Dr. Berner J. Gorden

Dr. Berner J. Gorden joined the Saginaw Valley State University faculty in 1967, and served as the first chair of the Chemistry Department. Dr. Gorden initiated the formation of student affiliate chapters of the American Chemical Society and the Student Chemistry Club, and also established the original Science Open House on campus. Specializing in Organic Chemistry, Dr. Gorden earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Luther College, and his Ph.D. from Wayne State University. Dr. Gorden retired from SVSU in 2004, after 37 years of distinguished service.

He established this scholarship program in 2005 to promote academic excellence in the field of Chemistry, and recognize students for their achievement, especially in Organic Chemistry courses.