President Larry Shinn and SGA President Shane Gregory began the 2004-2005 academic year with a memorable convocation.

BC's President, Larry Shinn at convocation

On September 10, in Phelps-Stokes Chapel, President Shinn introduced Gregory for the traditional opening convocation. Gregory's presentation, a live video feed, in which he was late for the convocation taking place, brought the audience to laughter. Gregory's introductory speech, preceding President Shinn explored the diversity of Berea College and the memories built, stating that Berea College "will live forever in the memories that [students] have already made and will make" in the future.

President Shinn delivered his traditional welcome at the first convocation of the year. In his 11th year at Berea College, Shinn was able to create an innovative approach to encourage the spread of love and diversity that thrives on the BC campus, by referring to "The Sunflower," a book written by a holocaust survivor. His retelling of the stories of this victim opened the door to an understanding of stopping the hate in the world, by starting at Berea.

Stephen Bolster, professor and Chairperson in Berea College's Music Department conducted the Alma Mater.