As the fall semester begins, many colleges and universities host early move-in programs.
At Michigan State University, MSU Hillel hosted their first early move-in program last weekend called Spartan Start. With 9% of undergraduate students identifying as Jewish at MSU – about 3,500 collegians– the new program is an exciting addition.
Given Sigma Delta Tau’s Jewish heritage, the program is especially meaningful for the Beta Beta chapter of SDT at MSU, who provide a home to many Jewish women. No surprise that SDT women helped bring the program to fruition.
Rebekah Weiskopf (Beta Beta–MSU), president of MSU Hillel for a second consecutive year, was eager to see Spartan Startunfold. Growing up without many Jewish peers nearby, Rebekah leaned on her temple community. There she discovered a passion for building Jewish communities that carried her to both SDT and MSU Hillel.
At camp before college, Rebekah met a Beta Beta member and learned about SDT. She found SDT to be a great fit and the sister from camp became her sorority big.
Her hope for Spartan Start is for new students to feel connected. “We want Jewish students to have a support system and this is a way to cement the message,” Rebekah said.
Skylar Elbinger (Beta Beta–MSU) is another SDT student invested in Jewish joy. She grew up with Rebekah and they’re on the SDT Standards and MSU Hillel Boards together. Skylar recruited incoming students to participate in Spartan Start and is excited for them.
“They get to engage in a no–pressure situation, and have a safe space, especially in this day and age,” Skylar said. “It’s a great way to introduce new students to the community, the culture, the people, and the relationships.”
Sadly, neither Rebekah nor Skylar could participate in Spartan Start this year because of prior commitments as rising seniors. Luckily, other student leaders stepped up to help.
One student leader who carried the proverbial torch is Alexis Goldapper (Beta Beta–MSU). During the school year, she helps MSU Hillel connect to other student groups.
She volunteered to serve as a student leader for Spartan Start because she loves MSU Hillel, views it as her second home, and wanted to offer that experience to new students.
Alexis said a new community formed quickly through the 2–day program. “There was a common ground off the bat with our Jewish identities,” she said. “Students came up to me telling me that they felt so safe here. I got to hear about their different relationships with Judaism and how they felt like they could embrace their religion.”
Another student leader is Matt Richards, a member of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity (Sammy). Matt isn’t Jewish, but he found community at MSU Hillel to enrich his fraternity membership.
“It’s important to embrace [Sammy’s] Jewish heritage and to be actively involved in learning about and supporting it,” Matt said. “Hillel welcomed me with open arms.”
Matt’s journey with Hillel started after his initiation in 2023 when he met an alumnus of his chapter who went on to make a generous donation to MSU Hillel in their chapter’s name. “That moment sparked my connection to Hillel, and since then, I’ve become deeply involved — frequently attending Friday Shabbat dinners and many of their other events.”
Matt was looking forward to mentoring at Spartan Start. “This isn’t just a two-day introduction — it’s the start of mentorship that allows me to give back in a meaningful way.”
Claire Kraft (Beta Beta–MSU) is another non-Jewish student who created a stronger bond in her chapter by participating actively in MSU Hillel. Claire is Skylar’s sorority little sister.
“Regardless of your background, Hillel is a place to connect to a strong knit community where you can be yourself and be comfortable with others,” she said. “It’s important to have people close to you when you are entering a new stage of your life.”
As a Sigma Delta Tau legacy, Claire is devoted to all aspects of the sorority, including its Jewish heritage. SDT and MSU Hillel have given her two homes. “Knowing there is a place that feels like home – and finding your people– truly makes the college experience special.”
SDT National Vice President Amy Rodnick is a Beta Beta alumna and a member of the MSU Hillel Board. She loves seeing her two communities joining together for new students.
“SDT women have always been committed to creating spaces of belonging, and I’m proud of the sisters who stepped up to show that Jewish life and Greek life go hand-in-hand,” Amy said. “They are living examples of our sisterhood strengthening Jewish life on campus.”
“For more than 25 years, SDT and Hillel have shared a strong partnership. It’s no surprise that our sisters are at the forefront of Spartan Start, carrying our values forward and making such an impact,” Amy said.
Spartan Start was made possible by funding from the Byron and Dorothy Gerson Innovation Fund through the Jewish Federation in Detroit. Robyn Hughey, MSU Hillel’s Executive Director led planning efforts.
“The great thing about Hillel is that you can be in SDT and do Hillel. You can be in the ski club and SDT and do Hillel. You can do everything, or just come to Shabbat dinners or Sunday brunch or study in the building. It’s a choose–your–own–adventure,” Robyn said.
Spartan Start was successful. From dinner and goodbyes with families on Sunday night to a tour of MSU Athletics, a review of resources, introductions to student organizations, and delicious kosher meals, the inaugural program balanced transition and fun.
Robyn said students expressed their feelings of connection and relief to find a supportive Jewish community on-campus. “Several shared how meaningful it was to feel supported during their very first 24 hours on campus.”
Alexis was proud of and unsurprised by the new students’ responses to Spartan Start.
“Something my SDT sisters and I have in common is that we truly value connection,” she said. “This experience gave me the opportunity to be a mentor and a guide. It’s such a rewarding way to make an impact and live out the values we already hold close in SDT: leadership, sisterhood, and community.”
The Beta Beta chapter has a lot to be proud of as the new semester begins. With traditions rooted in community and a commitment to inclusivity, the Beta Beta chapter carries forward SDT’s Jewish heritage while strengthening campus life for everyone.