Brandeis National  Committee History

Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis University is ranked in the top tier of universities in the country. Founded in 1948 and named for the late Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis of the U.S. Supreme Court, it is the only nonsectarian, Jewish-founded university in the country, known for its academic excellence and ideals of social justice. At the same time as Brandeis’ founding, eight women from Boston, all leaders in the community, were asked to help in supporting this new university. They were given the task of building on the collection of 2,000 books in the Library, which was housed in a converted horse stable. The dedication and perseverance of these women, who now called themselves the National Women’s Committee continues today, sixty-one years later, as the Brandeis National Committee. With over 70 chapters nationwide and over 39,000 members, BNC is one of the largest and most successful “friends of a library” organizations in the world. Over the years, we have placed over one million books in the Brandeis libraries, and raised over $100 million for Brandeis University and its libraries, scholarship and research. Brandeis University has become one of the youngest private research universities, with ground-breaking exploration in neurodegenerative and age-related diseases.

Our Phoenix Chapter, all voluntary, founded in 1950, is proud to be a part of this wonderful endeavor. The funds we raise from our events and study groups help to support the development and expansion of Brandeis's Libraries. They are able to purchase books and research journals, restore and preserve books and film, develop information technology, and hire student work assistants. While most of us did not attend Brandeis University or have never visited, we are dedicated supporters to a university that prides itself in bringing together many people of different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

Historical Castle on Brandeis University Campus

                   Mission Statement

Brandeis National Committee is an organization committed to providing philanthropic support to Brandeis University, a distinguished liberal arts and research university founded by the American Jewish community. The membership is connected to the University through funds and through activities that reflect the values on which the University was founded: academic excellence, social justice, sectarianism, and service to the community.