Campus News

Westminster College Becomes Utah's Only Hillel Affiliate

World’s largest Jewish campus organization finds “tremendous support” at Westminster

Contact: Stephanie Carter and Krista DeAngelis (801) 832-2682
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster College has been selected to become Utah’s only Hillel: the Foundation for a Jewish Campus Life affiliate. Hillel is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, serving students from more than 550 colleges and communities throughout North America and globally. At Hillel at Westminster, membership is open to Jewish college students from any school in the state. Currently, 35 students who attend Westminster, Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah are part of the Hillel. The group is student-run with support from faculty advisors.

“The student and community support for a Hillel chapter at Westminster is tremendous,” said Joel Bauman, vice president for enrollment at the college. “Westminster College and The United Jewish Federation of Utah, with Utah’s rabbis and Jewish congregations, are committed to the effort to strengthen a Jewish presence for college students in Utah.”

“The establishment of a Hillel at Westminster College is a milestone event for our community,” said Rabbi Joshua Aaronson, Saidye Rosner Bronfman Rabbinic Chair at Temple Har Shalom in Park City, Utah. “I look forward to assisting in any way possible to make the Westminster Hillel one of the finest small-college Hillels in the country,” Rabbi Aaronson continued. “As I look toward sending my own children to college, the presence of a Hillel is the sine qua non of selection for us, as it is for thousands of Jewish families around the country.”

Temple Har Shalom is offering Hillel at Westminster students’ complimentary membership.

About Hillel:

The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life:
Hillel is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world. The organization serves students at more than 550 colleges and communities throughout North America and globally, including 30 communities in the former Soviet Union, nine in Israel, and five in South America. Since its origin in 1923, Hillel has played a critical role in ensuring the future of the Jewish community by creating a welcoming environment for Jewish students on campus and by fostering students’ ability to incorporate Jewish tradition into their lives. Hillel helps students expand Jewish knowledge, hone leadership skills, bolster ties to Israel, and volunteer in social justice work. Just as the university establishes a professional foundation for students’ futures, Hillel builds a Jewish foundation for their lifetime. Hillel equips today’s students to be the supporters and leaders of tomorrow’s Jewish community.

About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow @WestminsterSLC on Twitter.