Gustav ranis biography

Ranis remembered for his direction, devotion

By David NathanOct. 17, 2013

Dedicated alumni leader Gustav Ranis ’52, H’82, who was the valedictorian of the university’s inaugural graduating class and achieved a series of other “firsts” during his 65 years as a Brandeisian, died Oct.

15. The professor emeritus of international economics at Yale University was 83.



In addition to graduating atop Brandeis’ Class of 1952, Ranis was also the first alumnus to earn a PhD, be elected to Phi Beta Kappa and join the Board of Trustees.

In recognition of his work as a renowned economist and his dedication to his alma mater, Ranis received an honorary degree from Brandeis in 1982 and won the Alumni Achievement Award 10 years later (he accepted the alumni award again in 2012 when his entire class was honored).



“We will miss his voice, his energy and his endless devotion to Brandeis,” Brandeis P