Degree(s): Meteorology, Masters of Public Administration
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Undergraduate Institution: University of Kansas
Graduate Institution: UCLA, USC
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Photo Credit: New York Amsterdam News
Mrs. June Bacon-Bercey was the first Black woman to earn a degree in meteorology and the first Black woman to become a TV meteorologist. Prior to joining WGR-TV in Buffalo, NY, she served as an engineer with the Sperry Corporation and a researcher with the US Atomic Energy Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Weather Service. Mrs. Bacon-Bercey was the first Black person and the first woman to be awarded the American Meteorological Society‘s Seal of Approval for excellence in television weathercasting.
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Mrs. Bacon-Bercey established the June Bacon-Bercey Scholarship for Women (administered by the American Geophysical Union) using $64,000 she won on “The $128,000 Question” quiz show. This scholarship helped supported the college pursuits of 12 women from 1978-1990.