Longtime benefactor's name now graces ballroom

The University Center Ballroom was named in honor of a longtime behind-the-scenes UCCS benefactor at ceremonies on Tuesday, Sept. 14.

The ballroom now is named Berger Hall in recognition of James C. Berger, a principal in Col-Terra Investments Ltd., BVR Investments and numerous other Colorado Springs businesses. Berger, a former member of the CU Real Estate Foundation Board, has helped with several UCCS real estate transactions and plans to establish a student scholarship program for low-income, high-potential students at UCCS.

"Jim's involvement with the university – through his vision, counsel and personal generosity over the span of many years – helped form the solid foundation that has enhanced the ability of this campus to progress at an impressive pace," said Brian Winkelbauer, vice president of the CU Foundation.

Together with his associates, Berger, a 1956 CU-Boulder graduate, provided the land now occupied by Alpine Village Apartments. He also has provided counsel to UCCS on numerous real estate acquisitions important to the university's growth, including the purchase of University Hall from Compassion International. Early in his career, he formed Berger & Berger Inc., a real estate brokerage firm, and later organized, together with two associates, Col-Terra Investments Ltd., a real estate company that developed land, office, retail, multifamily residential and special-use properties. Since then, Berger has been involved in and continues to operate numerous real estate developments throughout the Pikes Peak region.

He served on the CU Real Estate Foundation Board from 2002 to 2009 and is a current member of the Chancellor's Roundtable, a UCCS advisory board.

Berger Hall was created by the construction of the Gallogly Events Center. The former University Center gymnasium was remodeled to serve as a space for large campus events and conferences.

"What the space has lacked, however, is an appropriate namesake," said Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak. "It is fitting that this space, which is so critical to the mission of our campus, be named in recognition of Jim Berger."