Brandeis Welcomes Class Of 2026 Stroum Family Waltham Scholars

WALTHAM, MA — Brandeis University and the City of Waltham honored the newest Stroum Family Waltham Scholarship recipients at a ceremony and breakfast on May 2.

The scholarship, which provides full tuition to Brandeis for four years, is awarded annually to outstanding Waltham High School seniors.

This year’s recipients are Gabriella Vukomanovic, Helen Jermyn, Getzel Franqui Nadal, and Stephanie Zepeda Recinos. The ceremony also honored last year’s recipients, Minerva Machado, Noelia Vega, Ryan Power, and Justin Loc.

President Ron Liebowitz formally welcomed the Stroum Scholars and praised their dedication to volunteerism, passions inside and out of the classroom, and kindness for others.

The scholarship is named for Samuel N. Stroum, a Waltham High School graduate, businessman, and philanthropist. He created the scholarship with his wife, Althea, to provide tuition for the top Waltham High School seniors who are accepted to Brandeis. It has funded the education of more than 100 scholars since it was established in 1996.

Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy shared her confidence in this year’s recipients and encouraged them to pursue their futures at Brandeis and beyond with courage.

“Never forget that your Brandeis degree will open doors for you,” she said.