Emily Berry is Chosen for Technos International Prize
(LEBANON, Ill., May 8, 2020) — Emily Berry, a McKendree University Class of 2020 graduate
with an adventurous spirit, a thirst to discover the world and a desire to help others,
has received this year’s Technos International Prize. Through the continued generosity
of the Tanaka Ikuekai Educational Trust, a graduating McKendree senior is selected
by the faculty for the annual award.
Berry, of O’Fallon, Ill., easily combines the Technos Prize’s two criteria: outstanding
academic performance and a commitment to international understanding. She double majored
in psychology and Spanish, completing her degree requirements in December 2019. Last
fall, she was chosen for the state’s highest student honor, the Abraham Lincoln Civic
Engagement Award, and was named a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois
for her high academic achievement.
McKendree professors describe her as bright, responsible, and committed to global
awareness. She excelled in her Spanish courses and served as a Spanish tutor. “She
is a natural leader who exemplifies the best McKendree has to offer—outstanding academic
performance, integrity and social consciousness,” said Dr. Tami Eggleston, professor
of psychology and associate provost for institutional effectiveness.
“I am beyond honored to have been selected,” said Berry. “McKendree has become a home
to me and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve traveling abroad, double majors, and
jobs without the support from faculty and friends. My professors believed in me and
they pushed me to do my best. I cannot thank them enough for all I have learned from
them. This recognition gives me high hopes towards my future career and my endless
desire to learn about the world while helping others.”
Berry has traveled to Guatemala on a mission trip, to Cuba on an educational trip
with other McKendree students, to Spain for study abroad, and to Japan for a two-week
summer program hosted by Technos International College. She also has visited Portugal,
Italy, Morocco, England and Ireland. Currently, she is volunteering with AmeriCorps’
City Year program, working at a Miami, Fla., high school in an underserved community.
Berry’s long-term future is bright and her options are many. She may reapply to the
highly competitive Fulbright program in Mexico for 2021-2022, having advanced to the
semifinals this year. She has also applied to teach English in Spain later on if possible,
or she may continue teaching for AmeriCorps. Eventually, she wants to pursue a doctoral
degree in clinical or school psychology and work with Latinx youth.
This summer, she will remain in southern Florida, working online to tutor, mentor and help adolescents prepare for college through a position
with VISTA AmeriCorps. Meanwhile, Berry said, “I am calling parents, and creating lessons and encouraging videos for
the students. I look forward to continuing my work here in Florida!”
McKendree University graduate Emily Berry, winner of the 2020 Technos International Prize
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