Welcome to Brandeis Conejo Valley

  Award-winning chapter!


"A BRIDGE FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE"


June 2022 - from National:

On behalf of the Brandeis National Committee I would like to honor your chapter for pivoting as we entered the COVID Pandemic. For your financial support of the Honoring Our History campaign to reach its goal and beyond raising over $600,000. For continuing to keep your members connected through Zoom programming and study groups.
The Brandeis NEC, the National Office and I salute you.

To see special award certificate - please click here: Award2022-Conejo Valley.pdf




The words, "The Times they are a-Changin" (Bob Dylan-1964) certainly have taken on a whole new meaning in recent months. And the Conejo Valley Chapter is changing right along with them.

We are proud to say that we are on the front lines of technology as more than 50 of our study groups are meeting virtually using Zoom. Not only are we enjoying these virtual meetings, we're saving money on gas!

Our efforts have been recognized by the BNC with these kinds words from Madalyn Friedberg, BNC National President.

Dear Conejo Valley chapter,

It is my honor to formally recognize your chapter for outstanding efforts in virtual programming. When the pandemic started and our in-person programs came to a pause, your chapter was swift in getting onboard with virtual programs and events. I want to congratulate you on your efforts in putting together these events! We hope to see many more virtual events from you in the future. Your chapter stands as an example to other chapters. Please find attached your special presidential commendation and share with your chapter board, you earned it!

Wish warm regards,
Madalyn

Madalyn Friedberg
National President, Brandeis National Committee

January 10th ,2020, during Brandeis University on Wheels
Brandeis Conejo Valley

awarded "Chapter of the Year 2019"

presented by Daniel Breen,

Sr. Lecturer in Legal Studies at Brandeis University,

after his fascinating presentation

Civil Liberties and the Fifth Amendment
and very special programm including delicious brunch!





Money raised by this fundraising event is considered a donation to benefit Brandeis University's Sustaining the Mind fund in support of medical research to find cures for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS.
We Honor Our Own!
10th Happy Anniversary Brandeis Conejo!
Click on the pictures to enlarge. More pictures and videos are coming...
Brandeis National Committee
National Chapter Awards
Presented to the Conejo Valley Chapter

Chapter of the Year
2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2019

Louis D. Brandeis Awards:
2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018

Awarded for Highest Achievement in Membership and Financial Goals
and for offering our members a Learning Opportunities Program using Brandeis-Authored Materials


Brandeis Conejo Awards
2008-2011 		 
Chapter Of The Year
Conejo - 2010

2008-2009
Membership Goal Award
2009-2010
Membership Goal Award
2010-2011
Membership Goal Award
GALERY OF OUR EVENS:

 Holiday Party 2022 - "Vocal Variety SpectacularHERE!

DRUM CIRCLE 2022HERE!

THE RABBI PROJECT 2021HERE!

Our 1st Virtual Board Meeting - May 7th, 2020!HERE!

 Installation pictures 2020-2023 are HERE!

ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY 2019 with The Village Klezmer Band pictures are HERE!

FALL LUNCHEON & BOUTIQUE 2019 pictures are HERE!

Installation 2019 pictures are HERE!

Game Day 2019 pictures are HERE!

CONEJO VALLEY CHAPTER HISTORY
Last Updated: April 2021

Conejo Valley 2008 till now Brandeis University was founded in 1948 by members of the American Jewish community and reflects the traditions of scholarship and community service and the commitment to social justice personified by Louis Dembitz Brandeis, the distinguished Supreme Court justice for whom the university is named.

In its short history, Brandeis has achieved acclaim as one of the finest research universities in the country. The vision and determination of a cadre of loyal supporters have helped make possible its growth in every arena of scholarship.

The same year that the University was founded, a dynamic and vital fund-raising arm of the University was also founded, the Brandeis University National Women's Committee (BUNWC). Currently known as Brandeis National Committee, BNC is dedicated to providing philanthropic support for the University. A great university needs a great library and BNC has raised more than $115 million in support of Brandeis University and its libraries. In addition to its 60 year history of support for the library, the mission of BNC includes financial support for student scholarships, medical research and all other areas of this esteemed university.

In the Spring of 2005 the Conejo Valley Chapter of BNC was conceived. Members of the San Fernando Valley chapter started floating the idea of beginning a new chapter in the Conejo Valley. It was felt that there were enough members from the San Fernando Valley Chapter who were now living in the Conejo Valley to support a new chapter. Also, the demographics of the Conejo Valley indicated a large number of "mature" Jewish women who might be interested in joining our organization.

A few leaders, believing this to be a viable concept planned a meeting in June of 2005 which attracted 75 women. Representatives from the Western Region attended this meeting to educate us about Brandeis University and the wonderful work that BUNWC (now: "BNC") does to enrich the University. From that meeting a nucleus was formed to give birth to a new chapter. Enthusiastic volunteers offered to serve as officers and we had a board of ten members. We officially became a "chapter in formation".

Word spread like wildfire throughout our community about the exciting new organization being formed. A short nine months after that first meeting our new chapter was officially installed as the 80th chapter of BNC (BUNWC). Boasting over 200 members, we more than exceeded the 75 persons required by National to be officially recognized.

On April 26, 2006, Jenna Katz, then President of BUNWC Western Region, presented the Charter Certificate to Carrie Mataraza and Honey Bencomo, two of the three founding members of the Presidium.

From that momentous occasion, we have grown to a membership of over 600 men and women and more than doubled the size of our original Board. Our reputation as a vibrant organization attracted many talented people. We have created over 75 Study Groups encompassing a wide range of interests and activities for both men and women.

We are very proud of our progress and successes. We hope to follow in the footsteps of our neighboring chapters, San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles, both of which have thrived for many decades.

Honey

To read about Brandeis University history, please click HERE
2019-2020 BOARD

(click on the image to enlarge)