Donor Stories

Joyful giving and meaningful engagement with people of all walks of life at the heart of a Berea treasure.

Serving others is at the heart of everyday interactions for Great Commitments Society member Fred Baker, or Mr. Fred as so many on Berea’s campus and throughout the local community call him.  “I like to bring joy to people who are not expecting anything,” said Mr. Fred. “It only takes a little bit to bring joy to others—it’s all about giving to others—that’s what I like to do—to bring sunshine to people’s lives.” After retiring from a 30-year career at IBM/Lexmark in Lexington, Kentucky, Mr. Fred touched the lives of so many when he spent 13 years as a bellhop at the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant, owned by Berea College.  Mr. Fred personally created a comprehensive tour of the facilities and shared historical information about the city as well and was a strong ambassador for the College and its mission. “You serve through giving and bringing light to peoples’ lives as they come through the door,” said Mr. Fred.  He adds that it has been “a blessing to me to work at the College and have people engage with me.  I never had one bad day in 13 years.”

Working at Boone Tavern, Mr. Fred welcomed thousands of visitors through the doors. The numerous letters guests sent to him days and even years after their stay indicate the impact he continues to make in those lives. He shared, “People have said, ‘Mr. Fred, I’m so glad I got to talk to you.  You’ve made my day.’”

Mr. Fred’s generous spirit and strong work ethic earned him a Kentucky Hotel and Lodging Association Stars of the Industry Award in 2015, which recognizes exceptional service in guest services throughout the Commonwealth. He was also nominated for and named an Honorary Alumnus of Berea College.  This status is awarded to non-alumni in recognition of their outstanding service to and demonstrated loyal interest in Berea College and is approved by the Alumni Executive Council.

In addition to working with Boone Tavern’s guests, Mr. Fred worked with Labor Program students at the Tavern. He enjoyed learning about students’ backgrounds and wanted to learn more about their stories.  He said it opens your eyes learning from students about their lives and their backgrounds.

Mr. Fred gives to the College’s Berea Fund and has included Berea in his estate plans because he “supports students in making their way in life in a way that they never thought they would make. It brings a lot of joy and doesn’t take a lot to give, and kids appreciate the things you do for them like study abroad,” said Mr. Fred. “I hope my support will also help them in the future, when they see that they did not get where they are by themselves, because others helped them along the way,” said Mr. Fred. “I’m hoping that they learn from donors that after they succeed in their life that they can give back and help the next generation behind them, along with the blessings they will get from doing that.”

Giving and serving others gracefully is a calling for Mr. Fred. He said, “The more you give the more is given back to you and it’s not just money. Much can be given back to you in many other ways. You never know what life holds for you. Anything is possible.”

The Great Commitments Society honors the many alumni and friends who have made testamentary provisions for the College in their estate plans or made planned gifts, such as charitable remainder gift annuities or trusts, with the remainder assigned to Berea. These gifts forever sustain Berea College’s distinctive mission and perpetuate its heritage.