Gov. Andy Beshear addressed the 236 members of Berea’s class of 2026 on Sunday. His speech gave tribute to the legacy of the private institution founded in 1855.
Berea was the first integrated college in the South and its students have not paid tuition since 1892. Berea’s student body is diverse, and Beshear remarked that diversity is not a bad thing.
“John G. Fee, Berea College's founder, was a leader that brought meaningful change,” he said. “Even back in the 1850s before the Civil War, Fee understood that racism and discrimination have no place in this country, and it still has no place in this country.”
Beshear, whose profile is rising on the national stage, told the graduates that they’re moving into a world upended by conflict and instability.
“But in addition to what you've learned here,” he said, “I want to offer you encouragement during these uncertain, chaotic times, graduates, you're moving into your professional lives and entering the workforce at the time of the greatest uncertainty at least in my lifetime.”
Beshear, who has a law degree, said he felt intimidated by the accomplishments of Sunday’s graduates. He encouraged them to step up and offer their skills and knowledge to the world.
“Today's Berea College graduates aren't the leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “You're the leaders of today, and boy, do we need you right now.”
Berea’s choir sang “Seasons of Love” from the popular Broadway production “Rent.”
Writer Silas House, a recent Poet Laureate of Kentucky, introduced Beshear to the students.
Beshear noted that his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, was a first-generation college graduate. About half of Berea’s 2026 class – 109 – is the first in their families to graduate.
“My grandfather couldn't afford to go to college. He worked hard, saved up and bought the local funeral home,” he said. “Through that small business, he was able to do what his parents couldn't. He sent all of his kids to college, and my dad, first-generation college here in Kentucky, became governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. So let me say again to all first generation from college here today: Congratulations.”
Beshear acknowledged the families of the graduates who made up most of the audience.
“We are all so proud of you, and I know you've got a lot of folks behind you cheering you on, because I've heard them over and over and over today,” he said. “Enjoy this milestone. I hope you take the knowledge you've gained here and you go forward with confidence in yourself.”
Berea’s president, Cheryl Nixon, said Beshear embodied the values of the school. She awarded him an honorary degree, making the governor a member of the class of 2026.
“By the authority vested in me,” she said, “I now confer upon you the degree of the Doctor of Humane Letters of Berea College.”
