JUNE 22 • 2023 | 17

J

udaism teaches that it 
is important to pursue 
knowledge throughout 
our lives, not just in our early 
years. Learning strengthens 
our understanding of our-
selves and the world around 
us. It grounds us in our his-
tory, expands our perspective 
and equips us to adapt in the 
face of change. 
The 2023 graduates of 
Spertus Institute for Jewish 
Learning and Leadership’s 
acclaimed master’s and doc-
toral programs embody this 
beautiful and vital Jewish 
tradition. Among them are 
two Detroit-area residents 
who received their masters 
of arts in Jewish professional 
studies, completing a creative 
leadership-building program 
designed to advance careers 
and strengthen the organiza-
tions that graduates serve. 
Olivia Berlin 
of Bloomfield 
Hills has worked 
for Hillel of 
Metro Detroit 
since 2018, most 
recently as direc-
tor of marketing 
and Jewish Life coordinator. 
She soon will begin a new 
position as senior Israel 
and Overseas associate at 
the Jewish Federation of 
Metropolitan Detroit.
Marci Bratt Bykat of 
Huntington Woods is an arts 
educator. “I learned that the 
work of a Jewish communal 

professional is integral to 
keeping our Jewish com-
munities thriving,” she said. 
“The program was life chang-
ing!”
Berlin and Bykat join 
thousands of other Spertus 
alumni who advance Jewish 
organizations and commu-
nities around the world with 
Spertus-acquired knowledge 
and skills.
The 2023 graduation cer-
emony was held on Sunday, 

May 7, at Spertus Institute’s 
innovative downtown 
Chicago campus. 
In his welcome to grad-
uates and guests, Spertus 
President and CEO Dr. Dean 
P. Bell said: “Our graduates 
come from all kinds of back-
grounds and bring a wide 
range of experiences. But 
an important thread unites 
them. They are all committed 
learners who reach thousands 
of people in the work they 

do every day. Having taught 
and learned with each of 
them, I can attest that they 
are remarkable ambassa-
dors, spreading the light of 
Jewish learning and laying 
the groundwork for a better 
world.” 

Those interested in becoming a future 

Spertus Institute graduate should visit 

spertus.edu for program and applica-

tion information or contact Assistant 

Director of Recruitment Amie Barrish 

at abarrish@spertus.edu.

Marci Bratt Bykat receives her diploma at Spertus Institute’s 2023 Graduation, Chicago. She is pictured 
with Spertus Institute President & CEO Dr. Dean P. Bell and Dean & CAO Dr. Keren E. Fraiman

Detroit-area residents among graduates of 
Spertus Institute’s prestigious master’s programs.
New Spertus Grads

Olivia Berlin

JN STAFF

MAGGIE RUSSO.

