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Spertus Celebrates Its 2021 Graduates

Spertus Celebrates Its 2021 Graduates


This year’s graduation was unlike any in our 97-year history

Because of COVID-19, the ceremony was virtual, but although the format differed, the pride was just as warm as we marked our graduates’ transformation from students to ambassadors, taking their newly acquired knowledge and skills to their own organizations and communities.

Because of the virtual format, we were able to welcome graduates’ family members, friends, and colleagues from their homes around the world.

We awarded degrees to students from all
Spertus Institute degree programs:

Graduation Address and Honorary Degrees

The graduation address was delivered by Israeli scholar, author, and activist Dr. Ruth Calderon, a former member of the Israeli Knesset and founder of Elul Beit Midrash in Jerusalem and Alma–Home for Hebrew Culture in Tel Aviv. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Hebrew Letters.

An honorary Doctor of Hebrew Letters was also awarded to Gene Hoffman, lifelong learner and committed supporter of Jewish education.

Student Speakers

This year’s student speakers were Jessica Mehlman and Rabbi Moshe Meirovich.

Mehlman, a graduate of our Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies, is the Associate Vice President for Impact and Planning at the Jewish Federations of North America. Rabbi Meirovich, who received his Doctor of Hebrew Letters, serves Congregation B’nai Israel in St. Catharines, Ontario. It was wonderful to have his congregants join us to watch the ceremony!

Our 2021 Graduates

Brittany Rachel Begun
Todd Brecher
Caleb Milian Shahan Bromberg
Alyse Hillary Eisenberg
Tara L. Feiner
Michael Furey
Randall Jergensen
Matthew Kramer-Morning
Sarah Kranz-Ciment
Layah Kranz Lipsker
Keren Makno
Jessica Avril Mehlman
Moshe Gedaliah Meirovich
Brett Musick
Michael Rawl
Lauren Silverman
Janese R. Sweeny
Tori Weinstein (pictured above, celebrating in Seattle)
Sharon Wittenberg

Monday, June 28, 2021