[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 71 (Monday, May 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 FORMAL DEDICATION OF THE MANDELL AND MADELEINE BERMAN CENTER FOR THE 
                            PERFORMING ARTS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2011

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today will be the formal dedication of the 
Mandell and Madeleine Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West 
Bloomfield, Michigan.
  It is a magnificent, state-of-the-art cultural center on the campus 
of the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit. It is a result 
of the generosity of two people who have exemplified over many decades 
an exceptional sense of gratitude for the opportunities provided to 
their families by our nation, Bill and Madge Berman.
  The focal point of the new Center will be a 350-seat high-tech 
auditorium that can be opened to a capacity of 600 seats. The Center 
will be a venue for people of all ages to experience classical and 
Broadway music and a wide variety of theatrical productions.
  Bill Berman graduated from Detroit schools and Harvard College and 
Business School, and served as a naval officer for 4 years during World 
War II. He next began a highly successful career in the building 
business, using his expertise in a variety of commercial activities and 
related endeavors. His deep sense of community found its voice in his 
service on the Michigan State Finance Housing Authority and Board of 
New Detroit, and he also served as the first Chairman of the Skillman 
Foundation.
  Bill Berman became an indispensable force within the greater Detroit 
Jewish Community in a wide variety of vital religious, charitable and 
educational activities. In these efforts he was actively joined by his 
wife, Madge Berman. She was an inspiration for their deep interests in 
the arts. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Detroit 
Symphony and the Michigan Opera Theater. Madge Berman was appointed to 
the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 1994 and was 
reappointed to the President's Committee last year by President Obama.
  The fabulous offer for a cultural center by Bill and Madge Berman 
engendered support from other very generous persons that will help make 
this new center a reality. This warm and loving couple has brought joy 
over many years to their friends. They now will bring the joy of the 
arts to many, many thousands who have never met the Bermans but will 
benefit greatly from their generosity. I ask all my colleagues to join 
me in conveying congratulations and thanks to Bill and Madge Berman on 
the formal dedication today of the new Center bearing their names.

                          ____________________