On May 27, 2001, Berea College awarded degrees to 164 seniors and recognized an additional 10 students scheduled to graduate at the end of summer term. Dr. Larry D. Shinn, Berea’s president, encouraged students to use their education to serve their communities.

“Just as we at Berea College have an underlying commitment to service,” he said, “you as graduates are now part of that commitment.”

Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, challenged the class of 2001. "A lot of people are waiting for Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi to come back- but they are gone," she said."We are it. It is up to us. It is up to you."

Marian Wright Edelman, noted author, attorney, and Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) founder and director, was the keynote speaker at graduation. She urged students graduating from Berea College to be part of the movement to “Leave No Child Behind,” CDF’s trademarked mission words made familiar to many Americans as a campaign promise adopted by George W. Bush during his presidential campaign.

Edelman urged graduates to continue the commitment to service they learned at Berea. “It’s time for greatness—not for greed,” she said. “It’s a time for idealism—not ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but compassionate action.”

The College awarded honorary degrees to Mrs. Edelman and to author and Indiana University Distinguished Professor Dr. Scott Russell Sanders, whose writing has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dr. Richard D. Sears (right), professor of English and theatre, received the Seabury Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has been instrumental in developing innovative ways to use computer technology in and outside the classroom.

Berea’s highest faculty honor— the Seabury Award for Excellence in Teaching—was presented to Dr. Richard D. Sears, professor and chair of the English and theatre department, and a member of the College faculty since 1967. In addition to teaching and directing, Sears has been at the forefront of faculty who have developed innovative ways of using computer technology and internet resources to enhance teaching and learning at Berea.

Brenda Hosley, M.S.N., ’81, assistant professor of nursing, received the Miles Award for Community Service for her involvement in community health initiatives throughout the area.

Nursing department assistant professor Brenda Hosley, M.S.N, ’81, received the Elizabeth Perry Miles Award for Community Service. A member of the College faculty since 1990, Hosley has been active in a variety of community activities that include the Community Health Council of Jackson, Rockcastle, and Southern Madison Counties, the Berea Wellness Consortium, the Madison County Health Fair and Jackson County Health Initiative Partnership Committee. She has served on the board of the Mountain Maternal Health League and other organizations.

Dr. Donald W. Hudson, ’65, professor of technology and industrial arts, received the academic advisor award.