Four years at KU Hillel wasn’t enough for Ally Fabes. When she was hired last year as an Engagement Associate, she found it incredibly fulfilling to come back to the nest. Now, Fabes takes on a new role at KU Hillel: Program Director.
As she steps into this role on July 1, she will take on additional responsibilities to further KU Hillel’s mission of preparing the next generation of Jewish leaders, Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel’s Executive Director, said.
“As we adjust to a vaccinated campus, we are thrilled to start planning again the events KU Hillel is known for,” Sostrin said. “From Shabbats to unique experiences, Ally will create incredible programs that continue to build our thriving community.”
As an alumna who came to KU all the way from New York City, Fabes also serves as a resource for the many out-of-state students who call KU their home away from home. She also loves helping all students discover some of the best parts of Lawrence and campus. Make sure to ask her for recommendations of restaurants on Mass, the main street through downtown Lawrence.
This past year, Fabes developed innovative virtual programs to help students bond with each other — not easy during a pandemic. She was inspired to create a French fry tour of Lawrence. This was specific for the freshmen who had spent most of the school year in their dorm rooms.
Fries were dropped off on Wednesday evenings for freshmen from local Lawrence restaurants and they gathered on Zoom to discuss the merits of each kind: truffle fries versus sweet potato fries and which dipping sauce from Jefferson’s would win out, Fabes explained.
“I loved being able to share some of my favorite places in Lawrence with the freshmen,” she said. “Between heated debates of ketchup and ranch, we were able to get to know each other better. I look forward to next year when these students have the whole in-person community back but for now, this was a highlight for all of us.”
As KU Hillel’s newest Program Director, Fabes is spending the summer working on exciting new ideas to enhance the full roster of programming. She is developing a curriculum for new Jewish learning opportunities and expanding upon KU Hillel’s wellness work — a cornerstone of this Hillel.
“I am so grateful for the support of the KU Hillel community,” Fabes said. “What better way to give back than by helping more KU students find their community here.”