Linda McDonald Plante with Professor Berry at Awards Ceremony
I was Mr. Berry’s student assistant for three years while I was at WVWC. He was my advisor, a mentor to me and I loved learning from him. I’m sure he was a good part of the reason that led me to be a Mathematics major. When he asked me to be his assistant after taking his Trig class, I was amazed that he’d even noticed me in the class. He saw more in me than I saw in myself and helped me become more confident in my teaching abilities. After graduation, he helped me get an instructor’s position at the college. I remember going to his house for cookouts with the family, and we were honored to be attend the ceremony when he and Anona renewed their vows. He was the one professor that I made sure to introduce my son to when he was starting at WVWC in 2007. For his big stature, he was one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. Linda MacDonald Plante ’83
Mr. Berry was the reason I eventually became a math & physics teacher.
I’d bounced around in various programs my first two years at Wesleyan and found myself at the end of my sophomore year with no clear direction. Over that summer I decided to try Computer Science and that fall was very excited to finally declare a major that I thought I’d like. However, I had no idea how much math was involved. I never paid attention to math in high school and the next thing I knew, I was in Mr. Berry’s Calculus 1 class, frantically trying to stay afloat. Mr. Berry should have shown me the door and at least made me take the appropriate pre-req classes, but he knew that I’d already been there for 2 years and I needed a path to graduate. So, instead of judging me, he spent countless hours basically teaching me what I should have learned in a high school Algebra 2 class – and there I was trying to learn Calculus. In 20/20 hindsight that was an absurd combination and the only thing that kept me afloat was his compassion.
Over the next 3 years I took more math classes from him than I could shake a stick at. He also encouraged me to get a minor in Physics, thinking that it might help me in the computer industry.
I did work in the computer industry for 20 years, but after I came to a crossroads (I’m just not cut out for corporate politics), I reflected on what I could do with the rest of my life and decided to try to impact students as he impacted me.
Twenty years into teaching, I still try to be as patient and kind and non-judgmental with my students as he was with me.
One day, as I was struggling yet again, he told me that students understand one level below the class they’re taking, but with time, they’ll catch up and be fine. He was absolutely correct. Math finally started making sense after I’d taken my 3rd or 4th class from him. Once I started teaching Calculus, there were many times that I thought back to the absurd questions I asked him…but never did he point out my shortcomings…he just dug in and tried to fix them.
He truly was a Giant.
#6 on my To-Do list was to write him another letter since it’s been two or three years (maybe more) since we last corresponded. My last class with him was 40 years ago and now I’m approaching retirement and it’s almost time for me to say goodbye to the classroom. Sadly, I didn’t get it written quickly enough. I talked about him to my classes today. They’d all heard the stories of how I struggled in school because I wasn’t prepared. Now they know the name and had a chance to see his picture. Perhaps his attitude of helping instead of judging will live on.
Born: December 5, 1942 (Braxton County, WV) Died: March 21, 2021 (Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV) Education: Sutton High School, 1960 B.S. West Virginia Institute of Technology, 1964 M.A. Pennsylvania State University
Taught: Professor of Mathematics 1966-2006 Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus 2006-2017
(Stockert-Paletti Funeral Home) Obituary: Michael Lynn Berry, 78, of Buckhannon, WV and formally of Flatwoods, WV went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV. Michael was born in Braxton County and was a son to the late Gordon and Marjorie (Miller) Berry. Michael is survived by his wife, Anona (Voeks) Berry whom he shared 54 memory filled years with.
He is also survived by his son, Derek Berry of Buckhannon, WV, daughter Michele Berry and companion Michael Riggs of Bridgeport, WV, and two nephews; Doug and Dave Berry. Michael is preceded in death by his brother William Berry.
Michael graduated Sutton High School in 1960 and continued his education at West Virginia State earning a bachelor’s degree, and graduated Penn State with his master’s degree. He put his knowledge to use at West Virginia Wesleyan College where he was a math professor for 42 years.
Michael built a memorable life in Buckhannon and was a faithful member at Buckhannon Alliance Church. He enjoyed reading, collecting stamps, and had an admiration for model trains as well. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
His family will honor his request for cremation and a graveside service will be held at a later time. Fond memories and words of comfort can be shared at stockert-paletti.com.
From Sundial December 1966, p.19
Mike was a good friend and colleague at West Virginia Wesleyan College. My job was slated to be cut in 2006. Mike phased into retirement so that I could keep the job I still hold today. That’s the type of man he was. As a student of Mike, he peppered my proofs with things like H.H. and P.P. You had to ask to see what these abbreviations meant. They stood for horse hockey and pig puckey. Even though they were words of correction, you had to laugh. We were required to go to his office an hour per week when we had him for a proof-based class. He had lots of rules and very high standards, which did not win him the accolades of all, but those of us who understood how much he cared and wanted to make us better still sing his praises. He was truly one of a kind. My condolences to Anona, Michele, and Derek.
Born: August 7, 1870 (Palmer Township,Washington County, OH)
Died: May 21, 1965 (Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV)
Education:
West Virginia Conference Seminary, 1896
A.B. West Virginia University, 1904
M.A. Columbia University, 1924
Served 1896-1912;
Secretary of the Faculty 1901-03
Taught:
English Studies 1896-97
Assistant in Latin and Mathematics 1897-99
Latin and Mathematics 1899-1903
Assistant Professor of Mathematics 1911-1912
Notes:
Sister of Frank B. Trotter
Class of 1907 Named their Class for her
Leave of Absence 1910
After West Virginia Wesleyan, she taught at Shepherdstown until her retirement
In 1960, the Trotter Lounge (Jenkins Hall) was named for her and a portrait unveiled. She was in attendance along with 8 surviving members of her class
This week, we learned that Katherine Johnson had died at age 101. The photo above appeared on Facebook — launching me into an exploration. Although I knew the basics behind this statue, and the woman it honors, there was more to discover!
I won’t go into depth here about her life, as it has been well documented in many places, especially this week. A few great examples can be found here.
Johnson’s death occurred at an interesting point on the calendar. Right between Black History Month and Womens’ History Month. She is the ultimate example of the reason that we need to know more about both.
Katherine Johnson
Although Katherine Johnson did not attend West Virginia Wesleyan, there is a statue of her on our campus. She stands between Christoper Hall of Science and the David E. Reemsnyder Research Center as a daily reminder of the possibilities within all of us.
Her Alma Mater, West Virginia State University, also has a statue of her on their campus. Both were inspired by the movie, Hidden Figures. Katherine graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1937, at the age of 18 years old with majors in both Mathematics and French.
The Power of the Pen (and Art)
If not for author Margo Lee Shetterly, all of the power of Katherine Johnson’s story would likely still be unkown. Her 2016 book, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, inspired the movie of the same name. Margo has also started a project called The Human Computer Project to find all of the Human Computers from those early days of NASA and to remember their contributions. She wrote about four, but there were hundreds.
If not for the movie, Ellen Mueller would not have been inspired to commission this statue to be created by Andy Thorne. Ellen, who taught in the WVWC Art Department from 2012-17, wanted to celebrate a West Virginian who had overcome challenges to reach excellence. When she saw Hidden Figures, she knew she had found the perfect person! And also that this story needed to be shared. Ellen noted that:
Since 2011, WVWC has had at least 14% of the student population from a minority. This sculpture is a way to help minorities on campus know that they are welcomed and honored here.
Andy Thorne, a native West Virginian and a sculptor, worked as a Visiting Artist with Ellen and her 3-D Design Class to show them how a commissioned sculpture progressed from idea through the steps of making it a reality. This weekend I had the chance to talk with Andy, who has since moved to Florida, and he is so happy to have had the opportunity to work with Ellen and her students — especially on this project which highlights such an amazing West Virginian.
If not for the statue, the photograph at the top of this page would not have been taken by Sandi Phillips Miller (class of 1976) and shared on Facebook this week upon the death of Katherine Johnson.
If not for the photograph, I might not have written this particular blog.
It is my hope that someone reading this blog might be inspired by Katherine Johnson all over again. She is still teaching us that it is possible, no matter who you are, where you were born, or the odds that are seemingly stacked up against you, the potential in every person is something to be recognized, mentored, celebrated, and advocated.
