Out of a desire to give back, Microbiology alumni endow new lecture series

While pursuing a graduate degree in microbiology for a time, Ann discovered her true passion was in science education. She changed her focus and earned a master’s degree and teacher certification from the College of Education.

Ron received his Ph.D. in microbiology in 1974, and shortly after, they moved to Ohio so he could begin what would be a long and satisfying 34-year career with Procter & Gamble. According to Ron, “I began as a bench scientist involved in upstream products research, and over the years worked in areas with increasing responsibility, culminating in my role as worldwide microbiology technical leader for P&G’s paper products. Manufacturing issues around the world could be particularly challenging, handling everything from engineering design issues to contamination events to dealing with sometimes arcane local regulatory requirements.” Much of his work involved a combination of microbiological and engineering skills. “A good deal of this background came from my experience at OSU. Not just microbiology, but also the ability to connect the dots, seeing and understanding complex relationships to solve unique problems,” he said.

“I still haven’t figured out what I want to be when I grow up,” Ann joked. “When we moved from Corvallis to Ohio, I did some substitute teaching that turned into a one-year career as a biology teacher,” she said. When their kids came along, Ann stayed home with them, and became actively involved in her local community. She returned to substitute teaching once they were older. She then transitioned into a career in the trust department of a local community bank and ended up loving it.

Though they have lived in Ohio for several decades, Ron and Ann celebrated 50 years of marriage last year by returning to where it all started: the Willamette Valley and the microbiology department at Oregon State University. “We went on campus, ate at some restaurants and re-created some of our favorite dates,” said Ann. Those dates included visiting favorite spots around Oregon like Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, Silver Falls State Park near Salem and Marys Peak, the highest point in the Coast Range overlooking Corvallis.

“Everything was still very recognizable,” said Ron. While they were students, the microbiology department moved from the historic Agriculture Hall into a brand new teaching and research facility in what is now called Nash Hall. “That move was quite interesting, moving into what was at the time a cutting-edge space.” Some of their favorite memories as students were the daffodils that bloom in February, a welcome harbinger of spring, and the group of friends they made with other co-ed graduate students in Ann’s dorm in Sackett Hall. “There were graduate students not only from all over the United States, but from other countries, as well,” said Ann.

Wanting to give back to the institution that brought them together, the Bergs have endowed a new microbiology lecture series which will feature noted microbiologists from outside Oregon State University. “The hope is for it to continue long after we’re gone,” said Ann, “as long as the university is there to continue this.”

“We want students to have the same encouragement that we did as students at Oregon State."

The inaugural Berg Lecture will host Dr. Jo Handelsman, director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, on Friday, April 28, 2023. Handelsman is an internationally acclaimed microbiologist who studies microbial communities, their interactions and their roles in infectious disease and ecology. She previously served as a science advisor to President Obama as the associate director for science at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. She is the author of several books, a leader in education and a champion for increasing diversity in STEM.

"The generous gift from Ron and Ann Berg has enabled the Department of Microbiology to host Dr. Handelsman, an inspirational leader in microbial ecology, having forged inroads into understanding complex microbial communities through their underlying genetics, communication, and environmental impacts,” said Kimberly Halsey, associate professor of microbiology. “Her dedication and impactful contributions to science, education, and inclusivity exemplify the qualities we value and aspire to nurture in our community."

The Bergs have some advice for current students: Pursue your interests, be open to all different things, and have a wide variety of experiences. Never close the door on anything. “I wound up in banking and loved it,” Ann said. “We want students to have the same encouragement that we did” as students at Oregon State."