“Prof” Berky coached men’s tennis
for more than three decades.
Herbert W. Berky joined Bluffton’s faculty in 1913 to establish the college’s first chemistry program. A Princeton University graduate, Berky arrived with a strong belief in the value of a collegiate experience that combined academic excellence with intercollegiate athletics.
In his early years at Bluffton “Prof. Berky” coached a number of sports including, in 1921-22, football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. He was instrumental in developing Bluffton’s first athletic facilities including the 1916 fundraising campaign to construct “the Barn,” home to basketball and campus events.
In athletics, Berky is best known for coaching men’s tennis for more than three decades and faithfully maintaining the clay courts that were a campus landmark for many years. His 45 year tenure included substantial contributions to athletics and science as indicated by the naming of Berky Science Hall.
r’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University in 1952, was an educator for 36 years, eventually becoming principal of Midview High School.
State University.
luffton in 1946 after serving in World War II. The Bluffton native played basketball, football and tennis, earning multiple varsity letters. He was named the outstanding athlete of 1947 at Bluffton, where he was also involved in music and theatre, among other campus activities.
ois and Missouri. Along the way, he earned master’s and doctoral degrees in education from Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University, respectively.
use of his interest in the welfare of the person as he served as the community’s “family doctor.”