University of Alabama

Hillel Student Organization



Bloom Hillel Kicks off Capital Campaign with Culverhouse Challenge

It is hard to believe that our building, which opened in 2011, is literally bursting at the bricks with students.  In fact, we’ve almost tripled our student attendance since the new Bloom Hillel Center was completed in 2011.  We see our mission being fulfilled as the Jewish students embrace the center as a wonderful place to gather, study and celebrate their traditions.

The increase in number of students who come regularly tells us that we have created a “home away from home.”  Please help us forge this home and continue to provide an amazing space for our students.

We have an AMAZING opportunity, and we need your help to make it happen! Eliza Perlmutter Culverhouse and Hugh Culverhouse have issued a $100,000 match challenge to raise money for the Bloom Hillel Student Center at the University of Alabama in order to meet our growing needs.

The number of Jewish students in the Freshman class has grown from 120 students in 2012 to 170 students in 2016-2017.

The number of student meals for Shabbat dinner, brunch and the High Holidays served in the 2012-2013 year was 1,548.

The number of student meals for Shabbat dinner, brunch and the High Holidays served in the 2016-2017 year was 4,119.

Below is a record of student attendance by year including meals and educational programming.
2012-13           2,465
2013-14           2,686
2014-15           4,218
2015-16           4,626
2016-17           5,367

Hillel’s success is mirroring the exciting growth happening at the University of Alabama. The current enrollment exceeds 38,500, with 40% of this year’s Freshman class having a 30 or higher ACT score. Like the University’s overall goals, we want to be home to the best and the brightest – and give them a place to feel at home as a Jewish student on this growing campus.

We need your help to bring this exceptional opportunity to life. We must match the $100,000 with funds raised from our community before January 1, 2018.

Donations can be made directly to the Hillel Expansion Fund through UA Advancement at https://give.ua.edu/hillel.  You can also donate on-line at hillel.ua.edu. Please call (205) 348-2183 for additional information.

Click HERE to see the Expansion Floor Plans!