New Hillel UGA Building Opening This Fall

Hillels of Georgia and Hillel UGA are pleased to announce the public phase of their capital campaign to develop a new facility, centrally located across the street from the UGA campus. Hillel UGA will serve as home to its 1,500 Jewish students, its programs, and activities, as well as support other university initiatives and serve as a gathering place for the Athens Jewish community. To date, HGA has raised more than $6.4 million, more than 80 percent of its $8 million capital campaign goal, with the lead gift coming from The Marcus Foundation.

The purpose of the capital campaign is to create a welcoming and highly functional place to call home. In 2021, HGA’s board of directors determined Hillel UGA had outgrown its current location. After looking at expansion and other renovation options, it was clear that the best path forward was to seek a new home — as a way to accommodate Hillel’s growth while also creating a place to welcome, convene and collaborate with the broader university and Jewish community.

“Following the lead of the generosity of The Marcus Foundation, the quiet phase of the campaign raised significant commitments from Sanford Orkin, Ann & Jay Davis, Helen & David Zalik and other lead gifts. We are using this momentum to reach out to other family and friends, alumni and the Athens and Atlanta communities. We are confident that together we will achieve our goal,” said Wayne Keil, interim CEO.

To participate or for more information, contact Wayne Keil, interim CEO at 470-905-1800 or via email at wayne@hillelsofgeorgia.org.