James Jernberg, second from left; with Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Dean J. Brian Atwood, second from right; Alumni Association President Bruce Mooty and Regent Patricia Simmons. Photograph by Sher Stoneman

As an alumnus and a professor emeritus, James Jernberg’s connections to the University and the Humphrey Institute span more than 50 years. He has worked diligently over those decades to put students first, making it his mission to get to know them—whether they enrolled in his classes or not—and create for them a true community. It was during his faculty days that he helped to create the Humphrey Institute’s first alumni board and its Alumni Tuition Grant Program.

In the 13 years since his retirement, he has kept his community-building legacy alive through continuing involvement as a friend, mentor, and benefactor by hosting student-alumni gatherings, supporting Gopher Athletics, and establishing the Jernberg Student Support Fund, the Jernberg Award for Service to Students, and the Jernberg Lounge. Through these, he has guided the transformation of countless students to active alumni, ensuring their bond with the University for many years to come.