Chief Trevor Berger Memorial Scholarship Established at the Ridgewater College Foundation

WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – The Legion of St. Michael Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club (LEMC) – Lakes Area Chapter has established a $10,000 endowed scholarship at the Ridgewater College Foundation to honor the late Atwater Police Chief Trevor Berger. Funded by the Schmidt-Berger Memorial Ride, the scholarship supports future law enforcement students in memory of Berger, who passed away in 2022.

Members of Trevor Berger’s family presented the check to Ridgewater College President, Dr. Cheryl Norman and Interim Foundation Operations Specialist, Stephenie Jimenez at the Willmar VFW on Monday, August 10, 2026. Representing the Berger family was Kate Berger, Trevor’s wife; his sons, Micah, and Ryan; and his parents, Marvin and Nancy Berger.

Berger dedicated his career to law enforcement and the community he grew up in. He served with the McLeod County Jail, Silver Lake Police Department, Eden Valley Police Department and Atwater Police Department before becoming Atwater’s police chief.

Lakes Area Chapter President Matt Ledeboer stated that the scholarship carries both professional and personal significance. “As a non-traditional student going back to college in my 30s, I had kids, a mortgage and all of the normal responsibilities that don’t stop just because you decide to go back to school, scholarships helped me pay for the classes and other things I needed to get through school and start my career.”

Ledeboer said Berger also played an important role in giving him an opportunity to build his career. “Trevor Berger gave me one of my first opportunities as a police officer. I will always be grateful to Trevor for giving me that chance, and I’m equally grateful to Ridgewater College and the people who helped me when I was working toward that career. Being able to give something back now and help the next generation of law enforcement officers is something that means a great deal to me.”

The $10,000 contribution establishes the scholarship as an endowed fund through the Ridgewater College Foundation. Endowed scholarship funds are invested so they can provide scholarship awards to students for years to come, creating a lasting tribute to Berger and his commitment to law enforcement.

Dr. Cheryl Norman, Ridgewater President, stated “We are deeply grateful to the Legion of St. Michael Lakes Area Chapter for creating the Trevor Berger Endowed Scholarship. This endowment will help support future professionals who share Chief Berger’s dedication to serving others. We are also thankful to Chief Berger’s family for allowing us to partner in this effort and for sharing his legacy with future generations.”

For more information about Ridgewater College Foundation visit www.ridgewater.edu/foundation.

Front Row: Ryan Berger. Back Row: L to R – Marvin Berger, Nancy Berger, Stephanie Jimenez, Dr. Cheryl Norman, Micah Berger & Kate Berger

About Ridgewater College

Ridgewater College is a community and technical college with campuses in the central Minnesota communities of Willmar and Hutchinson. The college is a member of Minnesota State and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

About the Legion of St. Michael LEMS – Lakes Area Chapter

The Legion of St. Michael Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club is a nonprofit organization rooted in law enforcement and public service. The Lakes Area Chapter brings together current and former first responders, military members and supporters through motorcycle events, charitable fundraising, and community service. The organization is committed to brotherhood, service and supporting those who serve their communities.