“What we’re celebrating today is far more than just a physical space,” said University of Hartford President Lawrence P. Ward. “It’s a testament to the vibrancy of our Jewish community on campus.”
Dozens of members of UHart’s Jewish community attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center, which is located on the lower level of University Commons. Also in attendance were many of the donors whose generosity made the center possible, including members of the Zachs Family Foundation. Its president, Henry Zachs, wielded the ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon.
“I think of Henry as the Johnny Appleseed of Hillel,” said Walter Harrison, president emeritus of UHart and interim president and CEO of the Jewish Foundation for Greater Hartford. “Henry is one of those people who understands that the future of a vibrant Jewish life depends on the young Jewish people of today.”
With construction completed in November 2024, the center is UHart's dedicated hub for Jewish life on campus. Far larger than UHart’s previous Hillel Center, it features meeting space, a Kosher kitchen, and a lounge area for students to congregate in their down time.
Lisa Langsner, Fain Family Endowed Director of Jewish Student Life"This center is for young people like my own daughters, who will grow up and know that no matter what, they will have a Jewish home away from home, and who will eventually build their own Jewish identities and make their own Jewish community.”
The fundraising effort also allowed UHart to create the role of Fain Family Endowed Director of Jewish Student Life, ensuring a trained Jewish professional on campus in perpetuity. Lisa Langsner, who holds that role, thanked all the donors whose inspiring and transformative contributions made the center possible.
“This center is for current students and the thousands of young people who aren't here yet, but who deserve a place to feel seen, to be heard, to be reminded of their inherent value to this world,” said Langsner. “It’s for young people like my own daughters, who will grow up and know that no matter what, they will have a Jewish home away from home, and who will eventually build their own Jewish identities and make their own Jewish community.”