Honoring Yetta Chaiken and our 2017 Student Exemplars

Things don't always work out the way we want them to, 95 year-old Yetta Chaiken joked at Hillel's End of Year celebration. However, for her they did.

Being one of the first Jewish women in the Delaware community leaves Yetta with an incredible legacy. UD Hillel honored her as a 'woman of valor' - with her favorite foods and being showered with love by friends and family. Many of things have 'worked out' in Yetta's favor - Stuart Grant presented Yetta with the gift of joining the Grant Society of Exellence and Donna Schwartz welcoming the Yetta Chaiken endowment fund to the Kristol Center for Jewish life.

Senior Julia Brody and Freshman Sean Dorney we're given the unique opportunity to interview many whom have been influenced by Yetta, as well as hearing words from the honoree themselves. Together they shared these powerful stories through writing and video.

Watch Yetta's Birthday video here.

Hillel professionals have a unique job. We, as staff, are not their teachers, parents, or academic advisor. We celebrate their small victories like exam scores and always lend a listening ear. This year, Hillel honored five students who have spent the school year finding a family and place to be themselves. Watch our staff honoring the 2017 Exemplars here.

(from left to right:)

Heather Brandspiegel, Emerging Leader Award | Annie Gawroniak, Ruach (Spirit) Award | Falyn Salner, Hineni (Here I Am) Award | Michelle Schwartz, Pioneer Award | Jonah Vessery, Barry Kayne Mensch Award