Every Mountain Day, Berry alumni return to campus to reconnect with classmates, celebrate shared memories and honor the experiences that shaped their lives. For our milestone reunion classes, the weekend is also an opportunity to make a lasting difference for future generations of Berry students.
This year, alumni from the Classes of 1976C, 1986C, 2001C and 2016C came together in support of meaningful projects that reflect their values and their connection to Berry's mission. Together, these four reunion classes raised over $500K.
Through their generosity, they are helping ensure that Berry remains a place where students can learn, grow and thrive.
Class of 1976C
Celebrating 50 Years and Supporting Louise Cottage
Class of 1976C Gift Project: Louise Cottage Fund
As they marked their 50th reunion and officially joined the Golden Guard, the Class of 1976C chose to support the historic reconstruction of Louise Cottage, one of Berry's oldest and most beloved historic structures.
Their gift helps advance plans for the historic reconstruction of the cottage, preserving an important piece of Berry's story for future generations. Louise Cottage stands as a reminder of the college's heritage and the vision that continues to guide Berry today.
Class of 1986C
Investing in the Student Work Experience
Class of 1986C Gift Project: Endowed Student Work Fund
Forty years after their time on campus began, members of the Class of 1986C focused their reunion giving on one of Berry's most distinctive traditions: the student work experience. Their class fundraising efforts were directed toward establishing an endowed student work fund. The endowment will help provide meaningful work opportunities through LifeWorks that allow students to gain hands-on experience, build practical skills and develop the strong work ethic that has long defined a Berry education.
Class of 2001C
Opening Doors Through Scholarship Support
Class of 2001C Gift Project: Griswell Scholarship Support
The Class of 2001C selected a project that directly impacts student access and affordability by supporting a Griswell Scholarship. Scholarship support helps ensure that talented students can pursue a Berry education regardless of financial circumstances. By investing in future Vikings, the Class of 2001C is helping create opportunities that will shape lives for years to come.
The Griswell Scholarship is awarded to students who have faced significant adversity in their lives yet have demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination, and hope. It is intended for individuals who possess that unmistakable "spark" that drives them to work hard, overcome challenges, and pursue a brighter future.
Class of 2016C
Helping Students When They Need It Most
Class of 2016C Gift Project: David Shankles Student Emergency Relief Fund
Celebrating their 10th reunion, the Class of 2016C directed their class gift toward the David Shankles Student Emergency Relief Fund. The fund provides critical assistance to students facing unexpected financial hardships, helping them remain focused on their education during difficult circumstances. Whether addressing emergency travel, housing, medical or other urgent needs, this support can make all the difference in a student's ability to stay enrolled and succeed.
A Legacy of Generosity
Reunion giving is about more than celebrating a milestone year. It is an opportunity for alumni to invest in the next generation and strengthen the programs, places and experiences that make Berry distinctive.
We are grateful to the volunteers who led these efforts and to every classmate who participated. Your generosity ensures that today's students can benefit from the same transformative opportunities that shaped your Berry experience.
Thank you, milestone reunion classes, for leaving a legacy that will continue to impact Berry students for years to come.
