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A Century of
Endowing Our Future

 

A bold decision made by the Board of Trustees 100 years ago has impacted generations of students and strengthened the mission of Berea College.

The October 20, 1920, decision determined that all bequests shall be considered as additions to the permanent endowment funds of the College, unless otherwise designated. This visionary decision has helped secure the mission of the College to this day by building resilience through its endowment. It is paramount that we move forward with the same determination as we work to help fund the College for the next 100 years.

What is a bequest gift?

A bequest is generally a revocable gift, which means it can be changed or modified at any time. These gifts are transferrable to Berea College upon death.

 

Ways to make a bequest gift

• Designate in your will a specific dollar amount, asset, or percentage of your estate be left to Berea College
• Gift the balance or residue of your estate to the College
• Make a beneficiary designation of certain assets
• Name Berea a beneficiary of your IRA or pension plan, or life insurance policy. Donors can simply update the beneficiary information on these types of plans to specify any portion of the plan or policy be gifted to Berea College.

 

Great Commitments Society

Donors who confirmed their bequest gift intention to the College become members of the Great Commitments Society. 

Words from 100 in 100 participants

Jo Hall Rappolee '14 & Armando Buenrostro  '20, Kentucky

"Berea changed our lives in so many wonderful ways. Berea College is here because of the generosity of its donors. It only feels natural to want to participate in maintaining such a unique mission by paying it forward."  - Johanna Hall-Rappolee '14

Molly Bea Smith '15, Kentucky
"I was inspired to leave Berea as a beneficiary of my retirement and life insurance by colleagues who really walk the walk in terms of fundraising toward a mission of educational opportunity and justice. I saw that others used this work for more than just a paycheck, and I would never feel right not doing the same, especially as an alumna knowing that Berea gave me the life I have today, in more ways than I can count." - Molly Bea Smith '15


Julianna O'Brien, Kentucky

"To be part of a community working together towards love over hate, human dignity and equality and peace with justice, is truly powerful.  I have witnessed firsthand how Berea transforms the trajectory of not just individual students (including my siblings Olivia Rado '18 and Ben Rado '24), but also families and even generations.  Berea's steadfast commitment to its mission is compelling, and this is my small part in supporting that work." - Julianna O'Brien

Mary Phifer '84, Virginia

"I chose to name Berea College as a beneficiary in my estate plans as a way of paying it forward and helping Bereans. I know that the contributions of others allowed me to attend Berea and experience a productive career in nursing.  Through my giving I am also leaving a legacy for my own family to be thankful for God's blessings and to be mindful to give back." - Mary Phifer '84




Chris Schill '97 & Heather Schill '99, Kentucky

"Berea College is where we met and where we have spent the majority of our careers.  We are honored to leave a part of who we are at Berea College after we are gone because Berea has meant so much to us individually and in our life together." - Chris Schill '97 & Heather Schill '99




JoEllen Pederson '07, Virginia

"My life is better because of the education I received and the friends I made at Berea College.  While there, I learned the importance of living my values through labor and service to others.  By naming Berea College in my estate plans, I'm following my values by contributing to the future of Berea's students through its unparalleled mission." - JoEllen Pederson '07



Stephanie Hillmon '90 & Samuel Hillmon, Virginia

"I am supporting Berea College through my estate plans as a way to thank Berea for my education and for opening other doors for me.  I met my husband, Samuel Hillmon, in South Korea while serving in the U.S. Air force.  We are now retired Air Force Officers and are making this gift to Berea in order to bless future students as we have been blessed."  - Stephanie Hillmon '90


Susan Kay & Jeffrey Rudsten, California

"We are so grateful for the unique opportunity provided to the talented and diverse students of Berea. The Renaissance offerings from science to the arts feed the mind and the soul in a way many institutions fail to reach.  We have deep respect for the way it will surely move its students not only ahead in the world as professionals but as better human beings." - Susan Kay 



Osvaldo Flores '18, Georgia

"Berea is different since most of the student population have faced financial challenges for generations.  I know my support will be a guaranteed positive impact on this community and investing in the historical legacy that Berea has built for students who otherwise could not see themselves challenge the status quo." - Osvaldo Flores '18




Dani Graves '19, Kentucky

"Many nameless alumni and friends gave generously so that I could receive a top-notch education, but I know it's my turn.  Our students have shown their grit, resilience, and strength through the COVID-19 pandemic and I feel it's my obligation to support them in a many ways as I possibly can." - Dani Graves '19




Kelly Sue Boyer '86, California


"When I attended Berea College I was keenly aware that it was a special place and that special place was due to the generosity of alumni and donors.  Berea taught me how to think and dream for myself and my community. I made Berea a beneficiary of my estate so that future generations of young people can know this special place where they, too, can think and dream." - Kelly Boyer '86



Carl Evans Fdn. '62 and Dr. Ann Evans, South Carolina

"Our family lived the Berea experience. We know the value of providing opportunity to those who otherwise would not have it;  Berea does that so well!  We delight in supporting Berea through our 100 in 100 bequest." - Dr. Ann Evans






Dr. Jordan Leonard '93, Arizona

"I am keenly aware of the tremendous impact that the four years I spent at Berea College has had on the rest of my life.  The outstanding education, community of diverse students and faculty, and commitments of work and responsibility served to mold my life for the decades that have followed.  Regular gifts of giving back to that same Berea community, including through estate planning, is a small token of appreciation for all that I have been given." - Dr. Jordan Leonard '93


Bobi Conn '02, Kentucky
"Berea College provided me with a path out of generational poverty, and I am grateful to be in a position where I can now contribute to the future of others who need that stepping stone. As a student, I didn't understand why strangers would have paid for my education, though I was glad they did. Now, I see how lifting others up helps create a better world for all of us." Bobi Conn '02


Kim Brown, Kentucky
?I?m including Berea College in my estate plans to ensure future generations of students have the opportunity that my maternal great-grandfather, Sammie Williams, never had. He was born in the South in 1896 and left school in the third grade to work to help his family. Despite his limited formal education, he learned math skills on his own and built a career as a municipal worker, helping build plumbing infrastructure, working in concrete and asphalt, driving the street sweeper and any other task assigned to him by the city of Cairo, Georgia. He worked hard and ensured his son (my grandfather) earned a college degree. His example and the value of education that my parents instilled in me inspire me to give the gift of education to others.?  - Kim Brown


Rita H. Spence '67 & Ronald Spence '69, Kentucky
"We want to introduce ourselves by telling you that we were born and reared in Mercer County and Mingo County, respectively.  We have lived in Northeastern Kentucky (the Ashland area) where we reared our two talented & beautiful daughters. Many doors were opened to us as Berea College graduates. While at Berea, we learned the value of leadership skills, service to others, the work program and the importance of volunteering.

Recently, we have learned the importance of leaving a legacy. Now that we have retired, we want to thank Berea College for educating us and helping us and others reach their goal of a quality college education. We have been blessed beyond measure." - Rita H. Spence '67 & Ronald Spence '69


Joe Dinwiddie '99, New Mexico
"I continue to be grateful for my experiences at Berea College, which have positively influenced my life.  I decided to leave Berea College the patent I received for my three-dimensional stone arch puzzle because so much of it was inspired by the Appalachian hand crafts and innovative education at Berea.  My hope is to contribute to that educational tradition for the future." - Joe Dinwiddie '99




Linda White Moore '69, North Carolina
"I know that Berea College made a wonderful difference in my life and allowed me to receive a quality education. It definitely contributed to what I was able to achieve in my career. It was a stepping stone to me later receiving a master's degree from Duke University, which additionally prepared me to work as a nurse psychotherapist and impact many individual lives, families and groups.  Being at Berea was a rich experience that I will always value and fondly remember. For these reasons, I am pleased to have a part in contributing to Berea's mission and giving back to the future of Berea College and its students.  May Berea continue to be a rich experience for many students for years to come. It was a unique privilege to be a Berea student and it's also very special to help others be able to have that Berea College experience." - Linda White Moore '69


David Harrison '00 and Stephanie Harrison, Kentucky
"The opportunities and experiences I had at Berea opened up the world to me.  It allowed me the chance to grow into the person I am today; this would not have been possible without the generosity of those who came before me.  I see it as my responsibility to help support future generations of Berea students in the same way others supported me; estate planning is a very simple way of fulfilling that obligation.  I am extremely proud of my work at Berea, and even more proud of all those who have and will continue to call Berea College home."  - David Harrison '00


Ricky Kirk, II '98 and Tara Riley-Kirk, Florida
"Berea College challenged and stretched me to see life beyond my preconceived box, beyond my faith, beyond my whiteness, beyond my sexuality. The lessons I learned, friends I made, and professors I had who poured their lives into me continue to challenge and stretch me today. I want to give to Berea so others can get outside of their ?preconceived box? and see there is so much richness, friendship, faith, hope, and love in this world!"  - Ricky Kirk, II '98


 Freddie Cochran '62, Ohio
"I am so grateful for my time at Berea.  I have many warm memories.  I'm deeply aware of how much that time at Berea, and the education I gained there, deeply affected my future, to great benefit.  I hope my bequest will likewise benefit another."  - Freddie Cochran '62



How do I learn more about confirming a bequest gift to Berea College?

Our staff can assist you or your attorney with language to include in your will for making a bequest to Berea College. Please contact us by phone or email.

 

Contact Us

Call 800-457-9846
Email [email protected]