The son of a K-State alum, Alex Berger’s childhood included frequent trips to Manhattan. His family enjoyed fishing, kayaking, cycling or just goofing around town, so Berger was pretty familiar with his new surroundings well before he arrived. Still, leaving home is a major transition for anyone.

“It was exciting, but as the ‘unknown,’ it was also a little nerve wracking,” Berger said. “It’s a big step, going from high school to college, but so far everything’s been great.”

Berger dove headfirst into college life, however, joining the tennis club and activities pertaining to his major. He finds balance by offsetting his demanding schedule with regular fishing excursions to Tuttle Creek Reservoir and meet-ups with fellow GLS scholars, prioritizing crucial connections to the outdoors and to peers who share his values and vision.

“It’s nice to have familiar faces around, especially during those first few weeks,” Berger said. “We grab dinner together on Sundays and talk, which has been fun. Getting to know my fellow GLS scholars and the benefactors who stepped in to support our education has been a great experience.”

Education

McPherson High School, McPherson, KS | Class of 2025 | GPA: 4.0

At McPherson High, Berger was a saxophone section leader in band and an FBLA national qualifier in accounting. He was active in student council, National Honor Society and the Scholar Bowl team. A star tennis player, he was a Top 5 4A state medalist in 2023, 2024 and 2025, receiving KTCA Academic All-State Team honors and the KSHSAA Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in each of those years as well. At graduation, he was named a Menard Family Scholar and Herbel Accounting Fellow.

Berger’s high school experience cemented his plans to pursue accounting as a career. As a Herbel Accounting Fellow, he’s part of an accelerated academic program that incorporates elements of relationship building, study skills and career preparation, along with travel to Washington, D.C., to explore the profession up close and meet with prestigious accounting firms in the area.

Thank you!

“I’m honored to be part of a group that not only receives generous support from our benefactors but is also committed to growing and becoming the best versions of ourselves,” Berger said. “Being a GLS Scholar motivates me to make the most of every opportunity and to contribute to GLS in the way our founders intended.”