It’s Waylon – We need to talk

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I wanted to reach out today, on Giving Tuesday, to share my story with you. Last fall, I arrived at UCSD knowing literally no one. Finding my community at Hillel of San Diego not only changed my college experience, it changed my life. Thanks to your past generosity, I found a place where I could be unapologetically Jewish, make friends at Shabbat, and step up as a leader.

Your continued support is what makes this welcoming Jewish home possible for me and the more than 3,000 students on campus just when we need it most.

Today, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 by an anonymous donor! This Giving Tuesday, you have the power to DOUBLE the warmth and belonging Hillel provides. Every dollar you give goes straight toward empowering students like me to find success on campus and beyond.

With Hillel by my side, I felt validated and empowered to lead as a first-year student. With your support, I’m building a permanent legacy for my friends and future Jewish San Diegans.

  • I launched FYSH (First Year Students of Hillel), an initiative now serving nearly 80 Jewish students, creating a space for new students to find connection in a busy world.
  • I grew into a campus leader, joining Tritons for Israel and finding college and career inspiration through our Jewish Networking Hub.
  • And now? I’m launching Triton Jewish Life to bring Jewish life visibly onto campus!

This work is right at the heart and soul of Hillel’s mission. The lasting impact of their work starts with students just like me, strengthening my Jewish identity and spirit. Your support ensures this vital infrastructure continues, fostering Jewish pride and leadership for years to come.

Will you take advantage of this 2X match and renew your support and help secure the future of Jewish life?

Thank you for supporting me and San Diego’s Jewish students!

Waylon, UCSD ‘28

Other Stories From Hillel

Not Our Grandparents’ Hillel

December 17, 2025

When we were children, our grandparents posed a simple but enduring question: If the Jewish people don’t take care of the Jewish people, who will? That question inspired our parents to lead and to give, and today, as third-generation Hillel supporters, it sits squarely before us.

A Proud Night for Hillel of San Diego

December 16, 2025

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.

We’re standing with Bryan, Sheava, and Hillel

December 10, 2025

On Monday, you heard from our son Bryan and his wife Sheava about why they support Hillel of San Diego and why they are committed to helping raise $500,000 for Jewish college students by December 31, the first $50,000 of which will be matched, dollar-for-dollar. Their message of why this moment matters and why supporting our young adults is so urgent reminded us of the responsibility we all share to lift up this next generation. That is why we are joining them in this effort.

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