"BOND is a new vibrant organization of interesting women who meet in study groups, tour museums and other places of interest, are involved in creative projects -- and who raise money, with a soft touch, for local scholarships," said Judy Sherman, chairman of the Scholarship Committee.
"Before BOND (Branching Out in New Directions) became BOND, we were an auxiliary of Brandeis University. Now we have no national ties, no 'thou shall nots', and the money we raise goes to local students, living and working in our community."
After graduating from Radcliffe College, Judy earned a Masters of Arts from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a PhD in bioorganic chemistry from the University of Minnesota. She taught chemistry, math and physical science for 23 years in Minneapolis schools and colleges.
Judy became a member of Brandeis Women almost 40 years ago because she was captivated by the Book Review Group. After many years, under pressure from then President Bunny Himmelman, Judy, with Arlene Davis, chaired the Study Group Committee for four years.
Six years ago she was elected President of Minnesota Brandeis University National Women's Committee. She served two years and it was at the end of her term and the beginning of the next that BOND was born. The BOND Scholarship Committtee was formed with Judy as Chairman.
"I am extremely proud of the way the Scholarship Committee has functioned in so short a time," Judy says. "We do not know by name those who receive grants from BOND. We only know, for example, that our donations close the gap so that a student can complete PHD requirements; or enable a mother to receive training without having to work 50 hours a week; or allow a young woman to have her car fixed so she can continue on at the University." These are hypothetical examples, of course.
"It is so gratifying," she added, "to look at a list describing such needy students and be able to say, 'Yeah! we can do that!"
"BOND is not your mother's organization," Judy insists, "and it's no Girl Scout Troup either. We are streamlined, yet with plenty of time for the fun stuff while doing good for the community."
BOND member Gloria Gold researched and wrote this profile.