Ensure the next 100 years of Hillel

Young adults arrive to campus with unanswered questions about their future. During college they seek to find those answers by solidifying their Jewish identities — meeting friends, gaining knowledge, and discovering a community that will empower them as they forge a path into adulthood. Today’s Jewish college students are further challenged by an ongoing rise in antisemitism, uncertainty about the future, and mental health concerns.

Hillel at Kent State is the heart of Jewish life for two of the largest universities in Northern Ohio, Kent State University and the University of Akron. Hillel inspires and enables students to explore, embrace, and celebrate the vibrancy of Jewish life and identity — culturally, spiritually, and religiously. Hillel at Kent State continually strives to create a transformative community where all students can grow, contribute, and respect each other’s evolving Jewish identities.

Hillel at Kent State University is strong financially and well-connected to the Jewish communities in Northeast Ohio and partner campuses. We take invaluable resources and pair them with Jewish wisdom, mentorship, and innovation to facilitate personal development and empower students. This is a formula that creates transformational moments in the lives of students as they navigate their Jewish journeys.

Hillel at Kent State is a home-away-from-home and the center for Jewish hospitality for students from all corners of the country. Importantly, more than 87% of Kent State students are from Ohio and most of these students stay in the region following graduation. Hillel instills a culture of community involvement and develops our community’s future leaders.    

Our legacy donors are a group of individuals just like you who understand the extraordinary impact Hillel at Kent State University has on the lives of students. You know our unique role in building diverse and dynamic Jewish experiences that prepares students to be active and impactful members of the community upon graduation. Please join us as a partner as we work to endow Hillel’s future.