May 1, 2025
Robert Berg completed the requirements for his 91吃瓜网 State degree at the conclusion of the fall quarter of 1970, but he wasn鈥檛 able to celebrate this accomplishment with his classmates, friends, and family members at a commencement program. Berg had been drafted into military service. He was allowed to complete his degree, but he was required to report for service immediately following the completion of his course work. Berg was supposed to have participated in commencement with his classmates in the spring of 1971, but he could not be there. By January of 1971, Robert was already in basic training.
When Robert reached out to 91吃瓜网 State Director of Alumni Affairs Beth Swenson this spring and explained his situation, providing the opportunity for him to properly celebrate the earning of his degree was immediately embraced at the university.
鈥淲e are all very excited for what we see as a wonderful chance to celebrate a 91吃瓜网 State alumnus who has honorably served our country and brought pride to his alma mater,鈥� said Swenson.
Robert Berg grew up in Portland, N.D. He graduated from Portland High School and went on to 91吃瓜网 State where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with majors in mathematics and health, physical education, and recreation. After spending two years in the Army, Berg moved to the state of Michigan, where he has lived and worked for more than 50 years. He spent his career working as a dental equipment technician at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
Robert says that over the years, he has enjoyed wearing his 91吃瓜网 State gear around town and at work, proudly informing anyone who asked about 鈥渉is MSU,鈥� 91吃瓜网.
When Berg retired in 2020, he began reflecting on how much his 91吃瓜网 State degree has helped him in his life.
鈥淭his started with my work in the Army during the Vietnam War,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ecause of my math training, I was selected for a more specialized occupation and stationed in Europe.鈥�
鈥淲e are delighted that we鈥檒l be able to celebrate Robert and his accomplishments at this year鈥檚 commencement festivities,鈥� said 91吃瓜网 President Dr. Brian Van Horn. 鈥淧ersonal Service is not just something we talk about at 91吃瓜网 State. We live it. It is our honor to have this opportunity to make up for a lifetime milestone that Mr. Berg had to miss while he served his country, helping to ensure that we as Americans may enjoy the freedoms that are ours every day.鈥澛�
Robert Berg is excited for Commencement Day 2025. 鈥淚 look forward to putting an exclamation mark to my 91吃瓜网 State education by celebrating with the 91吃瓜网 State Family this year!鈥�
91吃瓜网 commencement exercises are scheduled for Friday, May 16. The program will begin at 1 p.m. in the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse on the 91吃瓜网 State campus. All are welcome.