May 1, 2025
Robert Berg completed the requirements for his Mayville State degree at the conclusion of the fall quarter of 1970, but he wasn’t 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 Mayville 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.
“We are all very excited for what we see as a wonderful chance to celebrate a Mayville State alumnus who has honorably served our country and brought pride to his alma mater,” said Swenson.
Robert Berg grew up in Portland, N.D. He graduated from Portland High School and went on to Mayville 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 Mayville State gear around town and at work, proudly informing anyone who asked about “his MSU,” Mayville State University.
When Berg retired in 2020, he began reflecting on how much his Mayville State degree has helped him in his life.
“This started with my work in the Army during the Vietnam War,” he said. “Because of my math training, I was selected for a more specialized occupation and stationed in Europe.”
“We are delighted that we’ll be able to celebrate Robert and his accomplishments at this year’s commencement festivities,” said Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn. “Personal Service is not just something we talk about at Mayville 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.”
Robert Berg is excited for Commencement Day 2025. “I look forward to putting an exclamation mark to my Mayville State education by celebrating with the Mayville State Family this year!”
Mayville State University commencement exercises are scheduled for Friday, May 16. The program will begin at 1 p.m. in the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse on the Mayville State campus. All are welcome.