"We are making a commitment this day not just to work in this building, but to work with the people in the region, to make a difference in their lives, to work for constructive change in Appalachia, and to make Berea College an important part of that constructive change." 

The official dedication of the Bruce/Trades Building Connector on Feb. 22, 2002 celebrated College-Community connections with a ceremony, tours, and music from the Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble.

Photo by Ann Mary Quarandillo(enlarged image)

"This connector," said Berea College President Larry D. Shinn, "is a very strong symbol of the connection between the programs and the people that now will give it life in the programs and services which they enact."

Construction of the connector completes a five-year, $3.5 million project which began with the renovation of the Bruce Building in 1998 to house an expanded Appalachian Center, followed by renovation of the Trades Building for the Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS), completed in spring of 2001. The project incorporates new construction and renovation standards adopted by the College, utilizing ecological design principles for maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

Photo by Robert McGraw, '03 (enlarged image)

Among the oldest buildings on Berea's campus, the Bruce and Trades Buildings have served the College for almost 100 years. During their history, they have been occupied by industries and services such as the Bakery, Candy Kitchen, Broomcraft and the printing presses of the Berea Citizen newspaper. Today, the programs of the Appalachian Center and CELTS, along with Printing Services, are housed in the buildings and continue Berea's long tradition of service to the community and the region.

Representing the community, Rockcastle County instructional supervisor Shelby Reynolds, '77, who had participated as a high school student in Berea's Upward Bound program, thanked the College for "dreaming for me until I could dream for myself," and helping new generations of kids pursue their dreams.

Photo by Robert McGraw, '03 (enlarged image)

"At Berea, service is not considered a one-way activity-something we teach students to do to others," said Dr. Meta Mendel-Reyes, associate professor and director of CELTS. " Instead, we serve with those from whom we have as much to receive and to learn."

Photo by Robert McGraw, '03 (enlarged image)

Ashley Small, '02, student director for Students for Appalachia (SFA), agreed. "When I came in as a freshman, I didn't know how I could incorporate (service) everyday into my life," she said. "As I leave, my experience with SFA and the programs within CELTS has certainly given me a foundation, the tools, and the education that I'll need to do that for the rest of my life."

"We are making a commitment this day," concluded Dr. Gordon McKinney, professor of history and direcotr of the Appalachian Center, "not just to work in this building, but to wok with the people in the region, to make a difference in their lives, to work for constructive change in Appalachia, and to make Berea College an important part of that constructive change."