Greetings . . . from Berea College, the home of a century-long tradition of preserving and creating Appalachian folk arts and crafts! Here you will find both the familiar products for which Berea College has long been renowned and new products that we hope will become heirlooms in your own family. All are made with skill, care, creativity, and the commitment to excellence that is characteristic of Bereans. You will find that even our "new" products are rooted in tradition. For example, students and staff designed and are now producing country kitchen stools, milk stools, wrought iron candle holders and trivets, and much more. We are happy to offer these fine crafts for your use and enjoyment.

While our Student Crafts Program is a cherished part of Berea's tradition, the College is primarily dedicated to providing superb undergraduate education to talented students of limited financial means. At least 80% of our students come from Kentucky and the Appalachian counties of eight other states. Training students to serve and lead the Appalachian region has been central to Berea's purpose since its founding in 1855. To qualify for admission to Berea College, applicants must demonstrate both great potential and significant financial need. All students work 10 to 20 hours per week in lieu of paying tuition; almost two hundred are part of the Student Crafts Program. This year, it will cost $13,900 to educate each of our 1,500 students. We meet this financial obligation with the help of our endowment income and the contributions of friends. Your craft purchases support the educational efforts that have earned Berea College international recognition of educational excellence.

On behalf of all who labor to fulfill Berea's unique mission, I extend warm thanks for your support of Berea College students. We welcome you to visit Berea soon. While touring the campus, dining in our student-staffed Boone Tavern Hotel, and meeting our students and staff, you are sure to delight in the energy, creativity, accomplishments, and opportunities that make Berea such a special place.

Sincerely,

Larry D. Shinn, President