Berea College

The Berea College community is saddened by the passing of Jessie Reasor Zander, whose 1954 graduation from Berea made her the first African American student to earn a degree from a Kentucky college after the state’s Day Law was amended to allow interracial education. Zander passed away in Arizona at the age of 91.

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An educator, school principal and avid traveler, Zander was a proud Berean but shied away from the label “barrier breaker.” Her love of Berea brought her back to campus many times. In 1989, she worked with student-teachers in the College’s Education Studies department and later with the Carter G. Woodson Center for Interracial Education, where she worked with African American high school students. She was also an award-winning poet. A work titled “Unifying Symbol,” about the need for cultural exchanges as a bridge to promote better understanding among people of different backgrounds, was published in the <em>Appalachian Independent</em> in July 1975. An excerpt from the work reads: I’d like to join you./In a trip toward healing, toward harmony and wholeness.…Say the word and I’ll join you/In a walk toward exchange/Toward a new consciousness and understanding.

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Berea College Statement on the Death of Jessie Reasor Zander, the State’s First Black Graduate Post-Day Law

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BEREA, Ky. –&nbsp;Berea College’s 10th and newly appointed President, Dr. Cheryl Nixon, will welcome Berea College students, staff and faculty members on August 31 during the annual Opening Convocations ceremony.&nbsp;

Since she took office on July 1, President Nixon has shown the Berea College campus her passion for bringing all peoples of the earth together.&nbsp;

“She has focused a lot on uniting the campus community,” said Thomas Ahrens, director of Convocations, who is excited to work with Dr. Nixon.

This year’s Opening Convocation is entitled “One Community. One Circle. One Blood,” which is yet another testimony to her dedication to the College’s mission.

During the ceremony, first-year and senior classes will be commemorated, and the Berea College choirs, under the direction of Dr. Xiangtang Hong and EJ Stokes, will perform music selections.&nbsp;

Immediately following the Convocation, students, faculty and staff will have the chance to connect more and celebrate the strength and love of the college community on the Quad, where an all-campus picnic dinner will be served.&nbsp;

“Please get ready for a joyous celebration, in which we join together in words, action and song!” Nixon said in her campus invitation.&nbsp;

The Convocation will be Thursday, August 31, in the Seabury Arena at 3 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://vimeo.com/bclive">Watch the convocation on livestream</a>.

President Nixon to Celebrate Community at First Opening Convocation