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T h e I n d e p e n d e n t S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f B r a n d e is U n i v e r sit y S i n c e 1 9 4 9 Volume LXXVII, Number 21

Monday, May 19, 2025

Waltham, Mass.

COMMENCEMENT

GRADUATION

Undergraduate Commencement: Class of 2025 says goodbye ■ Prof. Jonathan Sarna ’75 GSAS MA ’75

and Hana Renate Klempnauer Miller ’25 addressed the graduating class. By LUCIA THOMAS AND IYLA LICHENFELD JUSTICE NEWS EDITORS

On Sunday, May 18 the Brandeis undergraduate class of 2025 received their diplomas as recently retired Brandeis professor Jonathan Sarna ’75 GSAS MA’75 provided the keynote commencement address. As students filled their seats in a great procession, alumni of the class of 1975 followed them into the auditorium, marking their 50th graduation anniversary. Interim President Arthur Levine ’70 then read his remarks. In the speech Levine shared anecdotes pointing to the bittersweet nature of leaving college. He argued that students need to be able to look at themselves and feel proud, especially as they make a difference in their communities, families’ lives and future workplaces. In closing, he addressed the class of 2025 directly saying, “Follow your heart, the lifetimes a long time to do something you don't want to do.” Next, Sarna shared how his own graduation 50 years ago mirrored the ceremony occuring today. He explained how peaking inflation and high unemployment rates rattled him and his classmates all amid a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East. Familiar to students, Sarna solidified the connection by comparing the Yom Kippur War of 1973 to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in 2023. He called these times “dark days on campus” recognizing how history doesn't repeat itself, but it “nearly rhymes.” He bore no direct mention of the Israel-Hamas War or this year’s student protests, though he did note the University’s “radical” and “militant” activism in the 1960s. He urged the students and faculty to reawaken a collective response to current affairs in order to reaffirm Brandeis as an “academic center for Jewish leaders.” Importantly, Sarna directed listeners to follow the advice of the commencement speaker at his graduation, Senator Edward Kennedy: Be the “sober generation.” In other words, stay moderate, be mature, be nuanced and remain calm. Do not be swayed by the intoxication of power and instead “seek balance in our actions and character.” His remarks completed with the statements “aim at the happy medium” and “keep calm and stay sober.” Hana Renate Klempnauer Miller ’25 then gave the undergraduate student address. She began by congratulating her fellow graduates, stating enthusiastically, “Class of 2025, we made it!” Miller majored in

Health: Science, Society, and Policy and Anthropology, with a minor in Legal Studies and graduated with high honors. She highlighted the unique nature of Brandeis and how students immerse themselves in a range of disciplines. “Brandeis is truly a place unlike any other,” she remarked. Miller emphasized that she entered the University “wholly uncertain of who [she] could be,” but it was the institution’s faculty, peers and culture that enabled opportunities and extensive growth. Her speech emphasized a quote from Henry David Thoreau, “be not simply good; be good for something.” Miller explained this to mean, “aim above morality.” It is not enough to think about change in the world, one must act. She explained how Brandeis fosters this action oriented thinking and that the student body embodies this motto. She called Brandeisians’ dedication to enacting positive change in the world to be the “life blood of the people” and that “the spirit of good lives in this place [Brandeis].” Miller stated that she does not fear the future even with the consideration of the uncertain and often strifeful state of the world. She attributed this optimism to Brandeis’ ability to, “turn lessons into change.” She emphasized this notion and inspire her fellow graduates into action. “We are relentless,” she stated, “persist, lean into fear…be unshakable…make hope possible everyday.” She then looked to the future, describing this next point in the graduates' lives as one of excitement and promise. Miller ended her speech by calling back to Thoreau and telling her fellow graduates once again to theorize about the future they want, to use what they have learned and create that world. After Miller’s student address, the students were called to the stage by Alumni Association President Amy Cohen ’85 to accept their diplomas and new graduate status. Smiles adorned many peoples’ faces; some also added decorations to their graduation regalia. Hollers and claps from the crowd echoed through the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center as graduates waved from the stage. As they walked up to Levine they also greeted and thanked Provost Carol Fierke and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Jeffrey Shoulson. Many students adorned themselves with culturally significant accessories, while some brought flags to represent their home countries and values. Approximately three students held Palestinian flags and some graduates chose not to engage with administrators, while most shook Levine’s hand, or made brief comments to him. As the ceremony came to an end, graduates and those close to them scattered about campus. Groups took photos and embraced while enjoying the sunny day.

XILEI CECI CHEN/The Justice

COMMENCEMENT: Prof. Jonathan Sarna '75 GSAS MA (NEJS) delivers speech as graduates listen.

Exchange for Change  A program in Florida provides classes, mentorship and writing opportunities to adults and youth at correctional facilities.

STUDENT ADDRESS: Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA SID '25 delivers her speech.

Graduate Commencement: Shirley Ann Jackson and Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA SID `25 impart inspirational speeches ■ The ceremony celebrated the

departure of graduates and acquainted community members with honorary degree recipients Shirley Ann Jackson and Jim Obergefell. By SOPHIA DE LISI AND JULIA HARDY

JUSTICE EDITOR IN CHIEF AND JUSTICE MANAGING EDITOR

On May 18, the Brandeis community gathered in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center to celebrate the University’s 74th Graduate Commencement. This ceremony acknowledged the achievements of students from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis International Business School and Rabb School of Continuing Studies and named two honorary degree recipients, Shirley Ann Jackson and Jim Obergefell. The ceremony featured two main keynote speeches. As a recipient of the Doctorate of Science, Shirley Ann Jackson delivered the first address, with Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA Sustainable International Development ’25, to follow. Both speakers emphasized themes of community, passion and excellence. Jackson shared her educational and career journey with the graduates and audience as a way to show how skills from all disciplines can come together to create a better world. She was the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and only the second African American woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in physics. She has been a leader in her field of theoretical physics, as well as in higher education, taking her knowledge and applying it to academia, government and industry. Currently, she works at the AT&T Bell Laboratories. She has had many leadership roles, including president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for

FEATURES 7

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For tips or info email editor@thejustice.org

Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS

23 years, co-chair of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for four years. She also served as a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Additionally, Jackson is a member of the International Security Advisory Board of the U.S. Department of State, the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board and the Defense Science Board in the U.S. Department of Defense. She served on the board of directors for multiple companies including FedEx, International Business Machine and Medtronic. In addition, Jackson has earned the National Medal of Science, which is an award given by the president of the United States to those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and engineering. Upon receiving her honorary doctorate degree, she expressed, “I accept this honor with deep gratitude not only as a scientist, policy maker and educator, but as someone who understands what it means to be given a chance and to use that chance in service of something greater.” Jackson said that she was guided by the adults in her life to work hard and strive for greatness. Jackson provided an account of her grandfather, a veteran of the Second World War who earned a bronze star. Jackson stated that “his words of advice became a guiding light in my life,” and that he always said to “aim for the stars so you can reach the treetops, and at least you’ll get off the ground.” Jackson took with her this lesson to aim high as she moved through her life. She explained how she grew up in a world of “great upheaval,” with the Civil Rights Movement, school desegregation and the space race. The 1954 Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, “opened wider the doors of public education to African Americans children like [her],” and the space race resulted in an increased effort to educate students in science and technology. After testing into an accelerated math curriculum in seventh grade, Jackson continued to break down barriers. She was one of two African Ameri-

“Maid” review

By JULIA HARDY Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS

XILEI CECI CHEN/The Justice

ARTS AND CULTURE 14

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See GRADUATION, 5 ☛

NEWS 3

Thany you to our seniors By THE JUSTICE EDITORIAL BOARD

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