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May 31, 2002/Sivan 20 5762, Vol. 54, No. 37
Local woman takes on national leadership role
JESSICA BARBER
Editorial Assistant
After 30 years of participating in study groups, creating new programming and holding leadership positions for the Brandeis University National Women's Committee, Carol Kern will be installed as the organization's national president June 1 at the Brandeis National Conference in Waltham, Mass.
As national president, Kern plans to work with her six vice presidents to increase membership and fund raising for the organization.
"We will be working together to fund raise for Brandeis University, including the library and scholarships," says Kern. "We also want to promote the study groups that are authored by Brandeis University professors."
Her main goal as national president will be connecting members to Brandeis University because of its Jewish roots and dedication to higher education, as well as a focus on peace.
"The theme for my presidency will be peace through education and learning about coexistence, not only on the Brandeis campus, but hopefully the ripple effect it will cause in the United States and internationally," says Kern.
Kern, an interior designer and self-proclaimed professional volunteer, was unanimously elected to the position in February. She will serve a two-year term and will succeed current national president Gayle Wise.
Kern began her involvement in the organization after a move to Westchester County, a suburb of New York City, during the 1970s.
"Having two little children and being home in the suburbs for the first time in my life after working professionally - I found it a little difficult," remembers Kern. "I wanted to continue broadening my horizons, so I started to go to the study groups."
Kern enjoyed the intellectual stimulation the study groups provided and became intricately involved with Brandeis because of the Jewish association.
"I became really involved in it because of the Jewish connection and because it was founded by the Jewish community," says Kern. "I became involved in it idealistically and because of the principle of social justice which it is founded upon."
When Kern and her family relocated to Arizona in 1983, she was delighted to learn of the local Brandeis chapter.
"When I found out about it, I had an immediate connection to this new community," remembers Kern. "It was wonderful meeting people who had common interests, who were interested in education and who were interested in continuing to learn."
Shortly after becoming a member of the Brandeis University National Women's Committee Phoenix Chapter, Kern was asked to facilitate her own study group, which was followed by her election to vice president of study groups in 1989.
"I increased the curriculum from about five study groups to about 20," says Kern. "Our increased programming and study groups attracted many more members."
Kern's dedication led to her election as chapter president in 1990. That same year, the Phoenix Chapter was honored with the National Chapter of the Year award, selected from the 120 chapters around the nation.
Also during her term as chapter president, Kern began the Book & Author program, an annual event that attracts prestigious authors such as Anita Hill and Susan Isaacs. Authors speak to local audiences about their books, experiences and careers as writers, and participate in book signings.
"We have an extremely good name in the publishing community because the authors love to come to Phoenix," says Kern. "The publishers are now seeking us out."
Recent Book & Author events have boasted audiences of 900-1,000 participants.
Following her chapter presidency, Kern was elected to the position of Western Region president in 1991, followed by her election to the national vice presidency in 1996.
Kern served as the first chairwoman for Women's Works, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, and created an endowment fund in honor of her sister for Hospice of the Valley.
Kern is a life member of Hadassah and has been involved with various organizations including National Council of Jewish Women, American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Phoenix Art Museum, the American Society of Interior Designers and the Contemporary Forum.
Kern resides in Paradise Valley with her husband, Allan. The couple has two children, Bradley, 34, and Evan, 31.
Kern plans to continue her high level of involvement and dedication to Brandeis University National Women's Committee at the national level, and to continue to explore friendships and higher learning.
"When we get together as women to learn and bond and enjoy each other's company, I think there is a great feeling of camaraderie and togetherness," explains Kern. "I have every intention of creating new and wonderful things at the national level."
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