Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life honored eight professionals from around the world as “Richard M. Joel Exemplars of Excellence” at the Hillel International Professional Staff Conference in Baltimore, Md., in December.

Named in honor of Richard M. Joel, Hillel’s president from 1988 to 2003, the awards acknowledge professionals whose enthusiasm and commitment create meaningful Jewish campus experiences for hundreds of thousands of students around the world.

The honorees are:

Michelle Blumenberg, executive director, University of Arizona Hillel, for helping Hillel deliver the Jewish future with extraordinary dedication and devotion.

Brian Cohen, executive director, Hillel at the University of Virginia for transforming Hillel at the University of Virginia with talent, tenacity, and teamwork.

Paul Cohen, director of campus advancement, Northern California Hillel, for enriching the Hillel family with his humanity, for sharing his love of Yiddishkeit, and for teaching colleagues to always do what’s right.

Nadya Drukker, assistant director and director for the Center for Russian Jewish Life: Tanger Hillel at Brooklyn College, for weaving the many distinct strands of the Jewish campus experience into a vibrant, multi-cultural tapestry.

Cindy Hughey, executive director, Hillel at Michigan State University, for creating a warm, welcoming and vibrant Jewish community.

Jay Lewis, executive director, University of Kansas Hillel, for advancing a culture of Jewish pride, leadership, and enthusiasm.

Dasha-Darina Privalko, engagement director, from the Hillel of Central Asia and Southern Europe, for joyously enhancing the Hillel world with her neshama (soul) and her passion for Jewish life.

Ed Rosenthal, executive director, Cornell Hillel, for providing accessible, exciting and meaningful Jewish experiences at Cornell University.

View Photos and Video from the 2006 Professional Staff Conference