McKendree 2014 Graduate Nykhala Coston Wins Technos Prize
Honored for Academic Excellence and Global Awareness
Lebanon, Ill. — Nykhala Coston, a 2014 McKendree University graduate with an inquisitive
mind and a passion for helping others, received the 2014 Technos International College
Prize at the May 10 commencement ceremony. Sponsored by the Tanaka Ikueikai Educational
Trust to foster multi-cultural awareness, it is given to a graduating senior chosen
by the faculty for outstanding academic performance and a commitment to international
understanding.
Coston graduated summa cum laude from McKendree on May 10 with a bachelor’s degree
in psychology. In 2012 she studied abroad in India, and spent one of her spring breaks
on a mission trip to a Chicago homeless shelter. The First Generation Student Scholar
presented her research at several professional conferences, participated in the Psychology
Club, edited and wrote for the McKendree Review newspaper, and ran cross country for
the Bearcats. Recently she was chosen for “Who's Who Among Students in American Universities.”
After graduation, she plans to become a psychiatrist specializing in global health
issues. The former Edwardsville, Ill., resident now lives in Jefferson City, Mo.
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