BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE (BNC)
National Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Brandeis University - International Lounge, Usdan Student Center
TUESDAY, JUNE 5
President Leslie Pearlstein called to order the second meeting of the 2011-2012 NEC at 8:55 AM.
She introduced Steve Goldstein, Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Professor of
Biochemistry. She informed everyone that the BNC falls under the aegis of the Provost’s Office.
UNIVERSITY PROVOST’S REMARKS
Steve Goldstein ‘78
The university is engaged in a strategic planning process designed to provide a framework for decision-making
over the next five years and beyond. Brandeis’s values and commitments will remain unchanged. Faculty,
students, staff, and alumni were interviewed for ideas. Task forces will contribute ideas based on key themes; one
is concerned with the many ways in which Brandeis is a life-long learning experience. Among the contributors
are the Alumni Association and the BNC; Janice Fineman will represent the BNC on the Alumni Engagement and
Community Building task force.
Strategic planning will proceed by January 2013 after review by the university’s board. The BNC’s current
campaign is critical and its choice of focus a powerful one, because of the university’s emphasis on the sciences.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Leslie Pearlstein
The following new NEC members were introduced:
Vice Presidents
Iris Wigal and Carol Rabinovitz ‘59
Members
Marilyn Blankman, Merle Carrus, Lynn Cramer, Arnie Geffner, Judy Glaser ‘59,
Joel Kamer, Sue Karp, Lexie Magid, and Gladys Simon.
Joanie Small and Joyce Krasnow were unable to attend the meeting. Ruth Young had submitted her resignation
and was to have completed the final year of her term
Leslie met with several chapters during the year and attended chapter, region and UOW events nationwide. She
learned that it is important to bring the officers, staff, faculty, and student ambassadors to the chapters to establish
their connection and feeling for Brandeis.
Members of the Visioning project have been working for two years to develop a plan for the BNC’s future. The
BNC needs to grow and change and follow the recommendations of the Visioning Committee; the organization
today is different from that founded 64 years ago.
Tucson, San Fernando Valley, and Fairfield County Chapters are celebrating their 60th anniversaries this year; a
couple are even older. Leslie wants to recognize milestone anniversaries as they occur to raise awareness of
BNC’s history, to make chapters proud of their longevity, and to let them know of the history of other chapters.
Announcements of five-year anniversaries will be posted on the website.
Leslie thanked Carol Kern for her many contributions to the BNC after 22 years of continuing service on the
national level. She has been a board member, national vice president, national president twice, and chair of the
Nominating Committee, Search Committee, the Science for Life campaign, and the Visioning committee.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Janice Fineman
This year the BNC was productive in many areas.
Publicity
There was extensive BNC media coverage in local chapter communities, on campus, in both the Brandeis
Magazine and a national magazine. Through volunteer efforts, major articles appeared in local papers for events
held by the Boca Raton, San Dieguito, and Desert Chapters. A public service announcement about the Corpus
Christi book sale was aired on local TV. Articles about the Florida book store ran in the Brandeis student
newspaper, The Hoot, and also in CASE Magazine, published by the Council for Advancement and Support of
Education. The Hoot also carried articles about philanthropy and quoted Roz Schacknow, a former NEC member,
about her reasons for supporting Brandeis. Copies of these and other articles were included in the packet that was
circulated.
New program for Atlanta Chapter - Better World Books
The Atlanta Chapter has teamed up with a company called Better World Books to place collection boxes for used
books in shopping malls and business office complexes strategically located in the Greater Atlanta area. The
project is an off-shoot of Atlanta Chapter’s original book sale community collection program. The chapter will
arrange for collection boxes sites and promote their use. Better World Books will pick up, sort, and sell the books,
which will result in revenues for the chapter. Janice and Leslie met the volunteer who is key to this program and
felt confident that her drive and commitment will make this a stellar project for the BNC.
Working in Partnership with the University
One of the important themes identified through the Visioning project was the need to continue exploring ways to
connect members to Brandeis, and by so doing to fulfill BNC’s mission to provide significant financial support.
During the coming year, all members will receive two copies of the Brandeis Magazine that will include a fourpage insert with news about the BNC.
The university has produced a new BNC campaign video that will be viewed later as part of the campaign report.
National Center Staff
Janice thanked the staff for their efforts and dedication to the BNC. She noted she regularly receives notes from
members and chapter leaders that commend the staff for their help and support.
Beth Bernstein has taken on a new role as Director of Communications and Training. She has been deeply
involved with developing the Leadership Training program and will work closely with the Leadership
Development team to implement this important program. Beth will continue to oversee communications, as well
as the University on Wheels and Student Ambassador Programs.
Barbara Gilman is now Assistant Director of Financial Services. The change in title better describes her role as
manager of the Accounting Department and overseer of all financial affairs.
In closing, Janice said the overarching key to success will be the ability to develop a stronger philanthropic
culture at all levels. She asked the NEC to share their passion for, and commitment to, Brandeis with others, to
ask for their support, and to take that message to the regions and chapters.
UNIVERSITY UPDATE
Michaele Whelan
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Michaele met with Denver alumni to facilitate a conversation about “Yellow” by Don Lee. Using materials that
were prepared for the BNC’S Encore Series, the attendees were engaged and reminded of the intellectual
stimulation they had experienced formerly as students. She suggested the attendees consider holding their own
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study group. Michaele would like to increase the number of alumni groups using BNC materials. She will be
going to Florida for a similar event in the fall. Chapters can contact Beth Bernstein with information about
chapter events, and she will work with her alumni colleagues to post these on the alumni website
Discussion
 How can chapters obtain names of alumni in order to invite them to chapter events? Answer:
Brandeis does not release student data; however the Alumni office does work with the BNC.

The BNC and the university are family; there should be a way to bypass the privacy issue. There are
areas where there is a disconnect; Michaele agreed there needs to be better usage of the connected
family. Myles added the fact that five or six NEC members are alumni, which is a major shift, and
that there have been a number of joint events with alumni.
Michaele urged the NEC to be strong advocates for the Student Ambassador program.
University Strategic Planning
Information about the Steering Committee can be found at http://www.brandeis.edu/strategicplanning. Brandeis
will remain a research university with a liberal arts focus. It will embrace social justice in all aspects of its
education and research, and will honor its Jewish roots and commitments to pluralism, access, and diversity. The
Steering Committee will review task force recommendations at the end of the summer and draft a framework to
be released to the campus for review and discussion early in the fall.
BUDGET & FINANCE TEAM
Simon Atlas, Chair
The budget for FY12 and FY13 was distributed, along with actual figures for June FY11, YTD April FY11, and
YTD April FY12. Net National and Chapter Activities is $256,000 less than last year. Total net income for the 10
month period is $2,427,300 YTD versus 2,977,247 for the same period last year. The current campaign should be
the vehicle that will help attain the FY13 goals.
FY12 Direct to the university donations are favorable to FY11 Actual by $258,021, or 41.7%. Planned Gifts to
date are $95,549 vs. $45,000 for last year, a favorable variance of 112%. The FY13 budget is virtually the same
as last year’s, reflecting an anticipated 3% decline in membership dues ($15,379), less than half a percentage
point increase in expenses, and a $50,000 increase in donations direct to the university. Total net income is
budgeted for $1,450,802 which, given the past performance, should be able to be exceeded.
Discussion
 Why are the figures not showing a reduced expense ratio? Answer: The National Center continues to
train chapter treasurers to be cognizant of the importance of reducing expenses.

The issue pertains more to revenue, not expense. More members and event attendees are needed.
Chapters need to add an element to their events that will raise more money, e.g., a Tribute journal or
boutique. Another example would be to offer levels of giving.

Chapters need to understand they must conservatively estimate the expenses when developing a
budget and state the amount that constitutes a donation; there is standard text to include on invitations
that states what is, and what is not, tax deductible. It was suggested the region presidents inform the
chapter presidents about this legal requirement.

Offering benefits to donors at higher levels is a good way to raise more money and also identify
potential major donors.
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NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
Leslie Pearlstein
Following is the slate for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
Officers:
Ron Levy, who will serve one additional year as Vice President, Region Presidents Team
Iris Wigal – Vice President, Membership Team
Carol Rabinovitz ’59, Vice President, Fundraising Team
New NEC Members:
Marilyn Blankman
Merle Carrus
Linda Cramer
Arnie Geffner
Judy Glaser ‘59
Joel Kamer
Sue Karp
Alexis Magid
Gladys Simon
The officers approved a revision to the NEC terms of office cited in the BNC’s Rules of Association. Both the
original text and the revision follow.
Rules of Association
D. NEC Terms of Office and Rotation
CURRENT TEXT
Members of the NEC, with the exception of University staff and student representatives, will serve a three-year
term, with a mandatory two-year absence before regaining eligibility for re-election. NEC members may serve up
to two (2) three-year terms. However, an NEC member may be nominated for the position of national president
without a mandatory two-year absence and regardless of whether she or he has served two terms.
REVISED TEXT
Members of the NEC, with the exception of University staff and student representatives, will serve a three-year
term, with a mandatory two-year absence from the NEC before regaining eligibility for re-election. NEC
members may serve up to two (2) three-year terms.
An NEC member may be nominated for the position of Officer (President or Vice President) without a mandatory
two-year absence from the NEC. Officers serve a full three (3) year term in addition to any years just completed
as an NEC member.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
REGION PRESIDENTS TEAM (RPT)
Ron Levy, Chair
Region presidents interact through monthly conference calls. Following are examples of topics covered since the
October NEC meeting.
The “Philanthropy First” theme emphasizes that BNC is a philanthropic organization that supports the university.
The Team discussed ways to spread the concept across the organization and into the chapters.
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It considered whether chapters are paying sufficient attention to the cost and benefit tradeoffs of events. The
tradeoff includes the time and energy expended to run the event vs. the benefits of a profit for Brandeis, the
opportunity to get members involved, and the possible recruitment of new members. A time may come when the
benefits do not justify the investment in energy and financial resources.
The team exchanged ideas for speakers, experiences with University on Wheels and the Student Ambassador
Program, and strategies for recruitment, particularly of Baby Boomers.
They were encouraged to increase the attendance of trainees at the June sessions. This will build the leadership
base and also induce greater financial support from attendees after their visit to the campus, a topic that needs
further investigation and analysis. Also discussed were housekeeping and procedural topics, such as restrictions
on lotteries, the tax deductibility of event costs, and submissions for national awards.
A new Region Presidents Handbook was developed and published in November 2011. An electronic version is
available for download on the BNC Web site.
At the request of the RPT, the National Center undertook an analysis of BNC’s e-mail database. As of July 1,
2011, there were e-mail addresses for about 62% of the Annual Members and 15% of the Life members, or 42%
overall. These ratios are relatively low, even for the older members. Region Presidents were provided with
detailed information on the status of each chapter and were encouraged to find ways to increase these proportions
in chapters with low numbers.
FUNDRAISING TEAM (FT)
Beth Wolfson, Chair
To date, approximately $390,000 has been raised for the Sustaining the Mind: Scientific Research & Scholarships
campaign. Chapters have embraced the initiative and included information in their bulletins and highlighted the
campaign at meetings and events. Although fundraising results are beginning to be seen, in order to meet the goal,
a concrete major donor base needs to be developed as well, with involvement and financial support from the NEC
down to the chapter member level.
Since the “Sustainer” level of $1,000 or more was established, to date there are approximately 66 Sustainers
recognized on the BNC website. The team would like to see all members of the NEC included at, or above, this
level of monetary support. In addition, every NEC member’s assistance is needed in publicizing the campaign and
encouraging support at the Sustainer level or above. In conjunction with the campaign, both Planned Giving
outreach efforts and major donor solicitation need to be strengthened, another area needing NEC support and
involvement. Carol Rabinovitz and a small group of volunteers have been actively identifying and soliciting both
major donors and planned givers. Beth asked the NEC to not only publicize the campaign in their regions and
chapters but also to assist in the identification and solicitation of these donors. Those not comfortable doing the
“ask” were requested to call Carol Rabinovitz or Janice Fineman with contact information of both members and
others in their communities who would be receptive and able to make a donation. If their involvement in the
solicitation would help pave the way, they were asked to facilitate an introduction. Without NEC commitment to
the campaign, the BNC will not be able to reach its goal.
A new BNC campaign video “premiered” in May at a BNC event in New Jersey that included Professor Anita
Hill. With an introduction by Janice Fineman, explanations of the importance of the ongoing neuroscience
research at Brandeis by Dean Susan Birren and Professors Eve Marder and Michael Rosbach, and an endorsement
of BNC and our newest campaign by President Fred Lawrence, the video is a stellar campaign marketing tool that
is a “must have” for every chapter; it is a perfect way for NEC members to use their contacts and add their support
to ensure the video is given maximum exposure and utilized to attract significant donations.
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Campaign Report
Carol Rabinovitz ’59, Chair
The new campaign video will be mailed to chapters in a few weeks, along with a script that will introduce the
video and end with an appeal for donations. Many chapter bulletins have had successful presentations while some
chapters have yet to begin. With this in mind, the FT has appointed three leaders as chapter coordinators in the
Northeast, the West, and in Florida to provide help, guidance, and information. They will remind chapters to use
their campaign buttons, encourage campaign events, and be catalysts for the flow of information between
chapters, regions, and national.
The Major Donor Booklet was distributed. The names of those listed as this year’s donors will be included on the
Tribute Wall in the Library. Carol asked the NEC to look through the book to see if there were donors whom they
might know. It is a source of concern that the donor base is shrinking; there are fewer names on the Tribute Wall
and on the “Thanks a Thousand” annual list. One of the campaign’s goals is to help rebuild the major donor pool
through the Sustainers program. The FT needs every NEC member to help in this endeavor. An e-mail blast with
campaign information and a link for making donations online will be sent in early September to all members for
whom the National Center has e-mail addresses.
A major gifts committee will be formed to encourage donations at the Sustainer level; gifts of $250,000 are
needed. Carol encouraged the NEC to consider being an annual Sustainer and/or having their names on the
Tribute Wall. She also asked the NEC to identify potential donors. Janice, Carol, and members of the university’s
Development staff would then follow-up.
Following the report, the new Sustaining the Mind campaign video was viewed by the NEC. Janice will work on
the introduction and send additional material in early July. The video will also be posted on the website.
Discussion





It is a good time to talk to chapter boards about donating to the campaign.
Have every member make a minimum donation.
The video can be shown to small groups in a living room.
Offer the opportunity to commit to a specific amount over a three-year period.
Chapters should always recognize donors.
Leslie asked the NEC for ideas on promoting the campaign, and what it can do as a group.
Suggestions
 Remind donors to contribute again the following year.
 Ask friends and family to make contributions for milestone occasions.
 Take advantage of social media, e.g., Facebook.
 Make the message a personal one; it is a potent way to raise funds.
 Invite potential donors to events that feature a speaker from the university.
 The next generation may be good candidates as donors.
 Include Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome when referring to neurological diseases.
Planned Giving
Janice Fineman
The FT is relying on the chapters to designate fundraising events for the campaign and on the generosity of
individual donors, especially those who are donors of $1000 and above. It is also relying on Planned Gifts.
Through a variety of planned giving options, Brandeis University can help donors achieve both their financial and
philanthropic goals. The two most popular ways to make planned gifts are bequests and life-income plans such as
charitable gift annuities and trusts.
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Charitable gift annuities and other life-income plans allow donors to make a generous gift while meeting their
personal financial needs or supporting others. Donors receive a guaranteed fixed income based on their age and
can claim a charitable-gift tax deduction. When the plan ends, the remaining principal goes to Brandeis to be used
as directed by the donor.
A brochure describing the many benefits of planned gifts was included in the packets. Janice asked those who had
questions, were interested in making a planned gift, or who knew of someone who might be interested, to contact
either her or Myles Weisenberg for information.
Sachar Legacy Society
Janice Fineman
The Sachar Legacy Society honors and recognizes individuals who have indicated that Brandeis University is in
their will, have established a charitable gift annuity, created a charitable remainder trust, or set up a pooled
income fund or other planned gift. Over five hundred alumni, parents and friends have chosen this form of giving
to Brandeis and joined the Sachar Legacy Society, named in honor of Dr. Abram L. Sachar, founding President of
Brandeis.
Janice recognized the most recent gift to Brandeis from Leslie and Arthur Pearlstein and welcomed them into the
Sachar Legacy Society. She thanked them for this latest evidence of their commitment and dedication to Brandeis
and said they are setting a wonderful example by their gift, which will help ensure the future of the university.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEAM (LDT)
Barb Sander, Chair
The Team held conference calls during the year and produced a Leadership Development Manual. Divided into
three sections, it identifies leaders, trains them, and inspires and motivates them to take leadership positions. The
manual is in a loose-leaf binder to facilitate making modifications and includes an introduction that explains
usage of the manual, a bibliography, and an extensive appendix that lists handouts and group exercises. Copies of
the manual were circulated. The team is testing the material with region and chapter leaders and will use their
feedback to improve the content.
Most of the team will attend a session called "Training of Trainers." It will be important to be trained before using
the manual. Dianne Klayman, the university's Training and Wellness Specialist from the Human Resources
department, and Beth Bernstein will work with the team on communication skills and the art of motivating others
to enhance usage of the material.
In the fall, the LDT will take the material to regions; in some regions, only region board members will be trained;
in others, key chapter leaders may be added to that core group. In regions without specific boards, the material
will be presented to representatives. There are tentative plans to roll this out in the fall in both the Florida and
NewYork/New Jersey/ So. CT Regions. Based on each chapter’s needs, key chapter leaders trained in region
sessions, and perhaps assisted by team members, will be able to use either all or parts of the material. The team
will continue to refine the material based on feedback from evaluations.
In the coming year, the Region Presidents Team hopes to develop a way to identify chapters with particular
problems. If a chapter is receptive, an LDT member could work with those chapters. It is critical to reach out to
those that may not reach out to the LDT or send representatives to region or national meetings. The team is
excited about the opportunity to work with the Region Presidents by focusing on one of the goals identified in the
Visioning Project, that of developing strong leaders.
At the NEC meeting next October, it might be possible to have some of the material in the manual incorporated
into a board orientation, so that NEC members will also be involved.
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MEMBERSHIP TEAM (MT)
Joanie Small, Chair
Joanie Small was unable to attend the meeting. Her report was included in the packet. Leslie thanked Joanie for
having extended her service on the NEC. A summary of the report follows.
Congratulations were extended to the 12 chapters that have already made their membership goals for this fiscal
year; half are in the Florida region, with South Miami-Dade leading the way at 113%. The Western Region has
the highest goal percentage at 96% of goal. Overall, the regions attained 93% of goal, an approximate 4% decline
of membership from last year. Additional chapters may attain their goals, having until June 30 to meet their
numbers. Four chapters are under 80% of their goals and will need further monitoring in the coming year.
This year many chapters incorporated programming to attract new demographics that include Baby Boomers, the
newly retired, and men. Chapters have renewed themselves with programs such as coed events and study groups
for men that are programmed by men. By being creative, chapters have continued to grow and also create a new
pool of potential leaders.
This year it was necessary to close Annapolis due to a lack of leadership. The MT hopes that many of its members
will migrate to either the Baltimore or Greater Washington, DC chapters. Joanie has strongly suggested renewing
chapters in cities where there was once a strong connection and may still have interested parties; some are still
retaining annual members as well as available Life Members. With the Visioning study now complete,
consideration should be given immediately to future growth in new cities.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TEAM (LOT)
Steve Seltzer, Chair
Team members called the Learning Opportunities chairs in all chapters and found that most did not know how to
access materials online. As a result, the LO’s first job was to train them on accessing LO materials on the BNC
website; Beth Bernstein in the National Center sent instructions and is creating a tool packet on Learning
Opportunities. The second focus was ensuring that each chapter study group begin its meeting by mentioning
Brandeis University; the LOT sent ideas to include in their introductions
GOALS & AWARDS COMMITTEE
Ellen Atlas, Chair
The deadline for receipt of nominations for awards is June 30. To date, 11 chapters have submitted their forms.
This compares favorably with last year when only 10 nominations were received by the end of June.
To date, 13 chapters are eligible for membership awards; last year 21 chapters reached their goals. Chapters need
to push themselves throughout the year, not just at the end of the season. Active region presidents make a
difference.
Fundraising and Membership reports as of April 30, 2012 seem to indicate:
 Florida - 6 out of 17 chapters will reach their financial goals, and 4 their membership goals.

Mid-Atlantic - 1 out of 5 chapters will make its financial goal and only needs 1 more member to
achieve its membership goal.

New England - of the 4 chapters, 1 will make its financial goal and 1 its membership goal.

NY/NJ/So.CT - 8 out of 14 chapters will achieve their financial goals, and 2 their membership goals.

Western - 7 of 12 chapters will reach their financial goals, and 4 their membership goals.
These numbers could change when all of the revenues and expenses are received from the chapters.
During a team conference call early in the year, it was decided to call chapters close to achieving their goals.
After Ellen discussed this with the region presidents, the RPs agreed to call chapters close to their goals, as they
felt it would be a nice gesture for them to hear from national people with positive news about their achievements.
BNC NEC meeting, June 5, 2012
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The team would like to increase the number of chapters that are eligible for awards. Ellen recently spoke with
Leslie about soliciting ideas from participants at the June leadership training conference on ways to make the
incentive awards more meaningful to the chapters. Ellen suggested including a discussion at the October NEC
meeting on ideas for improving the incentive program.
The meeting recessed for lunch, during which Leslie installed the following:
Vice presidents:
Members:
Iris Wigal, Carol Rabinovitz ‘59
Marilyn Blankman, Merle Carrus, Lynn Cramer, Arnie Geffner, Judy Glaser ‘59
Joel Kamer, Sue Karp, Lexie Magid, Gladys Simon
The meeting reconvened.
GREETINGS FROM UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
Fred Lawrence
President Lawrence thanked the BNC for all that it is doing for Brandeis. The Sustaining the Mind: Scientific
Research and Scholarships campaign to help build the science program is significant, and the university is
grateful for BNC’s support.
VISIONING COMMITTEE REPORT
Carol Kern, Chair
The Committee was faced with the reality of declining membership, leadership, and fundraising in many chapters.
With this in mind, two years ago it began working with the university’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies
to create a plan for the future of the BNC. In-depth research provided more awareness of the demographics and
interests of the members, with a special focus on Baby Boomers to attract Boomer-age women and men. The
following four-part strategy was created:
 Reduce factors that do not help to advance the mission of the organization.
 Eliminate factors that are taken for granted.
 Create factors that have never been offered.
 Raise factors to enhance member satisfaction and participation, so that some members will ultimately
become leaders, and more members will support Brandeis.
The goal - to bring in new Boomer-age members who will understand the mission of the organization - became
the vision for the future. A strategy map was created to use as a guide and to stay focused. The committee agreed
to hire marketing consultants, to conduct additional research on Boomers and make recommendations. As a result,
the Sarasota Chapter has been selected as a pilot chapter to apply the ideas set forth, beginning in September. The
National Center will assist Sarasota in increasing its fundraising, membership, and communication by using
technology. This is a work in progress that will be evaluated.
The research has impacted the BNC in several ways:

The Sustaining the Mind: Scientific Research and Scholarships campaign was designed based on
members’ interests.

Visioning has impacted the development of additional communication concepts. Articles about BNC
will no longer be carried in Imprint. Instead, they will be carried as inserts in two issues of the
Brandeis Magazine. Chapters will be notified about the magazine’s inclusions. This will be another
way to connect members to Brandeis and show that BNC is an integral and important part of
Brandeis.

A set of Brandeis bragging points has been developed.
BNC NEC meeting, June 5, 2012
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
It is now understood that much more needs to be done to obtain a critical mass of e-mail addresses,
for an increased use of e-mails form the National Center is another way to connect members.

It was believed that Learning Opportunities were BNC’s greatest connection to the university. Our
research has shown that many chapters create their own learning opportunities in addition to using our
Brandeis-authored materials, and the committee is adjusting the approach to reflect this.

To increase membership, a professional marketing campaign is being developed that will be directed
specifically to Boomers.

The committee learned that Social Justice is an important factor for the targeted Boomer-age group.

Chapters cannot survive without dedicated and knowledgeable leaders. Visioning is therefore
working in tandem with the Leadership Development Team.

Every national vice president will have a role to implement the strategic map. A small group will
evaluate the committee’s progress and submit periodic reports to the NEC and all members.
Discussion/Suggestions

Send a letter to chapters about the results of the committee.

How will chapters with aging members use the process? Answer: chapters will need to create
programs that will attract Boomers; otherwise, chapters will no longer exist.

Create a buddy system to get members involved. Boomers begin as separate entities, but through
participation and specific programming, the age differences disappear.

Requisites for the pilot program should be openness, a warm and welcoming attitude, and vibrant
programming.

Responsibilities need to be broken down, so they will not seem overwhelming.

Track the reasons for joining BNC.

How can a chapter counteract people’s allegiance to other schools? Answer: invite them to a
Brandeis experience. Share the passion and enthusiasm for the uniqueness of Brandeis.
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL REPORT
Carol Rabinovitz ’59, Chair
The purpose of the Council is to retain and respect long-time members, to transition leaders whose NEC term is
expiring, and to recognize emerging leaders in chapter and region positions, who it is hoped will become national
leaders.
Throughout the years, all Council members have respected and fulfilled their commitments to donate a minimum
of $500 annually for as long as possible. Many have been more generous. This year, the total giving is $218,000,
of which $40,000 is designated for the current campaign; to date, 18 of the 40 members have become Sustainers.
Council members are kept informed about the university and the BNC via e-mail blasts from National. In
addition, Carol sends e-mails with exciting Brandeis news as it occurs. They are also asked to help with the
campaign by thinking of prospects. So far, this has produced no real results.
Many Council members are active in their chapters and regions, and each still cares about Brandeis. This winter,
for the second time, Carol drove to South Florida to meet with about sixteen women for lunch. It was wonderful
to see them, and for them to see her, Leslie, and each other as well. People who work together for decades for a
cause they believe in form a personal and long-lasting bond of friendship.
BNC NEC meeting, June 5, 2012
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STUDENT AMBASSADORS (SAs) REPORT
Beth Bernstein MA ‘90
Brandeis students are ambassadors who bring their on-campus experiences to BNC members throughout the
country. Students have met with BNC members in 14 chapters and talked about their courses of study, their extracurricular activities and experiences. And in many other chapters, students have written letters that convey
their passion for Brandeis, presenting some element of their life stories that creates a picture of a unique Brandeis
experience. The ultimate goal is to match a student with every chapter and to continue to keep the connection
going. There are very committed student representatives to the NEC, Eduardo Keene and Miriam Halimi, who is
Gotham Chapter’s student ambassador and has met with the chapter many times. Both Eduardo and Miriam are
working hard to continue to strengthen the program. The National Center receives unsolicited requests from
students to be part of this program.
When a student sends a letter a letter of introduction to a chapter, it is important for the chapter president to reply.
Students want to share their Brandeis experience and are excited about the connection; it is deflating when they
do not receive a response.
Discussion/Suggestions
 Can the students create a video for chapters too far from campus for a visit?
 If chapters want a connection, why are so few chapters responding to the SAs e-mails?
 Students living far from chapter areas might connect in some other way, e.g., by using Skype
UNIVERSITY ON WHEELS REPORT (UOWs)
Beth Bernstein
UOWs present an opportunity for chapters to build a major connection to the university. The events are also a
way to bring Brandeis to the local community.

Beth brought greetings from Brandeis when Professor Anita Hill addressed an audience of 716 at a
central NJ Book and Author event.

38 chapters were visited by either, or both, faculty, students, staff, and President Lawrence.

BNC joined with the Alumni Association in a ‘Deis Flicks event at Brandeis House in New York.
The National Center continues to work closely with the Alumni Association in an effort to reinforce the Brandeis
connection.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAM REPORT
Iris Wigal, Co-Chair
A total of fourteen members will attend the training sessions; among them will be 7 chapter presidents, 3 region
presidents, and 4 chapter representatives. There will be 3 from the Florida Region, 3 from the NY/NJ/So.CT
Region, 6 from the Western Region, and 2 from the Mid-Atlantic Region. The goals for the workshops are to
inspire and connect the trainees, give them tools and skills to succeed as leaders in their chapters, regions, and
later on the national level, to give them confidence to ask members for their financial support, and to strengthen
their own commitment to support Brandeis.
Workshops will provide training in Leadership and Communication, Fundraising, Membership, and Connecting to
Brandeis. In addition, trainees will tour the Library, Science Complex, and Rose Art Museum.
PRESIDENTIAL CITATIONS
Leslie Pearlstein
Leslie presented Presidential Citations to Ron Levy, Carol Kern, Ellen Kaplan, the Western and Florida Regions,
and the Central New Jersey and South Miami Dade Chapters.
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OTHER BUSINESS
Various Suggestions
 Set chapter goals that are not too high to reach.
 Do not charge Life Members for events. Have someone underwrite a cost-free “thank you” event for
Life Members in a home.
 Consider economic diversity when establishing awards for fundraising.
 Create an award for chapters holding the most successful fundraisers.
 Give a Chapter of the Year award two years hence, after chapter has used the Leadership Training
Manual.
Other
Marilyn Blankman reported on an event hosted by the 7 Central New Jersey Chapters at which Professor Anita
Hill was the featured speaker. Over 25 volunteers collaborated to ensure success of the event and at the same time
to promote the university. The National Center worked with the chapters, arranging for a book signing, the
production of the campaign video, and development of an accompanying script. Over 700 people, primarily
members, were in attendance.
Upcoming NEC Meetings:
Officers NEC -
October 21, 7:00 pm, Waltham Westin Hotel
October 22, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, on campus
October 23, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm, on campus
CLOSING REMARKS
Leslie Pearlstein
Leslie thanked the NEC for accomplishing their work in a single day, rather than the customary day and a half.
Members were asked to contact her with any further thoughts on matters that had been covered. She reiterated
remarks heard earlier - that the BNC needs to connect its members to Brandeis, and that it is important to train
and strengthen the leaders. She emphasized the need to put BNC’s philanthropic culture first, for it is a
philanthropic organization dedicated to the support of Brandeis University. Each NEC member needs to act as an
ambassador by spreading the word first and then standing behind it as donors. They must also be willing to solicit
others to be donors.
Last fall, Leslie was invited to a luncheon on campus that recognized the long-term employees of the university.
Barbara Katz, BNC’s Program Administrator/Membership, was awarded her 25 year certificate. Leslie was
amazed at how many Brandeis people have been with the university for so long and said that certainly speaks to
the fact that it is a very special place to be. On behalf of the NEC, she congratulated Barbara on her achievement.
Leslie also warmly thanked the entire professional staff for all their support, knowledge, caring, and passion for
the BNC.
Meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm.
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