Andrew Borans
Indianapolis, Indiana
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
Andy's contribution to the world stems for his ability to inspire and empower. His willingness to listen and passion for ensuring that young Jewish adults have the tools to succeed in and become leaders in the global Jewish community has impacted tens of thousands. His dedication is directly responsible for a dramatic growth in membership to over 9,000 active undergraduate students (with 90,000 alumni) on 155 campuses across the US, Canada, Israel, and the UK. Under Andy's leadership, AEPi has developed partnerships with countless Jewish and Israeli organizations and serves on the international boards of BBI and Hillel. These partnerships and growth have allowed AEPi to increase the scope of its work to encompass meaningful Jewish connectivity, Israel advocacy, leadership, community service and educational programming across the world. Moreover, he has also invigorated the philanthropic mission of AEPi, instilling in each member a commitment to Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah that will set the tone for the rest of their lives. In the last 20 years, AEPi members have raised over 1 million dollars for philanthropic causes and have committed to doubling that number in the next 10 years. His guidance has taught each member of AEPi the value of community, leadership, honestly, loyalty and brotherhood. Ultimately, the college years are some of the most formative in a young person's life and Andy's commitment to working with these young men has allowed each of them to become better students, community members, and citizens.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
Andy continues to be an inspiration throughout the entire AEPi community on both an organizational and personal level. He has dedicated his life to ensuring that Jewish men have a home during their college experience and worked to establish a Jewish identity among a demographic vital to the success of the Jewish people. On a personal level he has served as a mentor, teacher and advocate, guiding us through difficult situations and motivating us to help others. It is spectacular to grasp all that he has done for us and the thousands of AEPi members over the course of his lifetime.