Bergerson's students are today's leaders

A well-liked professor, whose 34-year tenure at Southeast Missouri State University has made him synonymous with government and political science, is leaving amid much praise for his dedication and excellent teaching.

Dr. Peter Bergerson, longtime chairman of the Political Science Department, is leaving the post he has occupied since 1968 and will take a position teaching at five-year-old Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Meyers, Fla..

Bergerson, a true-blue Kennedy Democrat and unabashed liberal, has mentored many students over his tenure, helping to place countless numbers of them in internships from the statehouse to the White House.

These have included two presidents pro tem of the Missouri Senate (one from each party), other state lawmakers, judges, congressional aides, chiefs of staff, a press secretary and a campaign manager to a former governor, among many others.

Bergerson has been known for his professionalism and fair-mindedness amidst his ardent rooting for his party. This was characterized by inviting prominent Republicans on many occasions to address his classes.

We wish Bergerson and his family well in this move as he continues his life's work.