University of Florida Hillel announces transformative naming gift, becomes Diane and Howard Schilit Hillel at University of Florida
Press release from University of Florida Hillel
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Florida Hillel announced today that it will be renamed the Diane and Howard Schilit Hillel at University of Florida, following a transformational seven-figure gift from Diane Lipson Schilit and Howard Schilit.
“Diane and Howard’s generosity will strengthen our ability to support Jewish students during a critical time in their lives and on campus,” said Rabbi Jonah Zinn, Executive Director of Schilit Hillel. “We’re grateful for their partnership in meeting the moment as UF continues to attract many Jewish students seeking a vibrant, welcoming community.”
The transformative gift, part of a comprehensive $10 million campaign that has raised $7.3 million to date, will support facility renovations and programmatic endowments serving UF’s robust Jewish population.
“This gift represents a new chapter in our own philanthropy,” said Diane Lipson Schilit. “Seeing the thriving community at UF and understanding the challenges Jewish students face today, we knew this was our opportunity to ensure that future generations of Jewish Gators have a home and a community that will sustain them.”
Diane is a UF Hillel Board Member, a former Hillel International board member, and UF alumna. She brings decades of Jewish communal leadership to this gift. The Schilits are also active members of the Jewish communities in Washington, D.C. and Miami, Florida.
“As a long-term stock investor, I’ve learned to recognize potential,” said Howard Schilit. “We see tremendous opportunity for University of Florida’s Hillel to become a national model, and Diane and I are excited to make that vision a reality and watch, with pride, as Hillel grows from strength to strength.”
The campaign supports renovations to Norman H. Lipoff Hall, the Hillel facility that opened 21 years ago and has seen record levels of engagement. The first phase of the renovations was completed last summer with construction of the Stuzin Family Outdoor Pavilion. Next up is the ground floor renovation scheduled to begin in May 2026. The campaign will also establish new endowment funds to support Schilit Hillel’s program in perpetuity.
“Diane and Howard’s extraordinary generosity and vision will ensure that UF Hillel remains a vibrant cornerstone of Jewish life on campus for generations to come,” said Lander Gold, Board President of Schilit Hillel. “Their leadership reflects a deep commitment to the current and future of Jewish students at the University of Florida and sets a powerful example for others to follow.”
“UF has become a destination for students seeking both academic excellence and a flourishing Jewish community, and this extraordinary gift from Diane and Howard will take Jewish life at UF to the next level,” said Adam Lehman, President and CEO of Hillel International. “This investment demonstrates confidence in UF Hillel’s work and sets an inspiring example for others who want to make a lasting impact on Jewish student life at public universities.”
The University of Florida is home to one of the largest Jewish undergraduate populations among public universities in the United States. The campaign remains active, with additional naming opportunities available for donors interested in supporting Jewish student life at UF.