Sebina Hobson

Supporting Students Through Berea's No-Tuition Promise

Because Education is Key

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 do," said Sebina. Her aunt and uncle left a good portion of their estate for endowed scholarships for students to attend school in California, and Sebina has overseen the process for many years. She has observed high school students with incredible challenges and witnessed students' success and the difference a good education makes.

Sebina learned about Berea College and its no-tuition scholarship promise in the mid-1990s when she received information in the mail about the College and its mission. She consulted with a Kentucky native who was a work colleague and a visiting scholar from the U.S. State Department. After learning more about Berea, she was impressed by the mission. She appreciates that students with little means are getting tuition provided while they work to help cover their living expenses.

Her late husband, Bill, was from Louisville, Kentucky. He received funding for his undergraduate tuition and went on to earn a master's degree in engineering from Stanford University. She credits the support at the undergraduate level for positioning him to move forward with graduate school.

While vacationing in Paris in 2006, and after supporting the College for several years, Sebina and her husband coincidentally met a Berea graduate for the first time. They were having dinner, and the people at the table next to them asked her if she would take their picture. Conversation ensued, and she learned that the gentleman had graduated from this small, liberal arts college in Kentucky that she and Bill were supporting. "What a fascinating person he was," said Sebina. They spoke of his experiences in World War II, his time as a student at Berea College, and how both laid the groundwork for him to continue his education in graduate school. "He spoke very well of Berea College."

She met another Berea graduate, this time in her state of California, where Isaac Domenech '19 was participating in an internship at the Stanford University School of Medicine. "He is a very inspiring young man," said Sebina. She appreciates how hardworking, down to earth and successful he is, and attributes this to his Berea education.

Because she so passionately believes in Berea's mission, Sebina has chosen a charitable gift annuity (CGA) as part of her planned giving efforts. The funds provided through a CGA support Berea College, while providing regular payments for life to the donor, and/or a beneficiary the donor designates. In addition, Sebina has named Berea College as a beneficiary of a portion of her estate. Sebina finds great satisfaction in being able to help students continue their education and said, "I really think education is key to later success."