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Dwight pictured with his wife Nancy.
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WIU Alumnus Takes Pride in the University He Chose

August 9, 2022

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University alumnus Dwight Berryman looks back fondly on his educational journey at WIU and believes it helped open many doors throughout his career while raising a family.

"Early in my career, a bachelor's degree was needed to move forward in upper management. The WIU Board of Governor's program, now called General Studies program at WIU-QC allowed me to gain an education while working and raising a family," Berryman said.

Berryman was born and raised in Clinton, IA., where he attended Clinton High School and later Clinton Community College. After graduating with an associate degree, Berryman attended Scott Community College and gained another two-year degree in data processing.

"My career really took off from there," said Berryman. "I accepted a position at AC Nielsen and Sperry Univac in Cedar Falls, IA, and took some evening classes at University of Northern Iowa. At this point in my life, I had started a family and really didn't know what would be next."

After three years in Cedar Falls, Berryman and his family moved to the Quad Cities, where he completed his degree at WIU-QC.

"WIU is doing it right," said Berryman. "I was able to attend night classes with other working people. All of us were striving to improve our skills and knowledge in our areas and it was great to interact with others who shared similar interests."

After graduating from WIU, Berryman worked at University of Northern Iowa and then IBM for 10 years in technology, retiring early in 1990. Although Berryman thought his career was coming to an end, a local executive approached him to work for Nims Associates in Decatur, IL. This move would change the course of his career. Berryman was able to grow this business rapidly and eventually became the president when it was sold to Keane in 2004.

Berryman talks highly of his education at WIU and credits his scholarly endeavors as critical to his successful career path.

"My WIU degree on my resume is what got me my job at IBM and later at Nims," said Berryman. "I am grateful for my time at WIU and will continue to give to the University even through my legacy."

When asked what advice he would give to current or future WIU students, Berryman had a lot to say.

"I would tell students to never stop learning; you never know when your education efforts and experiences will position you toward a life-changing career," said Berryman. It takes continuous learning and communication skills to separate you from someone else. Having the willingness to learn is important, and graduation is only the beginning."

Posted By: Lexi Yoggerst (AJ-Yoggerst@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing