Stan Berry, longtime AACRAO member, passed away on December 18th at 92. Stan had been a teacher, a high school principal, a school superintendent, and a college administrator. He was nationally known for his work with international student admissions at Washington State University but also served in various roles as an AACRAO member: Vice President for International Education, author of the World Education Series volume on Ghana, workshop leader for the first Workshop on Sub-Sahara Africa, member and later chair of the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials, and President of AACRAO in 1978.
Stan was born on April 7, 1923 in Spokane, Washington. He primarily grew up in Clarkson, Washington graduating from Clarkson High School in 1941. Following high school he briefly attended Lewis-Clark State College while working as a reporter for the Lewiston Tribune. He enrolled at Washington State College in 1942 planning on a career as a broadcaster. His education was interrupted by the Second World War and his active duty in the Marine Corps from 1943 - 46. (While on active duty he married his high school sweetheart, Bernette Thomas, making their first home in Oceanside, California where Stan was stationed.)
Stan returned to WSC where in 1948 he graduated with a degree in education. He began teaching English, speech, drama and journalism in 1948 at Colville High School and from 1952 – 55 served as its Principal.
Returning to Pullman to what is now Washington State University he began as an Associate Director of Admissions in 1955 and later as Director of Admissions in 1966. During 1969-70 he took a leave of absence to work at the East Asian Institute of International Education in Hong Kong.
Later in his career he devoted much time to international admissions travelling often on behalf of the US State Department and the Defense Department. This work was rewarded with many honors, both regional and national, but most important to Stan was the respect and friendship of colleagues who praised his leadership and professionalism.
After retiring from WSU in 1988 he continued to counsel students and worked as an educational consultant with colleagues. He spent several years as a member of the Pullman School Board where he was a staunch defender of student rights.
He was preceded in death by his beloved Bernette in 2010. Stan is survived by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless colleagues in AACRAO. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Stan and Bernette Berry Presidential Scholarship Fund c/o the WSU Foundation. A memorial service is planned for the spring.