Aaron Kaufman (Executive Director) has been with Penn State Hillel since 2007.  Aaron hails from the great state of Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan where he met his wife Stephanie at Hillel, and also received a degree in Judaic Studies, Cultural Anthropology, and Studies in Religion as well as a Masters Degree in Social Work.  Prior to working at Penn State Hillel, Aaron was the Director at the Eastern Michigan University Hillel and the Associate Director at the Cornell Hillel, and picked up a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management along the way. Aaron is thrilled to be back in the Big Ten, and loves living in Happy Valley and working with the best students and staff in the country.  He plays guitar, loves good food, and has two adorable little girls, Ellie Pearl and Ruby Mae (pictures can be found on facebook).  Aaron also suffers from a constant craving for coffee, and is happy to indulge by buying a cup for any student who wants one.

Aaron can be reached at adk12@psu.edu or 814-863-4825

Lori Thompson-Given (Director of Operations) has been working at Penn State Hillel for 4 years. She oversees office management issues and is also in charge of Development maintenance. Lori is an avid reader and also enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, 17-year old daughter Hannah and her two cats Salem and Mystic. Dubbed by some students as their "on-campus Jewish mother," Lori is always prepared with band-aids, aspirin, and a warm smile.

Lori can be reached at lat11@psu.edu or 814-865-4828

Lauren Schuchart (Director of Engagement) graduated from Penn State University in 2008 with a degree in public relations. While a student at Penn State, Lauren spent her time giving tours to prospective students, facilitating conversations for the Race Relations Project, and volunteering for Penn State's Dance Marathon. She enjoys frozen yogurt, watching The Office, practicing yoga, and competitive games of taboo. She is always up for meeting students and treating them to coffee, or better yet, Creamery ice cream. Just ask her!

Lauren can be contacted at lrs192@psu.edu or 814-865-1350

Elizabeth Berk (Director of Development) is a 2007 graduate from the University of Michigan. A political science major, Lizzy was involved in the University of Michigan Dance Marathon, worked in development for Team Tiara of Southeastern Michigan, and worked in medical development for the University of Michigan. Upon graduation, Lizzy worked in development for Loyola University in Chicago. Deciding that Chicago was too cold and windy for her, Lizzy packed her bags and headed to Happy Valley to join the Penn State Hillel team. When she's not working for Hillel, Lizzy can be found reading, traveling, or her favorite, eating (hold the meat, please!). Although a Michigan fan through and through, Lizzy loves Penn State and all that it has to offer.

Contact Lizzy at eab26@psu.edu or 814-865-4827