I had the privilege of serving on the Ad Hoc Committee
on Jewish Life. The Committee thoroughly explored the ways W&L can continue
increasing the number of Jewish students and enriching their experiences as
members of the Washington and Lee community. The proposed Center for Jewish
Life is critical to meeting all related goals as the Ad Hoc Committee learned.
I am confident W&L's alumni and parents who have the greatest interest in
Jewish life will help make the plans a reality as soon as all details are finalized.
Dennis Cross
Vice
President for University Advancement
Six years ago the university community rededicated
itself to the
building of an inclusive community. We have made real strides since
2000, but we still have a ways to go if we are to realize
our goals of
diversity and improved campus climate for all people.
As the original
chair of the Faculty Task Force on Inclusiveness, I
could not be more
pleased by the Board's endorsement of a Center for
Jewish Life.
Suzanne Keen
Thomas H.
Broadus Professor of English
As faculty adviser to W&L Hillel, I was overjoyed
to hear of the Board
of Trustee's endorsement for a Center for Jewish
Life. The Board's
decision shows a strong commitment to the future of
Jewish life here.
In addition to making W&L a more attractive choice
for Jewish students,
the Center for Jewish life will strengthen our
national reputation as a
top-tier, forward-looking liberal arts
institution.
Simon Levy,
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Hillel
Faculty Advisor
I am delighted to announce that the Washington and Lee
Board of Trustees has endorsed the building of a Center for Jewish Life. We are
united in our commitment to make the Center for Jewish Life a reality as early
as feasible. The Board believes that W&L would greatly benefit from a
tangible presence and symbol of its commitment to Jewish life on campus. Hillel is not only a spiritual and
intellectual home for W&L’s Jewish students, but it’s diverse and vibrant
program is a cultural resource for all of us.
Philip W.
Norwood
Rector,
Washington and Lee Board of Trustees
‘The Center for Jewish Life
will enrich all aspects of campus life, particularly with regard to
multi-cultural and religious life, and will enhance campus/community
relationships for generations to come. These are indeed exciting times to dream
big dreams for our future.
William C.
Burr Datz, class of 1975
Director of
Leadership Development/Coordinator of Religious Life
After the early 70’s Jewish life and presence changed
at W&L. I’d like to think that those of us who graduated before that were
proud of our Jewish identity. I know I was. Our University has been working
towards rekindling the Jewish presence. This action by the Board is an
important step, one that should be embraced and celebrated. This is not only
good for Jews, but for the future of the University as well. I know that all of
the alumni join me in congratulating this decision.
Steve
Sandler, class of 1970
Hillel
Advisory Board
The quality of an education is measured by what occurs
inside and outside the classroom. Many
students experience an enriched educational experience through religious
exploration during their college years.
Hillel at W&L has developed a broad and rich program for interested
students at W&L and a Center for students promises an even more rewarding
experience for all students at W&L. It was my pleasure to serve on the Ad
Hoc Committee that explored and recommended this project .... we're all very
excited!
Dawn Watkins
Dean of
Students
While strides have been made,
in recent years, toward increasing Jewish applicants to Washington and Lee,
nothing that has been done to this point will have as strong an impact as the
proposed Center for Jewish Life. I am
sure that I speak for the many W&L alumni who have been eager to see the
university make a commitment that will encourage prospective Jewish students
and their parents to realize that the climate of this university is an
inclusive and all embracing one. This center will serve as an impetus in
attracting students, but even more important, the center will be a vibrant,
exciting addition to both the cultural and religious life of the university.
Paul Weinstein, class of 1955
Hillel Advisory Board
The
Hank Dobin
Dean of the College
I think a Hillel House would attract more Jewish
students to W&L and I also think it would strengthen the bonds that form
once they come to campus.
Carly Cowley,
class of 2007
Hillel
Co-President
I wholeheartedly believe that a Center for Jewish Life
will contribute immensely to Jewish life on campus. Speaking to my Jewish friends at other
colleges that have Hillel Houses has made me realize how having a place to call
our own would only create a more passionate Jewish populace here at W&L….I
would love to come back to campus as an alum and visit a Hillel building.
Audrey Horn,
class of 2008
Hillel
Co-Secretary
I love the idea of the Center for Jewish Life being a
center for the area’s Jewish population as well, eventually even hosting such
events as Bar Mitzvahs. It would lead to
a more unified Lexington Jewish Community and assuage the lack of a synagogue
in town.
Dmitry
Slavin, class of 2009
Hillel VP
Chair/Speakers
ad hoc Committee
for Jewish Life
Hillel at Washington and Lee
has been instrumental in helping my family maintain a Jewish identity in
Scott Dubit,
MD
Lexington/Rockbridge
Jewish Community
Joan Robins and W&L
Hillel have been valued partners in our recruitment of Jewish
students, and the proposed Center for Jewish Life will have a tangible and
lasting impact on our ability to attract more Jewish students to
W&L. The Center will affirm that W&L is a welcoming and
vibrant community for people from all backgrounds, and it will enrich campus
life for all Jewish and non-Jewish students and community members. The
Board's endorsement of this project is wonderful news.
William M. Hartog III
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid