Berea College Celebrates 236 Graduates
May 10, 2026
BEREA, Ky. – Berea College today celebrated the achievements of its graduating class, honoring 236 graduates during its annual baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies. The events brought together students, families, faculty and distinguished guests to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
The commencement ceremony featured a keynote address from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023, Gov. Beshear has focused his administration on expanding economic opportunity, improving education and workforce development and strengthening public health and infrastructure across the Commonwealth. He guided the state through the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, earning respect for his commitment to serving all Kentuckians.
Prior to serving as Kentucky’s 63rd governor, Gov. Beshear served as Kentucky’s attorney general, where he gained national attention for his work on consumer protection and public advocacy.
In his remarks, Gov. Beshear delivered an inspiring message focused on leadership, resilience and service, encouraging graduates to use their education to uplift their communities and create meaningful change.
“However you pursue your life’s work, your ability to have this clarity of purpose and an impact on this world is directly tied to finding your ‘why’,” Gov. Besherar said.
“The ‘why’ can be that North Star that helps you address situations that haven’t even been conceived yet,” he continued. “Finding your ‘why’ is moving beyond just what you think, and getting to why you are willing to deal with the toxicity of politics, why you are willing to go into that tough field, why you are willing to serve other people in this country and abroad.”
Berea College President Cheryl L. Nixon praised the graduates for their perseverance and commitment to Berea’s values.
“Class of 2026, you are a class that asked not only ‘What can I achieve?’” but also ‘How can we achieve something purposeful, meaningful’ and ‘How can we build something meaningful together — in a way that uplifts and empowers each other?’ You showed us that a Berea education is not something you earn alone — it is something you live out with and for others.”
In his closing, Gov. Beshear emphasized his belief in the American dream and in Berea’s graduates to pursue it.
“Find what guides you, find that passion, stay true to yourself,” he said. “If we can show each other compassion, love, generosity and maybe even a little patience, we can make a better nation and a better world.”
The commencement ceremony highlighted the distinctive Berea experience, where all students receive a tuition-free education, and most receive support for housing and meals as well. The Berea financial aid model also strives to take loans off the table. One of the special moments of every Berea commencement occurs when graduates are asked to stand and be recognized as the first in their families to receive a four-year college degree.
At Berea, every student participates in Berea’s nationally recognized federal Work College program, where they work in a variety of campus and community roles that build professional skills, leadership capacity and a strong work ethic, preparing them for the world of work that awaits them.
Founded in 1855, Berea College holds a unique place in American higher education history as the first interracial and coeducational college in the South. The College enrolls students of great promise and limited economic means, primarily from Kentucky and Appalachia, and integrates academics with work, service and community engagement. Berea’s mission emphasizes not only intellectual growth but also the development of integrity, social responsibility and a commitment to serving others.
A replay of Gov. Beshear’s commencement address is available at https://vimeo.com/event/5854548
For more information about Berea College and its mission, visit www.berea.edu