USask unveils new Edwards School of Business classrooms thanks to generous donors

“We are grateful to Mel Berg and to the Art Korpach Family for recognizing the value of investing in our world-class university and championing the educational needs of today’s students,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “We appreciate their desire to ensure Edwards School of Business remains a leader in business education by creating dynamic learning environments.” 

The Melvin Berg Classroom (formerly known as Room 145) has been named in honour of alumnus Mel Berg, one of the first students to take courses in Room 145 in 1967 during the final year of his degree. He also taught first-year accounting courses in the room while on a sabbatical from his job at Arthur Andersen. 

With a generous $500,000 donation from Berg, the revitalized space can now function as either an active learning-style or traditional, front-of-room classroom, with flexible furniture, seven digital display screens, and a teaching console that can mirror and project onto any screen in the room. The room also features enhancements to lighting and acoustics.

Throughout his career, Berg has maintained his connections to USask and is proud to support the learning journeys of current and future Edwards School of Business students with his gift to USask’s Be What the World Needs Campaign. 
 
“It’s a great feeling to be able to give back and be part of the future, as well as having been part of the past,” said Berg. 
 
Down the hall, another room has been recently renovated to provide new seminar space for graduate students as well as undergraduate students in upper-year experiential learning courses. 

Thanks to the Korpach family’s gift of more than $420,000, Room 142 now features flexible furniture, built-in power at all desks, dimmable LED lighting and a new acoustic ceiling. Expanding the number of seats from 20 to 36 and embedding computer stations within the seminar room now enables greater integration of technology into assignments and class discussions.

“USask has meant so much to me and my family, and we are very pleased to help create opportunities for others,” said Korpach, adding that he believes universities should help learners grow and develop critical-thinking skills, and that USask is playing an important role in students’ development as future leaders. 
 
Andres Carrillo has been one of the first students to benefit from the recent upgrades to the Melvin Berg Classroom and Art Korpach Family Classroom and said the rooms have made learning a more collaborative and inspiring experience. 
 
“My classmates and I really appreciate having the opportunity to learn, collaborate and present in these state-of-the-art spaces. It is amazing that donors like Mr. Berg and the Korpach Family have chosen to support Edwards students in this way.” 
 
“On behalf of all Edwards students, faculty and staff, I extend my sincere appreciation to Mel Berg and the Korpach Family for their vision and generosity,” said Dr. Marjorie Delbaere (PhD), acting dean, Edwards School of Business. “Their investments reflect our shared commitment to student growth and success, enhancing learning, and developing socially conscious professionals.”