51ĀŅĀ×

Senior Bernard Berchie recently learned that he is the only undergraduate student out of six 51ĀŅĀ× Information and Telecommunication Systems (ITS) students in the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies to be awarded the this year.

The fellowship is a selective program that provides one-on-one coaching to college students with ISACA professionals and assists in funding college expenses with a $500 scholarship. Once students complete the program, they earn the ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellow designation, along with an officially recognized cyber-related certificate issued by ISACA.

ā€œBeing awarded this fellowship caught me by surprise,ā€ said Berchie. ā€œI was surprised that I actually pulled this off. It took a lot of work and effort to get to where I am right now and once I complete this program, Iā€™ll be one step closer to what I want to achieve in the future.ā€

ā€œBernie is our only undergraduate student to receive the award this year,ā€ said Assistant Professor of Instruction Bruce Tong. ā€œNot many undergrads receive the award.ā€

Berchie grew up near Fredericksburg, Virginia and came to 51ĀŅĀ× after being awarded scholarships and falling in love with the campus. He learned about the opportunity to apply for the ISACA fellowship in Tongā€™s ITS 4510 ā€“ Cybersecurity for Network and Information Systems last semester.

ā€œI remember Professor Tong saying ā€˜Whatā€™s better than a bachelorā€™s degree in ITS? A bachelorā€™s degree and a certificate,ā€™ā€ said Berchie. ā€œI took heed to the words of Professor Tong because of his experience, so I applied.ā€

Berchie hopes to pursue a career in cybersecurity as an IT auditor or security analyst.

ā€œCybersecurity is something I really enjoy,ā€ said Berchie. ā€œThis fellowship will provide a new sort of hands-on experience for me in the field and puts me a step further ahead than other undergraduates coming out of college. Iā€™m truly appreciative for this opportunity.ā€

Other 2025 ITS ISACA Fellowship winners include graduate students:
Richard Abaidoo
Sadick Essandoh
John Bob
Lydia Adarkwah-Pepra
Kenny Adediji