By Amanda Eisenberg
The University of Maryland Hillel is one of five Hillels across the country to receive an award for its leadership model and commitment to enriching Jewish life on college campuses.
“Maryland Hillel won [the Joseph Meyerhoff Award] for embracing new ideas and transforming Hillel’s culture into one that values personal relationships, promotes Jewish content and infuses deep meaning in all they do,” said Abi Dauber Sterne, Hillel’s vice president for Global Jewish Experiences.
The University of Maryland Hillel is home to more than 6,500 Jewish students and supports more than 40 student organizations. Of those organizations, Hillel’s fellowship program is the most popular, which contributes to its success.
Sophomore Danielle Leopold is part of the Campus Entrepreneurship Initiative Fellowship.
“The goal of CEI,” said Leopold, “is to create relationships with Jewish students on campus and show them that you can have meaningful Jewish experiences outside of the building that is Hillel.”
“Basically, we’re trying to help uninvolved Jewish students find their place within the very large and sometimes overwhelming and intimidating Jewish community at Maryland,” said Leopold.
Although Maryland Hillel’s Repair the World Director for Service Learning Initiatives Amy Weiss helped build the fellowships program, staff members Maiya Chard-Yaron and Rabbi Jessica Lott work very closely with CEI. Weiss was honored for her exemplary work at the ceremony in St. Louis, Mo.
Vice President of Student Affairs for the University of Maryland Linda Clement added, “Maryland’s Hillel is such a strong force in support of students maintaining and deepening their commitment to their Jewish heritage and identity. The University congratulates Hillel on their receiving this important and prestigious award.”
