36 | MAY 25 • 2023 

faces&places

H

illel Day School’s Head of 
School Dr. Darin Katz invited 
donors to officially cut the 
ribbon on the school’s new outdoor 
athletic facilities, less than one year 
after launching its “Open Space, Open 
Minds” capital campaign to transform 
the school’s outdoor amenities.
The campaign was led by Hillel’s 
Director of Advancement Amy 
Schlussel and the more than 275 
contributors who made donations 
toward the projects.
Lead funders included Sue and 
Alan J. Kaufman, who funded the 
Sue and Alan J. Kaufman Family 
Field and the H.W. Kaufman 
Entrance. The all-season field is 107 
yards long and 72 yards wide, large 
enough to accommodate Hillel’s 
sports teams, yet flexible enough to 
host youth sports teams. The field 
can accommodate soccer, lacrosse, 
football and field hockey, just to name 
a few.
Lori and Maurice Pogoda were the 
lead donors for the Pogoda Family 
Sports Courts, two fenced-in courts 
where students can play basketball, 
volleyball, pickleball, floor hockey, 

four-square and other gross-motor 
sports.
The William Davidson Foundation 
funded the William Davidson track, 
a two-lane track surrounding the 
athletic field, and the Jewish Fund 
provided funds for the scoreboard, 
which will keep track of the score for 
the Hillel Hawks. Steven R. Weisberg 
was the lead donor for the Steven R. 
Weisberg Courtyard, with tables and 
benches where people can relax.
Lead donors, community leaders, 
parents and students gathered for the 
festive event, which featured an ice 
cream truck for those attending. 
“The new athletic complex is an 
extension of our classrooms,” Katz 
said. “This is a game changer that 
will improve the physical and mental 
health of Hillel students so they can 
be the best they can be.”
Katz said the school is not done yet. 
“We’re not stopping. We have broken 
ground to renovate the Little Red 
Schoolhouse.”
The historical landmark, which 
once housed Hillel kindergarten, will 
be converted into a hub for athletic 
support and activity. 

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Steven Weisberg, Jeff Schlussel, 
Ethan Davidson, Alan and Sue Kaufman, Lori and Maurice 
Pogoda; Steven Weisberg and Laura Clemens; Maurice and 
Lori Pogoda.

JACKIE HEADAPOHL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Hillel Ribbon Cutting

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILLEL DAY SCHOOL

