the main theme of the 2017 American Music Awards (AMAs), broadcasted on Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. Stars shined throughout the evening as many different artists across all genres were recognized for their achievements and impact in popular music throughout the year. The awards honored legendary women like Whitney Houston and Diana […]
Liebowitz discusses financial, infrastructure constraints in presentation on future direction of Brandeis
President Ron Liebowitz convened the first open meeting on Brandeis’ direction as an institution, including discussion of self-reflection reports produced by schools, departments and centers across Brandeis and high-level strategic priorities. The meeting began a nine-month process outlined in the document sent to the community and intends to “draw the major contours of the university’s […]
Adagio’s fall show celebrates dance at Brandeis
Students and community members crowded into Levin Ballroom to watch Adagio’s fall show, themed “Throwback Thursday,” on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 16. The show also featured wonderful performances by Hooked on Tap, Ballet Company and B’Yachad. Adagio, the biggest student-run dance group on campus, has been planning for a year and began to seriously […]
University finances ‘secure’ but ‘constrained’
Financially, the university is “secure” but “constrained” and needs to generate higher revenue to achieve goals, according to members of Brandeis’ Finance and Administration senior leadership team, who held an open meeting on Wednesday in the International Longue to address the financial sustainability and provide updates for ongoing campus projects. Stew Uretsky, executive vice president […]
‘Justice League:’ an inoffensive mess
I am not a DC fan. Personally, I’ve always preferred Marvel comics over their older counterparts. But I’ve always respected the archetypal nature of DC heroes. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are larger than life, and were big well before audiences were familiar with Iron Man or Thor. DC is also (indirectly) responsible for the […]
New Star Wars Battlefront II disappoints and fails to bring the fun
I love “Star Wars.” No matter how pretentious I pretend to be, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Jedis and lightsabers. As a kid, I loved playing the video game “Star Wars Battlefront II.” It was the coolest thing ever: You could be a battle droid or a stormtrooper in essentially […]
Men’s soccer entering the Final Four
The Brandeis men’s soccer team extended their postseason two weeks longer with two wins on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19 in the NCAA national tournament. The team won their third round against Drew University with a 1-0 win. Entering the game, Drew had an undefeated record, going 21-0-1 for their entire season. Brandeis […]
Sarna gives Univ. Prof. lecture on Jewish political identity
On Monday, Professor Jonathan Sarna ’75 (NEJS) spoke about the history of Jewish political identity in America at a lecture celebrating his appointment to University Professor, the highest designation awarded to Brandeis professors. Sarna first came to Brandeis University at the age of 10 when his father Professor Nachum Sarna became a part of the […]
Men’s basketball secures first win after rough start to the season
The Brandeis men’s basketball team has started off rocky with only one win in the first four games of their season. The Judges dropped the second game of the season and home opener to Becker on Saturday, Nov. 18, losing by one point in a close game. The Judges began the game against the Becker […]
Brandeis students should care more about sports
There has been a lot of talk among our campus’ student leadership over the past few months, mainly among the members of the Student Union and in some talks with administrators, concerning how to increase “school spirit.” There are ideas floating around about campus events, bigger discounts on Brandeis gear at the store, engagement with […]
NCAA gymnastics requirements favor wealthier athletes
After the 2016 Olympics, many of the nation’s elite gymnasts went off to college, where they now compete for NCAA teams. Madison Kocian, who won one gold and one silver medal in Rio, just began her sophomore year at UCLA. British Olympian Ruby Harrold is one of the stars of the gymnastics program at LSU. […]
The power of kneeling during the national anthem
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and San Francisco safety Eric Reid came under fire from right-wing citizens and news outlets alike over their Sept. 1, 2016, decision to take a knee during the national anthem. Though they were alone in their action for a while, the act of peaceful protest soon spread around […]
Panel debates whether nuclear energy is clean energy
Members of the Brandeis community convened at the International Lounge on Monday, Nov. 27, where Professor Kerry Emanuel and Professor Christoph Stefes debated about whether nuclear energy should be considered clean energy. This event was the third and final debate hosted by the Center for German and European Studies in the “Campusweek Initiatives” program, a […]
‘The Disaster Artist’ depicts the making of ‘The Room’ with stellar cinematography and acting
“The Disaster Artist” is a biopic about “The Room,” the most iconic “so bad it’s good” movie of all time. This story revolves around aspiring actor Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) who befriends another aspiring actor named Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) and moves with him from San Francisco to Los Angeles so they can both pursue […]
Proposed tax bills may affect Brandeis
In a Nov. 17 campus-wide email, provost Lisa Lynch urged members of the Brandeis community to contact their congressional representatives to express their views regarding tax proposals which may have a “damaging impact” on universities. The email came the day after the House of Representatives passed a tax-reform bill. On Tuesday, a similar bill passed […]
Pro-Choice Club aims to work with administration and Student Union on wellness vending machine
Brandeis Pro-Choice, a student organization, plans to install a wellness vending machine containing free Plan B by the end of the academic year. After receiving a grant from Planned Parenthood to fund the project, the student club has been working with administration and the Student Union to finish the project. In October, Brandeis Pro-Choice received […]
MELA 2017 soars to new heights with a truly impressive and vibrant program
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka—all these beautiful cultures were celebrated at the South Asian Students’ Association’s (SASA) most anticipated event of the semester, MELA 2017. This year’s theme was “Masakali,” which translates as a dove symbolizing love, peace, hope and liberation. These themes were wholeheartedly embraced throughout the evening, sending […]
