UR alumni couple donates $3M to support Jewish life

Carole and Marcus Weinstein, alumni of the University of Richmond and recent donors of $25 million to the university, have given an additional $3 million to the university’s chaplaincy to support Jewish life, UR announced Monday.

“We have participated in several Jewish life events on campus and are excited to contribute to the ongoing efforts to cement a vibrant and inclusive Jewish life at the university,” Carole Weinstein said in a statement.

The couple said they have been impressed with the ways the chaplaincy supports all students in their faith and spirituality.

“Jewish tradition teaches us that giving to others is critically important,” Marcus Weinstein said in a statement. “By sharing what we have with other people, we hope to make the University of Richmond and the wider world a better place.”

The University of Richmond has had a chaplain since 1973, when the board of trustees established the position and in 1986, the chair of the chaplaincy was established as a permanent part of university life. The campus has 14 ministries and the office of the chaplaincy “offers opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to explore their own convictions, faith, and spirituality within a welcoming inter-religious context” according to the university’s website.

“The Weinsteins’ support will strengthen our goals of enhancing Jewish community, supporting our student-centered Hillel offerings, and engaging with the campus and Richmond community,” Jewish Chaplain and Director of Religious Life Josh Jeffreys said in a statement.

In 1990, the university dedicated the E. Carlton Wilton Center for Interfaith Campus Ministries. It includes a multifaith room, pathways lounge, conference room and prayer room. It has been renovated over the year years with new carpet, furniture, paint and upgraded lighting.

“The chaplaincy encourages students to follow their own faithful paths while appreciating the sacred journeys of others,” University Chaplain Craig Kocher said in the news release announcing the donation. “This latest gift from Marcus and Carole helps ensure our students have that capacity and opportunity.”