KINGSTON, RI — May 26, 2009 — Hillel, the Jewish Student organization at the University of Rhode Island, will break ground on the Norman M. Fain Hillel Center on Thursday, June 18 at noon. Named in honor of Norman M. Fain ’36, Hon. ’67, this will be Hillel’s first permanent home at URI.

The public is invited to the ceremony that will take place on-site at 6 Fraternity Circle, Kingston, RI. A reception will follow at the ADPi Sorority House at 5 Fraternity Circle. Guests are asked to RSVP to events@advance.uri.edu.

The 5,000 square foot Norman M. Fain Hillel Center is expected to open this winter on the site of the former Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house in the heart of the University’s freshman residential area.

At the $2.2 million campaign kick off one year ago, Rosalie Fain and other Fain family members gathered to announce a $1 million gift from the Norman and Rosalie Fain Family Foundation. “We see this as a fitting tribute to our father and an opportunity to invest in the future of the Jewish community,” said Jonathan Fain.

URI’s Hillel Board President Barbara Sokoloff ’64, ’71, said the board and students feel it is symbolic to hold the groundbreaking ceremony during URI President Robert L. Carothers’ tenure.

“President Carothers has been a strong supporter of diversity initiatives during his 18-years at URI. We are pleased to be able to break ground on this new facility before he steps down,” Sokoloff said. “This building will play a key role in shaping the future of Jewish student life at the University and enriching the entire campus community for decades to come.”

Hillel has now raised $2.1 million towards its capital campaign goal, which includes a generous gift from the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island. For more information about the Norman M. Fain Hillel Center and to learn about giving opportunities, please contact Hillel Executive Director, Amy Olson at amyolson@mail.uri.edu or 401-874-2740.