Miami University

Jewish Awareness Month results in scholarship

10/22/1999

Miami University student Jeffrey Wax, a junior political science major from Chesterfield, Mo., has been awarded a $1000 scholarship from The LeaderShape Institute.

Wax was awarded the scholarship based on his success at implementing a proposal he made at the 1998 session of The LeaderShape Institute to educate non-Jews at Miami about Judaism and Jewish culture. His project created Miami's first Jewish Awareness Month (JAM). Activities during JAM included "A Taste of Judaism," during which free food associated with major Jewish holidays was passed out; a concert featuring Jewish folk music; and "Israel's Birthday Bash," which celebrated Israeli Independence Day.

Wax's goal of enhancing ethnic diversity at Miami should be applauded, said Dennis Roberts, vice-president for student affairs.

"Jeff did exactly as we teach, which is to be flexible and work with a broad cross section of constituents in order to make it happen," Roberts said.

Alpha Tau Omega created The LeaderShape Institute in 1986 for its members. The Alpha Tau Omega Foundation funded the creation of the initial curriculum design for the institute. The scholarships, which are available to both men and women, are funded by an endowment from Edmund T. Palmer Jr.