Dr. Koji Yoda (in hat) is flanked by Cole Gearing and Gearing’s mom, Jeannette. Myskina Bolavong and Reba Ann Nichols Yoda are seated at left.
When Cole Gearing (27c) was awarded the Class of 1965C Gate of Opportunity Scholarship, he had no idea it would lead to a mentoring relationship with the family of Berry’s first international student, Dr. Koji Yoda (65C).
“I was shocked,” Gearing recalled, “but I was really happy to get to talk with Dr. Yoda. My dad passed away in 2019, so this offer of mentorship really helped me feel better about being at Berry.”
Koji and his wife, Reba Ann Nichols Yoda (67C), first connected with Gearing after learning he was the recipient of Koji’s class scholarship, which they support.
Last Thanksgiving, they invited Gearing and fellow Gate Scholar Myskina Bolavong (27c) to their home for a special Japanese sukiyaki dinner. The meal was prepared tableside, as is tradition, by their son, Dr. Nick Yoda (93C), senior pastor of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church and professor of theology at Xavier University, both in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In the spring, Gearing reciprocated, hosting Koji and Reba at his family’s home for Easter brunch.
For his part, Koji is grateful to be following in the footsteps of his former mentor, the late Dr. John Bertrand, Berry president from 1956 to 1979.
“By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to contribute to Cole’s continued growth and success,” Koji stated. “As a mentor, I have a strong desire to cultivate future leaders who will make a positive impact on society, thus I am motivated to help Cole realize and harness this potential, as Dr. B did for me.”
It seems he is hitting the mark.
“It’s a blessing to have someone who can help guide me in the right direction,” Gearing said. “Having the Yodas for my mentors is definitely a huge gift.”
