Berry Family Pledges $1 Million for New Business Center
The Berry Family, Charles D. Berry, John and Shirley Berry, and the Elizabeth Gray Fund, announced its grant award to aid in the construction of the Lorne C. Scharnberg Business Center and establish the Berry Center for Free Enterprise.
The Berry Family, Charles D. Berry, John and Shirley Berry, and the Elizabeth Gray Fund, announced its grant award to aid in the construction of the Lorne C. Scharnberg Business Center on Cedarville’s campus and establish the Berry Center for Free Enterprise within the school of business administration. Included in the donation is an endowed gift to support Cedarville’s free enterprise program.
“We are delighted to support Cedarville University and all that it represents to our community,” said John W. Berry. “I feel that the establishment of the Berry Center for Free Enterprise is a real tribute to Loren Berry and John Berry, the guiding force of Berry Company. My grandfather was a big believer in free enterprise and supported organizations that perpetuated opportunities for all to achieve.”
"This endowed free enterprise program will significantly enhance our school of business administration and bolster our firm standing for the defense of free markets from a Christian worldview,” said Albert Grunenwald, associate vice president for advancement at Cedarville. “We are immeasurably grateful for this steadfast partnership that continually makes an eternal impact on our university, current students, and alumni.”
This is not the first time Cedarville University has received support from the Berry Family.
“Previous to this gift, the Berry Family has granted more than $3.2 million to support the mission and vision of Cedarville University,” said Grunenwald. “They have contributed to several major capital projects on campus, including the Health Sciences Center, Stevens Student Center, and the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies.”
“We are thankful for this gift that supports the training of future leaders in business who desire to use their profession for God's glory,” noted Jeff Haymond, dean of the school of business administration.
“We are humbled and grateful for the support of the Berry Family,” commented Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. “Through their generosity, we will continue to develop facilities and programs that transform lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship. We offer our thanks and pray for God’s help in stewarding this gift well.”
The Berry Family supports free enterprise and entrepreneurism and seeks to foster initiatives that improve the quality of life for people in the Dayton area, having contributed more than $100 million to more than 100 local organizations over the past 60 years.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,550 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including the M.B.A in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.