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.