By Hans Ahlstrom
Marquette, MI – A Northern Michigan University alumnus has presented the NMU Foundation with a major gift to help recruit high achieving students. John Berry and his wife, Shirley, have committed $5- million for a scholarship which will be awarded to incoming freshmen who have demonstrated academic ability and achievement. Preference will be given to students who enroll in the NMU Honors Program and plan to pursue a major in the College of Business, followed by those who major in the STEM areas of science, technology, engineering or math. Berry says the endowment is not only a way to give back to the school, but a way to help NMU attract top-quality students.
The gift is the largest in Northern's history. Berry also contributed $2-million to support construction and naming of the Berry Events Center.
NMU President Les Wong said the new commitment announced Thursday further demonstrates the family's philanthropic spirit and the strength of John's connection to his alma mater.