United Way executive Marian Heard urged students graduating from Berea College Sunday afternoon to take time for their families, their communities and themselves and to work passionately for something they believe in.

"Use your time and life for service," said Heard, who recently became a member of the College's Board of Trustees. Noting the current statistics for those living in poverty and those without health insurance, Heard challenged each graduate to adopt a cause that would "in some very tangible way strengthen those less fortunate."

Heard's remarks preceded the awarding of degrees to 158 seniors and recognition of an additional 25 students who will graduate at the end of summer term.

The College also presented awards to a graduate and two College staff members at the program, held in Seabury Center.

The Hilda Welch Wood Award for outstanding achievement by a female student went to Yveta Kyselova of the Slovak Republic who received a bachelor of science degree in business administration in December. No award was given to a male student.

Berea's highest faculty honor - the Seabury Award for Excellence in Teaching - was presented to Dr. Thomas A. Boyd, professor of sociology and chair of the sociology department. Boyd holds a Ph. D. from Cambridge University, a masters degree and graduate diploma from the Institute of Socials Studies, The Hague, Netherlands, and a B.A. from Wabash College. He joined the College faculty in 1977.

Labor and student life department administrator Virgil Burnside received the Elizabeth Perry Miles Award for Community Service. A 1974 Berea graduate and an employee of the College since 1980, Burnside has been active in a variety of community activities that include Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Berea College Child Care and United Way of Madison County, the Berea Kiwanis Club and the Berea Hospital Auxilliary Golf Tournament. He also is a Berea City Councilman.

Earlier Sunday, the baccalaureate sermon was delivered by Dr. Timothy Noel, pastor of Broadus Memorial Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Va. and 1972 Berea alumnus.