Staff Transition

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Following two meaningful years of revisioning, rebranding, and rebuilding Purdue Hillel, I have made the decision to leave my role as Executive Director this spring. This was not an easy decision, and one I believe is in the best interest of the organization’s potential and future growth. I am so proud of the work accomplished over these two years, including upgrades to the building, bringing on a full-time Springboard Engagement Fellow, hosting the Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF), our substantive fundraising efforts, inspired Jewish learning and worship to meet and exceed the needs of our diverse population, hosting Bagel Break - the largest ongoing weekly gathering of Jewish students on campus, fostering deep relationships with other faith partners on campus, and creating a space where every individual is accepted and celebrated for exactly who they are. Above all, it’s the relationships with our students that I have cherished the most.

In the coming weeks, Hillel International will launch a nationwide search for a new Executive Director. This is a thoughtful and intentional process, and one that is influenced by stakeholder input. Ronit Sherwin, our incredible Hillel Campus Support Director, will be reaching out to a variety of our stakeholders - students, parents, alumni, fans and friends - to best understand what this Hillel wants and needs moving forward. I am so pleased that the search committee will be chaired by Lowell Kane, who serves as the faculty advisor to our Hillel student organization, as well as the Director of the LGBTQ Center and Director of Student Engagement and Belonging in the University’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. If you would like more information or have feedback, feel free to reach out to our Governing Board Chair, Michael Acks, or our Rabbinic Advisor, Rabbi Chase Foster, at governingboard@purduehillel.org. Under the leadership of Ronit, Lowell, Michael, and Rabbi Chase, I know that this process and the future of Purdue Hillel is in the very best hands. 

Purdue Hillel continues to thrive because of incredible community support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Lafayette, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, the Ohio Valley Hillel Consortium, Hillel International, and hundreds of donors, who make all of this possible for our students. I am so deeply grateful for having this opportunity to return to my alma mater and foster these relationships. I look forward to a great spring semester with our students, and ensuring a smooth transition to the next leader of this extraordinary community. 

With gratitude, 

Melissa

Melissa Frey, CLA '91

Executive Director, Purdue Hillel