Berea College Recognizes 74 Students at Mid-Year Ceremony

Berea College recognized 74 students Sunday during its Mid-Year Recognition Ceremony. Carl and Ann Evans, a couple with deep Berea roots, addressed the seniors, who represented 17 states and five different countries.

Ann and Carl Evans were speakers at this year's mid-year recognition ceremony.

Born and raised on Estill Street in Berea, Carl Evans was the grandson of the first College dentist, Dr. William Best, and the third child of alumna Ellen Best Evans ’30 and former dean of Labor, Dr. Wilson Evans ’30. Steeped from birth in Berea’s values and raised on the kinship of the Berea community, Carl graduated from Berea’s Foundation School in 1962.

Carl continued his studies at UNC Chapel Hill. When the Vietnam War began, Carl enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a medic at RAF Lakenheath, England. It was there he met Ann Evans. They were married in 1970.

Born in Ohio and raised around the country, Ann served as a lieutenant, captain, and Air Force nurse. When she returned to the U.S., Ann completed her bachelor’s degree at Butler University. She earned her nurse practitioner certificate, master’s degree and doctorate at UNC Chapel Hill.

Carl went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Indiana University’s Herron School of Art and Design before establishing a career as a professional artist and counselor. Ann’s professional roles have included healthcare provider, nursing faculty positions, director of a community medical center and consultant to the Ministry of Health in South Sudan.

Carl and Ann have two children, Matt and Deanna. They have served as foster parents and have become unofficial adoptive parents to many other young people.

First brought together by common ideals and a commitment to service, Carl and Ann share an abiding belief in the mission of Berea College and have lived out Berea values around the world as leaders, humanitarians and philanthropists. They have been devoted volunteers with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Rise Against Hunger and Rotary International, where Ann serves on the board of the International Fellowship of Rotarian Health Professionals. Ann has also been a longtime volunteer in South Sudan, supporting numerous projects with a special focus on women and girls.

Carl and Ann currently reside in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, where they enjoy time with their three granddaughters and welcome visits from their fellow Bereans.