Staff: Skylar Berlin

Skylar Berlin
she/her
Executive Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Mission Integration

Educational Background
B.A. Political Science - Michigan State University
B.A. Religious Studies - Michigan State University
M.A. American Religious History - Florida State University (’22)

Past Work/Service Experience
In undergrad, I kept busy as a Resident Assistant, resident hall front desk supervisor, and research assistant in the Religious Studies Department. In grad school, I was a teaching assistant and instructor in the Department of Religion. I have a soft spot for animals, so my roommate and I also fostered dogs through our local Humane Society Tallahassee which is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.  

Where are you from?
Grand Rapids, Michigan

What do you like to do in your free time?
Read (I’ve listened to/read 45 books this year!), travel (I’m heading to Morocco on vacation in October), and spend time with Lucy, my cat and the love of my life. 

How does your role at Loyola connect with Community Service & Action? 
I provide administrative support to CSA, which basically means I help organize events, make and track purchases, and assist with any odd jobs or tasks that Bizzy and Megan need help with.

Why do you support Loyola in its community engagement work?
Engaging regularly in our local communities allows students to build relationships with community members and gain a deeper understanding of some of the challenges in—and strengths of—our surrounding neighborhoods. This is a valuable experience both for our students and for our local community, and I’m happy to help support this work as part of my job here at Loyola.

What is one of your favorite stories from your experiences with community engagement?
Last year I went with some colleagues to volunteer at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen, where I helped serve food and drinks to community members experiencing food insecurity. Working with other volunteers to provide neighbors in need a warm, comforting meal on a cold winter night gave me a sense of connection to my community that I hadn’t ever experienced. I hope to go again at some point this upcoming year!

CSA’s motto is “See the Good. Be the Good.” How have you engaged that concept?
I get to chat with a lot of students who come through our suite, which is one of the best parts of my job. Students make me laugh, they share their hardships, and they give me hope when the world is in chaos. In turn, I like to think that I provide a comfortable, non-judgmental space where they can be themselves and really feel heard. I get to see and (try) to be the good every day at this job. 

How are you involved at Loyola outside of CSA?
I am part of the Early Career Professionals’ Affinity Group and I taught UNIV 101 for two semesters, which was a great experience. I also participate in programs and events organized by the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

What is your favorite place on campus?
Any place along the lake shore. I never get tired of that view!

Want to know more of Skylar's story? Check out CSA's Instagram where we have a couple of videos with her advice on getting involved at Loyola and with her favorite thing about her work!