J.D. Bergman

Bergman Appointed to Illinois Board of Higher Education

Governor Rod Blagojevich Thursday appointed Illinois State University Trustee Jay D. Bergman to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).  It is the first time in the University’s history that a member of Illinois State University Board of Trustees has received an IBHE appointment.

“I want to congratulate Trustee Bergman on this important achievement,” said President Al Bowman.  “This is also an honor for the entire Illinois State family.  He is currently the only trustee of any of the nine public universities in Illinois to concurrently hold an IBHE post.  We are all grateful to Governor Blagojevich for making this appointment and for everything he has done for Illinois State.  Despite a challenging state economy, the Governor has been very helpful, including providing funding for the Schroeder and Stevenson and Turner construction projects.”     

Bergman is the president and CEO of Petco Petroleum Corporation, Hinsdale.  A Joliet resident, Bergman was first appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2003 and reappointed in 2006.  His current appointment runs until January 2011.  Bergman has also served as a board member of the Illinois State University Foundation since 1986.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Illinois State in 1970.

“This is a success story for an Illinois State University Trustee but, more importantly, it is another wonderful story of an Illinois State family member taking a leadership role in higher education for all of Illinois,” said Board of Trustees Chair Carl Kasten.  “The entire Illinois State community can be proud of Jay’s appointment, and I know I speak for each trustee in congratulating him.”