From October 9–11, I was honored to attend my first official National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings on the beautiful campus of Brandeis University. The NEC is tasked with recommending and providing policy for the chapters. All policy decisions must be approved by the university Board.
BNC is a fundraising arm of Brandeis University. Our project for this year is to raise $500,000 for the purchase of a 2-photon resonance microscope
which will allow its users to view brain activity in real time and take the next step in researching neurodegenerative diseases. We had a powerful presentation from Professor Steve Van Hooser, who will be in charge of its use. To date we have received pledges and funding of $250,000. It is up to us to work more creatively and harder to raise the funds before the end of June 2019. Proceeds from all our chapter events this year will be earmarked for Magnify the Mind. Our chapter financial and membership goals will remain at the same level as last year.
We were treated to an exhibition on campus called “Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music,” which is currently on display.
Brandeis has always been concerned about the environment. Its newest residence hall, called the Skylight building,
is the “greenest” building on campus. From heating to lighting to accessibility to students with various limitations, it is a unique and environmentally conscious structure. We were able to visit it and learn about and better understand the principles on which it was built. Fascinating and illuminating!
National is very anxious to connect more closely with the local chapters. We are currently in the second year of a partnering project. Each NEC member is assigned a chapter with which to partner. It is hoped that through direct interaction, this mutually beneficial arrangement will help the local chapters function even better while giving the NEC an up-to-date assessment of their status and how we can serve them better. My partner chapter is in Rancho Bernardo, CA.
Much business was discussed and several delicious meals were eaten together with the dedicated and friendly BNC staff, remarkable student ambassadors, and my new colleagues on the NEC.
Left to right: Judy Kendall Levine from Gotham Chapter in NYC, Judy Dorfman, and Judy Levine from Phoenix Chapter.
Beth Bernstein exec director, Merle Carrus Board member & Madalyn Friedberg National President.
I am very honored to represent the Somerset chapter and the chapters of the state of NJ on the National level. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown me. I will continue to work hard to achieve the goals of BNC in this new position.
Judy Dorfman
BNC Somerset 