Latest News from Campus

Targeted gifts to Hillel International will award more than $350,000 in scholarships to 65 Jewish college students this fall, marking the largest cohort in the program’s history. The scholarships recognize academic achievement, community service, Jewish connection, first-generation college enrollment, and financial need, with most awards ranging from $3,000 to $18,000 per year and renewable through graduation. “All Jewish students deserve the opportunity to pursue their ambitions,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, adding that he is confident the recipients “will accomplish great things” with the support of these scholarships.

In a new letter, Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman looks ahead to the 2026–27 academic year and highlights Hillel’s focus on creating vibrant Jewish communities where students can build connection, express their Jewish identities with pride, and develop as leaders. Lehman points to expanded opportunities for Jewish student engagement, including the growth of fellowships, grants, and new leadership opportunities designed to reach more students across the Hillel movement. He also highlights Hillel’s continued investment in Israel education and experiences, regional leadership gatherings, and programs that help students find Jewish joy and belonging on campus.

Tanger Hillel at Brooklyn College plans to welcome nearly 700 Jewish students through welcome-week events this fall, giving students opportunities to meet peers and build connections ahead of the semester. Planned programming includes a welcome-back, summer camp-themed Shabbat, an open house, and a pizza-making event. Director of Student Experience Sarali Cohen, said “I want every event to help students find a sense of belonging, connect with others, and see Hillel as a place where they can build lasting friendships and community.”

Hillel at Clemson University will become professionally staffed for the first time this fall, expanding support, programming, and leadership opportunities for an estimated 500 Jewish undergraduate students. Jewish student participation has grown fivefold in recent years, and a generous $430,000 investment from The Leon Levine Foundation will fund the Hillel’s first executive director, initial programming, and student leadership opportunities.

Staff members from The Ohio State University Hillel, led by CEO Naomi Lamb, recently completed a weeklong educational program at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. During the program, participants engaged in intensive study of contemporary Israeli society and explored new approaches to strengthening Jewish life and educational initiatives on campus. Reflecting on the experience, Lamb emphasized that “Israel education really isn’t one size fits all.”

Rice University student Austin Lambert was selected to join Hillel International’s 2026-2027 Student Cabinet, a group of 20 outstanding student leaders who serve as ambassadors of the Hillel movement. Houston Hillel Executive Director Rabbi Kenny Weiss said Lambert “has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Rice Hillel” and credited him with helping implement weekly on-campus Shabbat dinners, adding that Lambert’s perspective and experience will strengthen both the Student Cabinet and the Rice Hillel community.