Students participate in a simulation exercise at Engagement Institute.

More than 1,000 Hillel students, lay leaders, partner agency representatives and professionals poured onto the campus of Washington University of St. Louis, August 1-7 for Engagement Institute and Hillel Institute, two conferences held at the same location to celebrate Jewish life on campus and to prepare for the coming school year.

Engagement Institute brought together student activists from across North America who participated in simulations and discussions to learn how to engage their peers, to strengthen Jewish identity, and to promote civility on campus. (Click here for a multi-media report on Engagement Institute.)

At Hillel Institute, Hillel professionals from North America, Latin America, Israel and the former Soviet Union joined together to share their ideas on promoting Jewish life on their campuses. Hillels and individuals were honored for their outstanding achievements. (Click here for a complete multi-media report on Engagement Institute.)

The events were covered in The Jerusalem Post, JTA, eJewish Philanthropy, Tablet and The St. Louis Jewish Light.

Additional stories:

Hillel Professionals Convene, Learn, Celebrate

Students Converge for Engagement Institute

Firestone to Students: Pursue Your Jewish Journey

Celebrating Shabbat in New Ways

Opening Video: Life is a Journey

Hillel Institute 2011 - President Firestone Opening Address