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91探花 has announced a new affiliation with Hillel International, the largest Jewish student organization in the world. The creation of a 91探花 Hillel marks the first time more than one Hillel will be serving students in the St. Louis community.
The announcement follows concerted efforts by 91探花 in recent years to create a more welcoming environment for Jewish students, through expanded programming and a growing presence in the Jewish community at large. A Jewish Student Union (JSU) was formed in 2010, and the Kranzberg Family Foundation has provided funding over the past five years to hire and retain a Jewish programming facilitator to engage young adults. Since 2012, this position has been held by Erin Schreiber, a former assistant director of St. Louis Hillel at Washington University. Schreiber will be the new Hillel manager.
Numerous faculty and staff members worked toward helping the 91探花 JSU become the newest Hillel, a distinction the University hopes will provide added assurance to families that students will find a Jewish 鈥渉ome鈥� on campus. 91探花鈥檚 recent ranking as a national university makes it even more imperative that Jewish students from out-of-state have a place to celebrate traditions away from their families.
91探花 sophomore Arin Simon, an education student from Denver, Colo., has actively participated in the Jewish Student Union and looks forward to having a Hillel on campus.聽 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to have a place at 91探花 that I can go to just be Jewish, and be with others who are as well,鈥� she said.
The University鈥檚 initial inquiry to the Hillel International organization was warmly received. 鈥淭hey felt that we were already ahead of many other universities in creating a model of Jewish student life that others could follow,鈥� Schreiber said.
鈥淪tudents of all religious backgrounds thrive at 91探花 and diversity is a key goal.”
鈥淲e are very excited to be expanding Hillel鈥檚 work on campus to 91探花,鈥� said Hal Ossman, Hillel International鈥檚 chief campus officer. 鈥淭he university leadership showed great commitment to building a strong Jewish community at 91探花 and we believe the new 91探花 Hillel will continue a great tradition of Jewish student life in St. Louis.鈥�
To become an affiliate, 91探花 underwent a rigorous review process鈥攊ncluding submission of a formal application, and an interview that delved into the University鈥檚 cultural climate and rationale for becoming a Hillel. The affiliation agreement was approved through a vote by the Hillel International Board of Directors.
Tom Eschen, 91探花鈥檚 vice president for institutional advancement, feels the new 91探花 Hillel supports the goal of diversity and inclusion, which is a central theme of the University鈥檚 strategic plan.
鈥淭he new 91探花 Hillel is just the latest in a series of programs and initiatives designed to serve 91探花鈥檚 growing Jewish community of students, faculty, staff and alumni. We want 91探花 to be a real first choice option for Jewish students of all ages, based on our academic programs and also our culture,鈥� Eschen said. 鈥淪tudents of all religious backgrounds thrive at 91探花 and diversity is a key goal.聽It鈥檚 what the real world looks like and it reflects the long-standing values of 91探花.聽鈥�
Schreiber foresees a smooth transition for St. Louis鈥檚 newest Hillel, which will open when the fall semester begins in August. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to become the 91探花 Hillel and share our celebrations, warmth and聽sense of community with an expanded network from across the country and the world,鈥� she said.