When you make a naming gift to the Abbe Center for Jewish Life, your name – or the name of your loved one – is prominently noted in the Center.* In addition, your generosity provides much-needed support to create strong educational, social and leadership opportunities for students engaged with Jewish life. Examples of activities supported by the Abbe Center Endowment Fund include but are not limited to: Shabbat dinners; Passover Seder; lecture, travel, event and conference support for students and faculty; and internship opportunities.
The following naming opportunities are available:
Endowed Professor of Religious Studies, $2,000,000
An Endowed Professor of Religious Studies would ensure that the Judaic Studies program is a permanent part of the The Colleges' curricula, as well as retain and reward faculty whose research, teaching and student mentoring uniquely contribute to the Religious Studies Program. The Endowed Professor of Religious Studies would provide assistance with strategic planning and oversight of the Abbe Center for Jewish Life, strengthening and enriching an entire range of programs, events and courses related to Judaism and Judaic Studies.
Endowed Director of the Abbe Center for Jewish Life, $1,000,000
The Director of the Abbe Center for Jewish Life will coordinate and provide Jewish life programming on campus, working directly with faculty, Hillel and students to plan and run events. The Director will supervise student interns and be involved in outreach and communication for the Abbe Center for Jewish Life programming.
Large Multi-Purpose Room, $150,000
A multi-purpose social space, this room can accommodate up to 30 people for a sit-down Shabbat dinner, and a sizeable buffet table for larger gatherings. There is wall space for posters/paintings, and the open layout of the room is conducive to an art display. An impressive tiled fireplace with an oak mantel graces the room.
Student Kitchen, $125,000
The Abbe Center is a co-op living situation, and this kitchen is where students prepare their meals. Off the kitchen is a laundry area with an energy efficient, water conserving washer/dryer. Hillel also uses this kitchen for informal food preparation.
Lounge, $125,000
This lounge is the main social gathering space for Abbe Center residents. Featuring a large, flat-screen television and DVD/VCR combination player, this room also is used to show movies and hold informal discussions. There is a bookcase with glass doors in the room, and a tiled fireplace with an iron fire door holder. A large mirror over the mantel is flanked by two glass display cases. Currently two gifted Hanukkah menorahs and other Judaica items are on display in this room.
Office/Study, $100,000
This room can be used for small meetings/seminars and also as a quiet study space. Two computer work stations (a Mac and a PC) are available for students to use. There is a large white board and bookcase. During the holiday season, a 3-foot electric Hanukkah menorah is lit and displayed in the window facing South Main Street. A simple fireplace and mantel complete the room.
Stair Lounge, $75,000
This cozy nook, paneled in oak and highlighted by leaded glass windows, is a wonderful place for intimate discussions or to curl up with a good book. It's a place to be alone and still be available. A small television has been installed for those times when one or two people want to watch something different from the rest of the crowd.
For more information, please contact Ruth Benedict at benedict@hws.edu or (315) 781-3779.
*Unless you wish to remain anonymous