UC staff member surprised, honored for gift that pushed Proudly Cincinnati campaign over $500,000,000

Jim Berns

Jim Berns had no idea what to expect when the dean of his college asked him to attend a special meeting Monday afternoon. Of all the scenarios that went through his mind, he didn’t envision a room full of faculty, staff and media cheering his arrival and taking pictures.

But that’s exactly what happened when Berns and College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) Dean Robert Probst entered the Hunter Room of the Myers Alumni Center shortly after 1 pm on June 22.

Berns was the mystery donor whose gift pushed UC’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, Proudly Cincinnati, past the $500,000,000 mark, and was honored at the special ceremony by UC Foundation President Mike Carroll and Provost Tony Perzigian, along with Proudly Cincinnati co-chairs Otto Budig and Buck Niehoff.

As manager of the woodshop and metal studio in DAAP, Berns has been a donor to UC for nearly a decade, and has supported the Fashion Design Fund and the DAAP Discretionary Fund.

“I give to the University of Cincinnati because I love our students and I’m inspired by their creativity,” Berns said. “They are our future leaders, and I want to make sure they are well prepared. I’m also motivated by how hard my fellow team members work and their amazing accomplishments in teaching and design.”

Mike Carroll was first to congratulate Berns and thank him for his generosity. He mentioned the importance of faculty and staff support, and noted that gifts from employees are a vital component of the broader campaign.

“More than 2,500 current and retired faculty and staff have donated to the University of Cincinnati this year, and have given more than $10 million,” he said. “The collective efforts of UC’s faculty and staff have already resulted in $40 million in campaign commitments since we began in 2005.” He went on to note that fully 10% -- or $100 million -- of Proudly Cincinnati’s successful achievement of $1 billion will most likely be attributed to UC’s faculty and staff.

Buck Niehoff and Otto Budig also thanked Berns, and reminded everyone that the $500,000,000 raised so far would not have been possible without the contributions of many generous individuals, businesses and foundations.

“Today we celebrate the gift that got us to the halfway point, but we’ll need additional supporters locally, regionally and nationally to show we are Proudly Cincinnati, and help us reach our ultimate goal of $1 billion,” said Budig.

Tony Perzigian, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, related the success of the campaign to the broader academic success of the University and its students. One such student, Chrissy Wankewycz, recently graduated with the top GPA in her college, and was asked to speak about the importance of the campaign from a student perspective. Wankewycz noted that the scholarship support she received allowed her to study abroad, get involved in many campus organizations and graduate with minors in two subjects.

“I’m proud to be part of this event,” said Wankewycz. “Private support made a big difference in my life, and it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate UC’s donors.  I know that the money we raise during this campaign will improve the educational experience for everyone, as it did me.”

A still bewildered, but thrilled Berns concluded the event by addressing the crowd that had gathered to honor him, including his colleagues at DAAP and Dean Robert Probst, who skillfully kept him in the dark about the surprise celebration.

Berns said, “I give because I want to be part of something bigger than myself.”

Proudly Cincinnati: Tower of Strength, Rock of Truth is the University’s most ambitious campaign in history, supporting the vision for UC to become the finest urban research university in the United States.

To view additional photos from the event please click here.