To commemorate the life and work of Bernard (“Bernie”) L. Berkowitz (1927-2023), an endowed annual award program has been established to encourage future generations of public servants demonstrating characteristics exhibited by Bernie Berkowitz in his career in Baltimore. The program is administered by the Center for Social Science Scholarship.
Born in 1927 in New York City to immigrant parents from rural Hungary, Bernie grew up in working class neighborhoods in the Bronx. His family’s experience with unemployment in the 1930’s was the basis of a lifelong commitment to social justice and economic development. He attended New York City public schools; graduated cum laude from C.C.N.Y. with a major in economics, and received a Master’s in Urban Planning from Columbia University. He served in the United States Army with occupation forces in Japan and Korea.
In all of his endeavors, Bernie exemplified “no nonsense” intellectual rigor, progressive social thinking, and creative thinking about practical solutions. He aspired to improve the Baltimore ommunity by increasing economic opportunities. He believed in transcending divisions – bringing together people of different social and economic backgrounds. He is fondly remembered for his striving to “do the right thing”, always with a sense of humor and kindness.
Award recipients will be selected anually by UMBC faculty in the Center for Social Science Scholarship based on students’ demonstrated interest in and commitment to planning and economic development of the Baltimore community. Candidates should reflect the interests, values and character of Bernie Berkowitz. Preference will be given to those interested in public service or not-for-profit careers.
Applications are due by April 1, 2025.
Interested in donating to the Bernard L. Berkowitz Fund? Contributions are tax deductible and will be administered by the UMBC Foundation, Inc., a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN 52-1125663). Both the University System of Maryland Foundation and the UMBC Foundation, Inc. are registered trade names of the University of Maryland Foundation.
Contributions should be made to the UMBC Foundation, Inc., and mailed to:
Office of Institutional Advancement
UMBC Foundation
Administration Building, Room 832
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, Maryland 21250
In the memo line of the check reference “Bernard L. Berkowitz Memorial Fund.”
Online donations are also accepted. Click here and choose “Other” under “Designation.” Enter the fund name: Bernard L. Berkowitz Memorial Fund.
To make a gift of stock, a wire transfer, or if you have questions about other giving vehicles, contact Cheryll Ratzsch, Development Officer, UMBC, Office of Institutional Advancement: Cheryll@umbc.edu | 410-455-8052.