Tolo, how did your personal story and the values you were raised with shape your connection to our institution?
I arrived at a small institution and quickly felt connected to it because of the people and the strong social mission, which deeply resonated with me.
Even in my youth, social justice was important to me, and it was always a the top of my mind. I came to the college through my wife, who worked in the president’s office.
I’m a first-generation college graduate. As a teenager, I realized that in order to break out of the environment I grew up in and seek a better future, I needed to pursue higher education.
I’ve had – and still have – a wonderful family. My late parents came to South America from Europe with nothing. We never owned a car or a home, but we never felt like we were lacking. We found joy in the little we had. My parents always gave us a sense of warmth and the feeling that we had what truly mattered.
As I grew older, I understood that I needed to carve my own path, and education was the way forward.
From the age of 12, I worked—sometimes in odd jobs—and throughout my academic studies, I was able to advance thanks to scholarships, and I also worked while studying.
Years later, when I arrived at Hadassah College, I felt a deep connection to the sense of community and the social mission of the institution. I did my best to preserve and develop that.
At the same time, it was clear to me that if we wanted to truly make an impact, we had to ensure academic excellence. Our institution had to be at the top—a mark of academic quality.
It was also important to us to understand where our graduates go and how they grow. That’s why we established the Career Development Center, and to this day, we’re proud of our graduates who integrate into the workforce in exceptional ways.
When I began my role as president of the college, we had around 2,000 students. By the time I completed my 12-year tenure last year, we had more than doubled in size—today, about 4,500 students study at the college.
All of this was made possible by the incredible people who worked alongside me over the years. That’s what anchors me so strongly to this institution, and I plan to stay close by in the near future.
What led you to stay involved with the college even after your term as president ended?
When I finished my term as president, I knew I wanted to stay connected, to continue contributing—without interfering with the leadership of the new president. When I offered Ariella my support as a volunteer, she accepted immediately, and I greatly appreciate that. It naturally led to my continued involvement at the institution in a voluntary capacity.
As my term came to a close, it was important to me to leave behind a structured set of insights and a roadmap for the future. Over the course of a year, we worked with senior staff and department heads to develop a strategic plan for the next decade of the college.
Today, I continue to contribute to the success of the institution by offering support and counsel to our president, Prof. Ariella Gordon-Shaag.
I constantly emphasize that our human capital—both academic and administrative—is our greatest strength.
Whether during crises like COVID or in routine periods, that’s what we must continue to invest in.
Where do you dream of seeing the institution continue to grow, and how do you see your role in supporting that journey?
My current role is to advise the president and the institution on anything my experience allows, in order to help move the Multidisciplinary College forward.
I come in regularly once a week—or more when needed—and I’m always available by phone.
One of the critical issues today is fundraising. The separation from Hadassah required a new financial strategy, and I’m fully available to support the president with whatever she needs. These are challenging times due to the war, and it’s not easy to secure donor support. I’m leveraging the relationships I built over the years to encourage continued support for the future.
I maintained close relationships with donors over many years, and I’m still in touch with some of them. I try to assist Ariella in this area, because I believe continuity sends a strong and positive message of stability.
Recently, I was appointed as a member of the Board of Trustees, and I also participate in meetings of the Board of Directors (without voting rights). In all of these important forums, I do my best to contribute my experience—and I will continue to do so for as long as I can.
Twenty years of my professional life were spent at the college, and today I continue to support its growth purely as a volunteer.
I love this place and see it thriving under the leadership of Ariella, Tsahi Shai, and many others. I share in our collective dream for continued development, growth, and success.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank our Board Chair, Eli Bachar, who, since stepping into the role about three years ago, has been a driving force behind us—providing the support and backing this institution truly needs. The personal relationship we’ve built has greatly contributed to the college, and I’m deeply grateful to him for that.
When you look back, what was one of the hardest experiences for you?
I try not to view hardships as things that can’t be resolved. I believe that problems are meant to be solved—if there are no problems, then we’re not needed. I’m an incurable optimist (laughs).
Still, one of the most difficult times in my life was when my father passed away, 60 years ago.
Ayelet: Yes, I really relate to that... So true…
To end on a positive note—what’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with the college community, from a former president?
With optimism, hard work, good people, and dedication—everything important tends to work out for the best.
Two fun facts you probably didn’t know about Tolo:
At what age did Tolo start his undergraduate studies?
16
What was one of the unusual jobs Tolo had as a child?
A cashier at horse races
