Berger Book Grant

 

The Fond du Lac campus memorial fund provides books for academic success

Finances and faith spurred Judith Berger to create a unique fund through the Foundation that helps struggling students afford books. While providing monetary aid, the Berger Book Grant also honors Judith’s recently deceased husband, Joseph S. Berger, Jr., a long-time campus supporter.

“I want to honor Joe’s memory,” Judith said of choosing to endow an ongoing fund at a place of importance to her husband. Both her spouse, Joseph S. Berger, Jr., and his father, clothier Joseph S. Berger, Sr., put great personal effort into bringing a college campus to Fond du Lac. “In the Jewish faith, we remember those who have passed away with honor; they are not truly dead as long as people remember them.”

Joe Berger, Jr., died in May 2010 after an unusually long, five-year battle with mesothelioma. His memory will live on at the Fond du Lac campus though the fund Judith established.

The Bergers knew from close family friends that college costs beyond tuition often strain the budgets of students pursuing higher education.

“Scholarships, grants and loans are available to pay for tuition, but most don’t cover books, drafting supplies, art supplies or program fees,” Judith Berger said. “These are as essential as tuition.”

All Fond du Lac students facing financial hardship are eligible to apply for the need-based grant of up to $300 per semester, paid directly to the the Fond du Lac campus bookstore.

Judith Berger’s initial gift of $20,000 endowed the Berger Book Grant in perpetuity. Still, she plans to continue contributing to the fund to keep the account robust, and invites others who knew the Berger father-and-son team to also make memorial donations. At the recent Association of Commerce annual meeting, over $1,000 was contributed to the fund by members wishing to honor the memory of the Bergers.

Donations in memory of Joseph S. Berger, Jr., may be mailed to the Berger Book Grant, the Fond du Lac campus Foundation, 400 University Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54935 or by calling the Foundation office at (920) 929-1335.

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Apply For Berger Book Grant

The application for the Berger Book Grant for the spring 24 semester is now closed.

For Donors

If you would like to contribute to the Berger Book Grant, complete the form and return to the Foundation office.

Contribute

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Fond du Lac Campus
400 University Dr
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 929-1100