The Board of Trustees celebrated six departing members last spring, lauding Randy Berry, Steve Cage (74C), Bert Clark (82C), Rick Gilbert (77c), Vince Griffith (81C) and Peter Musser for their roles in shaping a period of extraordinary growth for Berry.
Combining for 113 years of leadership, generosity and service, these individuals positively influenced every facet of college operations. In collaboration with fellow trustees, three presidents and others in the college community, they strengthened Berry’s ability to deliver on its historic mission and enhanced opportunities available to current and future students.
“Part of keeping any institution vibrant is assuring that its board is both governing well and constantly refreshing itself,” explained Chair John Coleman (04C). “We are indebted to the remarkable leaders who recently rolled off the board and excited to continue their legacy of service alongside our newest members.
“We take very seriously our role of stewarding this institution and Martha Berry’s vision,” he added. “Berry is thriving due in no small measure to the accomplishments of our departing members, and we remain committed to serving the students, faculty and staff who make it so special.”
Elected in 2008, Randy Berry furthered the work of great-aunt Martha Berry through service as LifeReady Campaign co-chair, establishment of the Berry Information Technology Students Program and development of the college’s high-performing endowment investment strategy. He also advanced student access by leveraging trusted relationships and donor-matching philanthropy in support of a wide range of fundraising efforts including the creation of a scholarship program named in memory of Barry Griswell (71C), his friend and Berry’s former trustee chair.
Cage is Berry’s most generous alumni donor and the source of its largest alumni gift: $10 million for the athletic and recreation center bearing his name. A trustee since 2003, he championed campus life enhancements and provided leadership for transformational fundraising initiatives, most notably fueling growth in athletics through the addition of key facilities critical in recruiting and retaining students, including the Cage Center, Valhalla and Briggs Beach.
Clark served for 24 years, demonstrating thoughtful governance as vice chair and in other leadership roles while advancing Berry’s residential student experience and strengthening the college’s relationships among Atlanta’s philanthropic community, increasing awareness, engagement and leadership giving. He advocated for the development of The Spires retirement community, supported the addition of football as an intercollegiate sport and played a leading role in fundraising for Clark Track.
A trustee since 2008, Gilbert provided a steady hand in the midst of incredibly difficult circumstances when elected board chair following Griswell’s unexpected death in 2020. Distinguishing himself in that and other leadership positions, Gilbert championed efforts to elevate the college’s profile and demonstrated sound financial stewardship and entrepreneurial spirit in promoting new revenue streams, including the nationally renowned Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.
Griffith helped advance academic quality and student success while strengthening board operations and reinforcing the college’s long-term institutional effectiveness through committee leadership and other service. During his 15 years as a trustee, the retired rear admiral strongly supported the strategic addition of alternative revenue streams and real estate development, particularly the tennis center and The Spires – both national award winners.
Musser exhibited dedication and expertise in enrollment management as well as leadership, philanthropic support and seasoned financial advising that helped strengthen Berry’s financial stability. A trustee since 2011, his service reflected a longstanding connection to the college first made through his late sister Becky Musser Hosea, a beloved member of Berry’s counseling staff before her death in 1992.
Also recognized at the spring meeting was Meredith Lewallen Roberts (07C), who spent two years on the board while serving as president of the Alumni Council, the governing body of the Berry Alumni Association.
