Brandeis Welcomes Fresh Faces, Big Ambitions, and Endless Possibilities
Photo Credit: Gaelen Morse
By David Levin and Julie Jette
August 25, 2024
On a sunny, bright Sunday morning, new students poured into residence halls, greeted new roommates, and settled in for their first year at Brandeis.
Outside of Shapiro residence hall, a small group of orientation leaders in bright pink shirts greeted every car with exuberant cheering. Over the sound of dance music playing on a small portable speaker, Vivian Hamui ’26 explained what kept the group so enthusiastic:
“Starting college is hard. I wanted to make it as easy as possible for new students,” she said. “I still look up to some of the orientation leaders that welcomed me in my first year at Brandeis, and it's been a great opportunity to be able to do the same for the next incoming class.”
Hamui’s classmate, Ria Escamilla-Gil ’27, agreed wholeheartedly. “I know how scary it can be as a freshman. That’s why I think it’s so important for us to be cheerleaders for incoming students. If I see a family smiling, I know I’m doing my job right,” she said.
Amelia Salazar ’28, from Storrs, Connecticut, was particularly excited to begin her undergraduate journey at Brandeis. Sporting an official Judges t-shirt as she waited in line to receive her official university ID, she said she couldn’t wait to jump into the college experience.
“When I visited in the spring, I immediately loved the feel of the campus. The first thing I noticed was that it felt warm and welcoming. It really brings you in,” she said. The people she’s interacted with along the way have only solidified that notion, she added. Even before she got to campus, she was able to correspond over email with Claudia Novack, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, an experience that helped her decide to register for Novack’s lab course in her first semester.
In Usen residence hall, these families were already busy unpacking students, setting up beds, and making their dorm rooms feel like home. Savannah Kellman ’29, who drove up with her family from Brooklyn, New York, said she was particularly confident jumping into school because she knew Brandeis would offer her an education few other schools could match. She is about to begin an accelerated five-year program with the International Business School, where she’ll earn both a bachelors and masters degree while gaining skills to grow her startup hair care business (the company, S Beauty, hand-makes hair butter out of all-natural ingredients).
Luke Struss ’28 felt similarly about launching his Brandeis education. A native of Boulder, Colorado, Struss decided to come to campus for the unique research opportunities he’ll have as an undergraduate.
“When I came to visit a biochemistry class, I must have picked an off day, because we had a quiz,” he said, laughing. “But after talking to students and professors, it was so interesting that I knew I wanted to come.” Struss is looking forward to getting hands-on in the lab—and, as an avid fencer, he’s also looking to get blades-on with the Judges in the fall.
At the University Welcome for Students, the entire class of 2028 packed into Spingold Theater for a few moments of reflection, and to get some inspiration and reassurance from university leaders.
First they heard from orientation Core Team leader Esther Rubin, who told the students “I know you may be nervous, scared, overwhelmed, but rest assured you are not alone in this endeavor.”
Provost Carol Fierke reminded the new Brandeisians that the beginning of their college career is a time for personal as well as academic growth.
“This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in your lives. The transition from high school to college is a monumental step, signifying not just a change in your academic journey, but also a personal transformation. It’s filled with anticipation and possibilities - a time for you to begin to define your future, and explore your potential,” she said.
Andrea Dine, vice president of Student Affairs, advised students to value the connections they are already beginning to make as they start Orientation.
“Connections will be built with fellow students, faculty and staff, and future colleagues, mentors and supervisors, that will walk with you along the path of life,” Dine said. “During these first few days of orientation it’s a great time to practice building those connections on campus, some that may last far longer than you imagine.”
Jeffrey Shoulson, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, which oversees all undergraduate academic programs, told students they have much to look forward to. “While I can’t guarantee it will all be smooth sailing from here, I’m confident in assuring you that it will be a challenging and rewarding experience,” he said.
