Bluefield University honored alumni and friends for volunteerism, Christian service, and professional excellence at the annual Alumni Awards Luncheon on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Representing the Alumni Association Board of Directors, incoming Board President Scott Polhamus and outgoing President Morgan Lloyd joined the university’s Director of Alumni Relations Megan Brandl, Chancellor Dr. David Olive, and President Dr. Steve Peterson to present the awards.
Rev. Kathy Fogg Berry ‘75 was honored with the Primitivo Delgado Christian Service Award.
Following her first career as a writer and editor for numerous religious and secular publications, the Rev. Kathy Fogg Berry has been a chaplain for 25 years in hospital, hospice, and predominantly long-term care settings. For the past 16 years, she’s served residents, family, and staff at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, a 1,200-resident continuing care retirement community. Caring for residents living with dementia and their caregivers has been her primary focus.
After receiving an associate’s degree from Bluefield University in 1975, Kathy received a B.S. in Mass Communications (1977), an M.S. in Patient Counseling (2002), four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (2002), and a post-graduate certificate in Aging Studies (2003) from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She also graduated from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1982.
From 2004 to 2014, Kathy taught Spirituality and Aging as an adjunct professor for the Patient Counseling and Gerontology departments in the graduate school of Allied Health Professions at VCU. She was a professional trainer for the Alzheimer’s Association from 2005 to 2016. Her book, When Words Fail: Practical Ministry and Dementia, was published in 2018 (Kregel Publications), and she served as contributing editor for Dementia Friendly Worship (Jessica Kingsbury Publications, 2019). Kathy wrote chapters for Dementia Friendly Worship and for The Practical Handbook on Dementia (PCCS Books, London: England, 2022). Kathy has written numerous articles on spirituality and dementia for other publications, and she speaks on that subject at local, statewide, and national conferences throughout the USA.
Married to the love of her life, Bill Berry, also a Bluefield graduate, Kathy is the proud mom of their children, Micah and Amber, and grandchildren: Jonah (11), Magnolia (10), and Annabelle (10 months).
Baraka Kasongo ‘16 was named the Distinguished Young Alumnus of the Year.
Baraka Kasongo is a transformational leader who has achieved a tremendous record of success in various aspects of his life. He has an exceptional ability to lead, innovate, and pioneer new paths through his collaborative nature. One example of this is the incredible growth and impact of one of his many business ventures.
Even though Baraka learned English after arriving in the United States as a refugee, he founded and still serves as the CEO of Volatia, a network of more than 18,000 interpreters and translators who bridge language barriers in more than 300 languages 24/7/365. Today, Volatia serves clients in all 50 states and in key markets around the world.
When asked what receiving this award means to him, Baraka said, “Receiving this award is profoundly humbling. My first attempt at college, years ago, ended in discouragement after I struggled with English and eventually dropped out. When I chose Bluefield College, it was with the hope of finding a place where I could face my academic fears and truly reset. What I found was far more than that. Bluefield became a place of growth and renewal that strengthened the course of my life.”
“This honor represents more than an achievement,” Baraka added. “It’s a testament to the human spirit and the power of saying ‘yes’ when everything else says ‘no.’ Looking back, the challenges I faced at Bluefield were many, but the efforts forged a better me.”
Michael Smith was named Volunteer of the Year.
Michael Smith is the father of BU softball player Isabella Smith. During the spring 2025 season, Michael was instrumental in streaming Rams softball games. His volunteerism enabled parents and friends unable to attend games in person to watch them live on the Bluefield University Athletics YouTube channel. Bluefield University and Rams softball fans greatly appreciate his dedication of his time, expertise, and equipment.
As the 2025 recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, Michael is recognized for having a commitment to giving back, strengthening the community, and making a difference on and beyond the campus. Each year, this award honors such a spirit of service.
More than acts of kindness, volunteering is an expression of our values, our mission, and the heart of what it means to be part of the Bluefield University family. Michael’s dedication, time, and passion for serving others have demonstrated his willingness to go above and beyond without any expectation of recognition or reward.
Bluefield University was pleased to name Michael Smith as Volunteer of the Year, honoring his desire to help others and support the university’s mission.
Bluefield University established the Alumni Awards to honor distinguished alumni for their professional and personal accomplishments as well as their service to the community. The Alumni Association Board of Directors accepts nominations through the Alumni Award Nomination Form on the university’s website and appoints a committee annually to select award recipients.