Kenneth Darrell Berlin
Class of 1951Alumni Recognition Award, 2001
Dr. Kenneth Darrell Berlin, current Regents professor at Oklahoma State University, graduated from Naperville Central with the class of 1951. Dr. Berlin merits outstanding alumni status at NCHS because of his commitment and service in the field of cancer research as well as other scientific endeavors.
Accredited to Dr. Berlin is a plethora of achievements, including the Sigma Xi Award in Researching in 1969 and Research Award recipient in 1977. Dr. Berlin was elected as an Outstanding Educator of America in 1970, 1974 and 1975. In 1971, he was appointed as the first Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University. This honorable distinction reflects Dr. Berlin’s influence both within the university and also throughout the scientific community; only 5% of professors are nominated to this level. During his career, Dr. Berlin has taught over 3,000 undergraduate students and mentored countless more graduates in attaining their doctorates.
His accomplishments reach further than merely his profession however. His involvement in the community as an assistant leader of the Boy Scouts and as advisor for Chinese students at Oklahoma State University, extend his contributions to the community. In addition, Dr. Berlin was a deacon from 1977-1999 for the Calvary Assembly of God Church.
During his years at NCHS, Dr. Berlin participated in Latin Club, National Honor Society, Science Club, and served as the treasurer of his senior class. He also played varsity football for three years. Upon graduating from Naperville Central, Dr. Berlin attended North Central College and graduated with a B.A. with Honors. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, Urbana.
Dr. Berlin has not isolated his successes to his academic career, in his personal life he is a guiding husband and father to his family as well. Dr. Berlin, along with his wife, Grace, raised two children Grace, valedictorian of both her high school and college classes, and Jim, honor scholar and All State tennis player. Like their father, Grace and Jim currently work in the education field.
Dr. Berlin believes his best memories of high school, other than playing on the Little Seven Conference Football team, were his "very fine classmates and wonderful teachers who had faith in [him]." This guidance influenced Dr. Berlin to aspire to the medical as well as educational fields, achieving prominence in both.
MR. BERLIN'S MESSAGE TO STUDENTS: It is important that each of us acts as a good role model for those around us, including family, friends, and associates. It is the best legacy one can leave behind for those who need comfort and encouragement.
