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Ryan Osterweil ’08 (Forest Hills, N.Y.) is a recipient of the 15th Annual B’nai B’rith Levy Hillel Leadership Award.
The award recognizes students’ contributions to their Hillel Society chapters and campus communities. The panel of judges chose Osterweil for his campus involvement, awareness of the broader Jewish community, general leadership qualities, and strength of character.
Sponsored by Morton R. and the late Myra D. Levy, the B’nai B’rith Levy Hillel Leadership Award consists of a $250 cash gift and a $250 conference subsidy per Hillel chapter. In addition, each student receives a framed print from the “Paint Peace” series of children’s art, created by children from the Lehigh Valley and Yoav, Israel.
In 1997, the Levys were honored with the title of Life Trustees of the Jewish Federation on the Lehigh Valley. With fond memories of their Jewish campus life, the Levys established the Levy Hillel Award through the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation to recognize outstanding students at each of the Lehigh Valley Hillel chapters.
Robert Weiner, Jones Professor of History and director of Lafayette’s chapter of Hillel, says Osterweil has been a dedicated member of the group since he was a first-year student.
“Ryan became active in Hillel the first time he stepped on campus,” says Weiner. “Over the years, he has grown into a quality leader who has passion and charisma. He is a wonderful speaker, and sees Hillel as not just a Jewish campus organization, but a campus organization. With this attitude, he is a leader within the entire campus community, not just in the campus Jewish community.”
Osterweil, a chemistry major, believes his involvement with Hillel is an integral part of his campus life. This past semester, he was vice president.
“I took on such a roll because I enjoy being involved, I love the people, and I feel it is important to continue my Jewish heritage and culture,” he says. “As vice president, it is my responsibility to aid the president in decision making, as well as prepare and oversee Hillel-sponsored events.”
As for Lafayette, Osterweil believes the College’s chapter of Hillel has done a great job making Jewish students feel at home.
“It is a great thing that Lafayette has such an active Hillel organization because it allows Jewish students to always have a place to go and not feel like a minority. In addition, it allows students to continue religious traditions they observed at home with their families,” says Osterweil.
Osterweil is the executive chair of the Lafayette Family Weekend Committee. He also is a member of the Mock Trial team, and is a tour guide for the admissions office.