Group Meets to Learn About Growth of UConn Hillel

On Sunday, January 23^rd 2011, University of Connecticut Hillel (UConn Hillel) held an educational event at the home of Michael and Shari Cantor in West Hartford, CT, the first of its kind for the organization since the early 2000’s. “Our focus was on prospective students, current parents and alumni.  It was a forum for those interested to hear about the exponential growth and huge resurgence of vitality at UConn Hillel.  This was a platform for the community to learn just how amazing the university is for Jewish students and what UCONN has to offer. I never dreamt that we’d have so many people respond. The sight was inspiring,” said Gary Wolff, Executive Director of UCONN Hillel.

Our fantastic committee, Shari Cantor, Judy Kulakofsky, Kerry Rausch, Karen Shakun and Janice Weinstein, worked really hard to make this a success. Without them, this event would not have happened, added Wolff.   Over 75 people turned out on a brutally cold Sunday morning to meet students and hear presentations from Gary Wolff, and  Meg Malmborg, Manager of UConn’s Visitor’s Center.   Governor Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman were honored guests.

The event was hosted by UConn alumni Shari and Michael Cantor.  Shari, who is also an executive board member of UConn Hillel, welcomed the group.  She shared her enthusiasm for Hillel and passionately voiced her admiration for the opportunities for, growth, leadership, and energy that Hillel offers the Jewish students at the University of Connecticut. “Hillel’s mission statement is to enrich the lives of undergraduate and graduate students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.  I feel that at UCONN, we are working towards this every day,” said Cantor. These feelings were echoed by Margaret (Meg) Malmborg, Malmborg, who is the  manager of the Loedwick Visitors’ Center at UCONN  was the guest speaker.  Ms. Malmborg talked about the fine reputation UConn experiences as a top public university.  It has become the destination of choice for top tier students.

Ms. Malmborg’s comments were followed by remarks from several UConn students who braved the bitter cold to come to West Hartford and tell their stories. The passion and energy of the students was clearly conveyed.   Senior Jonathan Goldman, a chemical engineering student, told the group  that Hillel is a family and community for him.  Those feelings were  cemented for him when he joined Hillel on a Taglit – Birthright trip this winter.

Hillel offers a broad spectrum of experiences to UConn students .  They include internships, Shabbat dinners, High Holiday,services, community service trips, a wide variety of social events, and Taglit-Birthright Israel, to name just a few. To learn more about the opportunities being offered, please contact Gary Wolff at 860.429.9007 or via email gary@uconnhilllel.org