Zionist Organization of America threatens boycott
The Zionist Organization of America has threatened to boycott the University due to its employment of Khalil Shikaki, a scholar at Brandeis Crown Center for Middle East Studies, according to New York newspaper The Forward. The ZOA accuses Shikaki of ties to Islamic Jihad. These alleged ties were the subject of a Tuesday article in The New York Sun. University President Jehuda Reinharz said there is absolutely no evidence of any offenses, according to The Forward.
Carl and Ruth Shapiro give more
Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro have donated $25 million to the Science Complex Renewal Project, according to a University press release. The donation is the largest in the Universitys 58-year history. Of the $154 million needed for the project, $74 million are expected to be donated;
the remainder of the cost will paid with new University debt. Ground is to be broken on the project in the spring.
Professor Bernstein dies
Prof. Gerald Bernstein (FA), a member of the Fine Arts Faculty, passed away January 8. In an email message to faculty and staff, Provost Marty Krauss wrote that he died after a long illness. A celebration of his life was held on Jan. 10 at the Berlin Chapel. He taught at the University for more than 40 years, according to a University press release. Bernstein joined the faculty in 1967 and chaired the Department of Fine Arts in 1979-81 and 1985-86. He retired in 2004.
Several University staff members have left their posts over break, according to various email sources.
Milton Kornfeld, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences for Graduate Education, intends to retire in May.
Jim Hurley, Vice President for Budget and Planning, will be leaving Brandeis on February 3, 2006.
Barb Laverdiere, Director of Dining Services, has accepted a position at Boston University.
Lyon sets fire record straight
According to Deborah Lyon '06, the off-campus fire on South Street Monday morning ignited in the oven, underneath the rack not on the stove-top as reported elsewhere. There was no fireball and the fire itself was minor.
Graham Dobereiner
