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Campaign for the Future of Jewish Life at AU

American University and American University Hillel have launched the Campaign for the Future of Jewish Life at AU, a transformative effort to support the ongoing growth of AU Hillel and further strengthen Jewish life on campus. 

With student engagement tripling in recent years—reaching more than 1,700 students in the 2024-25 academic year—the campaign will facilitate dedicated space for AU Hillel on campus, as well as opportunities for gathering, educational programming, and community building to meet the evolving needs of our students.

Our Commitment to the AU Community

Students gathered together on the Quad.First announced in November 2023 by then-President Sylvia M. Burwell, AU’s partnership with AU Hillel to create a dedicated on-campus home for the organization is a key part of the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting AU’s Jewish community and inclusive excellence across our campus.

Beyond its impact on Jewish students, AU Hillel’s contributions extend to the entire AU community through educational programs, interfaith and intercultural activities, and initiatives that annually engage hundreds of students from a variety of backgrounds.

AU Hillel is a vibrant hub of student connection, learning, and leadership that enhances the campus environment for all Eagles. This campaign will help ensure it continues to thrive as an important campus resource for generations to come.

Recognizing a Campaign Milestone

AU Hillel has received key gifts from Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Gary Abramson, SPA/BA ’68, and Pennie Abramson, who made the first gift in support of this project, and the first ever seven-figure commitment to AU Hillel, as well as former Trustee David Trone and June Trone, who provided the naming gift for the space. 

In honor of the their generosity through the David and June Trone Family Foundation, the permanent home for AU Hillel will be known as the Trone Family Center for Jewish Life and located in a non-residential wing of Hughes Hall. The Trone Family Center for Jewish Life will provide a much-needed home for daily activities, student gatherings, and Hillel’s broad community initiatives.

AU Hillel has raised $4M

toward its $7 million goal

Giving Opportunities: The Campaign Pillars

Establishing a Home for Jewish Life on Campus

AU Hillel’s future home, a wing of AU’s Hughes Hall, will include meeting and programming space, a student lounge, and the office space required to house their growing team of professional staff.

Expanding Transformative Student Experiences

Financial support will ensure AU Hillel’s program offerings are able to consistently engage a growing number of students in meaningful experiences annually.

Leadership for the Future of AU Hillel

AU Hillel staff are Jewish educators, mentors, coaches, and more. It is critical to build a staff team that can effectively meet the needs of AU students in the years ahead.

Students gathers on the quad

Get Involved With the Campaign

Reach out to learn how you can make a lasting impact on AU Hillel through the Campaign for the Future of Jewish Life at AU.

Contact Us

Make an Annual Gift

Gifts of any size can make an impact on AU Hillel today and help students take advantage of Hillel’s leadership opportunities, travel experiences, volunteer projects, and many other robust programmatic offerings.

Give Now to the AU Hillel Fund