Day 26

On this leg of the Relay from Sylva to Waynesville to Asheville, we encountered both interesting and inspiring Berea alumni. They were enthusiastic and good "spokespeople" for the College about the benefits and experience they received. Juanita Coldiron, Class of '47, was with us to present a Proclamation to the Mayor of Sylva, Brenda Oliver. Mayor Oliver was somewhat familiar with Berea already, but what she didn't know, Mrs. Coldiron was more than happy to fill in the blanks. Sonja and I were both impressed with the ease and sincerity that Mrs. Coldiron told the Mayor, City Counci member and a gentleman from the local radio station how beneficial a Berea education was to her and her husband, Jack (who was the son of a coal miner in Harlan County, Kentucky). I am sure if Juanita had her way, just about everyone, worldwide, would have the experience of a Berea education.
From Sylva we went on through Waynesville and visited a couple, Dr. and Mrs. Shamsedin, Classes of '53 and '54 respectively. They invited us in for coffee and a brownie and we all told stories of our Berea College experiences. Dr. and Mrs. Shamsedin told of how they met, the mandatory Chapel services and particular fond memories of various professors they studied under at Berea. Berea College provided them both with a wonderful education and foundation to go further in their studies where Mrs. Shamsedin received her Masters in Counseling and Dr. Shamsedin received his doctoral degree.
It is always refreshing to see what kind of success alumni have received and how they attribute so much of it to the quality education they received at Berea College.

--Eric