In November 2018, UMD offered Dave Goldberg a special tribute for years of dedication to UMD Bulldog Athletics. Dave is the first UMD graduate to be presented with a University of Minnesota Alumni Service Award.
Rich Steffen tells it this way. Dave Goldberg walked through the room greeting basketball players. It was 1990 and a Hoop Club event at Skyline Lanes was lively with conversation. Rich, a freshman on the team, remembers meeting Dave. “He shook hands with me and sat down. He asked me about the team and how I was doing. He wanted to know my major, and how I liked my classes so far.” That is Dave’s style. “He’s easy going, casual,” Rich says. “He made me feel comfortable.” That meant a lot to a player far from home.
As the years went on, Dave offered Rich a summer job and the two got to know each other. “It wasn’t that I was special, that’s just the way Dave is. He cares about all of us.”
That sentiment was echoed at the November ceremony by dozens of people: players, families, coaches, and fans. Dave cared.
Support
Dave has been an enthusiastic booster. The Hoop Club folded into the new booster group, the Bulldog Club, and Dave stay involved. He and his wife, Lisa Goldberg, have made an indelible mark on UMD. Over time, their support of Bulldog Athletics has grown even stronger.
Over the last 25 years, the Goldbergs have initiated multiple scholarship endowments directed to UMD men’s and women’s basketball, endowed scholarship support for all of the UMD NCAA Division II programs with the Goldberg Family Scholarships and the Goldberg Championship Scholarship Challenge, and gifted substantially to the Romano Gymnasium Renovation Project.
Just recently the competitive playing surface in Romano Gymnasium was dedicated by UMD to honor Dave. It is now called the “Dave Goldberg Court.”
Community Involvement
Dave has sought to improve lives through his generous support of the Miller Dwan Foundation, Salvation Army, and Shriners Speech and Learning Clinic. He created the Dave Goldberg Center at the Boys & Girls Club of the Northland, supports literacy programs along the South Shore of Wisconsin, and funded the Iron River Community Center and Library.
The depths of Dave's support extend to this day. He is a fixture in the stands cheering on the UMD men's and women's basketball, football, volleyball, softball, as well as men's and women's hockey teams. If he is nearby, think in the same state, he often drops in to watch a game.
Josh Berlo, director of intercollegiate athletics at UMD, tells it this way. “Dave is the consummate Bulldog in all facets. He is personally invested in area youth, our students, and UMD's future. Our institution and community are enhanced by having Dave Goldberg as a part of the team.”
Inspiration
Dave’s career gives motivation to many. After graduating summa cum laude from UMD with a degree in business and economics, Dave was employed by Archer-Daniels-Midland. By 1973, with experience he gained as a manager, he started his own housing startup business and with the help of business partners, he expanded into several fields. At the peak of Dave's career, he was an active owner of twenty-two enterprises.
Rich tells about one night just a few years ago that gives some insight into Dave’s drive. Rich stayed with American Family Insurance after he graduated from UMD and has now worked his way up to the position as president of American Family’s Life Co. Rich and Dave stayed friends.
They were on a fishing trip and after spending all day on the water, they chopped wood back at camp. After they built a campfire, Dave says, “I’m going to take two.” Rich asked for an explanation because most people say “take five.”
Dave’s answer didn’t surprise Rich. He knew Dave well enough to know, taking “two” instead of “five” gave Dave the advantage.
“That’s how Dave got ahead,” Rich says. “He has an work ethic that gives him an advantage. He puts in the time and works so hard, he outworks the competition.”
The room was filled with well-wishers the evening Dave received the Alumni Service Award. All agreed, Dave puts in the time to care, support, and inspire. Through his drive, he has made UMD a stronger university.