Six ITS students awarded ISACA fellowships

Senior Bernard Berchie recently learned that he is the only undergraduate student out of six Ohio University Information and Telecommunication Systems (ITS) students in the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies to be awarded the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellowships 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.

“Being awarded this fellowship caught me by surprise,” said Berchie. “I 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, I’ll be one step closer to what I want to achieve in the future.”

“Bernie is our only undergraduate student to receive the award this year,” said Assistant Professor of Instruction Bruce Tong. “Not many undergrads receive the award.”

Berchie grew up near Fredericksburg, Virginia and came to Ohio University after being awarded scholarships and falling in love with the campus. He learned about the opportunity to apply for the ISACA fellowship in Tong’s ITS 4510 – Cybersecurity for Network and Information Systems last semester.

“I remember Professor Tong saying ‘What’s better than a bachelor’s degree in ITS? A bachelor’s degree and a certificate,’” said Berchie. “I took heed to the words of Professor Tong because of his experience, so I applied.”

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

“Cybersecurity is something I really enjoy,” said Berchie. “This 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. I’m truly appreciative for this opportunity.”

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