The President’s Office sponsors the annual Founders’ Day Convocation. This event celebrates Berea’s interracial history by honoring African American and other alumni and leaders who overcame many obstacles to establish Berea College and to live out Berea’s mission through his/her life in community service roles such as teachers, ministers, activists, and scholars, and whose distinguished service to his/her community reflects the ideals of John G. Fee and his vision of an education for all. At the annual convocation, President Larry D. Shinn presents the John G. Fee Award in the name of the honoree to his/her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Usually, honorees are from the pre-1903 College community.

John G. Fee Award Recipients

• 2000, George and Elgetha Bell
• 2001, Julia Britton Hooks
• 2002, “Professor” John W. Bate
• 2003, Rev. Dr. James Bond
• 2004, John G. Fee Moran
• 2005, Rev. John Gregg Fee
• 2006, Dr. Wallace A. Battle
• 2007, J.A.R. and Elizabeth Rogers

For more information about Founders' Day, please contact Bennett Boggs.