Founders Day events celebrate Brandeis history and community

Brandeis Stories

Founders Day events celebrate Brandeis history and community

Photography by Gaelen Morse, Agbarakwe Chukwuemeka and Tobias Resnick
October 19, 2026

Brandeis came together for a day of games and activities, sweet desserts, and lots of chances to wear blue as the school celebrated Founders Day on Oct. 14. The day's events - including a win from the women's volleyball team, a ring of the victory bell, and a Brandeis-themed Jeopardy night - were meant to mark the 78th anniversary of the University's founding. The day was also intended to revive some storied Brandeis traditions and build community for a new generation of students.

On National Dessert Day, there was no shortage of delicious, sweet treats, representing culinary traditions from around the world. Ollie was on hand to meet and greet.

Brandeis swag was on full display in the Shapiro Campus Center as students learned about building connections with alumni, met Justice the dog and caught a glimpse of the treasures of the Brandeis Archives and the rich history of the university.

Ollie's Spirit Rally got spirited as the Brandeis Women's Volleyball Team pulled off a 3-1 win against Johnson & Wales University in Auerbach Arena.

It was a fun night of Brandeis-themed Jeopardy, with great prizes for the winners, including Celtics and Bruins tickets. The event was hosted by Brandeis' own former Jeopardy contestant, Abigail Arnold, assistant director of graduate academic affairs in the Office of Graduate Affairs.

Founders Day was organized by the Brandeis Department of Student Engagement, the Intercultural Center, Athletics, Alumni Relations, Orientation and First Year Experiences, and the Office of the President.