Morris Dees is chief trial counsel and chair of the executive
board of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a non-profit group
that maintains a pool of lawyers who specialize in lawsuits involving
civil rights violations and racially motivated crimes.
Dees, civil rights lawyer and founder
of the Southern Poverty Law Center, urged students graduating from
Berea College to use their education to further the cause of justice.
“I know that because of your commitment to come to Berea,
the values of this College and the support of your families, that
you are going to make sure that justice rolls down for all of our
people,” said Dees.
Dees’ remarks preceded the awarding of degrees to 227 seniors
and recognition of an additional 17 students who will graduate
at the end of the summer term during the College’s 147th Commencement,
held on May 26 in the Seabury Center Gym. The College also awarded
an honorary degree to Dees.
Berea’s highest faculty honor—the Seabury Award for
Excellence in Teaching—was presented to Laura A. Crawford, ’62,
associate professor and holder of the Susan V. Clayton Chair in
nursing. Crawford, who joined Berea’s faculty in 1965, holds
a master of nursing degree from Emory University and a bachelor
of science in nursing from Berea College. Crawford also was honored
at the pinning service for nursing major graduates which took place
Sunday morning at Union Church.
Black studies and general studies associate professor Andrew
Baskin, ’72, received the Elizabeth Perry Miles Award for
Community Service. A faculty member since 1983, Baskin has been
a voice for racial justice and faith concerns both on and off campus,
and active in community organizations and youth sports activities.
He is a member of the Kentucky Humanities Council and was appointed
to the Black Heritage Commission of Kentucky by the governor.
Dr. Barbara Wade, professor of English and theatre, received the academic advisor
award.
The Hilda Welch Wood Award for outstanding achievement by a female
student went to Life Blumberg of Berea, who received a bachelor
of arts degree in theatre. The T. J. Wood Award for outstanding
achievement by a male student went to Noah Daniel Arevalo of Lebanon,
Penn., who received a bachelor of arts degree in English.
Dr. Benjamin Hooks, civil rights leader and former head of the
NAACP, delivered the morning Baccalaureate sermon to graduation
candidates. Dr. Hooks is currently president of the National Civil
Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn. and Distinguished Adjunct Professor
at the University of Memphis.
Phuntsok Dolma, of India (Tibetan), celebrates her graduation with
family and friends
Laura A. Crawford—Seabury Award
for Excellence in Teaching
Andrew Baskin—Elizabeth Perry Miles Award for Community Service
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