Hello From the Board Chair

My name is Jessie Tonjes, and I am honored to serve as the current Board Chair for Ithaca College Hillel. I am a 2012 graduate of Ithaca College, where I earned my degree in Therapeutic Recreation. During my time as a student, I had the privilege of working as the Programming Intern for IC Hillel, later transitioning into the role of Engagement Associate until 2014. After my transition, I joined the board as an alumna, and a few years later, I was humbled to become President. Over the past 17 years, I have witnessed the incredible growth and transformation of the Ithaca College Hillel community, and I am thrilled to continue watching the beautiful changes that occur daily.

In addition to my involvement with Hillel, I have been a member of the faculty at Ithaca College for the past 8 years. It has been a true joy to participate in Shabbat Services and the many impactful programs that IC Hillel offers, connecting with students both from my classes and through Hillel. From the moment I first arrived on campus, Hillel was the place where I felt truly at home, and that sense of belonging has only grown stronger over the years.

In my professional life, I serve as the Clinical Director of the BlueSky Center for Learning in downtown Ithaca, an autism center dedicated to providing comprehensive support and services for individuals with autism. Outside of work, I am a proud mom of three young children and enjoy our hobby farm with chickens and cows.

I am deeply committed to the growth and success of this vibrant community, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the effort to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for Jewish students at Ithaca College. I look so forward to the future of our community.

Jessie Kanowitz Tonjes