"I’m so glad you’re back in Ottawa. How would you like to be the chair of Hillel Ottawa?” was the conversation Dorothy Stern had with then-president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Andrea Freedman.

Stern and her husband, Hartley, (former chair of the Board of Directors for Federation) had just moved back to town and were settling into new jobs and a new house. Stern has always been passionate about post-secondary students and their life journeys, so chairing the Hillel Ottawa board was a perfect fit.

That conversation was 10 years ago. After a decade of dedication to Jewish students on Ottawa’s three main campuses, Stern has stepped down to let new, young leadership take up the mantle. The Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin spoke with Stern about her time in the role and reflected on a decade of campus care.

EB: What do you see as your biggest accomplishments?

DS: Over the years, there were many things to be proud of. I worked with four fabulous Hillel directors and saw how each brought so much of themselves to the role. The credit for any accomplishments really goes to them.

When I started as chair, there was a lot to do. We worked hard developing programs, reaching students, and making sure they knew there was a safe space to be Jewish, to seek support, and to live Jewishly, whatever that meant to them.

I loved working with the student board and helping them grow as individuals. Having worked in post-secondary education for many years, I have a deep passion for the campus experience, both Jewish and academic.

In addition, fundraising was a priority. We wanted the staff to focus on programming and connecting with students, so the board assumed the fundraising goals. Many of us, over the years, helped bring in the funds needed to support programs, Shabbat dinners, and the needs of students on campus.

I do wish I had accomplished more, but I hope I left knowing that students and staff feel supported. Supported in their work, their Jewish journeys, or their academic pursuits. I hope I provided stability to the organization and to the students we serve. That would be my greatest accomplishment: if everyone involved knows that Hillel is a strong and stable organization.

EB: What prompted your interest in post-secondary students?

DS: Ironically, I was never involved in Hillel when I was a student at the University of Manitoba. In fact, because I grew up in a family deeply committed to Jewish communal life, I think I went the other way and ignored the Jewish community. But it always has a way of finding you, and now my husband, Hartley, and I are fully committed to community.

It began when we were still living in Toronto. I was working in the city planning office for the City of Toronto, and I saw an ad for a professor position at Humber College. I was looking for a change, so I applied and got the job. That started my career in student support. When we first moved to Ottawa, I was a professor at Algonquin College and helped create the Bachelor of Interior Design program. It was the first degree offered at that college, and it was very exciting to work with the dean and president to launch it.

So, I’ve been working with post-secondary students for over 20 years, and I still work part time as a career counsellor at Algonquin College. Because I love supporting students, all the Hillel students know they can call me for advice, even if they aren’t at Algonquin.

EB: What advice would you give current students facing the rise in antisemitism on campus?

DS: I feel for the students. So much of our work was to grow Jewish life without the cloud of antisemitism. Things have changed over the last year.

The best advice I can give them is to speak up. I know that’s hard sometimes, but you’re supported by the Hillel staff, the Hillel board, and me. We’ll go with you to talk to administrators, file reports, and be vocal. You’re not alone and should never feel for a minute that we wouldn’t stand with you.

I’ve worked with administrators for years. I can help you talk to them, formulate what to say, and make sure they hear what you’re experiencing. Without reporting, they won’t have the data they need to make changes.

I know it can be hard to speak up. I know EDI offices aren’t always welcoming to Jews these days, but you don’t have to do this alone.

I’m still at Algonquin one day a week, and I’ve already been invited to a bagel lunch with the Hillel students. I’m here for you, even if I’m no longer the chair of the board.

Hillel Ottawa is so grateful to Dorothy Stern for her decade of dedication to students on Ottawa campuses and looks forward to welcoming the new chair. If you have questions about Hillel Ottawa, email the new board chair, Cecile Bensimon at cecile.m.bensimon@gmail.com or the Hillel Ottawa director, Jamie Sweigman, at jsweigman@HillelOttawa.ca.