SPRING 2018 Volume 88 Number 4 Legacy

Living First Generation My Berea: The Hairston China to Appalachia: Bereans, Generations Family Legacy Page 10 A Friendship Across a Legacy Apart Page 6 Generations Page 20 MAGAZINE

Abbie Darst ‘03, Editor Kim Brown, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications Bernadine Douglas, Vice President for Alumni and College Relations Jackie Collier ‘80, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Emily A. Parrish, Senior Graphic Designer Crystal Wylie ‘05, Contributing Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Abbie Darst ’03, Tim Jordan ’78, Jason Lee Miller, Jasmine Towne ’16, Ben Willhite ’18

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Moriah Avery ’21, Deajah Baskin ’21, Jay Buckner, Anna Joines ’17, Chris Radcliff, Sarah-Anne Soares ‘18, Jasmine Towne ’16, Benjamin Willhite ’18, Willie Wilson Photography

COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION Lyle D. Roelofs, President Jeffrey S. Amburgey, Vice President for Finance Sylvia Asante, Dean of Labor Chad Berry, Academic Vice President and Dean of the Faculty Virgil Burnside, Vice President for Student Life Huapei Chen, Chief Information Officer Bernadine Douglas, Vice President for Alumni and College Relations Derrick Singleton, Vice President for Operations and Sustainability Linda Strong-Leek, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Teri E. Thompson, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Judge B. Wilson II, General Counsel and Secretary

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Editor, Berea College Magazine Berea College CPO 2142 Berea, KY 40404

AT YOUR SERVICE Web: www.berea.edu Mail: CPO 2203, Berea, KY 40404 Phone: 859.985.3104 Toll free: 1.866.804.0591 Magazine: www.berea.edu/magazine

Berea College Magazine (ISSN 1539-7394) is published quarterly for Berea College alumni and friends by the Berea College Marketing & Communications Depart- ment. Periodicals postage pending at Berea, KY, and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address corrections to the Berea College Office of Alumni Relations, CPO 2203, Berea, KY 40404.

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Sitting in the Charlotte, N.C., home of the fifth Hairston sister, Cynthia Hicks ’79, and her husband, James Hicks ’76, is a warm, inviting experience. During the interview with Ann (left) and Nancy who graduated from Berea College together in December 1974, the stories, memories and laughter shared FSC LOGO were a testament to the Hairston family’s love for and

Jay Buckner Jay commitment to Berea. pg 10 FEATURES 6 | First Generation Bereans, Generations Apart Though from vastly different backgrounds and generations, this 1967 alumnus and rising sophomore connect as first-generation college students—raising the bar for themselves and their families. 10 | My Berea Six sisters from Williamson, W.Va., left an indelible mark on Berea College through their commitment to service and love of music. 18 | Jenna Hughes Hates Running From a family of runners, Jenna talks about her experience as a Berea College student-athlete and her family’s connection to the College and the sport. CONTENTS 20 | From China to Appalachia Two idealistic Yale alumni—one Chinese, the other American—met in China nearly a century ago, laying the foundation for a three-generation legacy that stretched from rural China to the hills of Appalachia. 26 | Getting Down to Business Several Berea alumni reveal how the College contributed to their success as entrepreneurs. 32 | Now, When You Go to School... Berea’s first post-Day Law graduate talks about her life and career after that momentous day in 1954. 35 | A Weekend with Jessie Reasor Zander A behind-the-scenes look at the life and legacy of Jessie Zander ’54, through the eyes of a recent African-American alumna.

pg 6 DEPARTMENTS 36 | Campus News

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pg 26

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SPRING 2018 3 Trustees and Councils

Lyle D. Roelofs, President

BOARD OF TRUSTEES William B. Richardson Jackie Collier ’80, Associate Vice President Bob Hawks ’77, GA Harold L. Moses ‘58 Dennis R. Roop ‘69 for Alumni Relations, KY Betty H. Olinger ’69, KY Chair of the Board Charles Ward Seabury, II Bernadine Douglas, Vice President Robert T. Yahng ‘63 David E. Shelton ‘69 for Alumni and College Relations, KY YOUNG ALUMNI ADVISORY COUNCIL Vice Chair of the Board David B. Sloan ‘72 Frank Polion ‘90, Member of Executive 2017-18 Vicki E. Allums ‘79 Tyler S. Thompson ‘83 Committee, KY Joe Saleem, II, ‘08, President, KY Celeste P. Armstrong ‘90 Rocky S. Tuan ‘72 Missy Naseman Rivera ‘05, Past President, OH Charlotte F. Beason ‘70 Stephanie B. Zeigler MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Martina Jackson ‘11, President-Elect, KY Vance Blade ‘82 V. Eldon Ball ’70, DC David Kretzmann ‘14, Executive Vice President, VA Nancy E. Blair HONORARY TRUSTEES Betty Jean Hall ’68, VA Lisa M. Colletti-Jones, Coordinator of Student, Anne Berry Bonnyman John Alden Auxier ‘51 Adam Hardin ’97, OH Young Alumni and Volunteer Engagement Joseph John Bridy James T. Bartlett Amy Burkhardt Harmon ’99, CA Programs, KY Scott Caldwell Martin A. Coyle Destiny Harper-Lane ’06, TX David H. Chow Elissa May-Plattner Don Hodges ’00, OH MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Charles D. Crowe ‘70 Thomas H. Oliver Katherine Silver Kelly ’91, OH Ehis Akhetuamhen ‘01, IL M. Elizabeth Culbreth ‘64 David S. Swanson Tedd Masiongale ’88, MS Jacob Burdette ‘15, KY John E. Fleming ‘66 R. Elton White ‘65 Sherry McCulley-Hall ’81, NC William E. Cook, III, ‘06, OH Michael D. Flowers Dawneda F. Williams Robert Phillips ’90, TX Trinity Goodman ‘17, KY Donna S. Hall Frank Polion ’90, KY Wayne Jones ‘15, WV Bob Hawks ‘77 ALUMNI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2017-18 Elizabeth Mullins Emily LaDouceur ‘04, KY Scott M. Jenkins Jennifer Hale Stafford ’92 Robinette ’80, IN Tran K. Nguyen ‘17, IN Glenn R. Jennings ‘72 President, KY Evan Robinson ’08, NC Cory Payton ‘15, KY Shawn C. D. Johnson Patricia Campbell Estepp ’77 Ashley Long Seals ’08, VA Katy Jones Sulfridge ‘03, OH Nancy Lampton Past-President, VA Tamika Weaver ’97, GA Lara Zavalza-Neeson ‘13, KY Eugene Y. Lowe, Jr. Deborah Byrd Thomas ’80 Betty H. Olinger ‘69 President-Elect, AL ALUMNI TRUSTEES Douglas M. Orr Lyle D. Roelofs Celeste P. Armstrong ’90, AL Thomas W. Phillips ‘65 President of Berea College, KY Charles D. Crowe ’70, TN

4 SPRING 2018 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Berea Alumni and Friends,

At a school like Harvard University, legacies—children whose parents and grandparents attended the institution—are prized, often accepted at a much higher rate than other students seeking admission. But at Berea, the idea of legacy runs deeper than a generational connection stretching from alumnus to child. Berea alumni leave a legacy steeped in a rich history of social justice and equality, of overcoming the ails of poverty through education to exceed expectations. Berea alumni leave a legacy of confidence and creativity to students of limited resources who one day will walk in their footsteps and beyond. Berea alumni leave a legacy to students they may never meet, but who have a kindred connection through place, circumstance and lifelong achievement. This issue ofBerea College magazine celebrates some powerful and unique stories of family, friendship and first-generation college success. Touting three generations dedicated to Berea College and its mission, this issue’s center feature, beginning on page 20, connects you to the Yahng family. Their friendship with former Berea President Francis Hutchins and commitment to rural reconstruction led them on their journey from China to Appalachia. A two-generation athletic connection picks up on page 18. Jenna Hughes may say she hates running, but she, her father and her uncle have all left their mark on the Berea College track and field program. The entire Hughes family shares an affinity for running and an appreciation for the Berea opportunity. On page 10, spend some time with the Hairston family. The six Hairston sisters’ Christian values, African-American heritage, love of their Appalachian roots and commitment to service embody the traditions and commitments of Berea College. In the hours I spent with this family, I became enamored by their dedication to furthering Berea’s legacy. I hope their stories also make you want to join them for Thanksgiving dinner and delve a little deeper. Similar to the Hairston sisters, many Bereans are first-generation college students. On page 6, get to know Tom and Sunny, and discover the difference Berea made in the lives and families of this 1967 alumnus and first-year student. Reflect on what your Berea College experience meant to you—especially if you were the first in your family to attend college. Allow these stories to inspire the legacy you are leaving through your Berea College connection.

Abbie Darst ’03

SPRING 2018 5 Tom and Sunny: FIRST GENERATION BEREANS Generations Apart

By Jason Lee Miller Moriah Avery ‘21 Tom Hutchens ’67 (left) and Sunny Bland ’21 discuss their experience as first-generation students at Berea. Tom grew up on a farm in the Appalachian region of Virginia. Sunny is from Memphis, Tenn.

6 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy On being a first-generation om Hutchens ’67 and Hasani to Coach C.H. Wyatt to tell him he had “Sunny” Bland ’21 would seem a baseball player and asked him to go college student to come from different worlds. over to the Admissions office and tell Sunny: Before me, there wasn’t a college TTom grew up on a farm in the Appala- them the young man screwed up his degree. My dad tried and didn’t get it. chian region of Virginia. Sunny is from application. My mom is trying now, but I started a rougher part of Memphis, Tenn., I don’t know why my teacher asked before she did. I have five sisters. After I and wants to be an author, poet and me why I wasn’t going to college. It got into college, there was a spark in the playwright. Tom, after a career in the must have been something. I thanked family. We had more pride, a feeling like tobacco industry, now is involved in him personally. He brought me into a we all can do it. They tried harder, and Kentucky’s growing hemp industry. But bigger world, and I’ve been enriched for I pushed them harder. Our parents they’re both Bereans, and both are the that. believed more, and they started pushing first in their families to attend college— harder. And it worked out. One sister is an achievement they once felt was not a Sunny: My friend Charlie (Boyd ’19) is going to Middle Tennessee State Univer- possibility. We brought them together to a Berea student. We would have these sity. Another is going to Sewanee Univer- find the commonalities that transcend philosophical conversations. sity. It’s like I helped lead a change geography, demographics and time. Every year, he showed where we can be prouder of more growth and ourselves, and we all can enlightenment and improve the family. A limited future was returning Tom: I came from a small community with more Tom: I had a in Patrick County, Va., grew up on a insights, similar experience dairy and tobacco farm. My family references and in that I was the worked hard. I didn’t really have great sources. I was first in my family aspirations. I was interested in agricul- enjoying our to go to college. ture and asked about Virginia Tech. The conversations I have four sisters. tuition was more than we could afford, more and more, Three of them are so I was just going to farm with my dad. but I was kind of college graduates. jealous. I was They’re all good, Sunny: My childhood was super busy, buying books and productive citizens. complex streets and kind of an unfriend- soul searching for the We set an example for the ly vibe. I didn’t have a lot of friends. It information he already whole community. I feel good was a dangerous area. My parents hadn’t had. I was like, where are you about that. Getting a college degree gone to college and didn’t know how to getting this understanding and knowl- is quite a milestone. It’s pretty neat to prepare me, so I focused on making A’s. edge? not be back home working on the farm. But there wasn’t anywhere I wanted to He said he had a lot of help and There’s nothing wrong with working on go to college that would not plague me asked why I didn’t come to Berea, too. the farm, but I like myself being where with incredible amounts of debt. So I I told him I was broke. He said, “That’s I am today. stayed home and picked up work in a the great thing about this place. They warehouse. don’t charge tuition.” I said, “I’ve been lied to a lot in my life, but that one Their Berea experience almost took it. That place doesn’t exist.” Sunny: I’ve never questioned myself or Advocates He insisted it wasn’t a scam. So I called. society as much as I have here. Because Tom: One day, my agriculture teacher It was real. I had a chance to go to of Berea, I’ve learned to question and asked me where I was going to school. college! to ask what makes a person better. It’s I said was going to farm with my dad Charlie advocated for me with led me to a lot of answers and new because I couldn’t afford school. He admissions. I got in. I finally made it. questions that have bettered my life. recommended Berea and offered to get I was going to get a degree. I no longer Without Berea, I feel I would have me an application. At first I was rejected. had to worry about how to educate become very stagnant. Berea is import- Berea said my dad made too much myself without going thousands of ant because it gives people with a thirst money. My teacher asked what I put dollars into debt. It was this feeling of to learn more of a chance to follow their down, and I told him. He said, “Son, joy and elation. Charlie and I were both dreams and, in turn, impacts society they meant net income, not gross!” So so happy. Berea has given me a chance by bringing more people in who can he called to clear that up. And he spoke I wouldn’t have had before. invent and do more. Berea wants to

SPRING 2018 7 Living a Legacy challenge you. All of my teachers ask the experience that enables use of talents also found common ground in family question, “so, what?” Berea does that to and skills and the way it magnified the dynamics and the effects of a broad your life. information in the classes I took. It’s education on a person’s worldview, and also important for helping the under- these human commonalities reiterate the Tom: Berea cracked my small bubble. I privileged like myself and Sunny, who Berea ethos that people are made of one knew nothing but 30 miles from home. wouldn’t have gotten an education blood, that we are more alike than we Berea transformed me. This place here otherwise. are different. Their discussion was much opened the door wider, brought me broader than represented here, ranging opportunities. I’m a much broader Though different in a lot of ways, Tom from economic theory to campus social thinker. I enjoy going to museums. and Sunny’s experience of being the first life, then and now. In the end, Tom left I enjoy music differently than I did. I in their families to go to college matches Sunny with some friendly advice: choose wouldn’t take anything for my liberal the majority of the Berea College human interaction over digital relation- arts education. And Berea is important student body. Nearly two-thirds of Berea ships, and find your “little wrinkle,” a also because of the hands-on work students hold this family honor. They societal niche only Sunny can fill. Moriah Avery ‘21 Sunny Bland ’21 (left) and Tom Hutchens ’67 share a laugh outside of the Alumni Building on Berea’s campus. Though from vastly different backgrounds and generations, Sunny and Tom connect as first-generation college students—raising the bar for themselves and their families.

8 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy SPRING 2018 9 MY BEREA

ByThe Abbie Darst ’03 Hairston Family Legacy

etween 1966 and 1985, six talented and determined young women left an indelible mark on BBerea College. For these African-Amer- ican, Christian sisters from Williamson, W.Va., Berea’s commitments to inter- racial education, Christian values, hard work and service were a beacon of light and opportunity that radically changed their family’s future. The Hairston sisters embody the values and mission of the College. And today, between marriages to alumni and a couple of children who also attended Berea, family gatherings The large Hairston alumni family gathered to celebrate the family’s most recent graduate. PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Ann Hairston Hill ’75, Willene Hairston Moore ’71, James Hicks ’76, Cynthia Hairston Hicks ’79, Susan Jones bring together 12 dedicated and grateful English ’02, Wayne Jones ’15, Sue Hairston Jones ’72, Nancy Hairston Abasiekong ’74, Aniedi Abasiekong ’73, Valerie alumni. Blade Thomas ’84, Vivian Hairston Blade ’85 and Vance Blade ’82. The Hairstons’ mother, Zada Hairston, sits in front. In the early 20th century, the sisters’ father, Elbert Hairston, and his brother, “Daddy never did go back to tions. The Hairstons sacrificed to John, left their home in Pine Hall, N.C. college, but he always wanted to,” said provide piano lessons for each of their to continue their education. With their Cynthia Hairston Hicks ’79, the children, creating a home filled with parents’ blessing and great sacrifice, Hairston’s fifth daughter. “Mama always music and joy. Elbert and John attended and graduated valued education. She held onto that The Hairston sisters brought their from Slater Industrial and State Normal dream for years.” talent for music to Berea. All six sang School. In search of work and a better The Hairstons made a life for in the Chapel Choir. The oldest sister, life, the brothers set off for Williamson, themselves in thriving Williamson. The Willene, was the founding director of W.Va. Elbert took a job with the integrated community was bursting with the Black Ensemble, now called the railroad, putting his dream of becoming young families from all over the country Black Music Ensemble, which carries on a doctor on hold so his older brother and the world. Active in the community, a rich tradition of gospel and spiritual could attend seminary. the two attended PTA meetings at the music at the College to this day. Music Years later Elbert met Zada Stowe, newly-integrated school. They were was integral to their college experiences, a beautiful North Carolina native who charter members of the NAACP in the and they left a legacy of excellence. shared his passion for education. In fact, turbulent 1950s and 60s. They actively “They were pioneers,” said Dr. Zada refused to marry Elbert until he worked for equality and social change Stephen Bolster, Concert Choir director. promised her she would be able to and taught their children that the real “The Hairstons did a lot to promote complete her education. The two key to social change was love. integration of the College’s music married and began their family. They They served in their church. The programs and love of all people. They built a Christian home filled with love, Hairston children sang in the Junior exemplify that in their lives, and the rooted in service and overflowing with Choir, performed in holiday programs humility and grace with which they do expectation for their seven children. and participated in oratorical competi- it is remarkable.”

10 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy WilleneMary Willene Hairston Moore ’71 A place to belong he first. The oldest of the said, “but I knew I had to make it, and I Ensemble was an awesome way of filling Hairston’s seven children, had ambition and goals in mind, and I in some gaps, pulling people together Willene, was the first to leave didn’t want to let my family down. But and creating unity.” Thome. She laid the groundwork it wasn’t long until I acclimated to After graduating in 1971 with a for her family’s legacy and the environment because music education degree, Willene went on took the first step in people were so nice, caring to earn a master’s degree in music realizing the dreams and and helpful.” education from Eastern Kentucky expectations of her Willene’s first labor University in 1975. She taught music in parents. Willene attend- position was in needle- Williamson for 40 years before retiring ed a segregated school craft, but she soon gravi- in June 2011. Willene has been serving until fourth grade. But in tated to the music her church as either organist or pianist for 1957, she and her sister, department, and spent 47 years and director of music/choirs for Sue, started attending the the next three years the past 28 years. She is married, and has now-integrated neighbor- working in the music library three children and eight grandchildren. hood school located in East while working toward a degree “Berea nurtured us in many ways— Williamson where they grew up. This in music education. intellectually, emotionally and artistical- switch, though not perfect, was smoothed She auditioned for and was accepted ly,” she said. “You learned a lot about by the love and support of her mother into the Chapel Choir under the people through those things. It was a and father, as well as the church and direction of Dr. Rolf Hovey, who place to belong.” community in which they were so deeply became an encourager and mentor to ingrained. Having had excellent teachers her and, eventually, to her whole family. at both schools, Willene said she was well She took organ, piano and voice, and prepared to go on to Williamson High played the carillon as part of her labor School. There, she met home economics assignment. Willene also was part of the teacher, Mrs. Mildred Wooten, who Polyesters, a female, a cappella group taught her about sewing, cooking, design, formed by choir members. child development and Berea College. Having grown up in church, The Hairstons always knew college connecting with a community of was in their future, though exactly how believers was important to her Berea

it would happen for this working-class transition. She was part of Union Willene Hairston Moore ’71 (3rd from left) sang with the family of nine was yet to be determined. Church’s Union Youth Fellowship that Polyesters, a group comprised of Chapel Choir women. She was the first of five Hairston sisters to sing with the “When Berea’s door opened, it was met on Sunday evening. With their Polyesters. This photo is from 1970. someplace that really interested us, and bologna sack lunches from Dining we thought we’d feel welcome there. Services, they studied together, served It would be a place that would take and built relationships with other us where we wanted to go,” Willene students and community members. said. “The liberal arts education and By 1969, amid the unrest across the a Christian environment—we were country following Dr. Martin Luther already a part of that and wanted to King Jr.’s assassination, the African- continue that through growth, learning American students needed a way of and understanding. So we have to give coming together, and music was one Mrs. Wooten credit for introducing us way. Willene helped create the Black to that opportunity.” Ensemble and was the group’s first In the fall of 1966, Willene stepped director. onto Berea’s campus for the first time, “It was a time of evolution and undecided on a major, but filled with change for our country, and Berea hope, ambition and a continued love students were engaged, and a part of

for music that would propel her through the change and letting the administra- Buckner Jay the next four years. tion know that African-American Willene Hairston Moore ’71 began taking piano and organ lessons in third grade, a big sacrifice for her parents. She “It was challenging being the first students were here and we wanted some played while at Berea College and continues to play the time away from home like that,” she things for us,” Willene said. “The Black piano at her church in Williamson, W.Va.

SPRING 2018 11 Living a Legacy SueEleanor Sue Hairston Jones ’72 Icing on the cake ue came to Berea with the same For Sue, Berea has always been a Berea only grew after she left. She and love of music, heart for service and haven of peace. From her dorm mother, her husband, Wayne Jones, were married determination to succeed. She Mrs. Upton, at Kentucky Hall to the in Danforth Chapel on Berea’s campus. Sknew from day one that she was Union Church congregation and Though not a Berea graduate, Wayne going to be a teacher. She Union Youth Fellowship, began to advocate for Berea as well had spent countless days at having served as president because he saw it as such an opportunity their kitchen table in and representing Union for youth in their area. Wayne recruited Williamson, teaching Church at the youth many students to Berea, even taking her younger siblings conference at Emory them to campus and standing in as their their letters, how to read University in Atlanta, to parent when necessary to help students and American History. the relationship she and succeed. She loved to learn and her family built with Twenty years later when Sue and enjoyed teaching her President Willis Weather- Wayne’s oldest daughter, Susan ’02, siblings, wanting them to ford and his wife, Sue said was ready for college, Berea was once have the same thirst for educa- Berea’s campus has always felt like again a wonderful opportunity for their tion. Only a year apart, Sue recalls going home. family. to elementary school with Willene, even After Sue graduated in 1972 with a “Students have thanked us for before she was old enough to attend. music education degree, she completed introducing them to Berea, and said it She always knew that college was in her master’s degrees in music education and has changed their lives,” Sue said. “I’m future, and following Willene to Berea elementary education and earned her thankful for what Wayne did, not only just made sense. Rank One at Eastern Kentucky Univer- for our own children, but for other At Berea, Sue began working in sity. She taught as a music teacher in people. It’s a service mission and a part needlecraft and then moved on to hold Louisville and Winchester, Ky. After her of our legacy. positions in the record library and father passed away, she moved back to “I think when we came to Berea, choral library in the Music department. Williamson where she continues to we had something to give; we were She remembers earning about $40 per teach first grade today and serves as a already filled up with love when we month salary—being paid $1 per hour, mentor teacher in her district. She has came,” Sue continued. “Mama and the top-of-the-line amount in 1967. Sue enjoyed a 45-year career teaching and Daddy nurtured us from the very easily balanced the schedules of classes, inspiring students to help them fulfill beginning, so when we got to Berea, it labor, rehearsals, voice, piano and organ their educational goals. was icing on the cake.” lessons and homework. But Sue’s love and gratitude for Sue was alto section leader in the Chapel Choir, and she remembers how much she enjoyed singing at the Sunday evening convocations, performing in Choir concerts and going on Choir Tours. She has fond memories as a choir member at Christmas singing Handel’s “Messiah” at Union Church, going Christmas caroling around campus and returning to the Hovey’s home for hot chocolate. With the Choir, Sue sang at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and in Williams- burg, Va., at Bruton Parrish. She also sang with the Polyesters and was the second director of the Black Ensemble after Willene graduated. “There was a spirit of community and togetherness,” Sue said. “It was open Nancy Hairston Abasiekong ’74 and her sister, Sue Hairston Jones ’72, sang together in the Chapel Choir women’s and loving. It was the Berea Way.” group, the Polyesters.

12 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy Nancy Hairston Abasiekong ’74 Eager to learn wasn’t sure they would accept a third way, they realized that Aniedi, a transfer movies in Phelps Stokes, Nancy also person from the same family,” Nancy student also in his first year at Berea, participated in various clubs and held “ joked about her college application had only hiked the Pinnacle once before. offices across campus. The home eco- Iexperience. “Of course I wanted to go The group made it up the mountain nomics major was involved in the Home (to Berea), but I thought I without incident, Nancy Economics Club. She was pres- should apply other places in recalled laughing, but that ident of the Berea Chapter of the Mortar case they had a quota.” sparked a friendship that Board National Honor Society, member By 1970, Nancy’s eventually led to Nancy of the Inter-dorm Council and served as family had visited Berea’s and Aniedi getting secretary of the student body one year. campus several times, married in Danforth Involvement in these organizations attending Black Ensem- Chapel four years later. afforded Nancy memories of having a ble concerts and other They have been married meeting/sleepover at the president’s events. She had listened 44 years and have two house hosted by Anne Weatherford, who to the multitude of stories children. was one of the sponsors of Mortar that filtered down from her Following in the Hair- Board. She also enjoyed meals in the sisters’ semesters and summers ston sisters’ footsteps, Nancy home of Home Economics Chair spent at Berea. auditioned and was thrilled to join the Marjorie Hilton, cooking and eating She also was very aware of the Chapel Choir. She sang with the together as a club. financial constraints on her family. She all-female Polyesters group and sang After completing an extra semester knew that for her parents to send a third with the Black Ensemble for one year. for student teaching, Nancy graduated and soon a fourth daughter to college, Nancy remembers her first choir from Berea in December 1974 with a she would have to help pay her way. tour as a freshman with Dr. Rolf Hovey bachelor’s in home economics educa- Berea’s labor program made that possible. to Dearborn, Mich., and other cities. tion. She went on to earn a master’s “We were no strangers to work,” She was introduced to various sights and degree in home economics education Nancy said, recalling all the ways she sounds across the U.S. while on tour. from the University of North Caroli- and her sisters had served throughout She especially enjoyed singing with her na-Greensboro. Nancy has enjoyed a their childhood. “The good thing about sisters at the National Cathedral and in 40-year career as a Cooperative Exten- Berea with your job assignments is you Williamsburg, Va., at Bruton Parrish. sion family and consumer science didn’t have to know how to do it—they “Dr. Hovey wanted to introduce extension agent in Cleveland County, taught us, and we were eager to learn.” new things to students,” Nancy said. N.C. She has worked with countless Nancy first was assigned to Fireside “We stayed in people’s homes, and we families, children and communities Weaving in the finishing room. She had were learning in so many different ways. helping them improve their lives by no experience with mending/re-weaving It enriched our lives and our awareness.” putting research-based knowledge to different patterns but learned quickly. In addition to choir outings, work. She continued there over her four and interesting convocations and watching a half years, eventually weaving on display—along with potters, broom makers and other crafters—for tourists to observe and interact with students demonstrating their crafts. In addition to working at Fireside, Nancy also served as a student assistant for the Issues and Values class under Professor Glen Stassen. Her first Mountain Day experience remains one of her fondest Berea memories. As a first-year student, several friends from Kentucky Hall decided to hike the Pinnacles together with the Jay Buckner Jay

assistance of an upperclassman guide, Ann Hairston Hill ’75 and Nancy Hairston Abasiekong ’74 did everything together as children. Ann was one year behind Aniedi John Abasiekong ’73. Along the Nancy in school, but the two walked together at their December 1974 graduation.

SPRING 2018 13 Living a Legacy AnnElizabeth Ann Hairston Hill ’75 Opportunity for growth n the fall of 1971, the first Hairston challenged her reaction, encouraging disabled. That’s what we’re supposed to sister, Willene, had just graduated openness to ideas, balanced with be about.” from Berea, and the fourth sister, questioning that led to deeper under- In December 1974, Ann walked IAnn, entered on Nancy’s heels. standing. beside her sister, Nancy, at graduation, “Berea was a part of “You come to understand finishing in just three and a half years our family by then,” that you must go out with a degree in child development, and Ann said. “We were differently than you came was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi already connected in,” Ann said. “We were Honor Society. She went on to there. The campus was there to learn more than earn a master’s degree in family and beautiful, and I had just knowledge about the consumer science from Wayne State family there. It felt like field we were choosing, but University. Since then, she has served home.” to think critically about as an early childhood teacher, director Ann settled into ourselves, about life and of early childhood programs and as an Berea life easily. She purpose.” early childhood licensing regulator. She auditioned and was accepted Ann continued learning through spent the last 15 years before retiring as into the Chapel Choir and also began all the experiences she had at Berea. For an early childhood professor, most singing with the Black Ensemble and example, on a choir tour to Washington, recently as program director of the Early the Polyesters. She enjoyed working at D.C. and Williamsburg, Va., she not Childhood Development program at the library, learning about the value of only cherished singing in the National Florence-Darlington Community the College’s rare books. Cathedral and other historical venues, College in Florence, S.C. As a professor, But what began as a smooth she also remembers experiencing sites Ann said she told every class about transition into college was soon disrupt- like Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monti- growing up in Appalachia in Williamson ed by racially-charged campus turbu- cello, and being deeply moved by the and emphasized Berea’s motto, remind- lence. Nationwide, black college slave quarters. ing her students they all have value and students were pushing for their culture “We could have just been singing,” a voice. Ann is married and has two and heritage to be remembered and Ann said. “But Dr. Hovey gave us a children. taught, and Berea was no different. valuable experience. These experiences “Berea has such a rich legacy that When tensions peaked surrounding were significant.” has been passed down to us,” she said. the dismissal of a newly-hired African- Soon after returning from that choir “Wherever you come from, whatever American counselor, President Willis trip, Ann took a new position as a your past experience, Berea is equipped Weatherford dismissed students early for College tour guide, where she learned to enrich your life, to help you grow and the fall semester, postponing finals and about and shared the story of John G. be successful.” giving the campus time for its passions Fee, the foundations of Berea and what to cool over the extended break. the College stands for. “We didn’t come back until after “One of the things Berea gave me Christmas—they just closed out the that I have tried to use throughout my Hear the Hairston sisters tell semester,” Ann recalled. “There was so career is the belief that everybody more of their story at much tension on campus; it was a matters,” Ann said. “Everybody has www.berea.edu/magazine frightening time.” value. We need to speak for children, Ann and her sisters returned in for the less fortunate, the elderly and the January to what Ann recalls as a college community in the midst of clarifying its values and identity. Ann had a transformative experi- ence when comedian and civil rights activist, Dick Gregory, spoke at a convocation. Required to write a reaction paper about the convocation, Ann remembers writing about things

Gregory presented that she had not Nancy Hairston Abasiekong ’74 (left) and Ann Hairston Hill ’75 (center) walked together at their December 1974 understood before. Her professor graduation. Their sister Sue (right) was the only member of their family able to attend their graduation.

14 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy CynthiaCynthia Hairston Hicks ’79 Opportunity to explore am number five; I hold that position “It’s all part of the liberal arts and made her own dulcimer, and she “ with high honor,” Cynthia said. “My education,” Cynthia said. “While I didn’t spent a month playing tennis in Florida sisters above me were always role go into college just to be a ‘this’ or ‘that’, with her best friends. Imodels.” I had the opportunity to explore “There is the knowledge that when Cynthia described 1975 lots of different things.” you go to learn at Berea, you’re not just as a progressive time for Her opportunities to passing through until graduation,” women. Although Ann explore expanded into Cynthia said. “You are there intentional- leaving for college was labor as well. Her first ly to do the job of going to school and traumatic for her, labor positon was in learning at a high level. And when you Cynthia decided she Development, “stuffing finish, you are well prepared to pursue might go somewhere else all those wonderful more.” for college—set her own mailings that went out When she graduated in 1979, path. from that office,” she Cynthia was ready to tackle even more. “That lasted all of two recalled. Cynthia went on to She earned a master’s degree in elemen- seconds,” she said, laughing. work as a hall monitor, resident tary education from Eastern Kentucky “Nothing else stacked up to Berea. assistant, janitor and receptionist at the University and a doctorate in education- There was nowhere else I wanted to front desk of the Alumni Building. al leadership, curriculum and instruc- go.” In Chapel Choir, Cynthia not only tion. She has served as an elementary Despite the three-year age gap traveled in the U.S., but was the first teacher in both West Virginia and North between Cynthia and her older sister, Hairston to travel internationally on Carolina for 37 years. She has also she didn’t come to Berea alone. Four of choir tours, going to Poland and Russia. worked as an adjunct professor in early her closest friends, with whom she had “Being able to go behind the iron childhood education, and has fulfilled a gone to school for 12 years, entered curtain, standing in Red Square and call to mission outreach, working with Berea by her side. These Williamson seeing the statue of Chopin in the park her church youth missionary group for comrades brought several more friends in his birthplace, Warsaw, Poland— 34 years. into the fold and were nearly inseparable those are experiences that give you an Cynthia returned to Berea for the for four years. Some of these young appreciation for having been there and 1983 Homecoming festivities, where she ladies played tennis together, traveled having been given the opportunity to met James Hicks ’76, a track and field together for Short Term and went on to do these things,” she said. Berea alumnus who had graduated graduate school together. Cynthia dove into diverse Short during Cynthia’s first year and lived in Between her encouraging family and Term courses, too. Not fancying herself Charlotte, N.C. The two have been loyal friends, Cynthia had the confi- a dancer, she chose a modern dance married for 32 years and have four dence to pursue a course of study that class. She studied mountain instruments children. deeply interested her. While in high school, she had been intrigued by the paranormal thriller TV series, “The Sixth Sense.” Fascinated with what was going on inside people’s heads, she chose psychology as her major. Psychology Professor John White impressed on her that the field was wide open to explore. So even when she took a behavioral class that required her to keep a pet rat— which she named Sadie—alive all semester and teach it to run through a maze box, Cynthia was up for the challenge. With her love for children and at her mother’s suggestion, Cynthia Buckner Jay LEFT TO RIGHT: Nancy Hairston Abasiekong ’74 , Ann Hairston Hill ’75, Cynthia Hairston Hicks ’79 and Susan Jones decided to triple major, adding child English ’02 hold up their family position, the order in which they attended Berea College. development and elementary education.

SPRING 2018 15 Living a Legacy VivianVivian Hairston Blade ’85 Strive for excellence ix years passed before the sixth Vivian sang with the choir four tion. From there, she completed a Hairston sister would step into the years and was part of the first Chamber management intern program that put tradition and high expecta- Singers ensemble. She performed at her on a leadership track with Fortune Stions at Berea. Vivian began the 1982 World’s Fair in 100 companies. She spent eight years forging her own path in Knoxville, Tenn., and with Humana and nearly 13 years at high school when she fell participated in numerous GE, giving her the foundation for her in love with an account- spring tours, performing consulting firm. As a professional ing class. Taking for audiences all over the development trainer and coach, Vivian advanced math classes, country in communities now helps “organizations develop primarily filled with big and small. The people incredible leaders and individuals to fuel male students, Vivian’s she met in those singing incredible careers.” She also is an adjunct intrigue with the busi- groups became her closest professor at the University of Louisville, ness industry sparked her friends. preparing her students to be successful sister, Cynthia, to orchestrate “What an opportunity to be and add value in the workforce. Vivian’s first labor assignment in a part of the beauty and excellence of “We don’t just come through Berea the Accounting office. music through the music programs, and with an educational degree,” Vivian said. “All that history came with some the directors who strove for excellence, “We come through with strengthened privileges with the connections my helped us to be excellent,” she said. values, purpose and desire, and a sisters had,” Vivian said. “All of that Her first year, Vivian met senior strengthened passion to give back, to helped to pave the way for what was basketball star, Vance Blade ’82. Vance’s help others and share opportunities— next in my educational career.” sister Valerie (Thomas ’84) was Vivian’s and share Berea as well.” Vivian aspired to be a successful RA in Pearsons Hall, and he played ball Not only do Vivian and Vance business woman in a Fortune 100 with Vivian’s cousin, Donald Hairston support the College financially, Vance is company. Majoring in business, she ’84, and another former Williamson in his third term on the Berea College spent four years in the Accounting office classmate. Those connections brought Board of Trustees. Vivian returns to connecting her major and her interest the two business majors together and, as Berea to speak to, inspire, mentor and with practical work experience. Vivian recalls, ‘magic just struck.’ The encourage current students. Vivian also desperately wanted the two were married at Berea Baptist “Our legacy is taking what Berea has opportunity to sing with the Chapel Church and have been married for to offer and what life has to offer and Choir as all of her sisters had before her. nearly 31 years. They have two children. working with that,” Vivian said, “Trying But in 1980, Dr. Rolf Hovey handed After graduation, Vivian attended to not just go to work, but to help make over the choir reins to young, energetic Eastern Kentucky University and earned the world a better place.” Dr. Stephen Bolster. a master’s degree in business administra- “Some of the tradition and natural order of what you got involved in when LEFT TO RIGHT: Vivian Hairston Blade ’85, Ann Hairston Hill ’75, Sue Hairston Jones ’72, Cynthia Hairston Hicks ’79, Nancy Hairston Abasiekong ’74 and their brother, Elbert Hairston, sing together at Susan Jones English’s you came to Berea was music and wedding in 2017 at Union Church, while Willene Hairston Moore ’71 plays the piano. singing,” Vivian said, recalling her nervousness trying out for choir. But her nervousness was unwarrant- ed, as she blew Bolster away right from the start. In fact, when the auditions for solo pieces came up that year, Bolster said Vivian’s voice was so fine that he picked pieces especially for her and did not hold typical auditions—a decision so rare he wouldn’t do it again for 36 years. “She sang so extraordinarily beauti- fully that we kept that piece all year; we performed it many times, and she always

shone,” Bolster said. Willie Wilson Photography

16 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy

Susan Jones English ‘02 and SusanWayne Jones ’15 & WayneThe second generation

fter six Hairstons spanned 20 years on Berea’s campus, a second generation soon fol- lowed.A Sue Hairston Jones ’72 had returned to Williamson and dedicated her career to educating elementary children in her slowly dwindling hometown. Sue raised her children, Susan, Amy and Wayne, in a loving home, grounded in faith, service and music, and infused with Berea. When Susan ’02 began college planning, she knew Berea was where her mother hoped she’d attend. Sue’s wish came true, and on move-in day, when Sue Jones ’72 (right) was thrilled when her children, Wayne and Susan, were admitted to Berea. The three stand in front of Elizabeth Rodgers dorm where Sue and her sister, Willene ’71, lived. More than 25 years later, Susan moved Susan and her family opened the door into the very same room in ER. to her first dorm room in Elizabeth Rodgers, Sue instantly recognized the out of the boundary of what I consider a program, meeting with incoming room as the one she and Willene shared professor to be,” Susan said. “I’m really freshman to help them acclimate to in the late 1960s. Coincidence? Proba- blessed to have professors who don’t just Berea. bly. But Susan felt comfort in that look at you as a student whose relation- In April, Wayne completed the legacy. But legacy isn’t only comfort. ship stops at graduation, but they Rackham Merit Fellow program, earning “You realize there is a lot to measure continue to be respected and cherished a master’s degree in public policy at the up to when faculty and staff know your mentors and friends.” University of Michigan. family and expect a lot out of you,” When her brother, Wayne, came to After graduating from Berea with an Susan said. Berea in 2011, one deciding factor was education degree, Susan earned a second Susan welcomed the challenge and the opportunity for close faculty relation- bachelor’s degree in elementary educa- thrived. She worked at the Log House ships. tion and a master’s degree in education Craft Gallery, but soon moved on to “It was easy to have great relation- from Eastern Kentucky University. She working with Dr. Libby Jones at the ships with professors,” Wayne said. taught elementary school in several cities Center for Effective Communication “Others struggled that first semester, but and now works as a technology analyst and as a teaching assistant for Jones and I hit the ground running.” for the North Carolina Department of Mr. Andrew Baskin. She sang four years Wayne also sang four years with Transportation. Susan and Wayne both with the Concert Choir and two with Concert Choir and two with BME. serve on Berea’s Young Alumni Advisory the Black Music Ensemble (BME). When he traveled abroad with the KIIS Council. Last summer, Susan married With Concert Choir, Susan traveled program, he had an intense one-on-one Dennis English in Berea at Union to Rome and sang for Pope John Paul II. summer experience with Bolster as the Church, and the two just recently On a Kentucky Institute of International only student in his Vocal Methods class. welcomed their first child. Studies (KIIS) program trip to Austria “The opportunity to work with Each member of the Jones family is with Dr. Stephen Bolster, he and Susan someone of such expertise expanded my committed to the success of Berea met the 100-year-old Hungarian appreciation of choral music,” Wayne College. Even the middle sister, Amy, composer, Ferenc Farkas, whose music said. “Dr. Bolster’s personalized instruc- who attended Yale University, sings with they were studying and performing, in tion developed an excellent student- the alumni choir and joins her family in his home. teacher relationship unique to the Berea financially supporting the College. “These experiences are just invalu- experience.” The Hairston family hosted the able,” Susan said. “The exposure is one An economics major, Wayne worked Concert Choir for their spring tour to of the most meaningful parts of my in Accounts Payable in the Accounting Charlotte, N.C., in 2017, providing Berea experience.” office for three years. His senior year, he lodging, concert venues and recreational Susan rode to church with Dr. became an RA in Bingham Hall. He events to the choir during their stay. Kathy Bullock every Sunday. “She went served as a peer advisor for the Success

SPRING 2018 17 Living a Legacy Jenna Hughes Hates

RUNNING By Jason Lee Miller enna Hughes ’19 hates running. It where he assisted her when she had car to train constantly.“ Both passed on their might be surprising, then, that cross trouble. Her “first” dad is Tom Hughes, love of running to their children, and Jcountry and distance track events who attended Berea College for the Tom believes it has been a beneficial are her specialties. For the Berea College 1984-85 academic family tradition. junior, a miles-a-day training regimen year and also ran “Sports, in is worth it for the possibility of out- cross country and I hate the running part of it... general, have helped performing her toughest competition: track. Jenna not settle for but I love the feeling of being herself. “My dad got me second or third best,” “I hate the running part of it,” she into running,” said able to push my limits and see Tom said. “She’s confessed. “It’s awful, but I love the Jenna, noting that how far I can make it. always trying to be feeling of being able to push my limits her two sisters also – Jenna Hughes ‘19 the best she can be. and see how far I can make it. Every ran growing up and I’m proud of her. All time you PR (set a personal record), they would run road three of my girls have it’s worth it.” races as a family. “Most of the T-shirts I been successful in what they do.” The technology and applied design/ own are running shirts.”“ Jenna echoed that sentiment, computer science major trains for cross Tom, who has coached track at the remarking that she sees her track country and track events six days a week. local high school in Osgood, Ind., for teammates as a second family who are “Easy days” are five miles. The rest are the past 12 years, says dislike of running “all suffering together.” six to eight miles. is common among young athletes. “I’m all in it for the competition,” Jenna’s best event is the 800 meters, “I see former students out running she said. “Opponents are there to push for which she holds a personal record of now,” Tom said, “and I’ll say, ‘what are me, but really I’m all about what the 2:23, a success that made the suffering you doing running? You hated track.’ stopwatch says.” fade to the background. They say they enjoy it now because they Jenna feels the same about college. “When I ran my 2:23,” she said, don’t have to run.” Enduring the homework to make the “my body was dead. I was destroyed, but Tom and Jenna aren’t the only ones grades, the ends justify the means. If“ she there was still so much energy because in the Hughes family to have run for applies the same philosophy to life, she’s I realized I finally did it. I don’t even Berea. Tom’s brother, Mark ’90, also ran sure to go the distance. know if I placed. I was just focusing on cross country and track while he attend- not blacking out. I did do a lot better ed. Like Tom and Jenna, his specialty than my ranking, though.” was the 800 meters. During his tenure, “She’s very clutch,” said Shawn Berea College went to nationals, an I’m all in it for the competition. Jakubowski, head coach for the men’s experience Jenna shared 30 years later. Opponents are there to push me, and women’s cross country and track The youngest of 16 children, Tom but really I’m all about what the teams. “She loves the competition. and Mark took to running because, as Once she’s on the track, it’s like a Tom says, “some things come easier for stopwatch says. switch, and she’s ready to go.” some families.” According to Mark, – Jenna Hughes ‘19 Hughes calls Jakubowski her that’s easy for Tom to say, as running “second dad” and notes an incident came naturally to him. Mark said he had

18 SPRING 2018 “ Living a Legacy Jenna Hughes ’19 and her father, Tom Hughes, stand on the Berea College track just before time trials this spring. Tom attended Berea during the 1984-85 school year. Jenna, Tom and Jenna’s uncle, Mark Hughes ’90, all ran the 800 meters for the College. Deajah Baskin ‘21

SPRING 2018 19 Living a Legacy FROM CHINA T O APPALACHIA A friendship across generations continues to impact Berea College

20 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy FROM CHINA T O APPALACHIA A friendship across generations continues to impact Berea College

By Abbie Darst ’03

wo idealistic Yale alumni—one Chinese, the other American—met in China nearly a century ago. They sparked an enduring friendship, laying the foundation Tfor a three-generation legacy that stretched from rural China to Berea College in the hills of Appalachia. It all started during one of the most fascinating events in China’s history: the Boxer Rebellion. In 1900, a secret group of Chinese rebels that became the Order of the Righteous and Harmonious Militia rose up against foreign emissaries, foreign missionaries and Chinese Christians. Dubbed “Boxers” by the foreign powers because of their style of martial arts, which they believed made them invulnerable to bullets, these rebels besieged China’s capital city. An international force of eight nations—led by Russia and Japan, and including the U.S.—ultimately defeated the Boxers, and China had to pay more than $330 million in reparations. The U.S. used the excess portion of its share of the reparations to establish a scholarship fund to educate young Chinese students in America. photo illustration by Charlie Campbell photo illustration One of the first students chosen for Yale, married Louise Huie, and together “Throughout 1938, the enemy this scholarship opportunity was they moved to China. Believing educa- [Japanese] planes visited Nanchang daily Fu-Liang Chang, grandfather of Berea tion was the key to rural reconstruction, and sometimes twice a day, and we College Trustee and Vice Chairman he joined Yale-in-China as a professor of learned to live with them,” Chang wrote Robert Yahng ’63. In the early 20th botany and forestry and later served as in his memoirs. “In fact, we even century, Chang left China to attend Yale dean of the middle school department. entertained visitors with the enemy University on a Boxer’s Rebellion Yale-in-China was an organization screaming overhead. My friend and Indemnity Scholarship. That journey started in the late 1800s by Yale gradu- former colleague at Yale-in-China, became the start of his family’s more- ates interested in mission work. By the Francis S. Hutchins, visited us before he than-six-decade connection to Berea. early 20th century it had become returned to America to accept the While at Yale, Chang met his future focused on education and development. presidency of Berea College. In the wife, Louise Harriet Huie, a half Dutch/ In the 1920s, he met Francis course of a nuisance air raid one night, English and Chinese New York native, Hutchins, who was also on the Yale-in- one enemy plane flew over the city for and decided on his life mission—to China faculty. Hutchins had graduated more than two hours before dropping its assist his countrymen in rural China in from Oberlin in 1923 and later would load of bombs. I suggested to Dr. achieving a better life. Chang wanted to also attend Yale, earning a master’s Hutchins that we go to bed as it was help restore hope and a more rewarding degree there in 1933. The two struck up already rather late. After pondering what way of life to his people. a friendship that would last for decades. would be the safest place in the house, “As a result of revolution, civil wars As China deteriorated from years of we all slept underneath our beds. No 楊and World War I, poverty, misery, turbulence, Hutchins was called to leave one could escape injury by a direct hit, famine, deprivation, sickness and death the war-torn country and return to the but shrapnel would probably not touch had become the lot of the Chinese United States to lead a small, liberal arts us underneath an iron bed covered with people,” Yahng said about the condition college in the heart of Appalachia, a mattress and blanket.” of China during that period. college where his father William had In the coming years of World War In 1915, Chang graduated from been serving as president. II, China would be a major theater of action, as the Japanese invaded the country, causing chaos and disruption of society. After the end of the war, com- munists began the takeover of mainland China, resulting in continued upheaval. “It is so difficult to reconstruct and help people when there is little structure or order in the nation,” Yahng said of the position in which his grandfather found himself during the late 1940s. In 1949, Chang left China and accepted a fellowship at Yale Divinity School for the 1950-51 school year. While there, Hutchins invited his old friend to join the faculty at Berea College. Chang accepted the offer. He taught sociology and served as College host and counselor to international visitors from 1951 to 1969.

A Life’s Mission Redirected Chang’s mission did not change when he joined the Berea faculty—it was just redirected. Having fled China, he realized that serving Appalachia—with Berea College Trustee Robert Yahng’s grandparents, Fu-Liang and Louise Chang, moved to Berea at the invitation of President Francis Hutchins in 1951. Chang moved his focus on rural reconstruction from China to Appalachia and its poverty and lack of resources—was taught at the College until 1969. well aligned with his life’s mission.

22 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy Two Generations, One Berea In the U.S., Daniel furthered his education, earning an advanced degree in accounting and working for industrial companies as an accountant. Louise was a librarian at Yale’s Sterling Memorial Library. In 1957, at the invitation of Francis Hutchins, Daniel and Louise joined Louise’s parents, Fu-Liang and Louise Chang, at Berea College. Daniel first served as the College treasurer for several years and then as a professor in the economics and business department. Louise joined the College as a librarian at the Hutchins Library. She also taught general studies. In Berea, the Yangs had found a refuge from the tribulations of war and Berea College Trustee Robert Yahng’s parents, Daniel and Louise Yang, moved to Berea in 1957. Daniel served as the College treasurer and then as a professor in the economics and business department. Louise joined the College social upheaval they had experienced in as a librarian at the Hutchins Library and also taught general studies. China. “My mother was surrounded by Instead of helping farmers in rural bombs. When WWII ended, the civil family, close friends and colleagues. China, he turned his attention to the war with the Communists resumed. She found fulfillment in her work at similarly challenged population in He found work in the government of the library,” Yahng recalled. Kentucky. Hutchins asked Chang to Nationalist China. In 1949, he was in “My father truly loved being in study the Pine Mountain Settlement charge of rationing for the capital city Berea,” Yahng reminisced. “He had School in Harlan, Ky. After his study of Nanjing at a time of hyperinflation, friends in Berea. Walking across the report, titled, “Whither Pine Mountain,” deprivation and instability. campus to collect his mail at the College Chang taught a course at Berea called Daniel’s in-laws left China first, post office would take a long time Rural Reconstruction of Underdevel- followed in 1950 by his wife, Louise, because every few steps he would meet oped Areas. He continued to believe that and their four sons—Robert, Huie, a friend who would engage him in investing time and resources in educat- Chris and Michael. They all left for the pleasant conversation. He took pleasure ing people is the best way to effect U.S. as immigrants after the fall of in flipping pancakes on Election Day change. Berea’s mission became his Nationalist China. Daniel would remain morning. He enjoyed his involvement mission. in Taiwan for three years before joining with Union Church.” Through Hutchins’ and Chang’s his family in the U.S. In 1980, when Daniel Yang passed friendship, Robert’s parents, Louise “All his life, he was in a situation away, flags in Berea flew at half-mast, Chang Yang and Daniel Teh-en Yang, where life and property could be and and Francis Hutchins gave the eulogy met and formed their own close bond were easily lost,” Yahng recalled of his at his funeral, which drew such a large with the Hutchins family. Daniel had father. “My parents’ philosophy was crowd it had to be held at Union earned his law degree from Soochow simple: when everything is stripped from Church instead of in Danforth Chapel University Law School and a doctorate you, one thing that is very difficult to on Berea’s campus. Thinking back, in juridical science (the equivalent of a take from you is your education.” Yahng says without the friendship Ph.D. in Law) from New York Universi- When the Yang family arrived in the between Hutchins and his grandfather, ty. Louise graduated from Vassar College U.S., they had little material wealth, but his family never would have been part and earned a master’s degree from the their education and faith allowed them of Berea College. University of Michigan. She spoke fluent to survive. Yahng said his grandparents In 1959, Robert, the oldest of Yang’s English and Chinese and had proficien- held tight to their Christian faith and four boys, began his personal Berea cy reading French and Burmese. By the values, and believed in Berea’s motto: College journey as a first-year student. late 1940s, they had established them- God has made of one blood all peoples His brother, Huie, also went to Berea, selves in China, as well. Daniel started of the earth. graduating in 1966. Another brother, his own law practice in Shanghai, only Chris, attended Berea Foundation to have his office destroyed by Japanese School, and later graduated from the

SPRING 2018 23 Living a Legacy University of the South. Michael, the Chinese Civil War, the Great Leap youngest of the four brothers, graduated Forward and the Cultural Revolution. from Knapp Hall and followed his After some thought, the friend replied, grandfather’s example by earning his ‘My secret was, I never left a job I undergraduate degree at Yale University. couldn’t return to.’ I have always Apart from his family, Francis remembered that. Hutchins was one of the biggest influ- “To me, it meant that life is all ences on Robert Yahng’s teenage and about options, and to exit situations later years. The same man who had gracefully preserves not only relation- befriended his grandfather more than ships, but options for survival, and three decades prior took to sharing his success,” Yahng elaborated. knowledge and insight on life with Yahng. “President Hutchins was a mentor,” Continuing the Legacy Yahng said. “I learned a great deal from After graduating from Berea in 1963, him and was guided by his wisdom.” Yahng received a juris doctor degree Berea College Trustee and Vice Chairman Robert Yahng ’63 hopes his family’s connection to Berea will contin- Much of Hutchins’ shared wisdom from the University of Kentucky College ue in the following generations. revolved around making good life of Law in 1967. He then served in the choices. U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of American Bridge, a firm that has built a “An example may be illustrative,” captain before receiving an honorable number of very well-known bridges. A Yahng said. “He told me about his discharge in 1972. In the years following current project is the replacement of the reunion in the early 1970s with an old his military service, he became a capital Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson Chinese friend whom he had not seen and managing partner for the interna- River, just north of New York City. He since leaving China in 1938. During the tional law firm of Baker & McKenzie. continues to pursue his love of educa- reunion, President Hutchins asked his Yahng served 17 years as the chairman of tion both through his Berea service and friend how he had survived the decades the board of the pre-eminent civil by teaching (for the last 20 years) and of turmoil in China – WW II, the engineering and construction company, serving on the board at Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, Calif., a school that, like Berea, serves a highly- disadvantaged population. A member of both the Kentucky and California Bar Associations, Yahng is also the co-author of several textbooks on U.S. history and government. “I enjoy the interaction with my students and watching them learn,” Yahng said. “It gives me a great deal of satisfaction.” Yahng’s connection to Berea ex- panded in 2003 when he joined the College’s Board of Trustees. In his 15

WHY THE CHANGE? In the 1960s, Robert and two of his brothers changed the spelling of their last name, Yang, to Yahng. The family name is “楊楊 ” in Chinese, but, in order to write it in English, there are several transliteration systems that can be used. With their father’s support, Robert and his brothers chose to use a different spelling from their parents because “Yahng” is phonetically more accurate and closer to how the Berea College Trustee Robert Yahng’s family moved from China to the U.S. when he and his three brothers were surname should be pronounced. young. Pictured from left to right: Chris, Michael, Robert and Huie.

24 SPRING 2018 Living a Legacy years on the board, he has worked Everyone shares the same goal of making It is important to Yahng that he together with the leadership of the Berea College a better place.” maintains a close relationship to Berea College to ensure the institution can Yahng and his family are making for his family. He hopes that his family survive and remain viable and meaning- Berea College a better place by support- connection to Berea will continue in the ful for all it serves. ing a new academic building under following generations. “The board dynamic has been one“ construction on campus. In memory of His broader hope is that more where everyone pitches in in a team his parents, Yahng and his wife, Tina, alumni will foster a multi-generational effort,” Yahng said. “There is a congeni- have funded the Yahng Discovery legacy with Berea, even if their own ality and spirit of constructive help. Center in the Margaret A. Cargill children and grandchildren do not Natural Sciences and Health Building, attend their alma mater. which is set to open this fall. “Education impacts the lives of Education impacts the lives of “I think the Discovery Center lends people, who, in turn, impact others,” itself to the idea of being creative, being Yahng said, “in making the world a people, who, in turn, impact innovative and pursuing solutions to better place for all.” others in making the world a problems,” Yahng explained. “In this better place for all. case, it’s a science building, but the idea – Robert Yahng ‘63 of discovery isn’t limited to the sciences; it really extends to the social fabric of “ the whole world.” 楊

www.bereacrafts.com

SPRING 2018 25 Living a Legacy GETTING DOWN TOBUSINESS Alumni entrepreneurs developed through their Berea experience give back to current Bereans

By Benjamin Willhite ’18

hether running unique campgrounds, a bourbon distillery or a venture capitalW company, six Berea alumni agree the College played an integral role in the success of their lives and businesses. Almost in unison, these business owners credit their coursework and experience in the Labor Program for enabling their visions.

Hiking on a farm, sleeping

in a treehouse Jessa Turner ’07 followed her dream of owning a farm. Turner graduated with a degree in sustainability and environ- ABOVE: HomeGrown HideAways offers unique camping experiences in yurts, treehouses and a tipi. Located just a few miles outside of Berea, owner and alumnus Jessa Turner ’07 relates much of her business’s success to her start at mental studies (SENS) with a focus on Berea College. BELOW: HomeGrown HideAways is home to several pets, making this nature getaway feel even more sustainable building design. Just two like home. short years after graduating, she and her husband, Nathan Turner, officially for a farm that provided 100 acres, 80 opened the gate to their business, of which would be wooded with hiking HomeGrown HideAways—a farm, trails, and was located within 20 min- campground and event facility just a utes of Berea. She and Nathan spent the few miles east of Berea. majority of her college years renovating In her search for the perfect farm to their house in Berea as an investment to facilitate her dream, Turner faced several sell when they found just the right farm. conflicts and setbacks. She was looking They did classwork on weekdays and

26 SPRING 2018 HideAways also hosts large events such Stables, which breeds and buys horses. as weddings, festivals, fundraisers and This is a medium for individuals to reunions. In 2017, their lodging facili- invest in race horses. ties hosted almost 600 guests, and 1,200 Daugherty used to own an oil and people came from all over the country gas company that employed around 140 for the four-day PlayThink festival that people, whereas now his firm consists of happens every June. fewer than 10 workers. Since their cash “If I had not had my labor position, flow has decreased from their original done an internship through Berea business, Daugherty said the company College and participated in the EPG had to find its niche market and learn to program, HomeGrown HideAways operate on a much smaller scale. would not be here today,” Turner said. Despite these new struggles, Daugh- “Berea College gave me the outlook of erty’s business has experienced many Abi’s Arboreal Abode and Hammock Haven is one of the accommodations available at HomeGrown HideAways, being able to succeed.” successes. He has served on the board of a 100-acre farm owned by Alumna Jessa Turner ’07. the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association. Through his accomplishments, Daugh- spent their weekends completely Oil, gas and horses erty has been able to affect the commu- remodeling an old duplex into a single- Bill Daugherty ’76 opened his current nity around him by creating tax revenue family home. The five-year farm search business, Blackridge Resource Partners in Kentucky. Building a natural-gas finally came to an end on their seventh LLC, with Bill Barr in 2011. Daugherty infrastructure led to creating more wedding anniversary, when they pur- graduated from Berea College with a long-term jobs. chased the farm of their dreams in April degree in agriculture. He started his first Daugherty points to Berea College 2009. business, NGAS, in 1984, which was an as part of his success. Several faculty Turner relates much of her success oil and gas company. However, after members helped him during his time at to Berea College. The combination of being listed on the Nasdaq as a publicly- Berea. One person in particular was Bob coursework, a summer internship at traded company, he decided to leave and Johnstone, the head of the Agricultural Vermont design school YesterMorrow, start Blackridge. Blackridge has two department. her labor position in the SENS program components, the first being oil and gas “Bob Johnstone did everything he and writing the HomeGrown Hide- prospect generation. The second compo- could to help me get a job,” Daugherty Aways business plan as a fellow in the nent of their company is Blackridge said. “The work culture at Berea College Entrepreneurship for the Public Good gives you a strong incentive to (EPG) program all culminated in continue that through your growing a sustainable, eco-tourism life.” venture from the ground up. Daugherty continues to be “I think the biggest success of involved with Berea College. HomeGrown HideAways is that we had He received a 2017 Distin- the vision, wrote it down into a business guished Alumnus award and plan, and have seen that vision become has participated in Great reality through a combination of both Conversations, where he talked baby steps and giant leaps of faith,” to students about lessons Turner said. learned in his life so far. After eight years of working full- time and operating HomeGrown HideAways, Turner was able to transi- tion away from her day job in 2017 and commit her time exclusively to the business. Today, her farm offers unique lodging opportunities in treehouses, yurts and a tipi. Guests can request farm-to-table meals from Nathan, a trained chef, and participate in a variety LEFT: Bill Daugherty ’76 is a serial entrepre- of workshops and retreats offered neur. His latest business venture combines oil throughout the year. HomeGrown and gas and race horses.

SPRING 2018 27 Venture capital helped several companies go public and Fascination and history aside, has sold other companies through opening a distillery presents its own acquisition. In both cases, the investor unique challenges.

usually receives a profit on their initial “Creating a distillery is a capital- investment. intensive business, and anticipating While Lohrasbpour does not demand is very difficult,” Meier said. “I directly tie his success in venture capital have to be able to sell my product and

to Berea College, he recognizes the estimate how much I need to sell several values the College instilled that guided months ahead of time.” him toward his accomplishments. Meier was successful in reducing his “At Berea College, I developed a capital costs by building most of his own “ strong work ethic, especially through equipment. Intimately learning how all the work-study program. Overall, I the equipment worked to ensure it developed courage in a safe environ- functioned properly helped him learn ment,” he said. even more about the distilling process, Like Daugherty, Lohrasbpour also he said. Besides bourbon-making, Meier At Berea College, I developed has participated in Great Conversations, also travels the world providing his a networking event that brings together consulting services in lean manufactur- a strong work ethic, especially alumni and students in roundtable ing. This skill played a critical role in through the work-study program. discussions about topics dealing with crafting the distilling process for his Overall, I developed courage in a careers and life in general, and he small-scale bourbon operation. safe environment. routinely looks for ways to support and – Esfandiar Lohrasbpour ‘74 encourage students.

Esfandiar“ Lohrasbpour ’74 invests in A shot of Kentucky companies as the co-owner of the Deciding to mix business with pleasure, venture capital firm, Novirian Capital David Meier ’83 began making the gold- in San Francisco, Calif. He started en elixir of Kentucky—bourbon. He Novirian in 2012 after previously being started Glenns Creek Distilling in 2015. a partner at Invesco Private Capital, a “The process of bourbon fascinated venture capital firm. His firm invests in me,” Meir said, “and the Old Crow small companies with the potential to distillery I bought has a lot of history increase in value and one day go public in it.” through an initial public offering (IPO) or be acquired by another company at a price that is higher than cost. After earning a mathematics degree at Berea College, Lohrasbpour focused on operations research in his post-graduate studies. The main challenge he has faced within his business is making sure the right people invest in his firm’s funds. “Investors have to know that we buy illiquid shares of private compa- nies,” Lohrasbpour said. Illiquid shares are stocks that are not yet easy to sell for a profit. “Liquidity requires patience,” he said. So does investing. Throughout his life, Lohrasbpour has experienced a David Meier ’83 stands in the barrel room of Glenns Creek Distilling. While studying for his degree in industrial technology management, Meier learned how to TIG and MIG weld, welding skills that he used to create stills for his variety of successes. His business has distillery.

28 SPRING 2018 Almost everything I learned “ from Berea can be applied here at Glenns Creek Distilling...I have tried to give back to Berea because I really appreciate the opportunity Berea gave me. “– David Meier ‘83 Being small has afforded the company some successes. “We know so much about distilla- tion, because we do every step of the process,” Meier said. “When we come up with a new product, we can experi- ment more, because our batches are The exterior of a house designed by Darin Brooks ’95 through his company Brooks Design Works. much smaller. It is one of the advantag- es of being small. Bigger companies want to produce the same profile. We want our bottles to taste good, but to Designing a new life Darin Brooks ’95 have a different profile. We provide a Darin Brooks ’95 graduated from Berea different experience because every barrel with a degree in theatre, which is is a little different.” completely unrelated to the business he Through technical skill development currently runs. He attended Pratt and mentoring, Berea College played Institute after Berea College for his an important role in Meier’s business passion—design. In 2002, Brooks venture. While studying for a degree created an architectural design firm with in industrial technology management, a partner, but in 2010, he branched off Meier learned how to TIG and MIG to start his own business. Houston-based weld, welding skills that he later used Brooks Design Works provides graphic to create stills for his distillery. He also design, architectural design and brand uses his knowledge of graphic arts to identity, as well as graphic publishing. design and print his labels. “I was a storyteller,” Brooks said. “In “Almost everything I learned from the world of residential design, I get to Brooks has done interior design Berea can be applied here at Glenns be intimately connected with people and work for restaurants and condos. Creek Distilling,” Meier said. their lives once they go home, which I Beyond just running a successful One thing from his time at Berea find to be really inspiring in the design business, he places great importance on that has stuck with Meier was a quote world.” community. from a professor, Dr. Don Hudson: One of Brooks’ main struggles was “Much of what I do professionally is “You make time in life for the things hiring the wrong people and mixing to create a community, and that attri- you want to do.” work and personal life. bute of mine can be traced back to my “From then on, I decided to not tell At one point, Brooks lived and time at Berea,” he said. people I don’t have time, I’m just going worked inside the same building with Brooks said Berea taught him that to do it, or not do it,” Meier said. his business partner. In the end, this lack you have to keep going, or as they say in In an effort to give back, Meier of separation led him to break off and theatre, “the show must go on.” For him, provided two internships to Berea create his own company—one where he Berea College felt like a community, College students at Glenns Creek was the sole owner. especially as a residential college. Distilling in summer 2017. “The work-life balance is really “Community was very important at “I have tried to give back to Berea important for entrepreneurs,” Brooks Berea College,” he said. “I got along because I really appreciate the opportu- said. “I learned some very valuable and with classmates despite their different nity Berea gave me,” he said. expensive lessons.” views or backgrounds.”

SPRING 2018 29 Although Berea College didn’t the sole songwriter and musician. He directly influence his career, there have records all instrument sounds and been aspects that have carried over and vocals, mixes the tracks and designs the helped him. To reconnect with Berea, album covers. Brooks attended one of the Great An admitted perfectionist, Harmon Conversations held at Berea College. said his biggest challenges were staying He saw it as a beneficial event for him focused and being too self-critical. and the students who attended. “A huge success to me has been that “I have maintained close mentor I sit down and think about my failures relationships with a couple of Berea and say, ‘It’s OK to fail; just try again or students I met that night. We shared try something else,’” he said. book lists, inspiration, confidences and Harmon says he has often struggled life-planning explorations,” Brooks said. with self-criticism, but he has realized over time that accepting his mistakes has been instrumental in his lifelong learning.

Creation He has stressed that looking at tasks John Harmon ’95 graduated from Berea objectively and achieving a balance in life College with a degree in studio art. can remove many of life’s pressures. Harmon spent 10 years as an environ- Entering the business world was mental scientist/inspector, but desiring a much simpler for“ Harmon because of more creative career, he started Harmon the effective time management skills he House in 2008. This initiative has learned while preparing his own sched- John Harmon’s business, Harmon House, creates fine art, become a successful ule as a student at such as this painting titled, “Becoming.” business offering fine Berea. A key art, event photogra- The experience forced me to turning point in his phy, original music life was the oppor- community,” he said. gain self-confidence to do things and broom craft. tunity to study These six entrepreneurs are wonder- Harmon crafts independently and not let fear abroad in Florence, ful examples of how the Berea experi- songs for the bands paralize me. Italy in 1992. ence shapes an outlook, instills confi- “John and the Time – John Harmon ‘95 “That trip was dence and resiliency, provides an Traveling Bicycle” an amazing crucible opportunity to acquire work skills, like and “Carriage House that really changed time management and working with Saints.” He also commits to some the entire course of my life,” he said. people different from oneself, and website design as well. “ “The experience forced me to gain prepares students for whatever the future On all of the “John and the Time self-confidence to do things inde- brings their way. Berea alums are able to Traveling Bicycle” albums, Harmon is pendently and not let fear paralyze me.” turn the challenges of creating a business Harmon held a round table at Great into learning opportunities. They have John Harmon ’95 Conversations through Berea College in been successful through their own vigor 2013. Much of the talk at the table was and determination, yet acknowledge about giving yourself room to make how their alma mater continues to mistakes and move on. support their professional attainments Harmon and his wife, Amy Harmon and enrich their personal lives. ’99, have always been involved alumni. While living in San Diego, Calif., they were part of arranging alumni chapter meetings. John and Amy recently moved back to Berea, where Amy has taken a position working for the College as a Discover more alumni major gift officer—so that they can business stories at continue their close engagement with www.berea.edu/magazine the College. “We’re very happy to be back in Berea and to be involved with the

30 SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 31 Now, When You Go TO SCHOOL...

By Jason Lee Miller

essie Reasor Zander’s name appears races that wasn’t crossed. from Alabama to seek work in the coal along the campus sidewalk on one “You didn’t question it,” she said. mines and with the railroads, a step up Jof many banners honoring notable “You didn’t know that there would ever from working as a domestic in people’s Berea alumni. Say the name out loud be a change in it.” homes in the Deep South. They lived on campus, and the likely refrain is Zander’s family moved to Virginia among a row of homes built for black as follows: Jessie Zander was the first African American to graduate after the segregationist Day Law was set aside. Chances are, though, not much else will be said. Such is the case with certain names. John Fenn won the Nobel Prize. Sam Hurst invented a kind of touch screen technology. For Jessie Zander, there is more to her story than that, and we aim to tell some of it. Graduating in 1954, Zander took her place at an integrated commence- ment, the likes of which Berea hadn’t seen in 50 years. The 1904 “Day Law” is infamous in Berean lore. It was the state legislation that segregated private colleges in Kentucky, an action taken in direct response to Berea’s founding commitment to interracial education. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately sided with the State of Kentucky in 1908, and Berea College would not admit another student of color until Zander became one of a small number that matriculated in 1951. Previously, Zander attended Swift Memorial Junior College, a Presbyterian school for African Americans in Rogers- ville, Tenn., about 60 miles from her childhood home in Appalachia, Va., where segregation was an unfortunate Berea College Special Collections Archive Berea College Special Collections fact of life. Zander describes the time Jessie Reasor Zander ’54 came to Berea College from the segregated town of Appalachia, Va. She holds the distinct period as having a sharp line between honor of being Berea’s first African American to graduate after the Day Law was rescinded.

32 SPRING 2018 families, with property ownership enabled by her grandmother, Cherrie. “I observed her continuing on regardless, a fifth-grade educated woman out of Alabama, who didn’t rant and rave about her position or what was occurring, who used her wits and bought land or assisted her children in buying land,” Zander said. Separated from her mother at a young age, Zander was reared by Cherrie, who instilled in her the impor- tance of education early on. Zander recalls “a beautiful, smiling, dark- skinned woman” who prayed her granddaughter would be educated despite the lack of financial resources to ‘16 Towne Jasmine make it happen. To implant the idea Jessie Reasor Zander ’54 is not only a Berea alumna, but she also earned two master’s degrees and had a rewarding career as a principal in Tucson, Ariz. She is a poet who has traveled the world and has received numerous awards and permanently in her granddaughter’s recognitions. She embraces a humble appreciation for all she has accomplished in her more than 80 years of life. mind, Cherrie kept the phrase “now, when you to go to school...” in regular place existed,” she said. “That motto of by people interested in interracial living use. Berea is very strong: God has made of was positive. Also, it was good experi- At the little Baptist church nearby, one blood all peoples of the earth.” ence for her future career as a principal

Zander considered her grandmother’s Her religious background allowed of integrated schools. admonitions as she developed her her to absorb the words and note that “I could not have done these jobs in talents. “I learned to be who I am today though people expressed a belief in Arizona (where she now lives) where I by going to the church on the end of my equality, they did not behave as though was in a large minority if I had not had street,” she said. “I learned about how they did. “It was“ already in place in my that experience,” she said. to work with people in that little church. heart and mind, the equality of people, The road to becoming a principal, I learned in that little church how to even though I wasn’t experiencing that.” though, was bumpy. Outside of the get up in front of a group and speak The recruiter asked the students to College, 1950s Kentucky was not a and sing and work with raise their hands if they welcoming place. When it came time to children younger than were interested in do her student-teaching, she was present- I.” attending. Zander was ed an opportunity to work at a nearby It was amidst this Keep moving forward. the only student to do school with other future teachers. How- backdrop that she Connect to people who so. ever, she had a hunch that because she overheard her Sunday can assist you. There’s Until Berea, had not met the principal who hired her school instructor tell always a way. Zander had never in person, he may lose interest once he Cherrie that Jessie – Jessie Zander ‘54 attended classes with would make a fine white students. She STILL COMMITTED Interracial education is Berea’s fifth Great teacher. Zander recalls, often found herself the Commitment. (Explore the Great Commit- too, that it seemed the only African American ments at www.berea.edu/the-great- only career options for African-American in her classes. commitments.) That commitment requires women at the time were teaching“ or “Not having had close interaction a community characterized by diversity and inclusion. Earlier, diversity in our country nursing. Because of influential teachers [with white people], I felt like a fish out and region primarily centered around the in her life, she was inclined toward of water,” Zander said. “I was welcomed black/white divide. Now that historical education. What remained was finding by people, treated kindly, but it took commitment is foundational for building community among “all peoples of the an answer to her grandmother’s prayers time, both for me as an African- earth,” so that Berea’s inclusive community of school for her granddaughter. American student and for whites who includes persons of all the major ethnicities One day at Swift Memorial, a had not lived with African Americans. in our country and international students as recruiter from Berea College visited So we were wary, but kind enough.” well. Learn more about diversity and inclusion at Berea College at www.berea. Zander’s class and told them about the Though wary, Zander says the edu/diversity-and-inclusion. school. “I was quite surprised such a overall experience of being surrounded

SPRING 2018 33 discovered her race. Zander called to ate, racially tinged gifts and of teachers unfound. Each century seems to uncover inform him and ask if the job was still sending black children to her for another layer of racial unrest that is still hers. disciplinary situations that could have unexplored. We find another level, then “The person said no; they did not been handled in the classroom. another one.” wish to have me,” Zander recalled. “I “Something was amiss,” Zander When asked if she had advice was disappointed because I would have said. “You cannot look at me as black for today’s African American college wanted to go with the ones who were and think that that child can only be graduates, she responded that she had going to have this experience. It proba- cared for by me because my care is for all “nothing so profound. Keep moving bly would have been a very different the children.” forward, whatever forward is for you. experience from teaching in a black Decades later, Zander views race Forward for each person is following school.” relations in America as something that the desire you have for yourself. Keep Her Berea mentor, Dr. Robert progresses little by little. pushing forward for those desires, and Menefee, made sure to let that principal “Despite our uneven progress,” don’t get to the point you say, ‘I can’t know his school missed out on a fine she said, “so much about black/white do this. It’s impossible. It’s too hard.’ young teacher. Through some other relations is still unsolved. It’s like a Connect to people who can assist you. African American connections, Zander layered cake, with some seams still There’s always a way.” completed her student-teaching at Middletown School in Berea, a school for black children. ZANDER’S MUST READ LIST Thus was the beginning of her Zander spoke about her frustration at modern school curriculum. The retired principal noted the lack of African-American and female authors required in public education, and then she teaching career. Eventually, Zander provided her top-five, all-must-read list: landed in Arizona, where racial tensions continued, especially as attempts at 1. The Complete Collected Poems by Maya Angelou 2. Here I Stand by Paul Robeson integration meant busing in students of 3. Forced into Glory by Lerone Bennett Jr. color from their neighborhoods to be 4. A Hand to Guide Me by Denzel Washington educated alongside white children. 5. Elder Grace: The Nobility of Aging by Betsy Kissam and Chester Higgins Jr. Zander, who presided over these tensions as principal, believes many of the teachers were not trained well Hear Jessie talk about her first Pinnacle hike at age 80 at enough on how to handle the new www.berea.edu/magazine situation. She tells stories of inappropri-

34 SPRING 2018 A Weekend with Jessie Reasor Zander

By Jasmine Towne ’16

History can be a blessing or a burden. One’s Thankful for the free therapy Berea containing memorabilia she wanted to donate place in the annals of time—intentional or provided, Zander returned to Arizona, where to Berea’s archives. We pored over various incidental—can be a point of pride or a reason she leads/has been active with the Arizo- awards and recognitions—the Alpha Kappa to retreat. For Jessie Reasor na-Berea alumni group for 20 years. Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Zander ’54, sometimes, it’s both. Before long we were in the scholarship in her name, the University of “Whenever I visit Berea,” kitchen, where she presented me Arizona Black Alumni Women’s Award she explained in a phone call with a menu of the down-home presented by the YWCA, her dedication speech last June, “the introductory food she had prepared just for our at Knapp Hall and other Berea recognitions. statement is, ‘This is Jessie visit. Both surprised and touched She pulled out a stack of cards, sharing how Reasor Zander; she is the first that she went to such lengths to be she saves the ones she receives from Berea. African American to graduate an accommodating, generous host, “This one’s from Lyle and Laurie (Roe- after the Day Law was rescind- I looked it over: salmon patties, lofs),” she noted. They are so precious to me. ed.’ That repetition—over and pinto beans, rice, chicken and fruit At Christmas and birthdays, I get a slew of over in the course of a day—was nice, but were some meals that stood out. I explained them from Berea.” exhausting and somehow embarrassing.” that I was a vegan. Zander, a poet, shuffled through some old To distance herself from that repetition “Not another vegan!” she laughed poems and read one aloud. Titled, “Unifying while still embracing her role as “the first,” infectiously. “My godchild’s daughter, Christine, Symbol,” and published in the July 1975 Zander retired to Tucson, Ariz., in 1992, rather is a vegan; I’m a southern cook. I guess you edition of the “Appalachian Independent,” than to her beloved Berea. can’t eat most of this.” the poem speaks to the need for our cultural I spent a weekend with the retired school We worked side-by-side in her small exchanges to promote better understanding principal and poet and learned there is more to kitchen, each preparing our meals and snacks, of one another’s unique backgrounds and this youthful octogenarian than her watershed laughing and talking. differences. moment at Berea College 64 years ago. The next day we awoke early. In the living I’d like to join you./In a trip toward When I arrived at her home, Zander room, I scanned her books, all well-known healing, toward harmony and gathered me in a warm embrace. “Come,” she African-American authors. We bonded over wholeness. …Say the word and I’ll said, holding my hand. “I’m looking forward to Maya Angelou, one of my favorites, and we join you/In a walk toward exchange/ our time together.” connected in other ways, too, mainly in regard Toward a new consciousness and As she led me around her home, I to our shared experiences as African-American understanding. observed how spry her gait was for a woman in women. She is putting together a book of her her 80s. She showed me to my room for the We got down to the business of why I was poems to share with loved ones, and although next few days. Her late husband, Johnny, had there: to catalog in some way the musings of I complimented her, she remained humble. slept there. Photos of him covered the top of this beloved Berean. Her responses revealed all She focused mainly on her numerous service the dresser. The two had been married for 35 that I have to be grateful for in this day and awards. Each award brought with it a story. years, and planned to travel the world together age. As I listened, I thought about how Later over lunch at a place called Sweet in retirement. Zander retired in 1989; Johnny fortunate I am to have never once had a Tomatoes, Zander shared more stories about was to retire soon after. professional opportunity denied me because of her travels to South Africa, Russia, Australia, “It didn’t work out the way we thought,” my skin color, and how interesting it is that not New Zealand, Mexico, Germany and more. she said, explaining that Johnny passed away one of my classes at Berea had ever enrolled Our visit carried with it the power of on his next-to-last day of work in 1989. “It was only fellow black students. belief in the face of seemingly insurmountable catastrophic.” We sat at the kitchen table, a laptop odds. Buoyed by her grandmother’s faith, Between 1989 and 1992 Jessie was between us and a tape recorder beside it. I Zander also earned two master’s degrees. Her invited back to Berea—first, to work with looked at her with keen interest as she shared life is a testament to the fact that we are each Kathryn Akural and student-teachers in her wisdom. powerful beyond measure. Only by moving education studies, and later with the Carter G. “Having money,” she said, “doesn’t give forward and allowing ourselves to be seen, to Woodson Center, where she joined Dr. Joyce progress to the world. Interacting with each really show up, can we move in the direction of Bickerstaff and William Turner to work with other and sharing do, but we’re still stuck on a future that is inclusive of folks of all different African-American high school students. what we can do to make the most money. That backgrounds, in every area. “Those experiences,” she reminisced, “in needs to be recognized at the highest level to this special, communal atmosphere were just encourage community acceptance and assist Zander dedicates this story to Dean Allen and the therapy I needed to come to terms with his people in interacting and sharing.” Dr. Robert Menefee, mentors who settled her passing.” She walked me to a room filled with boxes into the Berea way.

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Berea College Board of Trustees Elects Three New Members Berea College Student Diane A. Wallace, Miriam (Mim) R. Pride and Ken Wins Prestigious Thomas Koh were elected to the Berea College Board of J. Watson Fellowship Trustees at the Board’s April meeting. Their new terms will begin July 1, 2018. Diane Wallace ’80 is an independent contract editor for Kinesis-Cem, a market research company with which she has worked since 2001. Much of her career has been associated with the Social Security Administration. Wallace earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration from Berea College. In addition to her professional career, she actively has served her alma mater as an executive committee member of the College’s Second Century Club and a member of the Alumni Executive Council. Diane Wallace ‘80 Mim Pride is president emeritus of Blackburn College, for which she was president The Center for International Education for 22 years. Most recently, Pride consulted on announced that Berea College nominee work and service learning for the College of Sunaina Sherchan won the national Wooster (Ohio) and was interim executive director competition for the 2018-19 Thomas J. of the Pine Mountain Settlement School. Earlier Watson Fellowship. The Watson includes a in her career, she was employed by Berea College cash prize of $30,000 to provide a year of and served as manager of Boone Tavern Hotel. international discovery for select graduat- A graduate of the Berea College Foundation ing college seniors in many disciplines. School, Pride earned her Bachelor of Arts degree Sherchan’s project, “Exploring Identity in English and secondary education from The Through Folktales,” will include travel to College of Wooster and her MBA from the Japan, New Zealand and Finland. Sherchan University of Kentucky. explains that folktales provide a window Pride is a member and the current chair of into the past and examine the cultural and the Berea Human Rights Commission, and she moral reasons behind a community’s serves as a panel member of the Madison County beliefs. Her Watson year will explore the Panel of the Kentucky Foster Care Review Board. relationship between folktales and identity Ken Koh is the Group CEO of Yang Kee Mim Pride formation in Japanese, Maori and Sami Logistics Pte Ltd, which is headquartered in communities. Documenting traditional Singapore. He is a graduate from Nanyang storytelling practices, Sherchan will seek to Technological University with a degree in electrical understand how these communities and electronic engineering. Prior to joining Yang preserve their cultural and ethnic identities, Kee, Koh was involved in business development and where their commonalities and in Hewlett Packard. differences lie. Koh serves as a council member of Singapore Berea College is the only school in Logistics Association, a trade association that Kentucky from which The Watson Fellow- collaborates with logistics companies and ship accepts candidates. This year, which professionals, institutions and academia, industry marks the 50th class of Thomas J. Watson organizations and partners, government agencies Fellows, includes student winners from as well as international organizations and eight countries and 17 states who will businesses. As a representative of the Small and travel to 67 countries exploring topics Medium Enterprise (SME) community, Koh was ranging from foster care to opera; from the appointed a member of the Pro Enterprise Panel, a Cambrian Explosion to human augmenta- public-private partnership set up in 2000 to help tion; from threatened big cat species to businesses overcome rules and regulations by spoken word. Fellows use their cash award Ministry of Trade and Industry Singapore (MTI). Ken Koh for 12 months of travel and college loan assistance as needed.

36 SPRING 2018 Dr. Kennaria Brown Reynolds Named Dean of the Chapel at Berea College Recognized for Work in Dr. Loretta Reynolds has been appointed Dean leadership, the Student Chaplain program has Police Diversity of the Chapel at Berea College. Reverend made great strides in serving students and our Reynolds’ experience in the work and mission community. Loretta, as we all know her, is “Empathetic, strong and fearless” were some of of Berea College began in 1998. Since then, widely appreciated for all she has done in the words describing Dr. Kennaria Brown, she has served as Title IX coordinator, a emergency response and pastoral care in our associate professor of Communication at Berea member of the Residence Life Team, a community.” College, in a feature article by Rachel James professor in General Studies and, most Reynolds has a bachelor’s degree in music Clevenger published in the January issue of recently, as senior College chaplain and education from the University of Southern Private University Products and News magazine. interim director of the Campus Christian Mississippi; a Master of Divinity from Golden For the past five years, Brown has assisted Center. Reynolds is trained in first responder Gate Theological Seminary; a Master of Berea City Police Chief David Gregory in emergency pastoral care and in brief pastoral Theology from the Southern Baptist Theological diversity training to improve community and counseling. She is also a Berea College Green Seminary; and a Doctor of Theology from the police communications, particularly related to Dot trainer. Melbourne College of Divinity, Melbourne, cultural, racial and social differences. Brown is “Reynolds has become a spiritual leader Australia. Her professional experience includes adamant that the Berea police officers were and a key pillar of our community in her 20 work with youth and young adults in Zambia, “not reflective” of what was happening across years of service at Berea College,” said Berea the British Virgin Islands, California and the nation, such as in Ferguson, Mo. College President Lyle Roelofs. “Under her Botswana. This past year, Brown included two of her students in the diversity training project though Berea College’s Undergraduate Research and Berea College Student Honored as 2018 Newman Creative Projects program, a summer men- Civic Fellow tor-apprentice program designed to enhance Berea College student Hunter Malone was are affected. I have been fortunate enough student learning through collaborative, named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus to have the opportunity to serve my challenging, directed programs with a faculty Compact, a Boston-based, non-profit community through being involved with member. organization working to advance the public training first-year college students to engage Chief Gregory appreciates Brown’s purposes of higher education. Malone, a with the community and serve in the areas passionate and professional approach. junior sociology major with a history minor, they feel called. It is my belief that everyone “Brown is special, one of the best was one of 268 students from colleges has something to offer.” educators [I have] met in more than 20 years across America who made up the organiza- The Newman Civic Fellowship, named of policing,” he said. “Dr. Brown is great at tion’s 2018 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. for Campus Compact co-founder Frank communicating and worked a lot of hours “Hunter is a creative and collaborative Newman, is a one-year experience emphasiz- in making her police department one that student leader who is actively involved in ing personal, professional and civic growth. believes in respect and understanding its mentoring and training others,” said Berea Through the fellowship, Campus Compact community.” College President Lyle Roelofs. “He is also provides a variety of learning and networking committed to developing opportunities for opportunities, including a national confer- others to learn and take action on the issues ence of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership that are important to them. Hunter is particu- with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the larly interested in exploring intersections of United States Senate. The fellowship also human rights and social issues.” provides fellows with access to apply for Malone has worked for three years in exclusive scholarship and post-graduate Berea College’s Center for Excellence in opportunities. Learning through Service (CELTS). He trained and supervised first-year students who have committed to making service and civic engagement an integral part of their college careers, too. He developed trainings about diversity for other student civic engagement leaders and provided leadership for a large-scale refugee simulation on campus. “Although I was involved in service work prior to coming to Berea College, it wasn’t until then that I began to fully understand why I served,” Malone said. “Serving others opens my mind to think critically about policies and the people that

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Jessie Ball duPont Fund Extends Grant to Berea College, Berea College Professor Supports Berea’s Latino Male Initiative Publishes Book Exploring The Jessie Ball duPont Fund (Jacksonville, Fla.) students of color, both at Berea and nationally. New Facet of African awarded a grant to Berea College to extend the A previous grant in 2017 allowed Berea to Jessie Ball duPont Fund Postdoctoral Fellowship hire a faculty member to teach and mentor American History Dwayne A. Mack, the Carter G. Woodson in Latino Male Academic Success. The grant Latino men in their first year of studies at chair in African American History at Berea of $54,060 supports Berea’s Latino Male Berea. This initial grant included support for College, has collaborated on a newly Initiative, a program to enhance first-to-second- programming, provided a point person for published book, Freedom’s Racial Frontier: year retention and encourage a sense of DACA-related concerns and bolstered cam- African Americans in the Twentieth-Century belonging among Latino male students at the pus-wide efforts to create an even more West along with Herbert G. Ruffin II. College. supportive environment for Latinx students. Between 1940 and 2010, the black The renewed grant funding allowed Berea The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is a national population of the American West grew from to retain a postdoctoral position and continue foundation that works to expand access and 710,400 to 7 million. That growth has to explore the effectiveness of a combined create opportunity by investing in the work of prompted a burgeoning interest in the academic and co-curricular approach in organizations that were important to Jessie Ball history of the African American West— supporting male persistence through college. duPont. The Fund uses its resources to build the reflected in the remarkable range and depth The Latino Male Initiative addresses gaps in capacity of organizations it supports; build the of the works collected in Freedom’s Racial retention and graduation that can otherwise assets of people, families and communities; and Frontier. Editors Ruffin and Mack have disproportionately impact male students and promote civil society. gathered established and emerging scholars in the field to create an anthology linking past, current and future generations of Alumna Geraldine Baker Receives Berea College Service African American West scholarship. Award The West as revealed in Freedom’s The 2018 Berea College Service Award was human needs, and it promotes Lakota cultural Racial Frontier is a place where black presented to alumna Geraldine “Jeri” Baker ’62 initiatives that honor traditions and develop Americans have fought—and continue to in March during the annual Berea College opportunities for Lakota youth. fight—to make their idea of freedom live Service convocation. The Berea College Service up to their expectations of equality; a place Award honors persons who exemplify Berea’s where freedom is still a frontier for most Great Commitments in their daily lives and persons of African heritage. The book is service to humanity. The award honors practical published by the University of Oklahoma service by persons in all walks of life. Press. After graduating from Berea College, Ruffin is an associate professor of Baker earned a master’s degree in human History and chair of African American services from George Washington University. Studies at Syracuse University, Syracuse, Her career as a social worker spanned more N.Y., and author of Uninvited Neighbors: than 30 years and focused on advocacy for African Americans in Silicon Valley, children. In her retirement, she has collaborated 1769–1990. with residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation in Mack is a professor of history at Berea South Dakota, where she started a non-profit College, author of numerous articles on organization called One Spirit. The organiza- African American history and co-editor of tion’s programs address hunger and other basic Beginning a Career in Academia: A Guide for Graduate Students of Color. 83rd Annual Mountain Folk Festival at Berea College Celebrated History of Folk Dance The 83rd Annual Mountain Folk Festival took mountain people. The event brings together place in Berea on April 6 and 7. The Festival students who participate in dance groups in trains dancers and dance leaders to carry on their local area—ranging from fourth grade the cultural folk traditions of the region. through high school—to participate in Musicians and dancers began the performance traditional dances from the British Isles, with a processional, or parade dance, welcom- Denmark and Appalachia. The Festival included ing the coming spring season in a centuries-old groups from Berea and Louisville, Ky.; Flat tradition of “dancing in the branches of May.” Creek, Tenn.; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Portland, The Mountain Folk Festival began in 1935 Ore. as part of Berea College’s outreach to young

38 SPRING 2018 Weatherford Awards for Best Appalachian Books Announce Winners of the Weatherford Awards for the the 2018 Appalachian Studies Conference in dementia. Hansel is a poet, memoirist and best books about Appalachia in 2017 are The April. teacher who resides in Paddock Hills in Cincinna- Last Ballad by Wiley Cash (fiction), Palindrome ti, Ohio. She is Cincinnati’s first Poet Laureate by Pauletta Hansel (poetry), and James Still: A Fiction Award and leads writing workshops and retreats in the Life by Carol Boggess (nonfiction). Set in North Carolina, Wiley Cash’s historical greater Cincinnati area and beyond. The Weatherford Awards honor books that novel The Last Ballad re-examines the tragic best illuminate the challenges, personalities events of a 1929 textile union strike. Cash Nonfiction Award and unique qualities of the Appalachian South. serves as the writer-in-residence at the James Still, one of the most beloved and Granted by Berea College and the Appalachian University of North Carolina-Asheville and important writers in Appalachian literature, is Studies Association for 47 years, the awards teaches in the Mountainview Low-Residency most easily recognized by his seminal novel River commemorate the life and achievements of MFA program. of Earth. Carol Boggess writes the definitive W.D. Weatherford Sr., a pioneer and leading biography of Still in James Still: A Life. Boggess figure in Appalachian development, youth work Poetry Award serves as the president of the Appalachian and race relations, and his son, Willis D. Palindrome, Pauletta Hansel’s sixth poetry Studies Association and professor emerita of Weatherford Jr., who was Berea College’s sixth collection, follows the title’s vision by balancing English at Mars Hill University. In 1995, Boggess president (1967-84). her experience as a daughter while being a wrote her dissertation on Still’s River of Earth, These winning authors were recognized at caregiver to her mother who is suffering leading to a long-term interest in the author.

SPRING 2018 39 Periodical postage paid at Berea, KY and additional mailing offices. Send address changes to Berea College Magazine, c/o Berea College Alumni Association, CPO Box 2203, Berea, KY 40404.