Dear OSRUI Community,

For the last 20 years one constant at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute has been Susan Alexander’s leadership.

As Associate Director, Susan’s impact is felt on all parts of OSRUI. So many of us have memories of Susan personally greeting every family with a smile as they arrive on opening day. Susan’s house at camp has been all of our home as she has welcomed thousands of campers to bake cookies, do an art project, and have a conversation about what it means to be a Jewish young person. Susan has led our scholarship program with kindness and care, ensuring that every family who wants an OSRUI experience is able to afford one. And, Susan has thoughtfully hired, trained, and mentored countless numbers of staff members; during the interview season everybody in the camp office can feel Susan’s joy in meeting the next generation of OSRUI leaders.

Susan has announced that she will be retiring this fall, after her 21st summer at camp. A note from Susan is below reflecting on her time at OSRUI. There will be opportunities to thank Susan in the coming months for her commitment and dedication to OSRUI, our campers, and our staff, and I hope you will join me in celebrating all that she has done for camp and our community.

All of us in the OSRUI office are busy preparing for Summer 2019 and I look forward to having Susan as my partner at camp again this summer as we ensure it is the best summer yet in Oconomowoc!

L’shalom,

Solly
Solly Kane, Director

Dear Friends,

Jewish tradition teaches that those who are truly wise give from their heart while also understanding that they are receiving at the same time. For 21 years it has been my privilege to work with and learn from wonderful campers, staff, parents, directors, board members, rabbis, educators, cantors, colleagues and many friends. It was hard work at times, but believe me, whatever I gave to this positon, I was keenly aware that I also received many times over. And I am so appreciative.

I want to share with you now that I plan to retire from OSRUI in the fall. I have learned so much from two directors, first, Jerry Kaye and most recently, Solly Kane. Their inspired leadership was and is amazing. The OSRUI/URJ/NFTY office staff, the folks that I work with every day, are among the best and I leave knowing that OSRUI is in the best of hands.

Thank you to all of you for having given me the wonderful gift of the role in which I’ve served for so many years….and for the gift as well of your support, encouragement and faith, along with the privilege of working for and with our children – a gift that will live in my heart forever.

Susan