Heidi Geller installed as Hillels of Georgia President

Hillels of Georgia kicked off the start of a new year at the annual board meeting on June 16 by welcoming incoming President Heidi Berger Geller, who plans to boost fundraising efforts and maintain the organization's commitment to building a vibrant Jewish future for students across the state.

The organization also thanked outgoing President Steve Levene ('83MBA) for his years of dedicated service. Steve helped guide Hillels of Georgia as it opened its impressive new Marcus Hillel Center on Emory's campus, and worked to attract funding and attention across the state and nation despite the down economy.

Executive Director Wayne Silverman addressed the challenges to come as Hillels of Georgia works to attract more funding while beefing up the programming opportunities and projects aimed at the thousands of students the organization serves each year. But he expressed confidence in the board, which remains committed to Hillels of Georgia's unique mission.

The highlight of the meeting, though, were the success stories from students and alumni who shared how Hillels of Georgia helped them find a home away from home on campus.

Some students said they were only marginally connected to Jewish life before finding a place at Hillel, while others praised Hillels of Georgia as a rare refuge for Jewish students amid a tumultuous campus.