Berkman has led the city’s public university for nine years, presiding over a period of sustained economic development in the downtown area now known as the Campus District and a period of construction on the campus itself. CSU has built the Center for Innovation in Medical Professions, the Washkewicz College of Engineering and the Medical Mutual Tennis Pavilion on Berkman’s watch. He has also, however, been the subject of controversy and student derision, in large part due to his housing preferences.
He will be replaced in June by Harlan Sands, most recently the CFO of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Sands was selected after an executive search firm narrowed down a pool of candidates, utterly disregarding its contractual obligations in the process.
The tribute ceremony Wednesday featured commentary by regional leaders, including County Executive Armond Budish and Mayor Frank Jackson. Among other honors, Jackson presented Berkman with a key to the city.
Berkman will also deliver the commencement address at the May 11 and May 12 ceremonies for CSU’s graduating class of 2018.
This article appears in Apr 11-17, 2018.
Why are they honoring a man who forced CSU to buy him an 800,00 dollar house (while tuition costs continued to rise) and who failed to condemn anti-LGBT messages until there was a public outcry? Berkman was a terrible president who tried to insert himself into departmental matters to get people he preferred into key positions.
Shame has no shame at CSU.
Roldo Bartimole