By Sara Rubinfeld, Development Manager at the Stuart and Suzanne Grant Hillel at University of Delaware
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We are excited to share a major update on both construction milestones and fundraising progress of the Suzanne and Stuart Grant Hillel at the Kristol Center for Jewish Life.
Over the past year, we have made extraordinary progress toward realizing the vision of a transformative new home for Jewish student life at the University of Delaware.
What began as an ambitious dream is now taking shape before our eyes.
To date, we have raised $10.5 million toward our $13 million campaign goal. This remarkable milestone reflects the deep commitment of alumni, parents, community members, and philanthropic partners who believe in the future of Jewish life at Delaware. Their generosity is helping create a vibrant, secure, and welcoming home that will serve students for years to come.
As the building takes shape, we are seeing donors leave their lasting legacy through meaningful naming opportunities. We are honored that the Chaiken Chapel will become a dedicated space for worship and learning, honoring the deep commitment of Yetta and Frank Chaiken, of blessed memory, and their family. We are also grateful to the Geltzeiler family for dedicating the reception area, ensuring that every student, parent, alumnus, and visitor is welcomed into a warm and inviting space from the moment they walk through our doors.
While these meaningful spaces have found their namesakes, many opportunities remain to honor or memorialize a loved one while making a lasting impact on Jewish student life. From gathering spaces to study areas and program rooms, each naming opportunity helps bring this transformational project to completion and creates a legacy that will inspire students for generations.
Construction continues to make exciting progress. Following the demolition of the former Kristol Center in February, crews completed all underground infrastructure—including stormwater systems, sewer, plumbing, and utilities. The foundation and footers are complete, and the structural steel has transformed the site from a vacant lot into a recognizable building. Most of the exterior steel has now been installed, and construction teams are actively framing the interior spaces that will soon become student lounges, gathering areas, offices, and program rooms. By the end of the summer, we anticipate the building will be fully enclosed, marking a significant milestone that will allow work to shift to the interior throughout the fall and winter. We remain on track for completion in the spring of 2027.
This project is about far more than a building. It is about creating a Jewish future at the University of Delaware that is strong, visible, resilient, and thriving. With continued community support, we are confident that the Grant Hillel at the Kristol Center for Jewish Life will soon stand as a lasting symbol of pride, connection, and Jewish life at UD.
Every space in the new Grant Hillel at the Kristol Center for Jewish Life has the potential to tell a story. One of the most meaningful is Kylie’s Korner.
Nestled beneath the staircase, Kylie’s Korner will be a cozy lounge where students can gather between classes, study with friends, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply feel at home. It is exactly the kind of welcoming space that builds friendships and strengthens community.
The lounge is named in memory of Kylie, who tragically passed away following her freshman year at the University of Delaware. During her time on campus, Hillel quickly became her home away from home. After attending Fresh Fest, Kylie formed friendships, became involved in multiple student groups, and was already emerging as a leader within our Jewish community. Hillel was her favorite place to spend time, surrounded by people who made her feel welcomed, valued, and connected.
To honor her life and the joy she brought to those around her, Kylie’s parents and friends chose to name this special gathering space in her memory. Their gift ensures that future generations of Jewish students will experience the same sense of belonging that meant so much to Kylie.
As students laugh and smile with friends, study together, and create lifelong memories in Kylie’s Korner, her legacy will continue to inspire the vibrant Jewish community she loved so deeply.
May Kylie’s memory continue to be a blessing.
Photos provided by the Grant Hillel at the Kristol Center for Jewish Life
