Our 2026 Community Partner Honorees
Chancellor Howard Gillman
University of California, Irvine
Howard Gillman became the sixth chancellor of the University of California, Irvine in September 2014.
Under Chancellor Gillman’s leadership, UC Irvine has been consistently ranked in the top 10 of all public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report; received national acclaim as the university “doing the most for the American dream”; and expanded its capacity to improve lives in our region and around the world.
Chancellor Gillman grew up in North Hollywood and was a first-generation college student, earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in political science at UCLA. An award-winning scholar and teacher of the American Constitution and the Supreme Court, his most recent book, co-authored with Erwin Chemerinsky, is Campus Speech and Academic Freedom: A Guide for Difficult Times.
Tamy Cohen
Executive Director, Orange County Hillel
Tamy Cohen has led remarkable growth at Orange County Hillel since relocating from Chicago in 2021. Joining the organization as students returned to campus life, Tamy helped transform engagement across local campuses—growing Shabbat participation from 15 students to more than 85 under three years. Her relationship-driven leadership and dynamic presence have strengthen Jewish life at Chapman University, UC Irvine, and Cal State Fullerton.
Whether hosting students at bagel breaks, facilitating meaningful campus conversations, or meeting with university administrators, donors and community partners. Tamy brings energy warmth and strategic vision to everything she does. As one colleague remarked, "You just got here and you know more people than I do—and I've lived here for years." Her natural ability to build authentic connections has been instrumental in expanding Hillel's reach and impact.
Tamy holds a Master's degree in Social Service from the University of Chicago and brings more than 25 years of experience as a strategic and creative Jewish communal professional, with deep expertise in development and community outreach. Prior to COVID, she spent two and a half years living and studying at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, deepening her commitment to Jewish learning and leadership.
Outside of her work, Tamy enjoys studying Judaic texts, listening to music, dancing, and practicing yoga, and spending time with her two sons and Hillel's beloved dog, Joey. She is passionate about strengthening Jewish identity, fostering vibrant campus communities, and building meaningful connections throughout Orange County,
