Brandeis University recently received funding to found the new Brandeis Genesis Institute for Russian-speaking Jewry.
The $10.8 million grant from the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) will both establish the institute and also create scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students at Brandeis University.
The Genesis institute aims to educate and aid Russian-speaking university students. Attendees and members will also complete community outreach projects, help to recruit new students and organize conferences or extra-curricular activities.
The GPG is ultimately "committed to ensuring that Jewish culture, heritage and values are preserved among Russian-speaking Jews worldwide," said Stan Polovets, chief executive officer and board member of GPG, who further explained that GPG staff expressed delight at the arrangement.
The grant funds will also cover scholarships for 36 to 60 undergraduate and 14 graduate students, plus six doctoral candidates. Around 132 high school students in Brandeis summer programs will also benefit from the GPG donation.
Scholarships awarded to graduate students will be reserved for master’s candidates in the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program, of which many graduates become leaders of Jewish organizations.
Brandeis professor Leonard Saxe expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative, explaining that "the Hornstein Program is excited to be able to train a cadre of communal leaders who can bring Russian culture and expertise to the Jewish community."
Brandeis university officials have united over this grant, anticipating its positive ramifications for both the current student body but also the future of Jewish leadership. President Jehuda Reinharz feels the program will expand the university’s "commitments to diversity, to an ever-widening global perspective, and to serving the Jewish community."
Similarly, Daniel Terris, Brandeis associate vice president for global affairs, said the GPG grant would "build strong connections for Brandeis around the world."
