On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Berry Alumni Association gathered to honor a remarkable group of individuals whose lives and work uphold the very best of the Berry spirit. The Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony brought together alumni, friends, and family to celebrate achievements that reflect service, leadership, innovation and the enduring values that define our community.
This year's honorees — four distinguished alumni and one honorary alumnus — embody what it means to make a lasting impact. Their stories remind us that a Berry education reaches far beyond campus. It continues to inspire lives of purpose.
Honoring a Berry Legend: Amos Montgomery
The Alumni Council bestowed Honorary Alumni status upon Amos Montgomery, a man whose name has become synonymous with warmth, mentorship and unwavering service. For more than 50 years, Amos has been a guiding presence at Berry. His hospitality is legendary — ask anyone who has been blessed by his grill mastery or welcomed by his infectious smile.
More importantly, Amos has been a steadfast advocate for Black students and a cherished partner to the Berry African Alumni Chapter. His quiet leadership, rooted in faith and deep care for others, has shaped generations. To honor him as an honorary alumnus is to recognize a lifetime of love poured into this community. Berry is better because of him.
Celebrating Our Distinguished Alumni
Alongside Amos, we proudly recognized four Berry graduates whose achievements span research, entrepreneurship, service and athletics. Nancy Paris Simpson (77C) received the Distinguished Achievement Award for her exceptional 38-year legacy in collegiate athletic administration, including major championship milestones at Cal State San Bernardino. Andy Craddock (88C) was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for a career devoted to nonprofit leadership and Christ-centered counseling rooted in the "I am third" philosophy. Drew Dillard (13C) earned the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for transforming a class project into Juliana's Boutique, a multimillion-dollar retail business built through grit and innovation. And Dr. Emily Melchior (16C) received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for becoming a leading expert in animal health research and a mentor to early-career scientists.
