This year’s Annual Meeting was a celebration of 25 years of impact, growth and community for Shalom Austin as well as the Dell Jewish Community Campus.

By Wendy Goodman 

This year’s Annual Meeting was a celebration of 25 years of impact, growth and community for Shalom Austin as well as the Dell Jewish Community Campus. Held on May 13 at the Dell JCC, the evening brought together longtime supporters, community leaders, staff, board members, and visitors to honor Shalom Austin’s legacy and look ahead to its next chapter.

The evening began with a special celebration marking 25 years of the Dell Jewish Community Campus. Special guests gathered for a private reception honoring community leaders and visionaries Michael and Susan Dell who acquired the 40-acre tract of land on Hart Lane in August 1992 and generously donated it to the Jewish community. The event served as a meaningful tribute to them and for the campus as a shared home for the community and several vital institutions including Shalom Austin, Congregation Agudas Achim, Congregation Tiferet Israel, Temple Beth Shalom and Austin Jewish Academy.

Following the reception, the official program began with a welcome from Shalom Austin Board Chair (now immediate past board chair) Seth Halpern, who thanked attendees for their continued commitment and discussed how the organization has grown over the past 25 years and even more recently.

“Just about two years ago, the newly refreshed post-Generations campus relaunched. I’m here to highlight how much success that effort has been, and more broadly how Shalom Austin is thriving in just about every way,” said Halpern.

He continued to thank the staff, board and community, “We’re also thriving due to our tremendous community. I’m honored to serve alongside a committed and capable board, composed of people with skills, experience and passion to make a real impact.”

Halpern then welcomed incoming Board Chair (now Board Chair) Phil Loewy, expressing confidence in her leadership and excitement for the future.

“It is truly a privilege to stand before you tonight as the new Chair of the Shalom Austin Board of Directors,” Loewy said.

“To our board members, professionals, clergy, volunteers, community partners and stakeholders – thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. You are the heartbeat of Shalom Austin, and I’m honored to be in this with you.”

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Staff Exemplar Award given this year to Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Senior Social Services Director Emma Howitt, for her outstanding contributions and unwavering passion for the mission.

Shalom Austin staff members of 25+ years were also recognized with a standing ovation from the audience acknowledging their commitment and dedication over the years.

In a heartfelt moment, past board chairs were brought on stage who each reflected on their most impactful leadership memory.

The night closed with a special announcement that the JCC Maccabi Games will be hosted in Austin in 2027.