University Park, Pa. — In the midst of a dramatic increase in student involvement in Jewish life at Penn State's University Park campus, Penn State Hillel has acquired property at the corner of Beaver Avenue and Garner Street in downtown State College for the construction of new center for Jewish student life in the community.
Through the generosity of David N. Pincus ('48) and Bernard ('51) and Nancy ('52) Gutterman, Penn State Hillel has acquired the property and embarked on a capital and endowment campaign for the construction of the new facility.
"The growth of Jewish life at Penn State highlights the need for a greatly expanded base of operations, a new hub for Jewish identity and expression," said Aaron Kaufman, executive director of Penn State Hillel, which serves an estimated 6,000 Jewish students at the University. "Penn State is experiencing a renaissance of Jewish life on campus as Hillel offers a wide array of innovative programs and services that have attracted some of the campus' best and most dedicated student leaders while receiving national recognition."
The location for the new building is two blocks from campus and situated at a major intersection of the downtown's commercial district and an area of high density of student housing, a literal crossroads of student life in the borough.
Kaufman explained that upon completion of the campaign, Penn State Hillel will boast a state-of-the-art facility and enhanced financial resources, resulting in a vastly expanded program that will help Penn State become one of the nation's premier centers for quality Jewish student life.
Penn State Hillel is the foundation for Jewish campus life. For more information, visit www.pennstatehillel.org.