OUR COMMUNITY
Crusader on Campus Michigan State University senior receives Diversity Torch for efforts to combat antisemitism. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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ichigan State University senior Jordan Robinson is working hard to make the school’s campus more inclusive for Jewish students. As a recent recipient of the Diversity Torch, an award offered by Michigan State to students in the College of Social Science who are making an impact through diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, Robinson is being honored for his passion and commitment to reducing antisemitism. It’s a pursuit that Robinson, 21 of West Bloomfield, has followed since sophomore year of high school. “When I got involved with Jordan Robinson BBYO, I realized that this passion could turn into a career path,” he recalls. “It’s something that I look forward to every single day.” BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMMUNITIES Majoring in interdisciplinary studies and minoring in Jewish studies, leadership of organizations and sociology, Robinson, set to graduate in May 2022, wants to go into the Jewish nonprofit world. “I want to work for Hillel International or BBYO International or a federation,” he says. “Something like that.” As he wraps up his last semester at Michigan State, Robinson is getting experience — and staying busy — through his various on-campus involvements. He’s currently the executive vice president of university relations for the school’s Jewish Student Union, among other initiatives. “In my role, I am working with other cultural minority organizations throughout the university to build relationships between our community and theirs,” he says. Robinson also works with the president of Associated Students of Michigan State University, the school’s student government, and the Office of the President to address antisemitism at an institutional level. In addition, Robinson sits on the student cabinet with MSU Hillel and Hillel International and serves as the chair of the Israel Leadership Network. “It’s a good combination of work and enjoyment,” Robinson says of the career path he’s building. “It really brought a sense of purpose. That’s why I decided that I could take this professionally.”
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MARCH 24 • 2022
