Hillel of San Diego and its CEO, Karen Parry, Honored with Multiple Excellence Awards Among 850 Hillels at Hillel International’s 2025 Global Assembly

The world’s largest Jewish college organization convened for the 2025 Global Assembly from Dec. 8-11 in Boston and honored remarkable achievements in supporting Jewish student life. Hillel of San Diego and its CEO, Karen Parry, were honored with multiple excellence awards at Hillel International’s 2025 Global Assembly (HIGA) in Boston this week, earning recognition among a global network of 850 Hillels. The awards were presented by Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, during its annual conference which brought together more than 1,200 campus leaders, supporters, and sponsors from around the world to celebrate leadership, innovation, and commitment to Jewish life. Hillel of San Diego received two impressive awards including the Excellence Award, which acknowledges programmatic excellence that serves as a model for transformational campus impact above all else in the field. The organization received this award for its Peace in Israel Week 2025 at the University of California, San Diego. The program featured nightly events celebrating Israel, including writers, comedians, DJs, and more, culminating in a Jewish Night Market that served over 2,000 UCSD students and community members. Additionally, Hillel of San Diego CEO, Karen Parry, was honored with the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award for her leadership on campus. This award recognizes Hillel colleagues whose remarkable dedication, innovation, and outstanding leadership sets a standard across all Hillels globally. Chosen from among more than 850 Hillels across the globe, Hillel of San Diego’s recognition highlights its role as a leader within the international Hillel movement. These awards underscore the organization’s innovative approach to student engagement, community-building, and Jewish leadership at a moment of unprecedented growth and complexity in campus life. “It’s no surprise that Hillel of San Diego won multiple awards for its excellence – Karen Parry and team are building a thriving, resilient Jewish community for students across San Diego County. From leadership development programs to community-builders like Shabbat tables, Torah study, Jewish Networking Hub, and Peace in Israel Week to mental health and basic needs support services, Hillel serves as a gathering place, oasis, and second home for students seeking connection and meaning,” said Hillel of San Diego Board President, Mitch Siegler. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work happening at Hillel of San Diego,” said Adam Lehman, Hillel International President and CEO. “They’re creating vibrant Jewish student communities that foster Jewish joy, meaning and belonging. Their incredible work is shaping the Jewish students of today and the Jewish leaders for the future.”