Class of 2026! Congratulations! We did it! 

I just want to take a quick moment and really let that sink in. Every late night spent studying, every challenge we faced and overcame, every moment where we questioned ourselves—all of that led us here, and we made it. As I stand here today, I’m reminded that from the start of it all, Berea College lived out its mission and promise that led us all here: to provide a world-class education to students with the great promise to open new doors of opportunity, regardless of financial means. But looking back at it, this mission would not be possible if it were not for the generous donors, friends, and students like you who chose to give through the Berea Patrons program. 

My name is Kimberly, and I’ve had the honor of serving as the President of the Student Philanthropy Committee. I’m standing here on behalf of the Berea Patrons program and Student Philanthropy Committee to say THANK YOU. Because of students like you, future students can reach those same dreams that we first came here with! A dream that we all never could have imagined, completed and fulfilled. 

My dream before entering Berea College was to find a college that would not only provide me with the pathway to my dream career but also enable me to graduate debt-free. I’m the daughter of a single mother. Growing up, higher education didn’t feel guaranteed, it felt uncertain. It felt like something I had to hope for, not something I could fully plan for. I remember thinking about the cost of college before I even allowed myself to think about my dreams. 

And then I found Berea. 

Four years ago, my mom and I packed up everything we had in Portland, Oregon, and made the move to Kentucky so I could study here. I didn’t know exactly what my future would look like, but I knew this opportunity meant everything. 

Berea gave me more than I ever imagined. It gave me a place to grow, not just academically, but as a person. It gave me mentors and professors who believed in and supported me, opportunities that challenged me, and a community that supported me even when I was still learning how to believe in myself. Berea didn’t just give me an education. What it gave me was a chance. 

That’s what makes being a Berea Patron so meaningful. Because when we made the choice to give back, we chose to be part of that same story for someone else. Every gift we made, no matter the size, represents a student who will get their chance. Students who will sit in a classroom, discover their passion, and begin building a future they may not have thought was possible. Every gift represents someone like us. 

Together, we, as the Class of 2026, have contributed over $2,900 this year alone, and more than $9,000 over the past four years. That impact will continue to support future Berea students and carry forward the mission that brought us all here.  

This year, as a class, we showed up. We supported Student Philanthropy Week, we helped grow the Berea Patrons community, and we proved that generosity doesn’t have to wait until after graduation. It starts now. 

I’m so proud of what we’ve done together. Because of Berea, and because of the generosity of those who came before us, I now have the opportunity to continue my journey at the #1 pharmacy school in the nation: the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I’ll be pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy degree. 

That’s something I carry with so much gratitude, because I know that none of this happens alone. It’s because of people who believe in students they may never meet, who make this happen through their generosity. And now, we’re part of that too. 

As we leave Berea, I hope we carry this with us. Not just the memories, but the responsibility to give back when we can and support others the way we were supported. I want us all to remember where we came from, and I hope we never forget what made this journey possible. 

Because one day, we’ll be the reason someone else gets their chance. 

So again, Class of 2026, congratulations. 

We did it. 

And I am so proud to stand here with all of you, not just as graduates, but as THE Class of 2026 Berea Patrons. 

Thank you!