As the school year winds down for most American college students, universities across the country are hosting awards ceremonies to recognize those student groups which have made the most contributions to the campus.

KU Hillel student leaders receive award from Director of KU Student Involvement and Leadership Center Ruben Perez.

At Kansas University, KU Hillel swept the recent Jayhawk Choice Awards, hosted by KU's Student Involvement and Leadership Center. In addition to being named "KU Student Organization of the Year" out of more than 500 student clubs for the second year in a row, KU Hillel won three other major university awards.

Rock Chalk Shabbat, a Friday night service and campus-wide dinner organized by KU Hillel, was named "Program of the Year." Rock Chalk Shabbat, named for KU's famous Rock Chalk Chant, is an annual fall tradition. This year, it drew 500 people and included live entertainment.

KU Hillel's student-led alternative spring break to Washington, D.C. won "Social Justice Progam of the Year" and KU Hillel Board Member Max Stettner was named "Student Organization Member of the Year."

Jay Lewis, executive director of KU Hillel, says it is the students who make KU Hillel such a successful campus organization.

"We have a lot to be proud of," Lewis said. "KU Hillel students are making a tremendous impact on campus. Each year, the momentum grows."

This year, three KU Hillel students received prestigious awards for their involvment with the organization.

KU Hillel Executive Director Jay Lewis presents Liz Cohen with the Student Exemplar of Excellence Award.

At the 2008 Summit on the University and the Jewish Community, hosted by Hillel in Washington, D.C., Liz Cohen was named as one of the recipients of the Philip H. and Susan Rudd Cohen Student Exemplar of Excellence Awards. Only seven student leaders from around the world received the honor. The awards are presented to Hillel students who exemplify leadership on campus and within the community and help advance Hillel’s mission.

Megan Williams, KU Hillel's graduate student intern, was named “Outstanding Woman in Partnership” by the university's Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center.

Nick Lush, a student board member at KU Hillel, will receive the 2008 Campanile Award at KU’s commencement ceremony on May 18. Lush was selected for displaying remarkable leadership, strength of character and respect for the university as an undergraduate at Kansas University.

Simmons Hillel Seniors Leah Maroni Wagner, Nikki Cohen, Aveva Mack, Rachel Wallen and Whitney Kemp with Hillel President Juliana Ross.

The day before Passover began, at Simmons College in Massachusetts, Simmons Hillel was recognized as "Student Organization of the Year."

Ailene Gerhardt, director of Simmons Hillel, attributes the honor to the tireless efforts of the Jewish student leadership which produced tremendously successful programming throughout the 2007-8 school year.

During the Simmons College awards ceremony, specific mention was made of Hillel's work promoting Black-Jewish dialogue through programs such as a musical performance by the Afro-Semitic Experience and a comedy performance by the two man Black-Jew Diaglogues.

Hillel students with the Simmons President Susan Scrimshaw at Purim carnival.

"A great organization can make a world of difference to not only its constituents but also the greater Simmons community," said Michelle Vital, assistant director of student leadership and activities as she presented Simmons Hillel with its award. "The true mark of a great organization is not [producing] programs to be recognized but programs [that] make a true connection between their mission and the needs of the community. There is a synergy about them that causes those around them to become excited."

Simmons Hillel was the only student organization to receive two nominations for "Program of the Year." This year's first-ever Purim Carnival and the Black-Jew Dialogues, which showcased Hillel's collaboration with the Campus Activities Board and Black Student Organization, were both contenders for the award.

Pitt Hillel President Rebecca Lehner with VoKols President Carly Adelman and VoKols VP Rebecca Lustig at awards ceremony PHOTO BY COREY BURR.

At the University of Pittsburgh, the Student Government Board and the Division of Student Affairs recognized Hillel's work for the very first time.

Not only did Pitt Hillel receive an award for "Outstanding Cultural Program of the Year," but the Hillel Jewish University Center's a capella group, the VoKols, were honored as "Performance Group of the Year" and Carly Adelman, the VoKols's president, was named "Outstanding Sophomore Leader of the Year."

Aaron Weil is the executive director of the Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh which serves Jewish students at University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Carlow College, Community College of Allegheny County, Point Park College, Chatham College and Duquesne University.