Dr. John R. Bertrand's Gift Helps Students

Even long after he retired, Berry College students had a special place in Dr. John R. Bertrand's heart, and he chose to show it in the most meaningful way possible.

With his family's support, the former Berry College president, who died in 2002 at the age of 87, willed the proceeds of a life insurance policy to Berry. He asked that proceeds from the policy be used for the John R. Bertrand Scholarship, a work opportunity scholarship initiated in 1990 by the class of 1960.

It was the power of an idea and the persuasive words of William McChesney Martin Jr., chairman of Berry's Board of Trustees and chairman of the Federal Reserve Board that drew Dr. Bertrand away from his post as dean and director of the College of Agriculture at the University of Nevada in 1956.

"As a young man who had grown up in poverty on the high plains of Texas during the Great Depression, the story of Martha Berry's dream for the Berry Schools resonated with my dad's spirit," said Tom Bertrand, the late president's son.

During his tenure as president from 1956 to 1979, Dr. Bertrand led Berry through a refocusing of its mission and identity, successful accreditation and dramatic expansion of faculty and facilities. Even after his retirement, Dr. Bertrand continued his support of the college.

"It was an aspect of his character that was indelible," Tom said. "He was loyal to what he believed in. As someone who spent 24 years as president trying to raise funds, he knew the importance of even the smallest contribution."

Following his retirement, Dr. Bertrand worked as a financial planner and consultant. Tom believes it was at this time that his father discovered a way to make a substantial gift to Berry while still providing for his heirs.

"He talked it over with mom and then he told us that his life insurance policy would be turned over to Berry College," Tom said. "Knowing how much Berry meant to them, it certainly sounded right to us."

The link below shows how a bequest can very easily be included in your will.

You might find it helpful to print this page and the bequest language. Feel free to give this information to your attorney. If he or she has any questions, please contact us.

Click Here to review sample bequest language.