Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.

Jeff Kunkel
Jeff Kunkel
Years-long Friends of Berea College Find Joy in Supporting Student Offerings and Berea's Unique Funding Model.
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Frances Walker
Frances Walker
A trailblazer in her field, Francis Walker is supporting students as they forge their own paths by securing charitable gift annuities with Berea College. Her designated gift...
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Mary White Phifer '84
Mary White Phifer '84
Thanks to her upbringing, Mary White Phifer grew up with a desire to attend college just as her three older siblings did. Born in Oklahoma...
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Dr. Franklin Parker '49 and Mrs. Betty Parker '50
Dr. Franklin Parker '49 and Mrs. Betty Parker '50
While students at Berea College, Franklin and Betty Parker each found a treasured classmate, the love of a lifetime...
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Sebina Hobson
Sebina Hobson
Sebina Hobson, a friend of Berea College, understands the value of a good education and the importance of scholarship funds. "I've seen what scholarships can...
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Accomplished Businessperson & Philanthropist Deeply Committed to Investing in Lives of Great Promise
Accomplished Businessperson & Philanthropist Deeply Committed to Investing in Lives of Great Promise
Like many Berea students, Karin Larson was a first-generation college student. The values instilled in her by her mother and father about the importance of education not only...
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Dr. Delphina (Del) Hopkins-Gillispie '73
Dr. Delphina (Del) Hopkins-Gillispie '73
Growing up in Greenville, S.C., Dr. Delphina (Del) Hopkins-Gillispie '73 was encouraged by family, clergymen and teachers to attend college. She learned...
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Janis Ian
Janis Ian
According to Janis Ian, creator of the hit song, "At Seventeen," everybody deserves a chance. That's why the Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter and her spouse, Patricia Snyder, cofounded...
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Carl '78 and Deborah Byrd Thomas '80
Carl '78 and Deborah Byrd Thomas '80
Two young students from Birmingham, Ala., found their landing space at Berea in the 1970s. Carl Thomas '78 went on to play a pivotal role working for...
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Joe and Jerry Scardo
Joe and Jerry Scardo
While attending Berea College in the 1960s, Joe '66 and Gerry Scardo '64 were high-achieving students, who valued not only the opportunity to receive a...
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