Name: Jeff Berggren

Affiliation/Title: Huntington University Arizona/Director of Arizona Operations

Town/Neighborhood: North Peoria/Vistancia specifically

What I’m excited about & why: So many opportunities exist for the City of Peoria and thus the citizens as well. Even in challenging times there is a spirit of possibilities. I serve as the chair for the city’s Economic Development Advisory Board and get to hear the plans for the future firsthand.

What I like most about living here: I’m a freezy cat type person (even with an Idaho upbringing) so I love the sun and the heat. Sunrises and sunsets are awesome. I’ve always sensed the city of Peoria tries to do things right. My example is to compare the bike lanes, landscaping, cleanliness and general condition of our roads versus other parts of the country.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: Clearly the financial issues for PUSD need a solution and that has proven to be a challenge. The Stadium Point at P83 project would be a major game changer for Peoria. Personal selfish change request – we need a dog park in Vistancia. Our two little guys meet all kinds of puppy friends on the trails but have no off-leash place to play within walking distance – and we don’t let them drive anymore since the unauthorized PetSmart trip of 2017!

When & why I moved here: My family and I arrived in July of 2014 (yes, July! 116 degrees when we unloaded the moving truck). After serving in a leadership role on Huntington’s home campus in Indiana for 21 years I moved here to help launch HU Arizona

Where I lived before & why I left: Huntington Indiana for 21 years most recently, Northwest Arkansas for 13 years prior and I was born and raised in Idaho. I felt it was time to move back to the West, be closer to my parents as they age, excitement about the opportunity to live here and bring HU Arizona to reality in Peoria.

My family: My wife Kelly, youngest daughter Rachael (Liberty HS grad in 2018, now film production student at Huntington), oldest daughter Lindsey (Huntington Indiana grad who lives in Indiana with her fellow HU grad husband)

What I like most about what I do: Meeting and connecting with so many people. Students, parents, coworkers, City of Peoria staff, PUSD leaders, faith community, non-profit service organizations, media professionals, the list goes on! There is nothing more fun than viewing all the digital media projects our students create and celebrating cool recognitions some of them achieve like national “Best Of” awards.

If I had picked a different occupation, it might have been: Sportscaster – no doubt. Broadcasting is one of my undergraduate degrees and the main thing that drove my college selection. I might have been chilling in the booth with Al Michaels all these years.

My interests and hobbies: Sports – no surprise! I love spending time with family, exploring Arizona, working on our many high-mileage automobiles, projects around the house, quality time with our Shih Poo dogs.

The best and/or worst time in my life: My wedding to Kelly and the births of our two daughters/Yikes! Worst time is an easy choice.  After running the anchor leg on our high school mile relay team that won regionals and qualified for state I threw up while receiving my 1st Place medal on the podium.  Anchor leg + no recovery time = public humiliation.

My best/worst habits: I appreciate routine and love to put in the work, either by myself or with a team/ Probably my open addiction to Diet Pepsi

The trait(s) I admire in others: Patience, grace, vision, compassion. The more of those others possess the more I admire them.

People who inspired me (and how): As a grade school kid it was Green Bay Packers like Bart Starr, Jerry Kramer and Willie Davis (showing my age!) who led by example on the field and were extremely high character people off it. In high school it was Coach Mike Jorgenson who was involved with all three sports I played. Coach Jorg had high expectations of me but was also approachable and fair. Currently I’m inspired by any person who overcomes adversity by remaining positive and hopeful. I’m also inspired by the story tellers who bring those people to the masses via a video or an article.

My guiding philosophy: Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. I fully believe this verse. If you recognize that every person you encounter is God’s unique and equal creation with a divine purpose it impacts each interaction you have with others.

My advice to today’s youth: Have confidence that you were created for a reason and you have special value. The process of finding your individual talents is a worthwhile adventure.  At HU Arizona we constantly remind our students that they were Created to Create. Instead of apologizing for being creative they are embracing it!