Paul Berger Graduate Fellowship

The Paul Berger Graduate Fellowship honors the memory of an outstanding citizen, community leader, entrepreneur, public servant, and Columbia College Chicago professor. Throughout his life, Paul Berger epitomized the American entrepreneurial spirit at its best.

Following service in World War II as a decorated combat infantryman, Paul finished his education at the University of Chicago and became a life-long resident of Hyde Park. Long before it became politically popular, Paul saw the need in the community for a financial institution that would provide banking service on a completely non-discriminatory basis. Acting on that need, he became a founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Hyde Park Savings and Loan, one of the first banking institutions in Chicago to provide loans and other financial services without any regard to race, creed, or ethnic background. Under Paul's leadership, Hyde Park Savings and Loan mentored a number of young people who have since become executives in major Chicago banks.

During and after his tenure with Hyde Park Savings and Loan, Paul became a valued member of a number of civic commissions and non-profit boards. He capped this service by becoming the City of Chicago Director of Revenue during the Harold Washington Mayoralty. Following that service, Paul Berger joined the Columbia College Chicago faculty where he founded the Small Business/Entrepreneurship section of the Arts, Entertainment and Media Management Department. In recognition of his services for to the College he was posthumously awarded the Columbia Presidential Medal for Outstanding Service. Throughout his career, Paul Berger earned the reputation as an individual who, without personal fanfare, worked quietly and effectively to bring people of all backgrounds together to work towards common goals. 

In the spirit of Paul Berger's life, the Paul Berger Graduate Fellowship is dedicated to helping Columbia College Chicago students further their education so that they too will become responsible arts entrepreneurship leaders in their careers and communities.

If you have any questions please contact:
Columbia College Chicago
Arts, Entertainment & Media Management Department
Nissan Wasfie
600 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605-1996
PH 312-369-7658
FAX 312-369-8063