The dedication of the Freeman Center in 1999 was a welcome celebration of Jewish Life at Duke. Jewish students have attended the institution since before Trinity College became Duke University, but the Freeman Center is the first physical space dedicated to the Jewish community. Gil Scharf (T'70) originally approached President Brodie about establishing a physical center for Jewish life more than ten years before the eventual construction of the Freeman Center. The Freeman Center now serves as the primary space for Jewish Life at Duke, hosting events and religious services.