Governor Patton, Grand Marshal, waves to the crowd.

Finally, we have come to realize that the only way we can become all that we can be is to ensure that each individual can reach their maximum potential." — Paul E. Patton, Governor of Kentucky

On November 17-19, 2000, Berea College celebrated a "New Day" with homecoming festivities honoring the College’s commitment to interracial education. This year is the 50th anniversary of Berea’s re-enrollment of African-American students after the rescission of Kentucky’s 1904 Day Law, which had forbidden blacks and whites from being educated together. Gov. Patton served as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming parade, and commemorative events included a Black Summit panel discussion on what the Day Law and its rescission has meant to Berea.

At the Alumni Banquet, actor Muse Watson—the former Robert Gravel, Cx ’71 – was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Alumni Association. Watson transferred to Berea in 1970, and took a speech course taught by Paul Power ’58, then Dramatics Lab director, which led him to begin acting. "I came to Berea a troubled young man," says Watson. "But with the help and encouragement of some, and the patience of most, I stand before you today, a grown man, to say thank you." Watson has appeared in multiple films, including "Sommersby" with Jodie Foster and Richard Gere, "Something to Talk About" with Julia Roberts, and the horror films "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and its sequel "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer."

Other award recipients included Tracy Thompson ’80 (Outstanding Young Alumnus), John Cook ’60 and Becky Henderson Cook Cx ’62, (The Rodney C. Bussey Award of Special Merit) and Ruth Butwell, who was named an Honorary Alumna.