Dear Alumni and Friends
In our Winter 2024 issue, we shared inspiring, motivational and downright feel-good stories about the impact Bereans make worldwide. In that issue, I said, “We could never capture every selfless act, altruistic initiative or others-focused program that has originated from the heart of thousands of Bereans for generations.” What you all don’t see are the dozens and dozens of stories that come across my desk that deserve to be shared, bragged on and shouted from the rooftops. As I filed so many of those away after curating the winter “Berea in Service and Love” issue, I knew I would revisit that theme time and again—and never grow weary of doing so.
Whether it’s someone putting their life on hold to uplift a community devastated by flooding, another committed to supporting marginalized people around the globe whose stories echo their own experience, or a student who creates educational opportunities for girls when his country sees no value in them—Bereans see the good missing in the world and fill it with their knowledge, skills and compassion. That’s just what we do.
As you read this issue, you’ll get another small sample of the heart of Berea going out and not returning void—whether across the globe or right here in Appalachia to which Berea has always been committed. Three Appalachian students are showcased alongside alumnus Robert Stafford ’89, who rallied for rural education and helped create the Kentucky Rural Education Association.
There can feel like a shortage today of happy, healthy, joyful stories to share. But there is no shortage of good work and transformative action flowing from the lives of Bereans. Many are accompanied with such humility that they may never be told if not for others taking notice and sharing on their behalf. That is the beauty of this community as it fosters belonging, support and value for all peoples of the earth.
Abbie Tanyhill Darst ’03
Editor
Interim Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications
