Celebrate Hillel 2026 Recap

About Our Honorees

Daniel V. Schidlow, MD

Drexel Hillel Leadership Award Honoree

Rooted in the Jewish belief that we are responsible for one another, Daniel V. Schidlow, MD, has dedicated his life to caring for students, patients and community.

Dr. Schidlow is a physician, educator and leader whose impact on the Drexel University College of Medicine spans more than three decades. He currently serves as dean emeritus; professor of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Pharmacology and Physiology; and as director of Bioethics, Medical Humanities, and Professional Formation at Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health in West Reading.

From 2012 to 2019, Dr. Schidlow served as the Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean and senior vice president of Medical Affairs. Earlier in his career, he was chair of the Department of Pediatrics, senior associate dean of the Pediatric Clinical Campus, and physician-in-chief at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. He has been recognized with numerous honors including the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Dr. Schidlow’s devotion to Jewish life and community is deeply personal. Born in Chile to parents who fled Nazi Germany, his life has been shaped by migration, resilience and gratitude. He immigrated to the United States in 1974 to continue his medical training after its interruption due to political turmoil in Chile.

A steadfast advocate for Jewish students and students of all backgrounds, Dr. Schidlow supported the establishment of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Jewish Life at Drexel. Known for his love of music, he has served as lay cantor of Congregation B’nai Harim, sings Kol Nidre at Drexel Hillel and founded DUCOM Classical, a student-led group of performers of classical music. He serves on the board of the American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and the Pan American Association of Philadelphia. He has a collection of more than 150 bowties and runs a beloved annual “Bowtie School” where he teaches students how to tie a bowtie. Dr. Schidlow brings humanity, joy and wisdom to all he does.

Young Alumni Exemplar of Excellence Awards

Giselle C. Matlis, BS ’22, MS ’24
Giselle C. Matlis, BS ’22, MS ’24, is pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (’26) at Drexel University. Her research focuses on the development of the Dragon Heart, a total artificial heart for pediatric patients. A Yardley, Pennsylvania native, Giselle’s Jewish identity was shaped by  her strong family foundation, attendance at Abrams Hebrew Academy and Kohelet Yeshiva High School and her loving “Yardley Shul.” Giselle has been deeply engaged in Jewish life throughout her nine years at Drexel. She is a founding member and former president of OMG, Drexel Hillel’s Orthodox Minyan Group; participated in, staffed and chaired Jewniversity; and currently serves on the Drexel Hillel Board of Directors.

Student Exemplar of Excellence Awards

Hope Lindner
Hope Lindner is from Atlanta, Georgia and is pursuing a BS in Mechanical Engineering (’26), and has been a dedicated and impactful leader within the Drexel Hillel community. As a FAB Intern (Fellowship: Ambassadors for Birthright) in 2024-2025, Hope built meaningful connections through coffee chats, supported Birthright Israel recruitment, and helped coordinate major programs, including Drexel Hillel’s Yom Ha’atzmaut — Israeli Independence Day — celebration, successfully securing grant funding to enhance the event. This year, she serves as Drexel Hillel’s admissions ambassador, welcoming prospective students and families through campus tours and thoughtful guidance. Known for her enthusiasm, curiosity and care for others, Hope’s leadership continues to strengthen Jewish life at Drexel.

Sophie Scheer
Sophie Scheer is from Syracuse, New York and is pursuing a BA in Communications (’26) with a dual minor in Jewish Studies and Sociology, and is a dedicated leader of the Drexel Jewish community. She has served on the Jewish Student Association (JSA) board for 3 years as the freshman outreach chair, event coordinator and most recently as president. She co-chaired Jewniversity, the Drexel Hillel early move-in program, and is a leader of the Conservative Minyan Group which meets for Shabbat services. She is a bat mitzvah tutor at BZBI and teaches Torah school at Kol Tzedek, and is also a leader of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and the wider Panhellenic Council.