Brandeis University magazine

2006·23.9 MB·English

by  Brandeis University

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Brandeis University magazine.
v.26:no.1(2006:Win.)
LD571 B378
Judges without Borders Memories for Life Unmasking the KKK
UNIVERSITY
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contents
Winter 2006 Volume 26, Number 1
departments features
2 First Things First 12 Judges without Borders
Brandeis institute dissects and nurtures global justice.
3 Mail Call By Christopher Moore
4 Ruminations 18 Dancing with Lois Greenfield '70
The Bible in public life. Herphotographs defy gravit)'. Hersuccess does not.
By David E. Nathan
Take 5
Provost Mart)' Krauss, PhD'81. 28 Memories for Life
Professor Margie Lachman offerssomegood news
6 Innermost Parts about theagingprocess.
By Laura Gardner
31 Fieldwork
Unmasking the KKK.
33 Arts special sections
The imaginative universe ofDana Schutz.
34 Sports 39 Development Matters
Bryan Lambert has National aspirations.
43 Alumni News
35 Books
54 Class Notes
Alumni profiles, births/adoptions,
marriages/unions, in memoriam.
71 Games
72 Photo Finish
The Old City.
Cover:Antigravity by Lois Greenfield.
Brandeis
firsttliingsfirst
university magazine
Senior Vice President
for Communications
Lorna Miles
[email protected]
Reap Change
the
Editor
Ken Gornstein
keng@brandeis,edu
"Ifyou're finished changing," Ben Frankhn once observed, "you're finished."
In that spirit, we introduce you to your new university magazine, Brandeis University Art Director
—
Magazine replete with a new name, a neweditorial locus, and a new look. Eson Chan
— —
First, the name. While BrandeiiReviewhas served us and you well these past
Staff Writer
twenty-five years, we think it's time the university's showpiece publication more
— Marjorie Lyon
confidently proclaims its focus placing the emphasis on "Brandeis" rather than lyon@brandeis,edu
"Review." A small distinction, perhaps, but a meaningful one.
Next, theeditorial focus. The good news is thatyou'll continue to receive the same Production Manager
energetic mix ofnews and feature stories that always made the Reviewa good read. Audrey Griffin
The better news: We've added several newdepartments to enhanceyour reading [email protected]
experience and give you more points ofentry into the magazine. They include:
Photographer
—
• MailCall The best indication ofa successful alumni magazine is a lively letters Mike Lovett
[email protected]
column. We've carved out space at the beginning ol each issue to publish your
brickbats and—bouquets. Send them to <[email protected]>. Class Notes Editor
• Ruminations Ashort essay, usually bya faculty member, on a timely topic in his or Jill Ettori
herarea ofexpertise. In this issue, Dora Golding ProfessorofBiblical Studies Marc [email protected]
Bretder '78, MA'78, PhD'86, has an interesting piece on the Bible's place in public
life [pa—ge 4]. Contributing Editor
• Take5 AQ&A.with amember ol the Brandeis community. In this issue, Provost Lewis Rice '86
MartyWyngaarden Krauss, PhD'81, opens up on topics ranging from the college
Contributing Writers
• eFxipeelrdiweonrcke—toAnherinf-adveoprtithelvoaockataitonres[epaargceh3a].nd scholarship beingconducted bya ALaduarma GLaervidnner
member ofthe Brandeis laculty. In this issue, we highlightsociologist David David Nathan
Cunningham's—study ol the Ku KJux KJan during the Civil Rights era [page 31]. Dennis Nealon. MA'95
•ArtsandSports Whilewe have always reported on interesting arts and sports
stories, we have now given them a permanent home. In this issue, you can read Send letters to the editor to:
about artist Dana Schutz's current exhibition at the Rose [Arts, page 33] and Editor
• aGsapmierisn—g mFaojroryolueapguuzezlpeitjcuhnekrieBsr,ywaen'vLeamabdedretd a[Sdpoorutbsl,epcargoest3ic4.].Written by Sue BMrSand0e5i4s,UBnriavnedrseiitsyUMnaigvearzsiintey
Gleason, the mother oftwo Brandeis graduates, each puzzle contains several clues 415 South Street
Waltham. MA 02454-9110
unique to Brandeis [page 71].
— [email protected]
• Photo Finish One ofuniversity photographer Mike Lovett's constant laments is "I've
got this great photo, but don'thave anywhere to run it." Now, he does [page 72]. Postmaster:
Send address changes to
Finally, the design. We thought a new name and neweditorial focus demanded a new Brandeis University Magazine
look and feel. So we asked Eson Chan, an award-winning designer from NewYorkCity, MS 064, Brandeis University
to bring his creative talents and journalisticsensibilities to bear on the magazine's PO Box 549110
redesign. With its clean lines, bold images, modern typography, and generous amounts Waltham. MA 02454-9110.
ofwhite space, the newdesign is fresh, contemporary, and easyon the eyes.
We're confident the overwhelming majorityofyou will approve ofthe new direction. Opinions expressed in Brandeis
University Magazine are those of
Please drop us a line and let us knowwhat you think. the authors and not necessarily of
We'll—takeall yourcom—ments to heart and, mindful ofFranklin's sage advice, keep the editor or Brandeis University.
working and changing to make things better.
Ken Gornstein Office of Communications©2005
Editor Brandeis University
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What Would Moses Do?
The Bible is a great guide—but use it wisely. By Marc Zvi Brettler
When
I studied at Brandeis in 1975, the Hebrew Bible or tirzach, refers to unsanctionedkilling. Thus, placing this particular
OldTestamentwas viewed as an arcane book.Thesame translation in public places, which then becomes used in debates
was true when I began teaching here tw—o decades ago. concerningcapital punishmentand even abortion, is fundamental-
The last few years have seen a remarkable change the Bible has ly misleading.
(again) moved into the centerofAmerican life. Public display ofthe Decalogue has other problems as well. Is it
While I'm happy to see the Bible more widely discussed, and reallyfairtoaskeveryone inAmericatobelievein a"Godwho took
more students ofall religious backgrounds taking Bible courses, a you out from the land ofEgypt"? And do we want to display, espe-
greardealofthepublicdiscourseaboutthe Bible ishighlyproblem- cially in judicial settings, a document that supports intergenera-
atic. In facr, it betrays fundamental ignorance of what the Bible tional punishment of children, grandchildren, and
actuallysays. great-grandchildren for their parents' sins?
—
Take the controversy concerning the public display of the Ten Don't get me wrong the Bible is a wonderful and important
Commandments. I applaud the McCreary County v. ACLU book, which helps us understand a great deal aboutAmerican cul-
Supreme Court decision, which bans certain public presentations ture and its development. It contains many profundities that we
of the Ten Commandments. Any English display privileges one ignore at our own peril. But as university biblical scholarship
translation over another, and the text considered by the court, the emphasizes, it is an ancient text that developed ata parricular time
KingJames version, reflects a tradition that I find problematic on in a particular context, and it cannot be easily imported into con-
several grounds. temporaryAmerican culture.
It does not count the opening, "I (am) the Lord your God who Thereis, however, anorherrextwritten longagothatdoesbelong
took you out from the land ofEgypt," as a significant part ofthe in public spaces. It, too, has moved to the center ofAmerican life
TenCommandments,viewingitasanintroductioninstead. Incon- and is the subject of great debate and interpretation. That text
trast, the main Jewish tradition sees this as the first "command- begins: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a
ment." The King James version also uses a specific Christian more perfect union . . ."
division oftheTen Commandments into ten separate sayings. But
the Hebrew has no Roman numerals, and many alternative divi- MarcZviBrettler 78, MA'78, PhD'86, istheDora GoldingProfessor
sions are possible. ofBiblicalStudiesandchairoftheDepartmentofNearEastern and
I also disagree with the translarion "Thou shalt not kill," which Judaic Studies. His book How to Read the Bible ivas recentlypub-
ishistoricallyinaccurate.TheBiblecontai—ns numerouscasesofcap- lishedby theJewish Publication Society. Seea synopsis in "Books"on
ital punishment and killing during war the Hebrew term used. page36.
IJiiiiiilciN rni\ffsin Mii'in/iMc I \\iiiii-r '()()
Marty Krauss
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
MartyWyngaarden Krauss, the academics, they're looking for all kinds of munities. I had a focus ofbeing in the
John Stein Professor ofDisability perks and amenities that people ofmy nonprofitworld, doing good deeds and
Research at the Heller School for generation never considered part ofthe helping others. So, I haven'tstrayed that
Social Policy and Management, has served college experience. We didn't think to faraway from those core instincts.
as provostsince 2003. She is an expert in complain about food or about the quality
the areas ofdisabilitypolicy, familycare- ofthedorms. In fact, we almostwanted to 3. Name a book that every student
giving, developmental disability, and have a more minimalist lifestyle. Keeping should read before entering college?
human services. She holds a bachelor's up with theJoneses has now become a big 1 was a great Faulkner fan as I was grow-
degree from the UniversityofMichigan part ofhigher education, and it's not one I ing up, and when 1 think about the rich-
and a Ph.D. (1981) from Brandeis. think is particularly attractive. ness ofthat prose and the depth ofthe
experience that came through with it, 1
1. What's changed the most about 2. When you were 18 years old, what would like to think that college-bound
college between the time you were an was your fantasy job? I had a very strong kids are able to wrestle with that level of
undergrad at the University of Michigan interest in social-justice issues. I wanted to material. There are other books that I've
in the 1970s, and now? Kids today are be a social worker, working in urban read that I've found so illuminating, I
consumers, and in addition to verystrong renewal, helpingpeople rebuild theircom- would urge other people to read them.
One ofthose isTom Friedman's From
BeiruttoJerusalem. It's one ofthose
books that helps to explain the Middle
East in a way that's veryaccessible.
4. What's the best-kept secret about
Brandeis? Probablytheview from the
Castle, overlooking Boston. It's absolutely
exquisite. I've been on the campus since
1977, and I saw it for the first time
last year.
5. What's the best vacation you ever
took? Sailing in the Caribbean with my
siblings and theirspouses and my
husband, in February 1991, just as the
first GulfWar broke out. I remember
beingvery nervous about leaving my kids
at home and going on this prepaid,
planned vacation. When we got down
there, wewere glued to CNN at the
different ports. But by the third day, we
didn't even—listen. Ther—ewas something so
wonderful and scary about completely
droppingout ofthe world for a week
when you knew the world was in turmoil,
and then coming back. It was just a won-
derful, wonderful vacation.—
Ken Gornstein
\\iiilcl 11(1 I lir;iriilii- I in\ci^ilN \l^i:;iizillc'
inner
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Shapiros donate $25M toward new center New Approach
Sciences Get a Boost
University to begin training
new generation of scientists
BenefactorsCarl andRuthShapirohave
J.
donated $2S million toward construction The university has won a highly competi-
of a 175.00()-square-foot science center tive three-year, $1 million grant to develop
designed to enhance the university's lead- an interdisciplinary doctoral program in
ership in the lite sciences and emerging quantitative biology.
—
areasot interdisciplinary research. The grant one ot ten awarded nation-
Ground will be broken in the spring wide by the Howard Hughes Medical Insti-
—
tor the $154 million CarlJ. Shapiro Sci- tute will be usedto trainanewgeneration
ence Center, the largest capital initiative ot collaborative scientists by recruiting stu-
in Brandeis's history. The facility, dents trom biochemistry, biophysics and
designed by Payette Associates, will fea- structural biology, chemistry, molecularand
ture interdisciplinary research labs, class- cellular biology, neuroscience, and physics.
rooms, a science commons, seminar Underthenewprogram,quantitativebiol-
rooms, conference space, and a cate. ogy students with life sciences backgrounds
"The complex will allow Brandeis to willlearn to use instrumentationandmodel-
advance its leadership position in scien- Ruth and Carl Shapiro ing, while those with backgrounds in com-
tific research, and make it possible for us puter science and physics will learn to apply
to continue to attract the brightest and "1 have always believed in Brandeis and their knowledge in life-science laboratories.
best researchers from around the world," its commitment to improving the human The simultaneous cross-training of each
President Reinharzsaid. condition throughscientificresearch,"said group ot students will include interdiscipli-
Brandeis scientists in recent years have CarlShapiro,atrusteeemeritusottheuni- narygraduate-level courses, aswell asspecial
made important breakthroughs in the versity. "Brandeis is doingimportantwork lectures, events, and "boot camps" to foster
areas of genetics, neurodegenerative dis- in thelitesciencesandotherareasthatwill the communication skills necessary for a
eases, and memory and hearing. The uni- help us understand the causes and find team approach to science.
versity has also distinguished itself by cures fordebilitatingdiseases." Students will graduatewith doctorates in
—
creating new fields at the intersections of The donation matched only by the their chosen fields and an additional spe-
established scientificdisciplines. tamily's 1999 gitt for construction ofthe cialization in quantitative biology.
—
university campus center brings to "This grant could only happen in a place
$60 million the Shapiros' total litetime like Brandeis, where physics and lite sciences
giving to Brandeis. Previous gitts have freely mix," noted physicist Jane Kondev,
established the Carl and Ruth Shapiro who spearheaded the university's proposal
Center for LibraryTechnology and Jour- with biochemistrychairJeflFGelles.
nals, CarlJ. Shapiro Chairin Internation- The award will fund the salary ofa new
al Finance, Carl and Ruth Shapiro faculty member in quantitative biology,
Admissions Center, and an atrium/public and the creation of an instrumentation
toruni space at the Heller School. teaching laboratory. After the initial grant
"Remarkable does not adequately expires, the National Institute ofBiomed-
describe the Shapiro family's dedication ical Imaging and Bioengineering will step
Architectural renderingofthe proposed Carl J. to and support ofthis institution, " Rein- in with peer-reviewed institutional train-
Shapiro Science Center. harz said. ing gi'ants, officials said.
IJriiri(!i'i> I iii\i-i>il\ \hiiiiizi I \\i
mostpart
Prize Catch
Pulitzer winner Friedman
to teach for a semester
Three-time Pulitzer Prize-winnerThomas
Friedman'75hassignedontoteachatBran-
deisforasemesternextacademicyear.
Friedman, the foreign-affairs columnist
for the New York Times,
will serve as the Fred and
Rita Richman Distin-
guishedVisitingProfessor
ofEconomics.
Established in 1998
through a gift from Mr.
and Mrs. Fred Richman ofNew York, the
professorship brings accomplished practi-
tionersofpoliticsandeconomicstocampus
Michael Steinhardt delivers address at the Steinhardt Institute's inaugural conference. eachyear.The Richmansaretheparentsol
CarolSaivetz'69, theparents-in-lawofthe
Figures lateRichardSaivetz'69,andthegrandpar-
It
entsofMichaelSaivetz'97. Carol Saivetz's
Jewish population underestimated, study says daughter, Aliza, graduated from Brandeis
in 2001.
The American Jewish population may be This is the first time that the meta- "This is a fantastic opportunity tor our
15 to22percentlargerthanpreviouslybe- analytic methodology, as it is called, has students to hearand learn from one ofthe
lieved, according to a new study unveiled beenusedtostudyJewishpopulationfigures, leading thinkers on awide range ot critical
at the inaugural conference ofthe Stein- said SteinhardtdirectorLeonard Saxe. global issues," President Reinharzsaid.
hardtSocial Research Instituteat Brandcis "It allows us to estimate the size ofthe In addition towinning three Pulitzers tor
last fall. lewish population without our contacting hiscolumnwriting, Friedmanhaswrittensev-
ANationalJewishPopulationSurveycon- hundredsofthousandsothouseholdstofind eral best-selling books. His latest book, The
ductedin2000-01 foundabout.^.') million out ifthere isaJewish member," hesaid. WorldIs Flat:A BriefHistoryofthe Twenty-
Americanswho identifythemselvesas |ew- Thisfreesuptimeandresourcesforother firstCeiitniy, wasrecentlynamedthewinner
ish by religion, and about 5.3 million who importantprojectsandstudies,Saxeadded. ottheinauguralFinancialTimesandGoldman
identifythemselvesasJewish usingbroader TheSteinhardtSocial Research Institute Sachs BusinessBookoftheYearAward.
criteriasuchasethnicityorancestry. was established and underwritten by a Friedmanwasalsorecentlynamedto U.S.
&
However, anew method forestimating Si2milliongiftfromphilanthropistMichael News WorldReportslistofAmerica'sTwen-
the population, which factors the results Steinhardt, who attended the conference, ty-five Best Leaders.
ofmorethan twentyexistingnationalsur- "By the Numbers: Understanding Ameri- Friedman,auniversitytrustee,graduated
veyswithreliabledataaboutreligiousiden- canJewry."Theinstitute'smission istocol- trom Brandeissummacumlaudewithade-
tir)',suggests thereal numberofAmerican lect,analyze,anddisseminateunbiaseddata greein Mediterraneanstudies, and received
Jews may be between 4.5 million and that can bolster understanding ot religion a master's degree in modern Middle East
6.5 million. andethnicityin the United States. studies trom Oxford University.
Br.Ml.I.-,, r ilN \\.^-.^,^
innerinostparts
Warhol painting of university namesake joins Rose collection
A
Brandeis Hoinecoinino
o
In time tor his 150th birthday, Louis Bran- and Lois Foster Director ot the Rose. Brandeis was appointed to the Supreme
deis is coming home to the university that "Warhol is one of the towering figures in Court in 1916, the first Jew to hold
bears his name. twentieth-century art, and tor him to have that position,
A renownedAndyWarhol portrait ofthe painted a portrait of the individual who
famed U.S. Supreme CourtJustice, part of inspiredour universitycombines two great
the artist's "Ten Portraits of Jews of the figures ofthe last century."
Twentieth Century," has been donated to "As a family, we felt that Brandeis was
the RoseArt Museum bythe Feldman fam- the place where this important Warhol
ily (Mark, a residentofNewton, Massachu- painting of Louis Brandeis belonged,"
setts;hisbrother,Andrew,ofNewYork;and Mark Feldman said. "We hope the stu-
their sister, Julie Feldman Golovcsenko, ol dents, faculty, and university visitors will
NewYork). enjoy the painting as much as we have."
Warhol's "Ten Portraits," a collection of Louis Bnvideis is an acrylic and
works featuringgreatJewish thinkers, politi- silkscreen enamel portrait on canvas, forty
cians, performers, musicians, and writers, by forty inches, and is oneofseven unique
was originally shown at theJewish Museum paintings ofBrandeis byWarhol.
in NewYorkin 1980. Othersfeatured in the The Rose's permanent collection also
noted collection are Albert Einstein, Sig- includes nearly two dozen other Warhols,
mund Freud, the Marx Brothers, Golda including the original Saturday Disaster
Meir, novelist Franz Kafka, writer and femi- depicting a fatal car accident, and prints of
nist Gertrude Stein, philosopher Martin DraivingforBlackBeanSoup,JackieKennedy,
Buber, composer George Gershwin, and JackieKennedyIII, and TenPortraits.
actor Sarah Bernhardt. On November 13, the university will
"It'senormously important tor us to have celebrate Brandeis's 150th birthday. A
this work," said Michael Rush, the Flenry leading litigator and privacy advocate,
Egyptian ambassador urges Israeli-Palestinian accord
Road Peace
to
Whileahopetul firststep, Israeli disengage- together to bring an end to the cycle otvio- Israeli-Palestinian
ment trom twenty-one settlements in Gaza lence that has longplagued the region. rchttions that he
and tour in the northern West Bank marks "Ifthe Israelis let Gaza turn out to be a liclicved there will
only the beginning of a long road toward prison tor the Palestinians, we will be be little move-
peace, a leading figure in the Middle East empowering those who believe in violence ment in the next
said at a conference hosted by the Crown or don't believe in a two-state solution," he few months.
Center for Middle East Studies last fall. said. "We also need to prove asArabs, espe- "Where we go
"This is eithergoing to be the beginning cially Palestinians, that there is less violence trom here is to
ot a two-state solution, or we will end up as a result ofthis withdrawal." bilateral negotia-
with two losers," said Nabil Fahmy, Egypt's The time for peace, he added, is now. "I Nabil Fahmy tions or to stagna-
ambassadortotheUnitedStates,whodeliv- believe it will be harder to make peace in tion and violence,"
ered the keynote address at "Israel and the the future because we will demonize each said Shikaki, a senior research fellow at the
Palestinians: The RoadAhead." other," he said. "It we don't move now, we Crown Center who team-taught a course
Fahmy, a career diplomat who has served will be seriously missingan opportunity." on the Israeli-Palestinianconflictlastsemes-
in hiscurrent rolesince 1999andhas played Khalil Shikaki, director ot the Palestine ter. "I do notbelieve in theshort term there
an active role in negotiating peace to the Center tor Policy and Survey Research, will be a return toviolence, nordo 1 believe
Middle East, said the two sides must work said during a session on the next steps in there will be bilateral negotiations."
Brajicliis I riiMi-ilv Miiua/nii- I \\iiiliT'()()