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Milner Library

David Berlo

Served as President 1971-1973

David Berlo

Portrait Details

Artist

unknown

Canvas Size

23 1/2" x 29 1/4"

Creation Date

circa 1971

See all Presidents

President Berlo’s portrait was created in a similar manner to Braden’s, though the photograph was painted over entirely. Not fading as fast as Braden’s official portrait, an observer can see the photograph in this portrait is starting to slightly fade.

David Berlo Full Portrait

President Berlo’s portrait was created in a similar manner to Braden’s, though the photograph was painted over entirely. Not fading as fast as Braden’s official portrait, an observer can see the photograph in this portrait is starting to slightly fade.

Looking closely at the edge of Berlo’s face and shoulder, one can just see the edge of the photograph and the paint that was used to blend it into the style of a painted portrait.

Berlo Portrait Details

Looking closely at the edge of Berlo’s face and shoulder, one can just see the edge of the photograph and the paint that was used to blend it into the style of a painted portrait.

Berlo participates in the 1971 Homecoming parade.

David Berlo

Berlo participates in the 1971 Homecoming parade.

Like all of ISU’s modern presidents, Berlo participated in the 1971 Homecoming parade.

David Berlo

Like all of ISU’s modern presidents, Berlo participated in the 1971 Homecoming parade.

President Berlo visits with local children while enjoying crisp, fall air.

David Berlo with Children

President Berlo visits with local children while enjoying crisp, fall air.

This photo was likely the image used to create the president’s official portrait. A new medium in its time, the artist would glue an image to canvas and paint on and around it to make it look like a painting.

David Berlo Portrait

This photo was likely the image used to create the president’s official portrait. A new medium in its time, the artist would glue an image to canvas and paint on and around it to make it look like a painting.

This photograph is one of several official portraits taken of President Berlo during his presidency.

David Berlo

This photograph is one of several official portraits taken of President Berlo during his presidency.

Biography

Teaching Communication

David Kenneth Berlo (1929-1996) was the eleventh president of Illinois State University. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Berlo was interested in communication and earned his psychology degree and later his PhD in communication from the University of Illinois. While there, Berlo wrote what would become a popular textbook in the field of communication, The Process of Communication. In 1958, Berlo became the first chairperson for the new department of General Communication Arts at Michigan State University and served in that capacity until his appointment as Illinois State University’s newest president in 1971.

Forced to Resign

Berlo’s future at ISU seemed bright in the early months of his tenure, however, his interactions with administrators and faculty were seen as harsh and hostile. Berlo did make some positive contributions during his time at ISU, including stabilizing administrative structures and working to improve communications technologies. However, twenty months into his presidency, Berlo was forced to resign when allegations surfaced of improper spending of university funds on the presidential residence. Berlo moved to St. Petersburg, Florida and became a communication and management consultant earning a ‘Man of the Year’ award from the Industrial Council of the YMCA in 1979. David Kenneth Berlo died on February 23, 1996 in Florida and was buried in the New Saint Marcus Cemetery and Mausoleum in Affton, Missouri.

Continued Research

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