Avi Smolen takes the reins as Rutgers University Hillel student prez
Feb. 1, 2008
Most college freshmen tend to spend plenty of time with fellow classmates, especially early in their college lives. Avi Smolen did the opposite, and is now reaping the rewards, as he was recently elected student president of Rutgers Hillel.
Smolen, a 20-year-old political science major from New Milford, credits his success at Hillel with getting involved within the organization as a freshman, and by spending time with those who were older than him.
"I learned what I could from some of the older students that were a part of Hillel," Smolen explained. "They were really able to show me what it meant to be a part of something so big on our campus."
Smolen first started as a communications vice president within the organization and eventually moved on to become a community service coordinator before attaining the top spot.
As incoming president, Smolen's responsibilities include organizing board meetings each week, holding a seat on the board of directors, and overseeing all aspects of Hillel.
"I really have a hand on everything that goes on with Hillel," Smolen said. "I am also our liaison to other student groups."
Another of Smolen's objectives is to help raise funds for the construction of a new home for Hillel, located at the entrance to the College Avenue campus. The current location, 93 College Ave., has become a bit cramped in recent years, with approximately 1,000 Jewish students coming through on a yearly basis.
"We have raised about $5 million so far, so we're about a third of the way to our goal," Smolen said.
"I just want to see Rutgers Hillel do big things in the very near future," he added. "I'm excited to see what I can do to help out. I feel like I know plenty about this organization and I just want to see it thrive."