WLS Professional Development Day
The first Berea College Labor Day took place in 1921. Through the last 100 years of celebrations, the structure of Labor Day has changed, but the meaning remains the same. Berea College Labor Day has historically been a time for everyone to pause and celebrate work well done, specifically the student employees. Classes and labor assignments are excused for a day of restful and meaningful celebration of students' work for the campus community.
The first Labor Day that was celebrated put all the skills that students acquired in their positions on full display. Students would compete in various competitions to exhibit the technical, agricultural, or clerical skills they used daily. These competitions included sheep shearing, weaving, basket making, table setting, and alphabetical filing.
Over time, the event has evolved into a professional development day for students, with the term "Labor Day" no longer commonly used. The focus is on skill development and career readiness, offering workshops, sessions, and activities that help students strengthen their competencies, explore career pathways, and connect their work-learning-service experiences to future goals.