One of the oldest rivalries in college sports, the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri have competed against each other since 1891. Now that cross-conference matchups have resumed, KU Hillel and Mizzou Hillel want to use that rivalry to support their students.
Starting with Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29, right after Thanksgiving, both Hillels will launch the Border War campaign. Each will fundraise for new projects in their Hillels — KU Hillel is building a new office close to campus and Mizzou Hillel needs building renovations to update their space, as well as connecting with alumni for the rivalry basketball game on Dec. 10.
KU Hillel has worked with Mizzou Hillel on various projects before, but this is their first joint fundraising effort. Hillels will compete for donations to win the Kiddush Cup trophy and bragging rights for the entire year. Also, students from the Hillel that raises the most during this 11-day competition will send shirts from their school to the opposing Hillel to wear.
While only three hours apart, Mizzou Hillel is the nearest Hillel neighbor and many KU students have friends or parents who went to Mizzou, said Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel Executive Director.
“We are excited for a friendly competition leading up to the big matchup and a solid Jayhawk win,” Sostrin said. “At the end of the day, all of our students will benefit immensely from this campaign through a new home for our Hillel, including a Kosher kitchen, and big updates at Mizzou Hillel.”
Over at Mizzou Hillel, Executive Director Jeanne Snodgrass agrees.
“I’m excited for this competition to start because we know our alumni are passionate about every part of this — the Mizzou-KU rivalry, basketball and supporting Jewish life on campus,” she said. “It’s always great to work with KU Hillel and their staff team but especially when we’re working together to support our students and our programming.”
Despite the rivalry between KU and Mizzou going dormant for a few years following Mizzou’s move to the SEC, it is still very much alive among current students.
Demi Fine, who is from the St. Louis area, grew up with the Border War thanks to her KU alumni parents.
“I remember the big KU vs. Mizzou basketball games and I always hoped we would win,” Fine, a KU junior, said. “It will be fun to go head to head for some friendly competition between the Hillels and I’m hopeful that KU will come out on top.”
Both Hillels’ Facebook and Instagram accounts (@kuhillel and @mizzouhillel) have more information and instructions on how to make a gift to start the Border War competition.
