January 10 • 2019 41
jn

T

en years ago, Bernie and Nina 
Kent made a decision that 
changed the lives of 
many Oakland University 
students. The Kents estab-
lished the Bernard and 
Nina Kent Judaic Studies 
Endowed Israel Travel 
Fund. This endowment 
made it possible for OU 
students to attend a sum-
mer archaeological dig in 
Israel. Since then, more 
than 100 students have participated. 
Bernie Kent is chairman and senior 
adviser of Schechter Investment 
Advisors in Birmingham. He is a 1971 

alumnus of OU and was awarded the 
OU Alumni Association Distinguished 
Service Award in 2013. 
“We wanted to make a 
contribution that would 
make a difference,” Bernie 
says. “We created a fund 
for foreign travel because 
it’
s important to give stu-
dents the opportunity 
to see other parts of the 
world.”
Recently, the Kents of 
Franklin resolved to do even more. 
The couple committed to a gift of 
$250,000 to increase their endow-
ment, enabling even more students to 

participate in the annual trip.
They also acknowledge the signifi-
cant effort of Michael Pytlik, director 
of Judaic studies and assistant pro-
fessor of anthropology, who leads the 
Israel excursion.
“Students work hard every day,” 
Nina says. “It’
s not a vacation travel 
experience. They get up before sun-
rise and work past sunset. It’
s their 
opportunity to work with Pytlik on 
his research and contribute to knowl-
edge.”
Pytlik says, “The program is unique. 
It’
s a big deal for an undergraduate 
to have this type of archaeological 
field experience. Plus, it is important 
for Americans to go abroad because 
we travel less than people from other 
countries. This program enables OU 
students to experience the world and 
be engaged in the work of discovery.”
The Kents have seen firsthand the 
impact the endowment has on both 
the academic and personal lives of stu-
dents. “Many of the students who par-
ticipate continue their studies in the 
area of archaeology or Judaic studies 

as undergraduates and carry the expe-
rience through to graduate school,” 
Bernie Kent says.
Every year, the Kents celebrate the 
conclusion of the expedition with an 
event at their home. The gathering 
raises money for the endowment to 
ensure future trips. They are ded-
icated to keeping this experience 
affordable for students. Donor funds 
provide approximately one-third of 
the trip’
s funding, helping to keep 
participants’
 out-of-pocket costs as 
low as possible.
Last summer marked the 10th anni-
versary of the program. According to 
student Emileigh Megel, “This trip 
was absolutely amazing. Not only has 
it been the highlight of my summer, it 
has been the highlight of my life.”
Typically, most students on the trip 
have never visited Israel. “They come 
back with a much better understand-
ing of Israel,” says Bernie. “Not just 
the Israel of biblical times, but also the 
vibrant country it is today.” ■

Contact Professor Pytlik at pytlik@oakland.edu.

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Exploring the Past

OU philanthropists change lives by

supporting study abroad at Israeli digs.

JEN HOGAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Bernie and Nina Kent.

