Dr. Miles Hayes ’57
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Miles Hayes, originally from western North Carolina, graduated from Berea College in 1957 with a degree in geology. He went on to earn his master’s degree in geology from Washington University at St. Louis and a Ph.D. in geology and marine science from the University of Texas. Throughout his long career, Miles has been awarded the Francis P. Shepard Marine Geology award by the Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists and named one of the four Legends of Sedimentology by the Houston Geological Society. In 1977, he founded Research Planning Inc., which serves as a research leader in coastal science and technology. Miles has participated in over 100 scientific expeditions on all seven continents, published over 250 scientific papers, published and presented over 100 abstracts at professional meetings, has authored six books plus three that are currently in press, and has created Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) atlases for 24 coastal regions around the globe.
Janie Adams Frazier ’72
Alumni Loyalty Award
Janie Adams Frazier was raised in Whitesburg, Kentucky, and was encouraged to attend Berea College by a high school biology teacher. She entered Berea College in 1968 and graduated in the top 10% in 1972 with a degree in history and secondary education. During Janie’s time at Berea, she received an award for senior female citizenship, was a member of Pi Kappa Pi and Pi Gamma Mu, and served as a campus tour guide for four years. She went on to complete a master’s degree in secondary education from Morehead State University, and had a 40-year career with the Social Security Administration (SSA). She received many awards including the Commissioner’s Citation, which is granted to individual employees who have made a superior contribution to the SSA. Over the years, Janie has remained involved with Berea College by serving as a member of the Alumni Executive Council, as Reunion Giving Chair for her class, hosting Berea College presidents in Whitesburg, and assisting Admissions with college nights at the local high schools.
Fred Baker, Hon ’16
Honorary Alumnus Award
Fred Baker, better known as “Mr. Fred,” grew up in Winchester, Kentucky. He attended George Rogers Clark High School. Mr. Fred began working for IBM/Lexmark in 1978 and retired after 30 years. During his time at IBM/Lexmark, he worked on the IBM Selectric Typewriter, in the distribution area, and in the inkjet clean room burning images on chips for the printers. After retiring in 2008, Mr. Fred began working at Boone Tavern as an ambassador. He has touched many lives during his time working at Boone Tavern and educates visitors on Berea College’s mission. He has spent his time assisting Berea College students and received the International Friendship Award from Berea College’s Center for International Education. The international students nominated Mr. Fred for this award. It is given to someone who is a good friend of international students and supports global diversity and kinship. In 2015, he also received a Stars of Industry Award for Guest Service Excellence at the Front Desk. Mr. Fred has had a tremendous impact on Berea College and the community. His philosophy is “everybody is somebody to Mr. Fred.”
