KU Chabad was recently given two Rock Chalk Recognition Awards by the Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC) at the University of Kansas.
The SILC curates the Rock Chalk Recognition Awards program to recognize the work of student leaders and student organizations on-campus.
There are over 600 student organizations at KU, and groups and programs were nominated for various different categories. KU Chabad’s two awards were Student Organization of the Year, acknowledging the positive impact that KU Chabad has on the entire student body, and KU Advisor of the Year to Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel in recognition of his efforts to support the needs of students and members of the KU community.
“I was told that Chabad was nominated for an award… I had no idea that we were nominated for two of the five awards,” senior Suzi DeLay said. “We won two of our nominations, and we were the only organization to take home two awards. Winning these awards made me not only feel proud that I am a part of the leadership committee at Chabad, but it made me proud to be Jewish. We earned these awards for going above and beyond with what we do, and I couldn't be more proud to call myself a ‘Jewhawk.’”
Spencer Gibbs, a freshman from Houston, Texas, was among those who nominated Rabbi Tiechtel for the KU Advisor of the Year award.
“Rabbi Zalman has always committed himself to work above and beyond to enhance the success of all of our activities,” Gibbs said, “and is extremely invested in every single thing we do. We all know that whenever we have any struggles — whether related to our groups' activities or in our own personal lives — he is always there for us through thick and thin. So many students and faculty in the broader KU community have benefited from his leadership and presence on campus. We are so happy he can [get] the recognition he deserves.”
The two awards speak to both the work of KU Chabad co-directors Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel and the achievements of the student leaders who work to make KU Chabad a successful organization.
“It was such a great experience representing Chabad in receiving the Rock Chalk Recognition Awards,” said Shayna Weinsten, a KU CHabad student leader and freshman from Chicago, Illinois. “This award shows that all the work and passion and dedication of Chabad at KU really pays off and has a big impact on the entire KU community.”
Many KU students, alumni and parents took to social media to express their excitement for KU Chabad’s awards. KU parent Cindy Rosenberg from Overland Park, Kansas, wrote online: “Mazal Tov for this great award and thank you for the love KU Chabad shares for all the Jewhawks! Your leadership and programming are undeniably the best!”
Nechama Tiechtel said, “We are so appreciative of the outpouring of love and kind wishes for our awards. However, the real winners are every single one of our dear beloved students, parents, alumni, and amazing financial supporters. It is each and every student who walks through the doors or engages with Chabad, even for a brief touch point, that makes our vision become a reality. No doubt that this award is only the launch of even more incredible growth for Jewish life at KU.”
Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel vow to continue their work, and KU Chabad’s student leaders will continue to plan programming, engage with students, and keep up their impact.
“I think these awards attest to the Chabad Leadership Committee and all of the work we have done. I'm so glad I could be a part of this and hope Chabad can continue to have a positive impact on the community,” Weinstein said.
