KU Chabad hosted a farewell celebration for graduating seniors.
Becoming an alumnus of the University of Kansas also means becoming an alumnus of KU Chabad.
“It was truly a bittersweet few days, as saying goodbye to members of the family is always so hard,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad.
Tens of students gathered at the Chabad House in Lawrence to enjoy an evening of bonding and reflection. During the celebratory dinner, the seniors each received a gift and spoke about their time at KU and what Chabad meant to them.
“KU Chabad has been a blessing and a true home away from home with full spirit, family, and friendships," said Ryan Speckman, a graduating senior from Plano, Texas. “The experiences I had at Chabad helped me grow so much, and I will cherish them forever.”
Ethan Geller, a graduating senior from Denver, Colorado, emphasized how Chabad became a part of his family. “I'm leaving KU, but my connection to KU Chabad will always be there,” he said. “My advice to all future ‘Jewhawks’ is to take advantage of everything Chabad has to offer, in hopes that everyone [experiences] the same impact it had on me."
At the same time as KU Chabad celebrated the accomplishments of the seniors, the Chabad House and KU community are losing some of its dedicated members.
“Functioning as a family, it is not easy to say goodbye to these friends who are like the big brothers and sisters to the underclassmen,” Rabbi Tiechtel said.
“There is nothing more rewarding than being part of this special journey for these young Jewish men and women,” he said. “We have no doubt that the Jewish people will see great things in the future from these young Jewish leaders.”