Bodhisattva in Berea: John Stephenson and the Tibetans

Bodhisattva in Berea: John Stephenson and the Tibetans_______________________ David Sawyer I was present when John Stephenson began his love affair with the Tibetan people. His spirit resonated instantly with a group ofTibetan professionals touring America finding ways to preserve their culture in exile. The Tibetans were impressed with Berea. In the President's office that morning there was a sparkle in John's eye when the Dalai Lama's niece asked if Berea College might educate Tibetan students. With a bright, quick smile John simply said yes, surprising all of us. Thus began a remarkable era of cooperation and intimacy between Berea College and the Tibetan Government -in-exile headed by Tenzin Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama. Berea's Tibetan Refugee Education Program is unique in American higher education and is straightforward: top Tibetans graduating from high schools in India are offered full scholarships and transportation to and from Berea. Ten Tibetan students have attended Berea College since the program began, and now the first students chosen are graduating, having done very well indeed. Working out the details of this unusual program began with a remarkable trip to Dharamsala, India, seat of the government -in-exile, in March 1990. On this trip John Stephenson was accompanied by the dean of the college, Al Perkins; Dr. Patrick Kelleher (John's physician); and me. As official guests of the government we spent days visiting schools, talking to educators, and attending meetings. There were many things to consider: How would the selections be made? Would Tibetan students from both Indian and Tibetan schools be eligible? Were current evaluation procedures adequate to determine future academic success? How well did students speak English? Would American culture affect Tibetan youth? Could we expect them to return home and serve their own communities ? These and other questions were pondered and resolved in long meetings with government officials. As the head of our delegation, John Stephenson the educator was brilliant, and in his element. One afternoon we had the opportunity to meet with the Dalai Lama himself. I do not know a great deal about John's relationship with the David Sawyer is the director ofStudentsfor Appalachia program at Berea College. 16 Dalai Lama, but I do know that they hit it off rather well from the start. The Dalai Lama engaged John in a number oftopics, among which, unexpectedly , was the overspecialization ofacademic education! The Dalai Lama recognized greatness of spirit immediately in John Stephenson, and John was charmed and quite impressed by His Holiness. These two high-minded men deeply respected each other and had, I think, many things in common . During the lengthy negotiations, John Stephenson was often head to head with Juchen Namgyal, the powerful leader of the Tibetan cabinet. He was a large man and a former freedom fighter, responsible for the deaths of many Chinese. One night we were treated to an evening oftraditional Tibetan dance followed by a huge formal feast. At the high point of the affair, in front ofa large crowd, Juchen, who had risked his life helping the sixteen-year-old Dalai Lama escape from Tibet, stood to thank John Stephenson and Berea College. Showing his respect, he placed a special white silk scarf around John's neck. Suddenly John, face beaming, removed his Berea tie and to everyone's astonishment and delight ceremonially placed it around the neck ofthis great Tibetan figure. Al Perkins and I exchanged a glance of pure appreciation at this act expressing such humility , creativity, and daring. During this trip John Stephenson the leader was positively masterful ... a man with true gifts, to be sure. One day we were taken to a small town called Bir, which could only be reached by dirt roads that were impassable during the monsoons. In Bir, Tibetans who have recently escaped from Tibet gather to learn English and adapt to life in India. The situation was grim, and contrasted sharply with the happy faces and beautiful buildings we saw in Dharamsala. New arrivals lived in the ugly metal buildings of an abandoned carpet factory. Faces were dirty and sullen. Amenities were scarce. Few people spoke English. John, however, would not be deterred and was out in front...