Ivan Khoo ’25 is a software developer with the WinShape Foundation, an organization that originally invested in him through a scholarship to Berry College. Rigorous academics, including an honors thesis, shaped the double major in mathematics and computer science.
Putting skills into practice
A software development internship at Mohawk Industries, one of the world’s largest flooring manufacturers, allowed him to test skills in the real world. Assignments involved using the programming language Python to build web applications for generating, securing and authenticating manufacturing reports at Mohawk.
Ivan also applied Python in his honors project. Using the master list of classes and survey responses from faculty, Ivan and his thesis advisor, Garner Cochran, looked for a way to improve the college’s scheduling system.
“In tech, you must be prepared to solve complex problems and write the solutions out in the necessary programming language,” Ivan says. “Berry prepared me well for this. In a day where AI is so prevalent, people look for the easy way out, but our professors helped us understand processes rather than just focusing on results. When synthesizing so many things, you must clearly understand the why.”
Experiencing community at Berry
Throughout his college career, Ivan relied on trusted faculty. He says, “My mentors were consistent and intentional. Dr. Ron Taylor was never in a hurry. He always asked about life beyond my grades and had a way of telling me the truth in a way I could receive it.”
Ivan continues to invest in the Berry College community as coach of the ultimate frisbee team. He led the team to nationals as captain his senior year and was deeply shaped by the experience.
“I encourage students to join a team or club like ours because they become like second families,” he says. “Berry educates the whole person — head, heart and hands — offering students a comprehensive experience. You won't leave here a one-trick pony. Berry's culture is distinct and deeply intentional.”
