VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Valley City business entrepreneur Bob Bergan and Valley City State University alumnus, received the VCSU Distinguished Service Award at a reception at City Lights Supper Club on Thursday, December 14th.

Family members, friends, and representatives of the VCSU Foundation Board and Booster Board gathered at City Lights for the surprise presentation.

Bergan, a 1982 VCSU graduate in business administration was honored for his longtime commitment to Valley City State University, which he has served as both a member of the Booster Board and the Foundation Board. He is also one of the founders of the Viking Scramble Golf Outing and the Viking Fish Fry, fundraisers that benefit the VCSU athletic program.

“My passion for VCSU has always been there,” said Bergan. “As a businessman, I understand what the university means to the community. As a family, we want to help out the university and give back to the community.”

A native of Carrington, ND, Bergan began his business career at Farmers and Merchants Bank (now Dacotah Bank) in Valley City following graduation from VCSU. He and his wife, Joni, 1983 VCSU graduate, purchased and brought a Taco John’s franchise to Valley City in 1985. The Bergan’s added to their restaurant interests, the purchase of City Lights Supper Club in 2012 and the establishment of the Pizza Ranch franchise in 2014.

Bergan also has interests in rental property; he operates Berkel Properties, which he founded with Wayne Keller. Bergan has also developed the Pinnacle Condominiums in Valley City.

The Bergans’ eldest son, Tommy, serves as general manager of all three restaurants in Valley City. Son Chad is a dentist in Fargo, and daughter Jossy works in corporate IT recruitment in Denver, Colo.

The Distinguished Service Award, is VCSU’s highest honor, and is given at the discretion of the president in recognition of exceptional contribution to the university’s vision. Bergan is the 26th recipient of the award.