By the time she arrived at Brandeis as a freshman in the fall of 1960, Trustee Myra (Hiatt) Kraft ’64 was already quite familiar with the University. Her father, businessman Jacob Hiatt, was an early Brandeis supporter, and as a teenager she often accompanied him on visits to campus. During his long association with the University, Hiatt established the Hiatt Career Center, created a pioneering chair in Christian studies, and served as chair of the Board of Trustees from 1971-77. Myra and her husband, Robert, have followed in her father’s philanthropic footsteps, supporting a number of initiatives at Brandeis, including a chair in Arab politics and an endowed scholarship. She first became a Brandeis trustee in 1986 and was vice chair for 10 years. She sat down with Campaign Connections, the Office of Development newsletter, to discuss her father’s legacy, share her memories of Brandeis, and talk about the importance of alumni involvement.
CC: Why did your father become involved with Brandeis?
MK: Education was always very important to my father. He was a judge and a lawyer in Lithuania, but when he came to this country in 1935 at the age of 27 he did not know any English. He taught himself the language and earned a master’s degree in political science at Clark University. To him, education was the great leveler; it gave everyone the opportunity for a better life. He also loved the idea of being involved with a Jewish-sponsored university.
CC: What are your earliest memories of Brandeis?
MK: I remember being here with my father for Commencements in the 1950s, when they were held at the Ullman Amphitheater. Brandeis was an exciting place to be in those days – there was such a buzz around the place. It was where I always wanted to go to school. I had no idea I would still be involved 50 years later.
CC: What was the personality of the Class of ’64?
MK: Our class was very politically aware. It was an exciting time with so much happening – John F. Kennedy was elected, the beginning of the Freedom Rides, the Ban the Bomb movement, and the Cuban uprising. I wasn’t one of the radicals, but I do remember walking around just before graduation in my cap and gown circulating a petition. It was an amazing class and a great group of people.
CC: Who were your favorite professors?
MK: Ray Ginger was an inspirational professor who brought out a love of history in me. We would sometimes play tennis together after class (he doubled as Brandeis’s tennis coach). As a junior, I took a class with David Hackett Fischer during his first year teaching at Brandeis. He was brilliant and he liked to have the class over to his house for cookouts. At Brandeis, I learned to think critically and analytically.
CC: What is your greatest memory of your time as a student?
MK: During my sophomore year, Adlai Stevenson came to campus to receive an honorary degree during a special convocation to celebrate our Phi Beta Kappa accreditation. He was my hero, I worshipped him. My father said if I came out by the walk near the administration building, I could meet him. I didn’t know what to say to him, I was just in awe.
CC: Why have you been so involved with Brandeis through the years?
MK: I am a firm believer that if you are given something, it is your responsibility to give back. Brandeis provided me a great educational experience. I am committed to helping Brandeis in any way I can.
CC: Why is it so crucial that alumni support the University?
MK: The value of a Brandeis degree in years to come will be determined by the support the University receives from alumni. Not everyone can make large gifts, but it’s important that all alumni give at a level that they feel comfortable with.