Daniel Berg (NAE ’76) has long been an active member and generous supporter of the National Academy of Engineering. This year marks his 40th anniversary as a member, and to celebrate, Berg is “giving big” and joining the ranks of the Academies’ Einstein Society – whose members’ cumulative lifetime giving is $100,000 or more. In addition, he has joined the Academies’ Heritage Society by naming the NAE as a beneficiary of his estate.

“As a professional, NAE has made an enormous impact on me. This is an opportune time to do something bigger,” Berg explained. “I’ve been hoping to become an Einstein member. I thought this would be a nice time to recognize the organization’s meaning to me, and what NAE does --not only for the country, but for the world.”

Over the years, NAE has provided countless opportunities that helped him advance professionally, Berg said. A former president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he first encountered his predecessor in that position, George Low, at the NAE. “He gave a talk when he won [the Founders Medal]. Although they didn’t meet then, “a couple of years later, he hired me as provost. I truly believe NAE has helped me in my career – not only through the connections I’ve made but also by broadening my scope and getting me involved in new things.”

Even more important, he says, is the opportunity to support the NAE’s work. “For a relatively small budget, NAE’s impact is incredible. Dollar for dollar, it’s a very high return on your investment. It’s an organization that provides advice that is grounded in study and analysis. The goal is to do the right thing for society.”

For additional information or to make an honorarium anniversary gift, contact Radka Nebesky at 202.334.3417 or RNebesky@nae.edu.