John and Shirley Berry become Northern Michigan University largest donors with latest gift to the institution

Northern Michigan University celebrates a very special alumni following his most recent gift to the institution. John Berry Jr. continues his family’s philanthropic legacy with a 3.5 million dollar gift. The funds include 2 million dollars that will name the College of Business Deanship to honor John and Shirley Berry and 1 million dollars supporting and expendable funds for the Northern Enterprise Center. With John and Shirley Berry’s most recent gift to the university, the pair have surpassed 10 million dollars in support of education and are the university’s largest lifetime donor. Another 500,000 dollars from the gift will support projects improving the NMU Hockey locker room and athletic facilities. NMU president Brock Tesman says Berry’s commitment to the College of Business the university’s students and wildcat athletics has transformed the university and has helped make Northern Michigan University the special place it is today. John Berry earned his accounting degree from the College of Business in 1971 and received an honorary doctorate of business from the university in 2022. Berry says his grandfather believed education was the pathway to success, which instilled in him a drive to grow and value preparation for life’s challenges. Those interested in learning more about John and Shirley Berry and their philanthropic legacy with Northern Michigan University can find more details at here.