About

The Marian Bergeson Excellence in Public Service Series is a highly-regarded, competitive program that seeks to increase the number of Republican women in elected, appointed political, volunteer, and staff positions at the local, state, and federal levels. As a result of the Series’ broad scope and access to those in government and politics, Bergeson Scholars benefit from training, mentoring, and a greatly expanded network of political relationships. The Marian Bergeson Excellence in Public Service Series does not endorse candidates nor does it make candidate donations.

Marian C. Bergeson

Marian C. Bergeson (August 31, 1925 – July 6, 2016) was an American Republican politician from California. The first woman ever to serve in both the California State Assembly and California State Senate, she was a member of the state legislature from 1978 to 1995, a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 1996, and California State Secretary of Education from 1996 to 1999. In 1986, Marian Bergeson Elementary School in Laguna Niguel was named in her honor.

“This series is a wonderful opportunity to prepare talented women for the important role of decision-making in the political process for all levels of government.”