Rice University junior Austin Lambert has been selected to serve on Hillel International’s Student Cabinet, an 18-member leadership body that represents Jewish college students from around the world. The Student Cabinet serves as the student advisory body to Hillel International, working closely with the organization’s professional leadership and board of directors to help shape the future of Jewish campus life.
Lambert’s selection recognizes his leadership within Rice Hillel and his commitment to strengthening Jewish life on campus. As a member of the Student Cabinet, he will collaborate with student leaders from a wide range of colleges and universities, providing input on Hillel International initiatives while helping connect local campus communities to the broader Hillel movement.
“It is an honor to be chosen as part of the Hillel International Student Cabinet,” Lambert said. “A special thanks to Rabbi Kenny Weiss and Ulrika Shragge for nominating me.
“I will take this opportunity to help advance Rice Hillel. This includes advocating for our interests on a national scale and learning from other Hillel leaders to enhance our programming.”
Houston Hillel executive director Rabbi Kenny Weiss praised Lambert’s selection.
“Austin has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Rice Hillel,” Rabbi Weiss said. “He is thoughtful, collaborative and deeply committed to building a vibrant Jewish community on campus and has been particularly central to our implementation of weekly on-campus Shabbat dinners this past year. The Student Cabinet will benefit from his perspective, and I know Austin will return with new ideas and relationships that will strengthen Rice Hillel for years to come.”
“Austin’s presence on the Student Cabinet also adds to Rice University’s stature as it becomes more prominent through its association with the other schools represented on the Student Cabinet.”
The Student Cabinet brings together student leaders representing Hillels of every size, from large flagship universities to smaller campus communities, to ensure that the voices of Jewish students are reflected in Hillel International’s priorities and programs. Cabinet members participate in leadership development, collaborate on national initiatives and serve as ambassadors for Jewish student life within the broader Hillel movement.
Lambert’s appointment continues Houston Hillel’s tradition of developing student leaders who make an impact both locally and nationally.
Half a dozen years ago, Jade Gordon, a student leader at Stephen F. Austin State University Hillel, was not only selected to join the Student Cabinet but the next year, he served as the Student Cabinet’s co-chair. Gordon is now a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
As Rice Hillel prepares for another academic year of Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, Israel engagement, social programming and leadership development, Lambert’s new role will strengthen the connection between Rice’s Jewish community and the broader Hillel movement, bringing fresh ideas and national perspectives back to campus.