DANVERS — Inside the building that would soon bear his name, Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry, D-Peabody, listened as prominent politicians and educators took turns hailing his accomplishments and praising his public service career.

Then Berry took the microphone.

"I really don't know how to put it into words," Berry said. "This is like being at your own funeral."

About 300 guests, including his wife and mother, gathered to honor the 23-year state senator during a naming ceremony yesterday morning at North Shore Community College. Its $24.2 million main classroom building on the Danvers campus will now be called the Frederick E. Berry Building.

The event drew a mix of politicians, state officials, friends and family.

"When people see this building, it will remind them of opportunity," said Congressman John Tierney, D-Salem. "When they see the name on the building, it will remind them of determination, courage, dedication to public service. ... This building will serve as an inspiration to thousands."

Many have commended Berry for his ability to survive in the arena of state politics despite living with cerebral palsy. But Berry has been careful not to be defined by his condition.

"I've had my challenges," Berry said after the ceremony. "Everyone's had their challenges."

Instead, friends and colleagues remember him fondly for his commitment to public education. Berry lobbied for construction money for the new North Shore Community College building and devised a financing package that is now being used by other community colleges across the state.

State Board of Higher Education Chairman Stephen Tocco said the project is only the latest initiative in Berry's long-standing commitment to state and community colleges.

"There was one person that paid attention to higher education before anyone else," Tocco said. "Freddie was a tireless leader when no one cared. It's easy to be a leader when everyone's paying attention. It's not easy to be a leader when no one's listening."

After the ceremony, Philip Freehan, the chairman of the North Shore Community College Board of Trustees, said Berry has remained accessible to his constituents even as he's ascended the Statehouse ranks.

College president Wayne Burton said Berry was instrumental in restoring budget cuts and active in promoting education for everyone.

"It's so helpful to have a senate leader you can talk to anytime," Burton said.

Berry's colleagues at the Statehouse praised his career in public service. He was first elected to the Peabody City Council in 1979 and served for four years. In 1983, voters elevated him to the state Senate, where he's served ever since, representing Beverly, Peabody, Salem, Danvers and Topsfield. He's been the Senate majority leader since 2003.

"There's nothing in the last 20 years from the public sector he hasn't touched," said state Rep. Ted Speliotis, D-Danvers.

Senate President Robert Travaglini said Berry understands political power and the influence that goes with it.

"He is without a doubt, a stellar example of what true public service is all about," Travaglini said.

Berry Building by the Numbers
* Opened in August 2003
* Cost $24.2 million
* 106,000 square-foot, three-story building is the main classroom facility at the college's Danvers campus. The college is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
* Serves 3,500 students and thousands more who attend continuing education classes