The University of St. Thomas honored Norb Berg, retired vice chairman of the board, Control Data Corporation, with the inaugural William C. Norris Award for Social Entrepreneurship at a luncheon on June 5, 2014. The award was given to Berg during a celebration of the William C. Norris Institute’s 25th anniversary.
It was Berg’s idea that led to the creation of the William C. Norris Institute in 1988, which was launched as a result of his securing the initial funding of $10 million from Control Data’s board of directors. Berg served as CEO William C. Norris’ right-hand man at Control Data, as the company grew to nearly 60,000 employees and $5 billion in revenue.
As the architect of revolutionary human resource programs, including employee assistance, work wellness and flex time, Berg pioneered what are now standard practices in many companies. He also led initiatives to build Control Data plants in impoverished areas, to provide education and computer training for prison inmates, to provide health care on Native American reservations, and to make unserved restaurant leftovers available at food shelters.
Above is the video tribute to Norb, with words from former colleagues, friends and community leaders George Latimer, Richard Mangram, Frank Dawe, Norma Anderson, Senator Norm Coleman, Bud Grant and Dennis Anderson.
The celebration included remarks from Dean Christopher Puto, President Julie Sullivan, President Emeritus Father Dennis Dease, Norris Institute Director Mike Moore, retired Control Data CEO Robert Price, NJK Holding Chairman Nasser Kazeminy, Dougherty & Company Senior Vice President Roger Norris and Norb Berg.
Watch a video of the entire event or read more on the first 25 years of the Norris Institute.
University of St. Thomas
William C. Norris Institute
(651) 962-4346
Brendan Bannigan
University of St. Thomas
Institutional Advancement
(651) 962-6975
