51²è¹Ý

Dear 51²è¹Ý Community:

I am pleased to announce an important milestone in the university’s partnership with 51²è¹Ý Hillel. Together, we have raised $4 million towards a $7 million goal to facilitate dedicated space for 51²è¹Ý Hillel on campus, as well as opportunities for gathering, educational programming, and community building to meet the evolving needs of our students.  

It is with deep appreciation that the university and 51²è¹Ý Hillel recognize Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Gary Abramson, SPA/BA ’68, and Pennie Abramson, who made the first major gift in support of this project, as well as former Trustee David Trone and June Trone, who provided the naming gift for the space. In honor of their generosity through the David and June Trone Family Foundation, the permanent home for 51²è¹Ý Hillel will be known as the Trone Family Center for Jewish Life and located in a non-residential wing of Hughes Hall.

With these leadership gifts in place, 51²è¹Ý and 51²è¹Ý Hillel have officially launched the Campaign for the Future of Jewish Life at 51²è¹Ý. The campaign will fund the entirety of renovations for the new space in Hughes Hall and generate critical resources for 51²è¹Ý Hillel to grow and flourish, including support for transformative student experiences, leadership staff positions, and professional development.

First announced in November 2023 by then-President Sylvia M. Burwell, 51²è¹Ý’s partnership with 51²è¹Ý Hillel to create a dedicated on-campus home for the organization is a key part of the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting 51²è¹Ý’s Jewish community and inclusive excellence across our campus. 

Nearly two dozen additional 51²è¹Ý alumni, parents, faculty, and friends have provided significant gifts to date, among them Trustee Marc Duber, Kogod/BSBA ’81, and former chair of the 51²è¹Ý Hillel Board Nancy Duber, CAS/BGS ’82; Trustee Alan Meltzer, CAS/BA ’21, and Amy Meltzer; and Trustee Emeritus Ambassador Stuart Bernstein, Kogod/BS ’60, and Wilma Bernstein, CAS/BA ’60. The Trone Family Center for Jewish Life will offer meeting and activity space, a student lounge, and office space for 51²è¹Ý Hillel staff. 51²è¹Ý Hillel will maintain its strong historic connection with the Kay Spiritual Life Center and the other Kay communities. Shabbat and holiday prayer services will continue to take place in Kay, and 51²è¹Ý Hillel will remain a dedicated partner in the important interbelief programming that Kay facilitates. 

Since its campus founding in 1965, 51²è¹Ý Hillel has enriched the lives of Jewish students, fostering an inviting and vibrant community. Student engagement has tripled in recent years—reaching more than 1,700 students in the 2024-25 academic year alone. Beyond its impact on Jewish students, 51²è¹Ý Hillel’s contributions extend to the entire 51²è¹Ý community through educational programs, interfaith and intercultural activities, and initiatives that annually engage hundreds of students from a variety of backgrounds.

We become stronger as a community by welcoming and including all individuals. 51²è¹Ý Hillel is a vibrant hub of student connection, learning, and leadership that enhances the campus environment for all Eagles. This campaign will help ensure it continues to thrive as an important campus resource for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Jonathan R. Alger
President