Lyle Roelofs, President of Berea College
The public is invited to join the entire Berea College community in marking the beginning of the 2018-19 academic year at the College’s Opening Convocation on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 3 p.m. in the Seabury Center. The program is free. The theme for this year’s opening convocation will be Berea Stories.
“Some say Berea represents more than 1,600 great stories of challenge, accomplishment and triumph,” said Berea College President Lyle Roelofs. “That is certainly true, but what is more: stories of current Berea students share space in our book with those of all other Bereans, who together constitute our wonderful community.”
This Opening Convocation celebrates all those stories and considers how they connect with and reinforce one another. The convocation will feature remarks by President Roelofs and representatives from the College community—including student, faculty, staff, alumni and retiree speakers—who will briefly share their own Berea “stories.” Special music will be performed by the combined Berea College choirs.
This annual event opens the College’s year-long convocation series of lectures, symposia, concerts and performing arts productions. The series includes the Stephenson Memorial Concerts and offers outstanding scholars, artists and leaders. Their presentations enliven the intellectual, aesthetic and religious life, and make important contributions to students’ educational experience at Berea College.
Convocations also provide shared intellectual experiences for students, faculty and staff, thus enriching the College’s vibrant academic community. Visit the Convocations site for the schedule of all convocations this academic year. All convocations are free and open to the public.