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5:50 p.m., April 14, 2003--The University of Delaware’s Jewish Community Leadership Award was presented to William and Elaine Markell at the annual Hillel Donor Recognition Reception held Sunday, April 13. The event, which began at the Blue & Gold Club, concluded with an open house to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Abe and Pearl Kristol Hillel Student Center on campus.
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| William and Elaine Markell hold the Jewish Community Leadership Award with (from left) Susan Detwiler, executive director of UD’s Hillel Student Center, Hillel President Daniel Kristol, Provost Dan Rich and Jack Markell, the Markells' son and Delaware state treasurer. |
“The Jewish Community Leadership Award is given to those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to UD and its community of Jewish students, faculty and staff,” Susan Detwiler, executive director of Hillel, said.
In his remarks Provost Dan Rich said, “[The Markells] are among those very special individuals who enhance the quality of the institutions of which they are a part, not only by their direct actions and generous contributions, but also because their lives exemplify the values of personal integrity and community service.”
The Markells were cited for having played a vital role in the UD community and in the revitalization of Hillel.
William Markell, Arthur Andersen Alumni Professor Emeritus of Accounting, was the first chairperson of the University's Department of Accounting and Management Information Systems and was instrumental in achieving full accreditation for the accounting program. Upon his retirement from the University, the William Markell Scholarship Fund was created to provide educational support for undergraduate accounting students who have demonstrated commitment to education and service to the profession and community. During retirement Markell has taught in the Slovak Republic and remains active with the United Way of Delaware and Hillel.
Elaine Markell has been a key figure in building Hillel's presence on the UD campus. While maintaining her active social work practice and varied volunteer efforts, including service as president of UD’s Women's Club, Mrs. Markell was instrumental in coordinating the creation of the Abe and Pearl Kristol Hillel Student Center.
The award was presented to the Markells by their son Jack, who is serving his second term as Delaware State Treasurer.
“The Markells are exemplars of leadership through their tireless work on behalf of the University and the Hillel Student Center,” Susan Detwiler, executive director of Hillel, said.
The recipient of the leadership award is chosen each year by the board of directors of the Hillel Student Center and approved by the Office of University Relations, sponsors of the reception.
Also participating in the program were Daniel Kristol, president of the Hillel Board of directors; Michael Samuel, board president-elect; and Lee Manoff, president of the Hillel student board.
The University of Delaware Hillel Foundation has been on the UD campus since 1948 and currently serves approximately 2,000 Jewish students.
Hillel at UD is dedicated to ensuring that Jewish college students have the opportunity to recognize and develop their leadership potential and works to build a strong and active Jewish community.
Article by Beth Thomas
Photo by Kathy Flickinger
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