Mary Frances Berry, the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania, received the 2014 Roy Rosenzweig Distinguished Service Award from the Organization of American Historians. The award honors scholars who have “significantly enriched our understanding and appreciation of American history.” Dr. Berry led the Organization of American Historians from 1990-91.
Professor Berry has been on the faculty at Penn since 1987. She is the author or co-author of 10 books including her latest work, Power in Words: The Stories behind Barack Obama’s Speeches, from the State House to the White House (Beacon Press, 2010).
In 1980, Professor Berry was appointed by President Carter to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Thirteen years later, she was appointed chair of the commission by President Clinton.
Dr. Berry earned a law degree and a Ph.D. in history at the University of Michigan.
