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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Professor Emeritus Joseph E. Berger, MCC’s First Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs


The college was recently informed of the passing of Joseph E. Berger (1932-2017) on January 6 in Atlanta, Ga. “Joe” served MCC for a total of 30 years as a professor, administrator, and the college’s first associate vice president for academic affairs. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gretchen Kraatz Berger, three children and six grandchildren. A memorial service was held in mid-January in Aiken, S.C.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Joe earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA in industrial management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He began teaching at MCC in 1964 as an assistant professor of economics. He was promoted to associate professor in 1967, professor in 1970, and department chair in 1975. During his seven years as department chair, the Business Administration Department grew 12 percent per year. In 1984, he became the associate vice president for academic affairs, overseeing curriculum development, program evaluation, and professional development for the college. Joe retired from MCC in 1994 and was recognized as professor emeritus.

He also served on a variety of college-wide committees, including the Academic Governance Board, Academic Standards Committee, the MCC Association’s Personnel Committee, and the MCC Foundation’s Advisory Committee. 

According to his obituary published in the Aiken Standard, Joe coached Little League Baseball and helped organize the American Legion Team in Pittsford. He moved to Aiken, S.C. in 1994 where he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Woodside Plantation Country Club and a Meals on Wheels volunteer for many years.

He will be remembered and missed.

Anne M. Kress
Office of the President
02/01/2017