Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton will help Berea College celebrate its historic commitment to interracial education during Homecoming '00 activities at the College Nov. 17-19. Patton will serve as Grand Marshal of the College's Homecoming Parade scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning down Chestnut Street.

This year's "New Day" theme commemorates the 50th anniversary of the amendment of the Day Law, a state law that prohibited integrated classrooms in Kentucky. When the law was enacted in 1904, Berea College appealed unsuccessfully all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The law's amendment in 1950 allowed Berea to resume enrolling students of African descent.

"Berea College is one of Kentucky's finest private institutions and has always offered its students an outstanding and innovative approach to higher education." said Governor Patton. "As we mark the 50th anniversary of the repeal of the Day Law, this celebration demonstrates the determination and responsibility we have to provide a superior education and the foundation for a high quality of life for Appalachian students, African American students and all humankind."

Following the parade, a reception for Gov. Patton, open to the public, is planned in the Woods-Penniman Commons at 12 noon. In case of rain, the parade will be cancelled and the reception will begin at 11 a.m.

Before the parade, starting at 10:15, balloons, face painting and juggling will be offered in front of the Alumni Building and Fairchild Hall. Rain site for these activities is the Alumni Building TV Lounge.

Additional events which focus on this year's theme include a pre-Homecoming "Black Summit" sponsored by the Black Cultural Center on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. in Baird Lounge of the Alumni Building; a Saturday morning Black Alumni breakfast at 8:30 a.m., in the Boone Tavern Oak Room honoring retired history professor Dr. Cleo Charles; a Black Music Ensemble Concert at 1 p.m. followed by a reception in Baird Lounge sponsored by the Black Studies program; and a 9 a.m. Sunday morning fellowship and farewell breakfast in the Boone Tavern Oak Room. Tickets for Saturday's breakfast are $7.50; guests can order from the regular menu on Sunday morning.

All alumni, friends and guests are invited to attend all Homecoming events.

Three outstanding alumni and a former administrator of the College also will be honored at this year's activities. Actor Muse Watson, cx '71, who began his acting career at Berea and has appeared in more than 25 major motion pictures, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Tracy Thompson, '80, chief executive officer and president of DeRoyal, Inc., will be honored as Outstanding Young Alumnus.

John Cook, a 1960 graduate and his wife Becky Henderson Cook, class of 1962, will receive the Award of Special Merit. Cook, who retired last spring as the College's associate provost, was Admissions director at Berea for 22 years. Becky Cook was a teacher with the College's Child Development Laboratory pre-school for more than 25 years. Ruth Butwell, retired dean of Student Life at Berea (1971-95) will be named an Honorary Alumna.

Watson and Thompson will be presented their awards at the Alumni Banquet scheduled for Friday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Boone Tavern Dining Room and Watson, a parade participant, will be honored at a reception following the parade on Saturday morning, at 11:30 a.m. in Baird Lounge. The Cooks and Butwell will be honored at the Alumni Coffee on Saturday morning.

Also on Friday will be the Black Student Union Homecoming Pageant from 7-9:30 in Gray Auditorium of Presser Hall. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for all others.

Performances of "Look Homeward, Angel," produced by the College's Theatre Laboratory, are scheduled at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings in the Jelkyl Drama Center's McGaw Theatre. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved at the box office by calling (859) 985-3478.

On Saturday, the Alumni Coffee, scheduled for 9:30 in Baird Lounge, will include a performance by the College's Alumni Singers and presentation of awards beginning at 10 a.m.

At noon, Reunion lunches are scheduled for the classes of '80, '85, '90, '95 and '00. A host of activities is scheduled for Saturday afternoon including the 13th annual Gordon Ross Skittles Tournament 1-3 p.m. at the Log House Craft Gallery.

Seabury Center will be the site of three basketball games on Saturday. At 7:30 p.m., the Men's Varsity team will play Ohio Southern College, with the Coronation of Homecoming queen and king taking place at halftime. Earlier, the Berea Women's Varsity team will play Milligan College at 2 p.m. and at 5:15 the Alumni, coached by Paul Atkinson, '76, will challenge the Men's Junior Varsity team.

Festivities on Saturday conclude with a Student/Alumni Reception in Baird Lounge, and the Homecoming Dance for students and alumni in the Woods-Penniman Commons Area. Both events are scheduled for 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

On Sunday Mike Sams, '91, will lead an Alumni Worship Service in Union Church at 10:45, featuring a performance by the Alumni Concert Choir.

Tickets are required for the Alumni Banquet on Friday and for Saturday's luncheons and Men's Varsity Basketball game. For ticket prices, to make reservations and for a complete schedule of events, contact the Berea College Alumni Association at (859-985-3104 or visit the Alumni Association website at www.berea.onlinecommmunity.edu.