A LEGACY OF DEDICATION & SERVICE

On Sunday, September 11, 2022, we hosted a retirement celebration to acknowledge Neal Biskar and Abbe Wainwright for their incredible dedication and combined 60 plus years of service to our students and our school. It was inspiring to see so many Brandeis alumni and their families spanning multiple generations! Neal and Abbe were incredibly grateful and moved by the celebration and by seeing so many familiar faces. San Francisco Supervisor for District 8, Rafael Mandelman ‘88, presented both honorees with a certificate of recognition by the city. The day was a reminder of the boundless strength of our Brandeis community.

IN HONOR OF NEAL BISKAR:

In Neal’s four decades of sacred work at Brandeis, he held many titles from Dean of Students to Head of Campus to Middle School Teacher and Advisor. Through it all he put our students at the center of the Brandeis universe. At the heart of his practice with both faculty and students, Neal valued individual intellectual curiosity the most, and how it shaped the lives of generations of teachers and students who have passed through our school’s doors. He made Brandeis his life’s work and his home, sharing the school with his daughter Natanya ‘99 and wife, Ardath. This community will always be a home for Neal Biskar. He helped mold its foundation, and all of us at Brandeis are indebted to him for his rich and meaningful contributions.

“Mr. Biskar set the standard for what an excellent teacher should be like; knowledgeable, interactive, and respectful. Everything in his teaching style was conducive to learning. He cared deeply not just about U.S. History but also about the academic success of each student. He always took the time to help each person in class equally. Eighth grade is a transformative time at Brandeis, and having Mr. Biskar as a teacher was one of the best parts of that year. Mr. Biskar, you’re a teacher fit for the history books. Happy retirement!”

- Rafael Bernstein ‘15

IN HONOR OF ABBE WAINWRIGHT:

Abbe was a tireless warrior for our students during her 23 years at Brandeis. She was the person who supported parents when they wondered how their child could find success and fulfillment in a system that seemed like an uphill battle. Abbe always saw the light in our students. She always knew that the most important focal point was the student, their sense of self, and their journey as they navigated their path and learning. She knew how to help them see their own magic and the gifts they had to offer. She helped countless students and their parents in their intellectual and spiritual growth. The ripple effect of that work continues to be felt throughout their lives today.

“Abbe impacted my life trajectory. She taught me how to find value in my strengths and how to turn my weaknesses into obstacles that I could overcome. The years I spent learning with her were the ones that formed my confidence, identity, and comfort with the uncomfortable. The lessons she taught her students will live on in all of us. Abbe has the biggest heart and has given so many at Brandeis the gift that keeps on giving. I wish you the best and hope to see you soon!”

- Jessica Katzki ‘07