The College of Charleston Foundation has received a $1 million pledge from a group of donors in support of the expansion of the Sylvia Vlosky Yaschik Jewish Studies Center at the College of Charleston.
The expansion will include space for a vegetarian dining facility with fish and vegan options, meeting the needs of ethical eaters, those looking for delicious, healthy meals, and kosher-observant students. The dining facility also supports the College’s strategic vision of experiential learning, and promotes a vibrant and diverse community outside the classroom.
“This generous gift is a testament to the transformational impact of the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program on our campus and in the community,” says College of Charleston President P. George Benson. “We are extremely grateful to this distinguished group of supporters. The building expansion will directly support and enhance the already exceptional living and learning environment we provide to our students.”
The dining facility, to be named in honor of Jewish Studies program director, Dr. Martin Perlmutter, will provide another opportunity to connect deeply meaningful Jewish experiences to young people who are at a critical stage in framing their identity. The expansion provides a home on campus for students, faculty, staff and community members to come together, socialize and create a true sense of place and community.
In addition to the dining facility, the expansion will include additional classrooms for the School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs, the Center for Southern Jewish Culture and the Zucker/Goldberg Center for Holocaust Studies.
Among the donors pledging to support the expansion are Norman and Gerry Sue Arnold of Columbia, S.C., Anita Zucker of Charleston, S.C., Alan Kahn of Columbia, S.C., and Art and Annie Sandler of Virginia Beach, V.A.
“The Jewish Studies program is certainly one of the best in the country, and that is the result of the leadership of Marty Perlmutter,” says Norman Arnold. “It was so natural for us to support this project and that the facility honor Marty’s unyielding dedication to the program and to fostering community.”
The pledge supports the $10 million A Time to Build campaign, launched in fall of 2011 in alignment with the College of Charleston’s comprehensive campaign, to ensure the future of a vibrant Jewish Studies Program. With this pledge, more than $6.5 million has been raised to date.
