Shaich Family Alumni and Student Engagement Center

Shaich Family Alumni and Student Engagement Center. The Shaich Family Alumni and Student Engagement Center is a central hub at Brandeis University dedicated to fostering lifelong connections between the institution, its students, and its global network of graduates. Opened in 2018, the center was made possible by a transformative gift from alumnus Ron Shaich, founder of Panera Bread and Aurora Brands, and his family. It serves as the physical and programmatic heart for alumni relations, career services, student leadership development, and community engagement initiatives, strategically aligning these functions to enrich the Brandeis experience.

History and establishment

The center's establishment was catalyzed by a major philanthropic commitment from Ron Shaich, a member of the Brandeis University class of 1976. Shaich, a prominent figure in the restaurant industry and venture capital, sought to strengthen the bond between the university and its alumni body. The project was formally announced in 2016 as part of a broader university campaign, with the building opening its doors in 2018. Its creation involved collaboration between university leadership, including then-President Ron Liebowitz, and the Brandeis University Board of Trustees. The center was designed to consolidate previously dispersed offices for the Alumni Association and student affairs into a single, state-of-the-art facility, symbolizing a new era of integrated engagement at the Waltham campus.

Mission and purpose

The core mission is to create a seamless continuum of engagement that begins during a student's tenure and extends throughout their life. It aims to deepen students' connection to Brandeis University by providing pathways for mentorship, internship opportunities, and professional development. Concurrently, it strives to actively involve alumni in the life of the university through volunteer roles, philanthropy, and lifelong learning. This integrated model is intended to bolster institutional support, enhance student retention, and build a more robust and active global Brandeis network, ultimately supporting the university's standing within the Association of American Universities.

Programs and initiatives

The center oversees a wide array of programs linking students and alumni. Key initiatives include the Brandeis Alumni Mentoring Program, which pairs students with graduates in fields like technology, finance, and the nonprofit sector. It also houses the Hiatt Career Center, which coordinates recruitment events with employers such as Google and Fidelity Investments. Signature events include the annual Leadership Symposium and Family Weekend. Furthermore, the center supports identity-based affinity groups, such as the Brandeis Black Alumni Association, and regional chapters in major cities like New York City and Washington, D.C., facilitating networking from Silicon Valley to London.

Facilities and resources

Housed in a renovated and expanded facility on the Brandeis University campus, the center features modern collaboration spaces, including the Samuel and Elizabeth Goldstein Conference Room. It contains dedicated offices for career advisors and alumni relations staff, as well as flexible event spaces used for panels, workshops, and social gatherings. The building also provides resources like interview suites for virtual meetings with companies such as Microsoft and Pfizer, and a dedicated lounge for alumni visiting campus. Its location near the Shapiro Campus Center and Goldfarb Library makes it a convenient nexus for student and graduate activity.

Impact and recognition

Since its opening, the center has significantly increased measurable engagement metrics for Brandeis University. It has contributed to growth in alumni participation rates in annual giving and expanded the base of volunteers for admissions programs like Brandeis Bridges. The integrated model has been cited as a best practice by organizations like the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The center's work in fostering entrepreneurship has supported startups emerging from the Brandeis ecosystem, and its programs have strengthened the university's profile in competitive surveys such as the Princeton Review. The donor, Ron Shaich, has received accolades including an honorary doctorate from the university for his visionary support.

Category:Brandeis University Category:Buildings and structures in Waltham, Massachusetts Category:Alumni associations in the United States