Dear AU Community:

I am pleased to announce an important milestone in the university’s partnership with American University Hillel. Together, we have raised $4 million towards a $7 million goal to 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.  

It is with deep appreciation that the university and AU Hillel recognize Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Gary Abramson, SPA/BA ’68, and Pennie Abramson, who made the first major gift in support of this project, as well as former Trustee David Trone and June Trone, who provided the naming gift for the space. In honor of 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.

With these leadership gifts in place, American University and AU Hillel have officially launched the Campaign for the Future of Jewish Life at AU. The campaign will fund the entirety of renovations for the new space in Hughes Hall and generate critical resources for AU Hillel to grow and flourish, including support for transformative student experiences, leadership staff positions, and professional development.

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. 

Nearly two dozen additional AU alumni, parents, faculty, and friends have provided significant gifts to date, among them Trustee Marc Duber, Kogod/BSBA ’81, and former chair of the AU Hillel Board Nancy Duber, CAS/BGS ’82; Trustee Alan Meltzer, CAS/BA ’21, and Amy Meltzer; and Trustee Emeritus Ambassador Stuart Bernstein, Kogod/BS ’60, and Wilma Bernstein, CAS/BA ’60. The Trone Family Center for Jewish Life will offer meeting and activity space, a student lounge, and office space for AU Hillel staff. AU Hillel will maintain its strong historic connection with the Kay Spiritual Life Center and the other Kay communities. Shabbat and holiday prayer services will continue to take place in Kay, and AU Hillel will remain a dedicated partner in the important interbelief programming that Kay facilitates. 

Since its campus founding in 1965, AU Hillel has enriched the lives of Jewish students, fostering an inviting and vibrant community. Student engagement has tripled in recent years—reaching more than 1,700 students in the 2024-25 academic year alone. 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.

We become stronger as a community by welcoming and including all individuals. 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.

Sincerely,

Jonathan R. Alger
President