The Neal-Marshall Alumni Club is proud to honor a remarkable group of Indiana University graduates whose achievements continue to make a lasting impact in their professional fields and communities. The Rising Star Award recognizes alumni who, within just a few years, have already distinguished themselves through excellence, leadership, and service. These individuals exemplify the values of Indiana University and serve as inspiring role models for future generations.
This year’s Rising Star Awards will be presented during Bring On IU: DC on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. at the Rooftop Atrium of The Riggs Washington DC.
2025 Rising Star Honoree
Dorothy Judith Berry, MA’16, MLS’16
Digital Curator – Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
IU Bloomington
- Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology – College of Arts and Sciences
- Master of Library Science – Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Dorothy Berry is a nationally recognized leader in African American archives and digital curation. As the Digital Curator for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Berry works at the intersection of history, technology, and cultural heritage—making Black history more discoverable, accessible, and impactful through innovative digital initiatives.
Before joining the Smithsonian, Berry served in several groundbreaking roles, including as the Digital Collections Program Manager at Harvard University’s Houghton Library and the Digitization and Metadata Lead for Umbra Search African American History at the University of Minnesota. At Harvard, she led the university’s first major initiative to digitize and interpret rare 19th-century Black history materials, helping to uncover stories that had long been hidden or inaccessible.
Dorothy’s impressive list of accolades includes the 2021 Society of American Archivists Council Exemplary Service Award, the 2020 Library Journal Mover and Shaker Award, and a 2020 Mellon Fellowship for Diversity, Inclusion & Cultural Heritage. She was also recognized as a 2021 Innovation Fellow by IU’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.
Her influence stretches far beyond institutions—Dorothy is a highly sought-after speaker and educator. Her widely taught essay, “The House Archives Built,” has become a cornerstone in Library Science programs nationwide. She also serves on international working groups aimed at improving how marginalized communities are represented and described in digital archives.
Dorothy’s legacy of service and advocacy began at IU Bloomington, where she was a dual-degree standout. As a teaching assistant in Dr. Fernando Orejuela’s hip-hop course, she brought passion and creativity into the classroom, helping to shape an innovative learning experience focused on the cultural aesthetics and politics of hip-hop. She also contributed significantly to the Archives of African American Music and Culture, training under experts like Brenda Nelson-Strauss and Dr. Portia K. Maultsby.
“Dorothy was a standout from day one,” said Dr. Orejuela. “Her creativity, critical thinking, and advocacy for inclusive learning environments set her apart. It’s no surprise she’s now leading national conversations around African American history and digital archiving.”
“Her expansive knowledge, exceptional creativity, and dedication to archival initiatives were a huge benefit to IU,” added Brenda Nelson-Strauss. “She continues to be a role model for students and professionals in cultural heritage organizations.”
From Bloomington to the Smithsonian, Dorothy Berry is shaping how the world sees and understands African American history—and inspiring future archivists and curators to carry the torch.
Learn more about Dorothy Berry
View past Rising Star awardees
Join us for the celebration at Bring On IU: DC
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 6–9 p.m.
Rooftop Atrium, The Riggs Washington DC
900 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Learn more about Bring On IU: DC