The Belle Ringer: Winter 2013

Transcription

Letter from the Editors
2014 CLASS COORDINATORS
Class coordinators have been assigned to assist with class
activities. If you know of any missing classmates or have ideas
for fundraising, please contact your coordinator or the Office of
Alumnae Affairs.
Class of 1949
Annie Smith Thomson
Magalene Dulin Gaither
Betty McLaurin
Rosa Bowden
Geraldine Rayford
annie_belle49@verizon.net
hazel@yadtel.net
bmmclaurin@bellsouth.net
Class of 1954
Dorothy Morrow
Doris Gupple
dotmorr427@yahoo.com
Class of 1959
Jacqueline Jeffers wright jjeffers-wright@att.net
Class of 1964
Greetings,
The Greensboro Chapter in conjunction with the NAA sponsored
the 2013 Senior Retreat. During this 2-day event coordinated by
Audrey Franklin ’72, Elayne Jones ‘88 and Wanda Mobley ’83,
members of the Class of 2013 were treated to workshops,
exercise and dance classes, massages and a worship service with
Rev. Dr. Natalie McLean ’80. Other presenters were Dr. Janzlean
Laughinghouse ’96 and Yolanda Johnson ’83.
The theme for this issue of the Belle Ringer is “Continuing to Build Upon the Legacy of
Bennett College.” It’s a short statement that carries a powerful punch. Bennett continues
to be a haven for young women who come to this great institution full of energy and
leave ready to make a mark on the world that can never be erased. Bennett is their
avenue to discover who they are and how to become. We and all future Belles become
women of strength and integrity; women on a mission; and women who have grasped
the importance of ‘stepping up their game.’
We highlight Bennett’s historic bronze bell on the cover of this issue. The inscription,
“To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are
bound. Isaiah LXI” gives us the reason that we must continue to build upon this legacy.
Herein lies our legacy, our right, privilege and obligation to build lives of worth.
This issue of the BELLE RINGER focuses on our glorious past, our remarkable present
and our bright future. We have reprinted an article written by Dr. Linda Brown ’61 that
reminds us of who we are as Bennett Belles. We began a new academic year with a new
president, Sister President Rosalind Fuse-Hall and after reading the article written by
Theresa Bennett Wilkes ’72, you will quickly understand why she is the person for the
job at this time and in this moment. Jessica Wall, our Communications Associate talks
about our current Belles and how they are shaping our legacy. We round out this issue
with Maria Allen ’14, President, Student Government President, who warms our hearts
because she demonstrates that “Belles do it well” as they create their own place in the
world.
Our bell will always ring and the sound will always call us to task. We must never forget
‘dear ole Bennett College’ because it is upon this foundation, that we have built our
legacy.
trensetr@bellsouth.net
sfocohen@hotmail.com
Class of 1969
Dorothy Childs Browne
Gwendolyn Sneed O’Neal
Ava Taylor Williams
Nellie Dixon
Bonnie Duffins
drdotbrowne@aol.com
gsoneal@uncg.edu
twilliamsdesigns@aol.com
nelliedixon@yahoo.com
bduffins@triad.rr.com
Class of 1974
Lillian Arrington
Connie Clark
Dianne Jackson
Sharon Reid
Linda Boyd McNeill
Paulette Murray Evans
wavwalea@yahoo.com
celainelaw1@gmail.com
djackson@chccs.k12.nc.us
jameslovessharon@hotmail.com
L_Mcneill@hotmail.com
emarionh@bellsouth.net
Class of 1979
Guila Cooper
ogbc57@yahoo.com
Class of 1984
NEED Coordinator
Class of 1989
Lenore Braithwaite
lenore72lab@aol.com
Class of 1994
Jocelyn Biggs
Jocelyn.biggs@yahoo.com
Class of 1999
Kenya Samuels Gray
Tenille Francis
Kenya.gray@gmail.com
tenille_8@yahoo.com
Class of 2004
Christine Pendleton
stine38925@aol.com
Class of 2009
Read and enjoy.
Your Bennett Sisters,
Audrey Demps Franklin ’72
Director, Alumnae Affairs
Thelma Hughes
Vernice Lovick
Carolyn Lett Kennedy
Shirley O’Neal Cohen
Helen Knight
Aziza Jackson
Wanda Edwards Mobley ’83
Director, Public Relations and Communications
Jackson.aziza@gmail.com
Note: If there are additional persons who would like to assist
as a class coordinator, please contact Audrey Franklin at
afranklin@bennett.edu or your class coordinator.
Contents
CREDITS:
President
Rosalind Fuse-Hall, JD
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Iris Ramey
Co-Editors
Director of Alumnae Affairs
Wanda Edwards Mobley ’83
Director of Public Relations & Communications
Contributing Writers
Maria Allen ’14
Dr. Linda Brown ’61
Jessica E. Wall
Theresa Bennett-Wilkes ’72
Message from Our President ..................................................2
The Sound of the Belle ..........................................................3
A Message from Institutional Advancement ............................4
Feature: Bennett College’s New Sister President......................5
Transformational Leaders ........................................................8
BennettBuilds .......................................................................10
It Takes A Belle To Do It Well ..................................................11
Belle Notes / Necrology ........................................................12
Chapter Happenings..............................................................15
NAA Honorees ......................................................................17
Class Reunion .......................................................................18
Alumnae/Commencement Weekend 2013 ...............................20
Chapter/Class Giving..............................................................23
Creative Giving .....................................................................24
Melody’s Divas......................................................................25
NAA Awards/ Recipient Criteria .............................................27
News from Bennett ..............................................................28
Loyalty Form ........................................................................32
Announcements ...................................................................IBC
Photography
Howard Gaither
Wanda Mobley
Jessica E. Wall
Graphic Artist
Sherry Poole Clark
Printer
Piedmont Printing
Bennett College is accredited by the
Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur,
GA 30033, 404-679-4500,
www.sacscoc.org; the National
Council for the Accreditation of
Teacher Education (NCATE); and the
Council on Social Work Education
(CSWE).
Bennett College prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, sex,
disability, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, age or status as
a disabled veteran in admission,
access to, treatment of, or
employment in its programs or
activities.
Bennett College is a United
Methodist Church-related institution.
On the cover: The Bennett BELL – Lyman Bennett made possible the acquiring of the bronze bell which to this day is rung for special campus activities. The 257 pound bell was delivered to the campus in December
of 1878 and bears the inscription, “Bennett Seminary From Friends in Troy, N.Y. To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. Isaiah LXI.”
MESSAGE
FROM OUR
PRESIDENT
Dear Bennett Alumnae,
I’m less than 180 days into my
presidency and couldn’t possibly feel
more at home. I walked into open arms
when I began my Bennett journey, and,
for that, I owe a great debt of thanks to
the Bennett Belles.
When I think about the Bennett legacy,
I think about this exemplary National
Alumnae Association. You are the
collective representation of what
Bennett continues to provide the world
– the best and brightest, doctors and
teachers, activists and politicians,
mentors and moms who are committed
to making a difference. You are proof
that after 140 years, we epitomize the
value proposition of excellence in higher
education.
Moreover, our legacy includes the
visionary leaders that have preceded me.
Meeting the challenges that each decade
presented, these men and women
focused on the mission and ensured
that Bennett kept her promise to each
class. I promise to do the same.
When considering the Bennett legacy, I
reflect upon the College’s historic bell
with Isaiah 61:1 proudly etched into its
face – “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is
upon me; because the LORD hath
anointed me to preach good tidings
unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind
up the brokenhearted, to proclaim
liberty to the captives, and the opening
of the prison to them that are bound.”
4 • Belle Ringer Magazine
A clarion call for liberty, this scripture
continues to ignite a fiery passion for all
who have been blessed to see it. I assure
you, during my Bennett tenure, the
faculty, staff and administrators will take
what is written on the bell and we will
place it in these Belles. They will know
where they come from and whose
shoulders they now stand. We will inspire
students to speak in spite of the silence; to
love when hate is consuming; to persevere
when it seems all hope is lost. Our
graduates will join your ranks as Belles
worthy to carry out the path that you have
paved for them.
With that said, I can’t do it without you. I
need your continued support of dear old
alma mater, and I need your donations to
the Loyalty Fund. Previously known as the
Annual Fund, we have reverted to the
aptly named “Loyalty Fund” because your
generosity depicts your unwavering
commitment to this College. I know we
will see commitments from at least 1,300
Belles or a 30 percent increase among our
alumnae. I know the Bennett Belles are up
for the challenge, and I can’t wait to salute
your efforts during my very first Alumnae
Weekend in May.
Please enjoy this powerful issue of the
Belle Ringer. It was developed with you in
mind.
Sincerely,
Rosalind Fuse-Hall, J.D.
President
The Sound of the Belle
Dear Bennett Sisters,
It is my great honor and distinct pleasure to greet you on behalf of the Bennett College National Alumnae Association (NAA) and to
thank you for your continued support to Bennett College!!! You “go the extra mile” to share your time, talents, and treasure; and I
want to thank you so very much for what you have done and what you will do.
The goals of the NAA for fiscal year 2013-14 are as follows:
• Support Chapters through communications and/or visitations;
• Increase NAA membership;
• Increase alumnae participation with NAA and Chapter activities;
• Increase donations to the Loyalty Fund and the percentage of donors. (Alumnae donors are at 20% and we need to increase to 30%)
• Assist with recruitment and retention of students; and
• Support Bennett College activities
We started our year with a great on-campus Alumnae Retreat for Chapter Presidents (and various other chapter leaders) in August. The
NAA is led by some dynamic and committed Sisters who are not only active nationally, but are also very active in their local chapters. I
want to share some information on what we are working on and/or have accomplished so far this year:
• Vice President Nichelle Scott is chairing the Alumnae Awards Committee and will be sending a survey to you soon.
• Secretary Brooke Walker takes copious notes and is president of the Southern California Chapter.
• Financial Secretary Queen Simpson and Treasurer Elayne Jones are collaborating on a new membership brochure and alternative
ways to pay NAA dues and Alumnae Weekend registration. Elayne also represented the NAA at activities for the Durham Chapter.
• Parliamentarian Alvah Beander is chairing a committee to revise our Constitution and By-Laws.
• Immediate Past President Lisa Johnson is working on organizing virtual chapters.
• Dr. Tressie Muldrow is leading a fund raising effort and you will be hearing from her.
• I attended my first full Board of Trustees meeting in November, visited the Atlanta Chapter, Metro Washington Chapter, Northern
Virginia Chapter and Raleigh Chapter thus far. I have also represented the NAA at various campus activities.
Finally, I want to thank the Alumnae Affairs Office under the leadership of Audrey Franklin for all of their support to the NAA.
Dear Sisters, let’s show our new president, Dr. Rosalind Fuse-Hall what we can collectively do for our beloved alma mater.
Have a wonderful year!
Sisterly,
Deborah Tillman Love ’79
President
BENNETT COLLEGE NATIONAL
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
(L TO R)
Nichelle Gordon-Scott ’90
Vice President
Queen Simpson ’75
Financial Secretary
Deborah Tillman Love ’79
President
Brooke Walker ’94
Secretary
Elayne Gibbs Jones ’88
Treasurer
Alvah Taylor Beander ’73
Parliamentarian
Belle Ringer Magazine •
5
A Message from Institutional Advancement
Scholarship recipient Yvonne Groves, a junior, business
administration major from Columbia, MD, is
congratulated by Tamika White (L), vice president, Wells
Fargo Advisors and Iris Ramey (R), vice president for
institutional advancement at Bennett.
Greetings Bennett Belles,
I am so excited to address you from
another stellar edition of the Belle
Ringer and sincerely hope you enjoy
Winter 2013: “Building Upon the
Bennett College Legacy.”
When I began this letter, I wanted to
be sure I gave the utmost
consideration to such a powerful
theme. For me, there are just so many
components that make up this haven of higher education and the legacy it continues to build upon. Over 140 years, you have
been defined by activism, sophistication and professionalism; for upholding leadership, global acumen and sisterhood; you are
a legacy of powerful women who know what they want and when they want it; you are Bennett Belles.
Today’s Belles look to you as their source of inspiration and guidance. They adorn in suits and pearls because they realize a
good first impression can mean everything. They march to eliminate voter suppression and march for equality because they
believe there should be a standard for civil rights. They obtain internships and hold leadership positions because they know,
without a shadow of a doubt, that this legacy of great women is one that must be preserved.
But, we must continue to protect and nurture the Bennett experience and the right to an affordable education. I implore you
to continue your support of our students and the legacy that they will build upon by considering establishing scholarships. As
the cost of living steadily increases and the availability of federal funds steadily decreases, I’ve made it my mission to acquire
even more scholarship gifts. I’m proud to announce that Wells Fargo recently established a scholarship and Yvonne Groves ’15,
a business administration major from Columbia, South Carolina, is the recipient.
Yvonne was overcome with appreciation saying, “I will continue my support of community service to try and repay the
generosity that has been shown to me. As I continue my years as a Bennett Belle, I willfully acknowledge this support system
as a reason for my bright and flourishing future.”
That is proof that this legacy will continue to produce women who care about giving back. In order to build upon the
Bennett legacy, we must continue to support our students, faculty and academic programming.
I look forward to seeing you all during Alumnae Weekend
2014 and a special shout-out to the classes ending in 4s
and 9s as they celebrate their reunion milestones. Thank
you for all you have and will continue to do for your alma
mater.
Sincerely,
Iris Ramey,
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Melissa Watson ’13 presents Audrey Franklin ’72 with the first “Five for Five” contribution.
DR. ROSALIND FUSE-HALL
Bennett College’s New Sister President
By Theresa Williams Bennett-Wilkes, ‘72
“The secret of Bennett is
that she exudes sisterhood
across generations.”
- Dr. Rosalind Fuse-Hall
W
ords have meaning for Bennett
College’s seventeenth president
and she chooses them carefully,
conscious of their impact. When Dr.
Rosalind Fuse-Hall speaks, she does so with
grace, authority and deliberateness.
Perusing her résumé, it is abundantly clear
why the Board of Trustees selected her to
lead this august institution. Her eyes
sparkle and she smiles warmly when
asked about Bennett. “We are at a
pivotal moment,” she advises.
“When you have a shift in universal
ideology – and by that I mean we’re
moving from an industry-based economy
to a knowledge-based economy, and it’s not
solely America – we’re talking about the
world. In light of those shifts,
I think the college is
poised to take her
rightful place. And
that is supported by
our strategic plan
which has four focal
areas: Global
acumen;
Communications
skills; Leadership
profile; and
Entrepreneurial
prowess. When you
look at those four –
I talk about them
in terms of the students – but they are
equally there to guide the college.”
Dr. Fuse-Hall assumed the presidency of
Bennett College on July 1, 2013. She hit
the ground running for she possesses an
impressive array of skills, power, and
expertise in administrative management
and governance in higher education. Her
career began at St. Lawrence University,
Canton, NY, where she served as
assistant director of the office of
minority affairs. She was an associate
dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at
the University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill. She subsequently taught “The Role of
the University in American Life” at Carolina
as a seminar professor of American Studies.
She is a former corporate secretary of the
University of North Carolina. She was the
executive assistant to the chancellor of
North Carolina Central University in
Durham, and acting vice
chancellor for institutional
advancement. She served
as interim executive
director, Title III
Programs at Florida A &
M University,
Tallahassee, and as the
president’s chief of
staff.
NAA President Deborah Love ’79
presents “The Bell” to President
Rosalind Fuse-Hall.
7
Bennett College’s new sister president is
well versed on the inner workings of
higher education, having had her feet
firmly planted at two historically black
colleges and universities and the nation’s
oldest public university. As secretary to the
governing board of the seventeen campuses
comprising the University of North
Carolina, she gained insight into – and an
understanding of – the roles and
relationships among and between
educational institutions and their CEOs.
These opportunities equipped her with an
objective view of the promise, possibilities,
and actuality of being a college president.
Her perspective is both humble and
pragmatic. When asked about her anxieties
about being president, Fuse-Hall
responded, “I have a realistic appreciation
of this job. [I knew] that it would be a
presidency. I’ve worked with twenty-five
[current and former] college presidents
during my career…I have a good sense of
what a presidency is about – the
complexities of it – the rough patches as
well as the sweet spots and I think that’s
my advantage.
For me it’s about clarity of
expectations…[and] strong leadership…
[which includes shared governance] and
has to be found in the boardroom, faculty
senate, SGA [Student Government
Association], and the staff senate. That’s
why it’s called shared governance…[It]
means everybody has input into decisionmaking, [but not everyone] makes
decisions…[It’s] about accountability as
well as clarity…You can’t have one without
the other.”
Bennett College is one hundred and forty
years old. Founded during the late
nineteenth century, in the aftermath of the
Civil War and Reconstruction, she has
weathered the vicissitudes of time – Jim
Crow, Black Codes, state-sanctioned
segregation –and been at the forefront of
the Civil Rights Movement.
Her alumnae are women of distinction,
often blazing pathways in previously
uncharted territory. Bennett continues to
build on a legacy of scholarship, traditions
which reinforce scholarship as well as the
pursuit of knowledge, visionary leadership,
and alumnae involvement. Above all else,
she offers hope and quality education to
women desirous of making a difference.
“The great thing about a tradition is it
gives you a foundation. We’ve had a strong
foundation with the legacy of
leadership…her core values…[and] sense
of purpose. [These] pillars are elements of
truth about Bennett:
• Her sincerity of purpose – to educate
women for leadership opportunities.
• Her integrity – which is the social
activism piece.
• Her sense of self – which is evolving and
means she’s always present for the
moment.”
Dr. Fuse-Hall’s multifaceted vision for the
college includes increasing enrollment, full
implementation of the strategic plan, and
broadening the school’s reach by boosting
its visibility.
“We have to have a larger enrollment to
make us fiscally sound. We’re tuitiondriven and if we have a larger enrollment,
we may not have to increase tuition as
often. Aligning our academic programs
with the strategic plan…means working
with the faculty. They have to take the
lead. I think Bennett is a special place that
people will want to partner with student
scholars, faculty scholars, and visiting
scholars. When they start talking about
Bennett in their circles…[it] becomes a
ripple effect.”
Melissa Harris-Perry, host of her
eponymously named weekend talk show on
MSNBC was the Fall 2013 Honors
Convocation speaker. She has talked and
tweeted about Bennett from Nerdland
since her visit. “That’s publicity I can’t
buy,” Dr. Fuse-Hall observed, underscoring
her point.
Honoring Bennett’s mission and vision is a
central tenet of Fuse-Hall’s presidency.
“…my goal is to ensure that we continue
to prepare women for leadership positions
in the world.”
Wherever she goes, Dr. Fuse-Hall stresses
the importance of preparing student Belles
for an interconnected global society,
adeptly offering supporting statistical data,
much of it eye-opening. She sees
possibilities for them beyond the
geographic boundaries of the United
States.
Bennett’s new sister president spent much
of her life preparing for a college
presidency. The Atlanta native grew up on
the campus of Fayetteville State University
where her father taught. She is a Tarheel
and earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers
School of Law. She understands what it
means to choose to attend a women’s
college.
“It takes a courageous young woman to be
a Bennett Belle; to stand up to parents and
peers. To understand how it’s going to be
different from [her] high school years.”
When asked what kind of role model she
offers student Belles, Dr. Fuse-Hall
answered unhesitatingly, “A strong AfricanAmerican female not afraid of leadership;
not afraid to have fun; not afraid to love
fiercely. I’ve been blessed to have
extraordinary people in my life who’ve
contributed to the woman I’ve become: my
mother, Vivian Whitaker Fuse, Shirley
Chisholm, and my sister, Lydia FuseMason.”
Her self-confidence and fearlessness offer
inspiration to young women determined to
make meaningful, long-lasting
contributions in their communities,
homes, places of employment, and through
the pursuit of their individual passions.
Dr. Fuse-Hall and the fresh women class of
2017 were introduced during Welcome
Week. She encouraged them “To be about
creating a community of scholars which
means you act like a scholar, think like a
scholar,[and] speak like a scholar. In other
words, you use the language of
scholarship.”
Dr. Fuse-Hall’s commitment to Bennett
College includes building productive
alliances with alumnae, the leadership of
the city of Greensboro, Guilford County
and the larger business community. “We
are an interdependent society so I need
strong partnerships with all of them. The
college needs partnerships. Words mean
something to me: partnership is key.”
Following her speech, the newest student
Belles asked her to identify her greatest
fear. “To lose one of you and it’s still my
greatest fear. Why? Because it’s such a
missed opportunity for her, her loved ones,
and the lives she could have touched if she
were here. The here is not just the present
– I know that they may have to stop out –
that’s the nature of the economy right now
– but they don’t have to stay out. I don’t
want them to give up – or transfer.”
Bennett’s new sister president is erudite,
dignified, and articulate. This woman of
God frequently invokes her faith and
shares her beliefs. Quoting scripture, “I
had fainted, unless I had believed to see
the goodness of the Lord in the land of the
living, Psalm 27:13, KJV. All those words
speak to me,” she explained, emphasizing
fainted, believed, goodness, the Lord, land,
living. “It’s my absolutely favorite verse
and I depend on it every day.”
Her enthusiasm is infectious and her
joyfulness palpable – she’s happy to be at
Bennett. She’s optimistic about the
college’s future and grateful to be at its
helm. “It’s so bright and we are so
close…that’s the blessing I have received.
So much work [was] done before I got
here. That’s why my mantra for this
administration is #BennettBuilds. We
build on the foundation, that legacy, those
traditions. We build on what’s been done
before we got here…Dr. Johnnetta Cole
told me, ‘Sister President, Bennett College
will steal your heart – and won’t give it
back.’ Bennett is the best and she deserves
the best.”
Welcome. Dr. Rosalind Fuse-Hall, Bennett
College’s new sister president.
President’s Welcome Reception. (L to R): Deborah Love ’79, President, National Alumnae Association; Yvonne Johnson ’64, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Greensboro; Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly, Board of Trustees and Pastor, Saint Matthews
United Methodist Church; Ed Kitchen, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The Joseph M. Bryan Foundation of Greater Greensboro; President Rosalind Fuse-Hall; Dr. Joyce Dixon ’56, Board of Trustees; Senator Gladys Robinson
’71, Senate Deputy Minority Leader; Andrea Harris ’70, Board of Trustees, President, NC Institute of Minority Economic Development; and John Rowe, President, McCrindle Foundation, New York
9
REPRINT: Originally appeared in Spring 2010 Belle Ringer
Bennett Belles: Transformational Leaders
Then & Now
“This is a liberal arts school where freedom
rings. So, Martin Luther King can speak
here.” This declaration of liberty by Willa
B. Player, president of Bennett from 1955
to 1966 represents not only the time
period in which it was said, but it is a
reflection of our entire history of activism
at Bennett College. It reaches back to our
origins and forward to 2010 and our
future.
It reflects the impulse of freedom that
motivated those emancipated African
Americans who were determined to begin
new lives as educated freed people in 1873.
It echoes the decision of President David
D. Jones who was determined to hire only
Black craftsmen to build the buildings for
his college’s growing campus, and so show
his solidarity to Black workers at a time
when they sorely needed employment. It
echoes the decision of Dr. Jones to host
Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in the mid-forties,
a time when to be a friend of hers was to
clearly associate oneself with Northern
liberals, a controversial move on Dr. Jones’s
part.
It reflects the courage of his daughter
Francis, and the other Belles who
organized the 1937 boycott of the
Greensboro movie theaters and rallied the
Belles to picket and to refuse to patronize
racially censored movies.
In 1958, at a time when Dr. King, who
had led the Montgomery bus boycott, was
considered “a trouble maker” in the South,
and the community was very fearful of
reprisals, Player made her decision to offer
him a venue for his appearance on campus.
A year or so earlier, a cross had been
burned right next to the lawn of the
President’s home on campus where Bennett
Professor and NAACP leader Edward
Edmonds lived. Edmunds was supported
by Player in his effort to integrate a local
swimming pool.
By Linda Beatrice Brown ’61
Player built on the philosophical
foundation that inspired our college’s
founding and motivated Dr. Jones, and so
her belief that the liberal arts college
fostered activism was entirely consistent
with this history. In 1964 she said: “the
liberal arts college leads on to emphasize
values….A sense of being has thus to be
related to all mankind and the individual’s
responsibility to develop a moral
commitment with respect to man’s kinship
to man.” In her way of thinking, what you
learn from a liberal arts education is your
kinship and responsibility to all mankind.
In an interview with William Chafe in
1977, Player stated that she had no fear of
losing her job for supporting the student
sit-ins. “To me, it was in the true tradition
of a liberal arts college and what you’re
supposed to do.”
However, she went on to say, “Even if the
trustees had thrown me out, I was ready to
go because I had such deep conviction that
all of this was so right and that all of it was
done in the proper manner.”
As I stated in The Long Walk, one of
Bennett’s finest hours was the historical
moment of the Civil Rights Movement in
which Belles stepped forward to insist on
the integration of public accommodations
in Greensboro. It was truly a time when
transformational leaders were created on
the campus. Our entire history reminds us
that our tradition of social activism was not
built on abstract ideas but on a lived-out
practice, throughout the years.
The unique thing about the Bennett
tradition of activism is the way it has been
woven into the entire fabric of the mission
of the College. Even the Methodist
connection has given a theological basis for
seeking social justice. Although the church,
like many denominations, has had its ups
and downs where equality of race and
gender is concerned, its founder John
Wesley set a tone by being solidly against
slavery. Since 1968 when the segregated
church was abolished, increasing numbers
of women, Black and White, have been
admitted to the clergy and leadership
positions. During the tumultuous years of
the Civil Rights struggle many in the
church took a strong and courageous stand
against segregation. As a matter of fact our
mission statement links our United
Methodist church connection with the
promotion of purposeful public service and
“responsible civic action.”
Bennett women have always been educated
to create change through democracy, and to
create justice by doing justice. The voter
registration campaign, “Operation Door
Knock” of 1960, in which classes were
dismissed so that Bennett students could
help register its African American citizens,
was a very graphic expression of the power
of creating change through the principals of
democracy. More people were registered in
this campaign than have ever been
registered in a campaign before or since in
this city. A liberal education and social
activism came together with the
participation of the total campus
community.
Intellectual development has always been
yoked to practical application at Bennett.
The White Breakfast began as a tradition
when the Belles visited retirement
communities to take baskets at
Thanksgiving early on Thanksgiving
morning. When the Bennett women went
to jail for the movement, Dr. Player said
the students were “expected to practice
what they have learned.” Based on her
other statements we can assume this meant
principals of applied democracy, and
individual liberty.
Another example of the weaving of
education with activism came with the
students and faculty exchanges of this
period. Students and faculty from White
Dr. Willa Beatrice Player
President, 1956 – 1966
schools in the North were exchanged with
Bennett students and faculty for a few
weeks or even for a semester. Mount
Holyoke, Sara Lawrence, Skidmore, and
Ohio Wesleyan were some of the schools
involved, at a time when racial mixing in
the South was certainly not the norm. Two
of our exchange students took part in the
sit-ins and one stayed to graduate from
Bennett out of choice.
In the years following the Player
administration we have seen the struggle for
the survival of HBCU’s and Bennett has
not been an exception. But there has been a
continuation of activism. During this
period, we lost our Bennett sister Sandra
Neely Smith who was killed for her vision
of social change, in 1979. A bus load of
Bennett women traveled to Jena, Louisiana
to participate in speaking out in support of
the six students who were given extreme
sentences after reacting to racial
provocation.
Our role as activists took yet another twist
as some of our alumnae gathered on
February 1, 2010, for the 50th anniversary
of the sit-ins in what was a deliberate move
to bring justice to the story of our
participation in the movement here in
Greensboro. As veterans of the sit-ins we
raised our voices once more to declare the
fact that the true story of the Greensboro
movement needed to be lifted up, and to
witness to the fact that Bennett women
have most often been overlooked when the
story is recounted. The fact that Bennett
women participated in the planning of the
sit-ins is evidence of our vision and our
courage and determination. This was the
goal of the retrospective. Of course it was
not lost on the audience that so many of
our Bennett sisters marched and were
jailed. Seven of us took part as panelists in
the program that was held in the chapel.
As the Rev. John Hatchett stated in his
article of 2006, “Hidden From History:
Bennett College Women and the
Greensboro
Sin-ins”:
“What
occurred on
February 1,
Bennett students pa
rticipate in boycott of
1960 was not
downtown Greensbo
ro’s movie theater in
1937.
the result of a casual
dormitory conversation on the campus of
A&T College. Feb 1, 1960 was the
are going up, and new initiatives are afoot.
culminating point of an idea rigorously
The administrations of former president
thought through, meticulously researched
Johnnetta Cole, and now the dynamic Dr.
and enthusiastically debated and refined by
Julianne Malveaux have put us on the road
a handful of courageous young Black
to the fulfillment of our dreams. In Dr.
women on the campus of an all-women’s
Malveaux’s words,” We are moving into the
college where learning and social activism
21st century committed to the concept of
were intertwined and endorsed….Not only
an oasis where women are educated,
did we have the idea, but we also sustained
celebrated and developed into leaders and
the sit-ins once they started.”
global thinkers.” Our activism continued
with the attendance of faculty,
The alumnae who were involved in the
administration, and students at the
retrospective of the sit-ins all had very
Copenhagen Climate Conference. As we
significant things to say about the
move further into the 21st century, our
experience, but they had one thing in
activism broadens along with the issues
common. They said their action 50 years
that affect us globally.
ago had a profound impact on the rest of
their lives. The following statements are
Women leaders create change. A look at
representative of this truth:
history will bear this out. As Linda Tarr
Whelan says in her book, Women Lead the
“This simple mission of challenging social
Way, having more women leaders means
justice was a hallmark for many of us in
that “we will change the systems that fail to
defining ourselves….what a wholesome
reflect our views, values and experiences.
impact it made on our characters and our
We will use our power to work with likeprincipals….”
minded men and change the world. As
transformational leaders we can make life
“For the rest of my life I will be glad that I
better for ourselves, for generations of girls
did it….”
and boys coming behind us and for
society.”
“Attending Bennett and participating in
the sit-ins was a life changing experience
Social activism is about creating change for
for me.”
the better, for the good of us all. As more
and more women leaders graduate from
In other words they were transformed, and
our beloved Bennett, our impact upon the
we can never know how many others have
world will continue the proud legacy
been transformed by the leadership roles of
created by the many generations of
these Bennett graduates.
Bennett Women, from 1873 on, and this
legacy of “a liberal arts college where
Happily, we are now in a period of extreme freedom rings” will take us into our bright
optimism on the campus. New buildings
future.
11
#BennettBuilds...The Legacy Continues
By Jessica E. Wall, Communications Associate
Members of the Class of 2003
changed your life too. I’m a more aware,
more confident, more talented woman than
I was three years ago. And I’m not even an
alumna! It was at Bennett that I found the
inspiration to go to and through grad
school as well as the passion to pursue
research opportunities. This College
challenges me every single day to be better,
not just for the betterment of the
institution but also for the benefit of my
own self-worth.
When I think about the Bennett legacy, I
imagine the countless people, since 1873,
whose lives have been transformed because
of this institution.
Elizabeth Patterson White ’70 and Linda Bell Baker ’72 pin each other
during the “1926 Induction Ceremony.”
Continuing the Legacy are (L to R) Geraldine Harper ’73, Johanna
Polanen ’61, and Treda Berry ’73.
T
he first time I ever stepped foot
on the campus of Bennett College
was during the first of my two job
interviews. As a native to the region, I’m
not proud of that admission, but it’s the
truth, none the less. I came in search of
career fulfillment and a steady wage. What
I found, however, was so much more.
There’s a secret that lies within the Bearden
Gate. It isn’t knowing that Bennett was
founded in the basement of a church or
realizing that Bennett is an all- women’s
college. Though true, these surface
descriptions can be found with the aid of
the Internet. What Google can’t give you is
the Bennett experience and a taste of this
Bennett legacy.
I tell you all of this to say, Bennett College
changed my life, and I’m willing to bet she
There are the activists and way makers;
those who wanted to see a change so they
decided to be the change. I would be
remiss if I did not mention the Belles of the
1960s. When history omitted their
participation in the historic Sit-Ins, author
Linda Brown ’61 put the proof on paper in
her book Belles of Liberty: Gender, Bennett
College and the Civil Rights Movement in
Greensboro, North Carolina.
Then, there were Belles who decided to
preserve civil rights by becoming leaders
and elected officials. Pro-Tem Yvonne
Jeffries Johnson, from Greensboro, and
Myrtle Woodard Figureas, from
Gainesville, GA, are both products of the
Class of 1964. They were also the first
African American mayors in their
communities. There is Dr. Carlinda Purcell
’72, the first African American to serve as
superintendent for the Montgomery Public
School System, and Glendora Putnam ’45,
the first national president of the YWCA.
Bennett even graduated the first African
American district attorney in North
Carolina, Belinda Foster ’79, as well as one
of the first African American female news
directors in the U.S., Barbara Hamm Lee
’78.
There are those Belles who wanted to make
the world a better place by providing a rare
and unique service—ones like Andrea
Harris ’70, director of the NC Institute of
Minority and Economic Development
(NCIMED), a non-profit organization that
offers assistance to small, disadvantaged and
minority-owned businesses. There’s
Willacin Gholston ’99 who implemented
the H.A.N.D.S (Holistic Approach to
Nurturing and Developing Skills) Program
which provides food as well as Christian
counseling, tutoring and cultural
enrichment classes for orphans and
destitute youth, ages 0 to 19. Marissa
Jennings ’03 is the CEO and creator of
SOCIALgrlz, the first social website to offer
mentorship to African American teen girls,
ages 13 to 17.
When I look at the young alumnae, I see
proof that the legacy will continue. There’s
Neda Brown ’01, the public affairs officer
at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau and Schree
Greene ’11, coordinator for the Gathering
Place Project—a training and outreach
initiative that preserves cultural heritage
and minority museums. Among the young
alums are award-winning media
professionals Alexis Mitchell ’06, Tammi
McCall ’94 and Chaundra Luckett ’06 —
women who provide diversity and inclusion
to their field. There are even two recent
graduates who entered the Peace Corps,
Jessika Caldwell ’13 and Gabrielle Gravely
’13.
I could go on listing countless names
forever. The Bennett Belles of today are
truly phenomenal, due—in large part, to
the shoulders on whence they stand. This
legacy could not have survived for 140
years without those who utilized their
Bennett experience to transform the world.
The Belles of the past, present and future
are bonded by one simple understanding—
this journey through life is not about you.
It’s a legacy defined by people who wake up
every single morning laying bricks for their
successors and the women who will assume
tomorrow’s call to leadership.
Before becoming an employee of Bennett
College, I didn’t know my life’s calling, let
alone how I would use it to impact the
world. Within the Bearden Gate, I found
the secret of me and the courage to
embrace my purpose. That’s what she does
for all who may enter. That’s the legacy of
Bennett College.
• By Maria Allen, ’14, President, SGA
It Takes A Belle To Do It Well
B
ennett College is a place where
second chances for success are
given and lives are transformed
for the better. This beloved Oasis
was established to teach, educate and
produce women who will impact the
world with their minds and who have the
ability to create social, economic and,
perhaps, even international change.
Bennett is a nurturing institution that
strives not only to provide a substantial
education for all who matriculate within
her gates but to also mold well-rounded
young women who will shape the future
and impact the world for the 21st
Century and beyond.
When I first stepped on Bennett’s campus
I had no clue what my purpose was. I had
no plan as to what courses I would take,
what type of student I would be or what
organizations I was interested in. At the
start of my freshman year, a senior Belle
who was a member of the Student
Government Association pulled me aside
and instilled in me a sense of pride and
purpose. I can honestly say I don’t know
where I would be today had it not been
for our heartening conversation. Her
words encouraged and motivated me to
find my purpose, which I later discovered
was to be a student leader. Bennett’s
unwavering sisterhood was revealed to me
on that day, and I am proud to say that it
is still earnestly present since Bennett’s
chartering in 1926.
have continued to build upon this legacy
with their ongoing initiative to make sure
college students exercise their right to vote,
ensuring our participation in every election
that affects our district and nation.
Everything about Bennett expresses her
purpose and encompasses a deeper
meaning. With only two types of trees on
campus, the oak tree and the magnolia
tree, she is able to symbolically sum up
what a Bennett Belle is comprised of. The
oak trees symbolize the strength of a Belle
while the magnolia tree symbolizes her
beauty. The Latin phrase “Perseverantia
vincit Omnia,” which translates
“perseverance conquers all,” is embedded
in the bricks along the entrance of the
campus. Belles have embodied this passage
for years as these words speak volumes
when reflecting on the
lasting legacies of Dear Ol’
Bennett College.
a book titled, “Enchanting,” and Alexis
Small ’13, who founded her own web
series entitled, “ College Daze,” are two
more phenomenal examples of Belles
writing their own history for the history
books. Our dear friend Lyman Bennett did
something special when he gave that
beloved bell to Bennett; the bell was once
used as a campus time keeper to ensure
that the day ran smoothly. Now, I believe
that it is a symbol of love that will forever
be embedded in our Bennett hearts.
Bennett has taught us to stop at nothing
until the goal is achieved. Alumnae and
current Belles continue to persevere in
their endeavors in hopes of continuing to
build upon the Bennett College legacy that
“It takes a Belle, to do it well!”
Business Admin
istration gradua
tes from the Cla
ss of 2013
Whether it be in politics,
medicine, law, education,
media or social work,
Bennett continues to
mold pioneers who will
change or impact the
world. Bennett’s very
own India Wilkins ’13,
who recently published
Traditions such as respecting the
“Unbroken Green” instills in us that there
are no short cuts in life. Belles have always
refused to take a backseat when it comes
to important social issues. Bennett Belles
are Global Belles and have always been
committed to making a difference in our
immediate and international societies.
From Dr. Player welcoming, then
controversial figure, Dr. Martin Luther
King with open arms in 1958 to the
involvement of Bennett Belles in the Civil
Rights Movement during the 1960’s,
Bennett has made an everlasting mark on
the world as we know it. Current Belles
r)
Maria Allen (cente
ters “March to the
and her Bennett sis
lles are
Polls.” Bennett Be
Voting Belles!
13
BELLE NOTES
DR. ALICE HOLLOWAY
YOUNG ’44, a loyal Bennett
alumna and a founding trustee of
one of NY State’s largest
community colleges, turned 90 on
Sept. 29th. There have been
numerous honors/awards from the
community and beyond bestowed
on her for her many
achievements. She continues to
credit many of her successes to
Bennett College. She believes
Bennett was instrumental in
helping her move out of poverty
and into the mainstream of
American life. When Dr. Cole
came to Rochester for the Bennett
College fundraiser honoring Dr.
Young, practically every leader in
Rochester attended and/or
supported the event. Dr. Young is
also a founder of the Rochester
Links Chapter. Our very dear
Bennett sister, Audrose MackleBanks (also 90 plus) was also very
instrumental in making that
fundraiser a very successful one
for Bennett College.
BLANCHE GRAVES
WILLIAMS ’46 celebrated her
90th birthday with her daughter
Theresa Bennett Wilkes ’72 and
The Belles of the Metro
Washington DC Chapter in
attendance. Adelia Hammond
Williams ’56 was instrumental in
more than 1,500 women from
across the state for energizing
dialogue on a variety of women's
issues. Andrea was also among the
inaugural leaders in Diversity
Awards winner awarded by the
Triangle Business Journal. Andrea
is the president and co-founder of
the North Carolina of Minority
Economic Development Institute.
making the event a memorable
occasion.
DR. CLAUDIA WELLS
HAMILTON ’50 has published
her autobiography, “Cookies Do
Crumble.” The book chronicles
her life challenges and includes
her college years at Bennett as a
newlywed and mother living on
campus. It is an easy read that
portrays her faith, buoyancy and
ability to overcome life obstacles.
The book is being published by
Tate Publishers and was available
beginning November, 2013.
ALMA FOWLKES ’54 was
selected to receive the University
of Southern California’s Widney
Alumni House Volunteer Award
in recognition of her service to the
California Social Welfare Archives
and the greater Los Angeles
Community. Alma is a member of
the Southern California Alumnae
Chapter, one of the founders and
has been a consistent leader of and
mentor to the young Southern
California chapter leaders. She was
also one of the founders of the
Southern California HBCU
Alumni group and the annual
HBCU Alumni Martin Luther
King breakfast.
SUSIE POWELL ’64 received the
“Woman of Substance Award”
during Family and Friends
Weekend. In addition, after
receiving three nominations at the
34th Annual News and
Documentary Emmy Awards, The
Loving Story took home the award
for Outstanding Historical
Programing (Long Form). Susie is
the screenwriter for the hit
documentary depicting the quest
for matrimonial rights. The
Loving Story tells the tale of
Richard and Mildred Loving, an
interracial couple who, in 1967,
challenged the Supreme Court in
order to legally live in Virginia
and have their marriage
recognized by the state. From
there, the documentary examines
the history and current tolerance
for interracial marriages
throughout the United States.
DR. BEVERLY A. NEYLAND
‘67 of Las Vegas, NV was voted
one of the Desert Companion
Best Doctors of 2013. There
were 93 physicians featured from
Southern Nevada and were
chosen by their peers. Beverly is
a pediatrician at Kid’s Healthcare
in Las Vegas.
ANDREA HARRIS ’70 has
been inducted into the North
Carolina Hall of Fame at the
North Carolina Governor’s
Conference for Women in
Charlotte, North Carolina. The
North Carolina Governor’s
Conference for Women is a
powerful annual convening of
ETHELENE BRADLEY BRYAN
’71 received her Masters of
Divinity from the International
School of Divinity in Evansville,
IN. She is now enrolled in the
Ph.D. Program at Jacksonville
Theological Seminary in
Jacksonville, Florida. She has been
the minister and musician at Faith
Tabernacle Church of God in
Galax, Virginia for 19 years. In
September 2011 she was ordained
as a Bishop at her church.
DR. BERNADETTE
GREGORY WATTS ’71 will be
inducted into the National
Alumni Council Outstanding
Alumnus Hall of Fame at the
annual UNCF Alumni/PreAlumni Conference in Memphis,
Tennessee. This is especially
rewarding to her since she served
as a national officer for the PreAlumni Council during her days
as a student at Bennett. She
currently serves as the president
of the Durham Alumnae
Chapter. Dr. Watts along with
Bennett Belles and former
Chapter Presidents (L to R) Dr.
Juanita Patience Moss ’54,
Northern VA; Dr. Watts,
Durham, NC; and Lillian Pryor
Williams ’55, Gastonia, NC,
attended the 51st National Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Convention in Washington, DC.
ATTORNEY JOAN YVETTE
DAVIS ’72 is the chief executive
officer of the Alabama
Department of Postsecondary
Education in Montgomery. She
served as the Interim Chancellor
of the Alabama Community
College System while they
searched for a new Chancellor.
Prior to joining the Department as
General Counsel and Vice
Chancellor for Legal and Human
Resources, Joan practiced law for
20 years, engaged in private
practice as well as governmental
and higher law in the states of
Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
TERESA TORRENCE
TILLMAN ’76 is the Director of
Adult Services for Marin County’s
Probation Department. She has
worked in this department since
1981. She was promoted to the
Director of Adult Services in
2007. She has starred in and
produced several videos (can be
seen on YouTube) in her
department including videos on
an overview of California’s Prison
Realignment and how the
department is addressing the issues
on “Safe Justice.” In the last video,
her son, Sebastian, created the
Probation Shield mural and the
Wall of Change canvas mural.
JOHANNA LEE WRIGHT ‘74
retired after 31 years of service to
the South Orange-Maplewood
(NJ) School District as a
basketball coach. Her Columbia
High School teams won eight
conference championships, four
Essex County championships, seven
state championships and were a
State Tournament of Champions
finalist on two occasions. During
her tenure, her team had an 86
game win streak, one of the longest
for any sport – girls and boys in the
state’s history. Coach Wright had
the distinction of being named the
head coach in the inaugural
McDonald’s High School AllAmerican game at Madison Square
Garden. Under her leadership, 60
of her players have attended college
on full basketball scholarships.
Johanna is not only a coach, but
taught health/family life and
physical education at her school.
She is the founder/adviser of the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural
Horizons Club. She also recently
won election to sit on the South
Orange/Maplewood Board of
Education.
GUILA COOPER ’79 was recently
elected secretary of the Consortium
for International Management,
Policy and Development
(CIMPAD) at its biennial
conference in Windhoek, Namibia,
Africa. She will serve until 2015.
She also presented at the preconference, sponsored and hosted
by the city of Johannesburg, South
Africa in collaboration with the
faculty of commerce, law and
management at Witswaterand
University. Her presentation was on
social cohesion and economy. Guila
BELLE Necrology
Dorothy Kennedy ‘30
Margaret Houston McCoy ‘32
Gwendolyn Cunningham ‘38
Annie Coleman Saunders ‘41
Elveta Ruth Feemster Jones ‘42
Edna Fitts Holsey ‘42
Doloris Carnegie ‘44
Frances Walcott Bolden ‘44
Ella Marienne Hooper Woods ‘45
Berthenia Stephens White ‘45
Nancy Pinkard Fowlkes ’46
Wilma Peterson ’46
Doris Young Baldwin ‘48
Wilma Jean Dupree ‘49
Annie Treveta Penn Robinson ‘49
Rosalind Lynn McIntyre ‘49
Celess McLester Chapman ‘49
Geraldine Freeman Williams ‘49
Odessa Jeffries ‘50
Paris Sizemore Altman ‘51
Shirley Batten Brady ‘52
Johnsie Covinton ‘52
Bobbie Thompson Humphrey ‘52
Nevada Shoffner ‘53
Eula Mallette Miller ‘53
Bercella Lawson Blow ‘53
Stella Ferguson ‘53
Frances Allison Gabriel-Harris ‘54
Hilda Lipscomb Dean ‘55
Juanita Martin ‘56
is Director of Alumni Affairs at
the School of Health Sciences at
Winston Salem State University.
DR. TRACY PHILLIPS ‘81 has
accepted a position with the
National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) as a Social
Scientist with the Malcom
Baldridge Performance Excellence
Program in Gaithersburg,
Maryland.
DR. MARCIA STRONG
MILLET ’84 was appointed the
Director of Teacher Education in
the College of Education at
Stillman College in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama.
FLORENTIA SPIRES ’85 is a
Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics (STEM) Educator at
Howard University Middle School
of Mathematics and Science in
Washington, DC. She was recently
selected from 200 applicants, to
become a 2013-2014 Albert
Einstein Fellow, one of the federal
government’s most elite
opportunities for advanced
professional development for
STEM educators. She has been
Margaret Hall Ross ‘56
Bettie Echols ‘57
Elizabeth Ann Saunders Velazquez ‘58
Elizabeth Miller ‘59
Carolyn Duchann Williams
Doris Neely Blake ‘61
Bettye Davis McCain ‘63
Juanita Foy ‘66
Miriam Bogan Allen ‘66
Brenda Joyce Arrington ‘66
Seleah Wyche Joyner ‘66
Carrie Cotton Bell ‘67
Carol Craig Brockington ‘70
Joan Goolsby White ‘71
Marcia Dalton ‘72
Mary Swann ‘83
Sandra Evans Alexander ‘87
Lanette Smith ‘87
assigned to work full time at the
National Science Foundation.
She will be immersed in
opportunities that weigh in on
public policy as it relates to K-12
education specifically in
computer science.
TAMMI MCCALL ’94 (better
known in the LA superstar world
as Tammi Mac) is producing a
one woman show, Bag Lady,
which will premiere in
Hollywood, CA on May 2-11,
2014. During the second
weekend, the show will include a
Bennett night where Tammi will
acknowledge Bennett and create
the opportunity to bring more
publicity to her alma mater. She
has also created broadcast intern
opportunities for Bennett
students in Los Angeles. She is
currently the DJ for the #1 radio
show in LA.
LASHENA SHEFFIELD
SMITH ’95 is making her mark
in the world. She recently was a
guest on the Worldwide Radio
Show to discuss her best-selling
book “Spiritual Morsels That
Edify Your Soul”. She participated
in this year’s CBGF –
Congressional Black Caucus
Annual Conference – The
Author’s Pavilion; has started her
own publishing company,
Jeremiah Publishing, LLC
(JeremiahPublishing.com); hosted
a book signing at Bennett during
Family and Friends Weekend;
and last but not least, she is
hosting a weekly radio show
“Sprititual Morsels That Will Edify
Your Soul with Lashena Smith.”
The show had its debut in
October and the call in number
is 1-877-404-1615.
DARISHA MILLER ’96 is a
PublicRelations/Communications
Specialist with RAM Consulting
Group in Philadelphia and
appeared on FOX Philadelphia
on the Dr. Oz Show. The
segment was entitled “Belly Fat
Myths.”
15
BELLE NOTES
LATRESA SWEARINGEN
JOSEPH ’97 has established a
book scholarship to assist
students at Bennett. She
established the scholarship
(Latresa Swearingin Book
Scholarship) in 2011 to assist
students in need of financial
support by covering the total cost
of their books each semester until
graduation. The scholarship
currently assists two students
with books. LaTresa has funded
this scholarship by hosting
fundraisers and asking friends for
donations. She plans to increase
the scholarship by 2016 to three
recipients and encourages fellow
Belles to give back to our alma
mater.
DR. KEISHA REED BROWN
’98 presented to the Minority
Association of Pre-Professional
Students on Bennett’s campus.
Her goal was to spark an interest
in students interested in the
healthcare profession and next
steps. In addition to owning her
own dental practice, Keisha is
very active in the Raleigh
Alumnae Chapter.
DR. AVIAN L. TISDALE ’02
was appointed in January 2013
to the position of Division
Director for Inpatient PediatricsNemours/A.I. Dupont Pediatrics
at Inspira. According to Dr.
Tisdale, “I have the unique
opportunity to work for a
nationally ranked children’s health
system at a community hospital
with Magnet designation. My
administrative responsibilities
include direct management of
policies and procedures for
hospitalized children at all three
campuses of Inspira Health. At
our flagship campus, I am
responsible for enhancing care for
children seen in our newly opened
pediatric emergency department
and 14- bed inpatient unit.”
Dr. Tisdale also serves as
preceptor for medical students
from Rowan University Medical
School who come for their
pediatric clerkship.
A true clinician at heart, Dr.
Tisdale still works full-time in the
hospital caring for acutely ill
pediatric patients in the
emergency room and inpatient
unit. This encompasses a broad
range of services from the basic
coughs and colds to critically ill
children requiring ICU level care.
MARISSA JENNINGS ’03 and
the women of Bennett College
entered the War Room. Firing off
tweets, the brigade stood in
support of SOCIALgrlz and its
blossoming future. Developed by
Jennings, SOCIALgrlz LLC is a
premiere social website and the
first of its kind to offer
mentorship to African American
teen girls, ages 13-17. After
obtaining fantastic partnerships
from the BET Foundation, Girl
Scouts of America and even the
DAKISHA REID ’09 is working as
an Assistant Group Lead Guide at the
Elements Wilderness Program in
Utah.
White House, Jennings is
confident that her product is ready
for the next level of social
interaction—mobile app
development. The only problem is
the next stage comes with a hefty
$50,000 price tag.
SOCIALgrlz LLC is now in the
midst of a national campaign to
raise the funds. When the students
of the journalism and media
studies department at Bennett
College heard about the fundraiser,
they wanted to do their part to
help. Along with an extensive
team, Jennings leads SOCIALgrlz
LLC with the assistance of some of
her Bennett sisters. Natalie Jordan
’04 serves as the communication
director while Neda Brown ‘01 is
a site expert. For more
information about SOCIALgrlz,
please visit http://socialgrlz.com/.
Twitter followers can promote the
campaign with
#2Cents4SOCIALgrlz.
KIANDRA PARKS ’04 had her
film directing/writing debut in
Black Girl in Paris on Kickstarter.
This film was the thesis for
Kiandra, a NYU film school
graduate student and starred
Tracey Heggins and Zaraah
Abrahams. The film is based on a
novel by the same name by author
Shay Youngblood and was filmed
by award-winning director of
photography, Shlomo Godder.
DANA B. JONES ’08 received
her Masters in Education
(Mathematics) from North
Carolina State University on
December 17th.
LAKECIA OWENS ’09 is currently
pursuing an MBA degree with a
concentration in HR Management
and Healthcare Administration. She is
currently employed with Triad Health
Project and sits on the board for
“Partners for Healthy Youth” and A
Powerhouse Woman for the Queen’s
Foundation.
ASHLEY CONWAY ’11 appeared on
“BET goes PINK” sharing her story
as a breast cancer survivor. Shari
McDonald ’11 has a new position at
the Success Academy Charter School
in New York.
SHARI McDONALD ’11 has a new
position at the Success Academy
Charter School in New York.
CHARNEE’ PEARSONSTALLINGS ’12 has been awarded a
full tuition scholarship funded by the
National Science Foundation through
the Louis Stokes Alliance Minority
Program at North Carolina A&T
State University. She will be studying
biology.
NICOLE MILLER ’12 is an Account
Manager/Human Resource Assistant
at AME Management Group.
COURTNEY RAWLINS ’13 is
attending graduate school at the
Chicago School of Professional
Psychology in Washington, DC.
BELLE Marriages
Elsie Jacob’s ’65 to Robert
Johnson, November 24, 2013
Maya Gist Sanders ’03 to William
Saunders III,
May 25, 2013
Dakisha Reid ’09 to Daniel Ulrich,
December 31, 2011
Chapter
Happenings…
The Durham and Raleigh Chapters hosted a “Worship, Dine and Dialogue” with President Fuse-Hall. It was attended by alumnae, friends of Bennett and students. Dr. Fuse-Hall
was given the key to the city by the mayor. Before lunch, the group attended worship services at Dr. Fuse-Hall’s home church, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Chapter presidents are
Dr. Bernadette Watts ’71 (Durham) and Joyce Valentine ’78 (Raleigh).
Alumnae Doing Their Part to Continue the Legacy
Joyce Valentine ’78, Raleigh Chapter President, assists in Bennett’s recruiting
efforts by attending a college fair in Raleigh.
Brooke Walker ’94, Southern California Chapter President and
NAA Secretary and Shirley Gibbs ’90 participated in the UNCF
Walkathon representing Bennett College.
Pamela Jones, ’67,
representing Bennett
College at a recruiting
event for the Southern
CA Chapter.
The Washington
DC Metro Chapte
r hosted a recept
Fuse-Hall durin
ion for Presiden
g her visit to th
t
e city for their an
nual White Brea
kfast.
17
Chapter
Happenings…
Greensboro Chapter me
mbers also supported
President Fuse-Hall at
Women’s Equality Day
the
Celebration where she
was keynote speaker.
Winston-Salem Chapter
Fundraiser
“Mi Adore European Style Bracelets”
Order your bracelets at:
www.winstonsalemnaabcw.myevent.com
$40.00 each. For more information, contact
Chapter President Shareka Brown ’97, at
336-577-9441.
The National Alumnae Association (NAA) hosted the Leadership Conference for chapter presidents, officers and local alumnae. The 2-day
comprehensive weekend provided opportunities for sharing ideas and planning strategies to increase young alumnae participation, class
participation, student recruitment and chapter development. The conference, which was President Fuse-Hall’s first meeting with alumnae, also
provided sessions on how to raise funds, recruit students, leadership/team building and communication skill building.
Purchase a
Belles Vest for $75
on the Atlanta Chapter’s website at
www.BennettATLchapter.com
(under the Revitalizing Bennett tab.)
NATIONAL ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 2013 HONOREES
ELLEASE RANDALL COLSTON SERVICE AWARD
Bettye Davis McCain ’63 (Posthumously)
THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD
SUSIE W. JONES AWARD
Asha Pinkney Weithers ‘97
YOUNG ALUMNAE AWARD
Chaundra Luckett
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
April Yvonne Hodges, Ph.D, ‘02
FRIEND OF BENNETT AWARD
Gloria Thorpe Doyle
FACULTY SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Rachel Obie-Winstead
STAFF SERVICE AWARD
Linda Mack
National Alumnae Association 2013 “Unsung Heroines”
Sherry Keith ’71
LaForest Williams ’63
Sandra Philpott-Burke ’70
Sylvia A. Jones ’68
METRO ATLANTA
CHAPTER
METRO CHARLOTTE
CHAPTER
METRO DETROIT
CHAPTER
DURHAM
CHAPTER
Annye “Pete” Wright ’55
Lillie M. Brown ’49
Hazeline Taylor Harris ’59
Karen H. Wingfield ’73
Maurice Pitts Johnson ’55
GREENSBORO
CHAPTER
NEW JERSEY
CHAPTER
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
CHAPTER
METRO WASHINGTON, DC
CHAPTER
WINSTON-SALEM
CHAPTER
19
CLASS REUNIONS 2013
1953
1973
1948
1968
1963
1978
1983
1988
2003
1998
2008
1993
21
23
CHAPTERS
BENNETT COLLEGE NATIONAL
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
Executive Committee and Chapter Presidents
2013-2015
P. O. Box 20321
Greensboro, NC 27420
PRESIDENT
Mrs. Deborah Tillman Love ‘79
Email: dtlbcnaa@gmail.com
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Ms. Christine Pendleton ‘04
stine38925@aol.com
NEW ENGLAND
Ms. Lensley Gay ‘75
lensL9@aol.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Mrs. Nichelle Gordon Scott ’90
Email: ngordscott@aol.com
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Rev. Jeannine Lewis Walker ‘85
nean727@juno.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Mrs. Brenda Morgan Nicholson ‘69
bmnicker@aol.com
RECORDING SECRETARY
Ms. Brooke Walker ‘94
Email: ladyvenoms@yahoo.com
COASTAL CAROLINA,
NORTH CAROLINA
Ms. Renee R. Purvis ‘85
msnicet@yahoo.com
NORTH JERSEY
Samantha Dow ‘97
njbelles@msn.com
samantha.dow08@yahoo.com
DELAWARE VALLEY
Ms. Elizabeth Van Beverhoudt ‘88
dvbcaa@gmail.com
ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
Dr. Grace Heyward Salters ’55
gsalters@bellsouth.net
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Mrs. Sandra Philpott-Burke ‘70
sphilpottburke@yahoo.com
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Mrs. Joyce Bass Valentine ‘78
jedw56@aol.com
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
Dr. Bernadette G. Watts ‘71
watts.bernadette@gmail.com
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Ms. Meredith Simmons ‘96
msimmons@shipyardhhi.com
EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Ms. Sarah B. Sharpe ‘87
brodiesheppard1@.yahoo.com
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Ms. Brooke Walker ‘94
ladyvenoms@yahoo.com
GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA
Mrs. Lillian Pryor Williams ‘55
lprywms72@yahoo.com
TIDEWATER AREA, VIRGINIA
Mrs. Rita Dean Simpson ‘72
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Ms. Queen Simpson ’75
qcsimp@ameritech.net
TREASURER
Mrs. Elayne Gibbs Jones ‘88
Email: egjones8@hotmail.com
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Mrs. Alvah Taylor Beander ‘73
Email: atbserves@gmail.com
ALUMNAE AFFAIRS
Mrs. Audrey Demps Franklin ‘72
Director of Alumnae Affairs
(336) 517-2247
Alternate: (336) 517-2248
Fax: (336) 517-2244
Email: afranklin@bennett.edu
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Dr. Lisa A. Johnson ‘81
Email: drjnaaprez@comcast.net
GREATER NEW YORK
Ms. Lenore Brathwaite ‘89
lenore72lab@aol.com
ALBANY, GEORGIA
Dr. Judith Hatch ‘77
Judehatch@yahoo.com
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA
Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson White ‘70
epwhite2014@gmail.com
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Mrs. Norita Phillips ’91
norita68@msn.com
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Mrs. Tisha Harris ‘63
tharris60@aol.com
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Mrs. Eugenia D. Johnson ’48
ej122501@aol.com
METRO ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Ms. Francena Brown ‘86
fbrownbc86@comcast.net
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
Ms. Betty Brown Wilson ‘81
wilson7273@bellsouth.net
METRO WASHINGTON, DC
Atty. Brandy Jones Osimokun ‘00
barristerbrandy@yahoo.com
WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK
Mrs. Fay L. Fagan ‘55
faylfagan@aol.com
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Ms. Audrey Adam Longcrier ‘72
alongcrier@charter.net
WINSTON SALEM,
NORTH CAROLINA
Ms. Shareka R. Brown ‘97
srbrown28@yahoo.com
Chapter & Class Giving
Albany, GA
Baltimore, MD
Charleston, SC
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Coastal Carolina
Conneticut
Delaware Valley
Detroit, MI
Durham, NC
Eastern Carolina NC
Gastonia, NC
General Membership
Greater NY
Greensboro, NC
Metro Atlanta
Metro Charlotte
Metro DC
North Jersey
Northern VA
Orangeburg, sc
Raleigh, NC
San Francisco Bay Area
Savannah, GA
Southern California
Tidewater, Va
Westchester, NY
Western NC
Winston Salem
Class of 1938
Class of 1943
Class of 1948
Class of 1953
Class of 1958
Class of 1963
Class of 1968
Class of 1973
Class of 1978
Class of 1983
Class of 1988
Class of 1993
Class of 1998
Class of 2003
Class of 2008
$600.00
$6,125.00
$3,850.00
$20,046.77
$11,252.00
$1,582.86
$16,156.65
$6,197.20
$8,979.00
$45,590.00
$3,360.00
$350.00
$86,662.25
$17,065.60
$95,381.66
$24,383.00
$13,405.00
$ 69,777.48
$15,447.21
$17,663.00
$1,325.00
$17,324.00
$6,676.00
$500.00
$23,590.00
$16,836.75
$6,436.00
$3,845.00
$8,600.00
$200.00
$2,207.00
$37,981.00
$44,347.17
$17,330.00
$58,034.00
$21,337.00
$16,810.00
$7,451.00
$10,793.00
$4,625.00
$325.00
$2,180.00
$583.00
$436.08
$773,646.68
25
“Creative Giving”
Many alumnae believe that Bennett College only accepts monetary
gifts. Well, we’re here to set the record straight by showcasing some of
your Bennett sisters’ creative donations.
Eddye Betts Otey ’52 donated her life’s collection of classic model
cars. These beautiful rides fetch quite the pretty penny and will
be auctioned during future Bennett events.
There were several alumnae who wanted to give to the
beautification of the Susie W. Jones Alumnae House and
Welcome Center. Audrey Phillips Highsmith ‘53 gave her
prized Bennett blazer. It’s a piece of history and decoration
as it sits framed above the living room mantle. Within
the formal dining room is the grand china cabinet,
donated by Johanna Polanen ’61. It houses beautiful
china sets from Bettye Campbell ‘53. Together, the
donations make quite the statement of elegance.
When Marissa Jennings ’03 developed the first
social website for African American teen girls, she
knew she had to include Bennett College in
some way. That’s why she gave the College free
advertising and the privilege of being the only
institution of higher education featured.
Check out SOCIALgrlz and their campaign
to develop a mobile app here:
http://socialgrlz.com/.
For more information about unique
giving, contact Audrey Franklin ’72 at
afranklin@bennett.edu.
Giving from the Heart…Melody’s Divas
By Jessica E. Wall
Childhood friendships are
susceptible to life. People grow up;
they grow apart. They establish
careers in succession with building
their relationships and families.
There comes a point where the
phone calls become far and few
between and the laughter is no more
than a distant memory. Adulthood
comes swiftly, and before long, we’re
all hit with a realization that no one
ever expects—people change. But
that’s not the case for Melody and
her Divas.
argued with her. That’s just the type
of person she is. Melody is a rare
gift.”
waking up tomorrow and hoping
that it’s better than the one before
it.”
Jocelyn Biggs ‘94 agrees. “Melody
would give you the shirt off her
back. It might be a cliché but it’s
true, and there’s just no other way to
describe Melody. She is one of the
kindest and most giving people I’ve
ever had the privilege to know.”
Melody’s journey began October 14,
2006. It wasn’t long before the
doctors confirmed the future of the
lumpy, discolored left breast. It
along with part of the chest wall
would have to be removed. Six
months of chemotherapy and
radiation followed, robbing 34-yearold Melody of her hair and ability to
have children.
A special bond took root on the
campus of Bennett College in June
1990. Melody Hall ‘94 was an
entering freshwoman and
participant in the Summer Institute,
a program that catapults incoming
students into college learning. Little
did Melody know, Bennett would be
the stepping stone for lifelong
friendships.
One of those friends was Jen-Ai
Childress ‘94 who came to the
North Carolina college from
Queens, NY. She recalls never
having met someone quite like
Melody, a native of Clinton, NC.
“I just thought she was the
countriest thing I had ever met in
my life. I was like who is this girl
with this big red hair and southern
accent,” Jen-Ai giggled.
First impressions aside, Jen-Ai soon
realized that Melody was far more
unique than she could have
imagined. “I have never, ever, ever
heard Melody say anything bad
about anyone. In fact, in all of our
years of friendship, I’ve never even
It was a necessary sacrifice for good
health. Cancer free, Melody threw
herself back into her career as a
human resources manager. Her
marriage to Jr. was stronger than
ever. Life was practically perfect. But
there was something missing.
Lauren.
(L to R): Melody Hall ’94 and Jocelyn Biggs ‘94
To this day, Melody and Jocelyn are
best friends—the kind of gal pals
that can’t let a day go by without a
phone call and encouraging word.
The 32-minute trip from Charlotte
to Melody’s home in Gatonia, NC
has become a familiar one for
Jocelyn. It’s a car ride she’s made
more frequently since December
2011—the moment Melody realized
her breast cancer was back.
“Breast cancer has transitioned and
changed my life completely,”
Melody said. “I just try to stay
positive by looking ahead and seeing
a brighter day. Maybe today is not a
good day, so I focus my attention on
Melody had been a lot of things in
her life—a member of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, a percussionist for
the NC A&T marching band. She
was even a breast cancer survivor.
There was one title she had never
held but desperately desired. She
wanted to be a mother.
In 2008, six months after her own
mother’s passing, Melody found out
she was pregnant. Since
chemotherapy sent her body into
premature menopause, Melody’s
baby girl were viewed as impossible.
“I look at my daughter and that’s
what motivates me the most. She’s
proof that miracles happen every
day,” she beamed with pride. “I have
to stay positive because my journey
is quite different now. My daughter
27
is four-years-old, and I am in a
much more critical situation than I
was the first time.”
Today, Melody’s stage IV breast
cancer has metastasized to her neck,
shoulder, chest wall and right lung.
The disease has disabled her, leaving
Melody reliant on a cane or
wheelchair. If that wasn’t enough,
her husband, Jr., also suffers from
Guillain-Barre' syndrome, a disorder
that causes the immune system to
attack the nervous system. The
result is nerve inflammation which
can lead to muscle weakness or
paralysis.
Even though most of her relatives
live nearly four hours away, Melody
still finds herself showered in
support. She is surrounded by
people who treasure the privilege to
know and be loved by Melody.
After 23 years of friendship, the
Bennett women have never left her
side. While Jocelyn routinely takes
Melody to her doctor’s
appointments, the responsibility was
once carried by Sekinah Hamlin ‘94
who drove more than two hours just
to reach Melody’s home.
Melody and her Divas at the Susan G. Komen Race for
the Cure
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure,
Charlotte’s 5K benefit. At first,
Jocelyn and Melody agreed that her
health couldn’t withstand the
exertion; however, Melody would
eventually decide otherwise.
“This is my life, and I have to use it
to fulfill a purpose,” Melody
explained. “My purpose includes
being proactive with other people,
educating them on the importance
of knowing their bodies and being
unafraid to question the things that
don’t seem quite right. African
American women, especially, are
prone to have lumpy breasts. We
have to teach them to know their
bodies and to go for routine
mammograms.”
Even though participating in the
Race for the Cure was a last minute
That’s not all the Bennett Belles do
for their friend. They cook and
clean, mow and weed. They give of
their time and talents, will and
wallets. They pray together and cry
together. And on October 5, 2013,
they even walked together.
“We raised money for the Susan G.
Komen Foundation, which is a great
thing, but I started to think about
how one of our own was in need.
So, after the race, I went around to
each [teammate] and asked for an
additional donation, but this time, it
was for Melody,” Jen-Ai shared. “I’ve
never had sisters. I think of these
women as my sisters. I would do
anything for them.”
That evening, they presented
Melody with $2,500.
“When I look at Jocelyn sitting
across from me, I think that’s more
than just my friend; that’s my sister.
When you talk about phenomenal
women, you talk about Jocelyn and
the countless other African
American women who have
supported me, called me, prayed for
me—all out of the goodness of their
hearts.”
Many alumnae from the Class of
1994 remain connected. In May
2014, they will celebrate the 20th
anniversary since their graduation
from Bennett College.
Melody is an avid supporter of
breast cancer awareness and had big
plans to participate in the annual
(L to R): Asha Pickney Weathers ‘97, Melody Whitaker Hall
‘94 and Sereta Coleman Moore ‘97
decision, the Bennett Belles showed
up. And even though they were
faced with a challenging $2,000
fundraising goal, the Bennett Belles
showed out. On the day of the race,
67 Belles and friends showed up in
their pink tiaras and black t-shirts
that enflamed “Melody’s Divas” in
fuchsia. They also presented $2,711
to the Susan G. Komen Foundation,
exceeding their initial goal.
The Divas weren’t finished.
NAA Awards
Alumnae Awards are presented during Alumnae Weekend and are open to all eligible candidates that meet the criteria for each
applicable award. Please submit a glossy 3 X 5 black & white photo, brief biographical sketch and any additional information
by January 31, 2014 to Nichelle Gordon-Scott, National Vice President, ngordscott@aol.com. Go to www.bennett.edu, click on
Alumnae tab and download Nomination Form.
Format:
• All nominations must be completed on the official nomination form
• Typed submissions only
• Please complete form in its entirety
• If an item is not applicable, mark it N/A
• Attach additional sheets as needed
What to Include:
• Please submit a Resume and/or a Brief Biographical Sketch
• An electronic photo in jpg. format
• A detailed Narrative, providing specific examples of merit wherever possible.
• Optional: Up to 3 letters of support/recommendation may be submitted
Of Note:
• The Selection Committee will hold all nominations in confidence.
• Nominations may be resubmitted in subsequent years
• No nomination will be carried over automatically.
• A Complete Nomination package includes nomination form, Resume
and/or Biographical sketch, Narrative and Electronic photo
Deadline:
• Completed nomination packages should be submitted electronically to
ngordscott@aol.com no later than January 31, 2014
• There will be no exceptions to the nomination deadline.
• All submissions will be acknowledged with an electronic confirmation Email.
Criteria
for Nominee:
Nominee:
Criteria for
FRIEND OF BENNETT
• Has never attended Bennett College as a
student.
• Has made outstanding contributions to
the enhancement of the National
Alumnae Association.
• Has made outstanding contributions in
support of Bennett College.
• Has exemplified high moral character,
ideals, and integrity.
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
• Must have achieved a high level of
excellence in her chosen profession.
• Must have received a BS/BA degree from
Bennett College.
• Must have been honored because of
outstanding achievements in her chosen
profession.
• Must have been promoted to a higher
level of responsibility.
• Must have exemplified high moral
character, high ideals, integrity, and held
in high esteem by her fellow alumnae.
YOUNG ALUMNAE AWARD
• Should be a person who has been a
financial member of her local chapter
for at least two years.
• Should be a person who has been a
financial member of the National
Alumnae Association for at least two years.
• Should be a person not over 35 years of
age or who has graduated less than ten
years ago, and must have actively
participated in her chapter at least one
year prior to nomination.
• Must have rendered outstanding services
to her Alma Mater, community and
profession.
character, high ideals, integrity and held in
high esteem by her fellow alumnae.
SUSIE W. JONES AWARD
• Must have contributed outstandingly to
the growth and development of the
Bennett College National Alumnae
Association.
• Must have rendered at least four years of
outstanding service to develop the local
chapter and the National Alumnae
Association.
• Must have exemplified dynamic
leadership as a professional.
character, high ideals integrity, and be
held in high esteem by fellow alumnae.
ELLEASE RANDALL COLSTON
SERVICE AWARD
• Must have contributed outstandingly in
an elected or appointed National
capacity (i.e. national officer, national
committee, regional committee).
• Must have been a financial member of
the National Alumnae Association for at
least five consecutive years.
• Must have been a financial member of
the local chapter, if in geographic area,
for at least five consecutive years.
• Must have consistently contributed to the
National Alumnae Association Annual
Fund for at least five consecutive years.
• Must have contributed outstandingly to
the growth and development of the
Bennett College National Alumnae Assoc.
• Must actively provide service to Bennett
College and/or students.(i.e.
participating in College events,
volunteering for Campus projects,
staying in contact with students,
mentoring students, participating in
College recruitment efforts, etc.).
• Must actively promote the Mission of
Bennett College.
UNSUNG HEROINE AWARD
• This award will recognize an alumna
from each active chapter. Chapters will
submit the name of their Unsung
Heroine to the NAA Awards Committee
per the following criteria:
• Must be an alumna of Bennett College.
• Must be a financial member of the local
chapter and National Alumnae
Association.
• Must be an active member of the
chapter attending the majority of
scheduled meetings, activities, and
contributes to fundraising and
recruitment goals.
• Should be someone that is not
necessarily in the forefront, however, she
supports the mission of Bennett College
for Women from“behind” the scenes.
• Should not be a current nominee in any
other alumnae award category.
29
NEWS FROM
BENNETT
Bennett Student Receives
Presidential Scholarship
Bennett College Crowns Her Queen
Bennett College student
Alexis Anderson ’15 is
one of eight recipients of
the Educational Testing
Service (ETS)
Presidential Scholarship
for Historically Black
Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs). Selected from
a national pool of
talented applicants, the selected few were
given undisclosed amounts to help meet
their tuition cost.
Anderson credits maturity and spiritual
growth for defining the successful woman
she is today. Since entering college, she
considers herself more aware of her dreams
and the best ways to obtain them. A
biology major, chemistry minor, Anderson
wants to pursue a career as a general
surgeon after becoming a Rhodes Scholar.
Anderson encourages her peers to believe
in possibilities when striving for greatness.
“There is absolutely no limits to the things
we can achieve in this life. All we have to
do is dress appropriately. Put on our hats of
wisdom; our shirts of confidence; our pants
of dignity; our shoes of determination; and
our attitudes of respect, rigor and
righteousness,” she said.
ming celebration.
Morehouse’s homeco
Bennett Queens attend
the
and
s.
all
een
e-H
qu
e
Fus
leg
President
Spelman Col
they are welcomed by
Always representing,
President Rosalind Fuse-Hall, Miss Bennett College and the Royal Court: (L to R) Miss Sophomore, Akillah Miles; Miss Freshwoman, Ashley
Anderson; Miss Senior, Gabrielle Johnson; Dr. Rosalind Fuse-Hall, President; Miss Bennett College, Brenda Keels; Miss Royal Blue & White,
Tramaine Miller-Harris; and Miss Junior, Jasmine Beckwith
Bennett’s new queen defies impossible. During the Coronation Ceremony for Brenda
Keels ‘14, Miss Bennett College 2013-2014, the campus leader celebrated perseverance.
The theme for the occasion was “When Impossibilities Become Possibilities.”
“I promise as Miss Bennett College to bring the best of myself, our school and my sisters.
I promise to not wear my crown in vain. I will leave the legacy of being one of the best
Miss Bennett Colleges that Bennett has ever known,” she said.
Along with Miss Bennett College, the Royal Court is made up of Miss Freshwoman,
Ashley Anderson; Miss Sophomore, Akillah Miles; Miss Junior, Jasmine Beckwith; Miss
Senior, Gabrielle Johnson; and Miss Royal Blue & White, Tramaine Miller-Harris.
Bennett College Receives
$497,242 Grant to Prevent
Violence Against Women
Partners with Neighboring
HBCU’s- NC A&T State
University and Shaw
University
In the wake of alarming statistics,
Bennett College steps forward to
inform and protect the women of
Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCU’s). Serving as the
lead institution, the College will
partner with NC A&T State
University as well as Shaw University
to implement the Resources, Intervention,
Services and Education (RISE) Project, a
three-year collaboration that seeks to
institutionalize campus-wide responses to
violence against women.
Funding the project is a $497,242 grant
from the Office on Violence Against
Women at the Department of Justice. The
award “will focus on reducing domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual assault
and stalking on college campuses,” said
Robin Campbell, director of Health &
Counseling Services at Bennett College.
“It will also encourage an adoption of
comprehensive and coordinated responses
to these crimes. Outreach programming,
training, and resources will be provided for
victim safety, offender accountability and
prevention.”
Amber McGill ’16 is a Foot
Locker Foundation/UNCF
Scholar who recently
presented with poise and
professionalism at the Foot
Locker Foundation's 13th
Annual "On Our Feet"
Fundraising Gala in New
York. Just a month before
that, Amber attended the
Anheuser Bush banquet in
St. Louis, MO to receive yet
another UNCF scholarship.
Bennett College students Christen Aldridge ’14 and Mejhé Minor ’15 received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, sponsored
by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. During the Spring 2014 academic term, Aldridge will study abroad in
Florence, Italy while Minor travels to San Jose, Costa Rica. Seven-hundred undergraduate students from across the nation were selected for the Gilman
Scholarship, each receiving up to $5,000 to fund their study abroad programs. The opportunity will help them gain a better understanding of other
cultures, countries, languages, and economies -- making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.
Bennett College Recognizes Exemplary Students During Honors
Convocation MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry Speaks
Bennett College recognized nearly 100
students during its biannual Honors
Convocation ceremony. Throughout this
celebration of scholastic attainment, those
who made the Honor’s and Dean’s List
were awarded a certificate of achievement.
Guest speaker for the occasion was Melissa
Harris-Perry, host of MSNBC's weekend
program Melissa Harris-Perry. A celebrated
author, educator and commentator, HarrisPerry is considered an expert on political
science and religion as well as race and
gender issues.
Dr. Harris-Perry spoke from the topic “So
what? What difference does it make?”
where she highlighted the importance of
utilizing accomplishments in order to
impact the world.
“It is very easy for you as college students
to get caught up in all of your
accomplishments. You are talented; you
are smart; you are here to be honored for
what you have accomplished
academically; you set goals; you worked
hard to achieve them, but I want you to
ask, ‘So what? What difference does that
make?’ At Bennett, your mission is to
move beyond yourself. Your education is
meant to benefit someone other than just
you. Your education is supposed to be of
value to your family, your community,
your nation and your world,” Dr. HarrisPerry said.
We are expecting great
things from this young Belle
who has managed to
maintain a 4.0 GPA. Her hard
work was recently rewarded with an invitation to become a Student
Ambassador for the College. In this prestigious role, she will support the
efforts of Enrollment Management.
Amber is a business administration major, entrepreneurship minor from
Upper Marlboro, MD. Amber is a third generation Belle. Her mom is
Rhonda Slade '92 and her grandmother is Audrey Slade '70.
Dr. William Harvey, Dean, School of
Education at North Carolina A&T
State University, has gifted the
College with a collection of artwork.
The collection will be housed in the
Steele Hall Art Gallery on the
campus of Bennett College.
President Fuse-Hall is extremely
excited about this contribution of
artwork. Bennett has a long history
of supporting the arts, with an art
collection that includes work by artists such as Romare Bearden, Aaron
Douglas, Selma Burke, Elizabeth Catlett, and Jacob Lawrence, among
many others. We are proud to continue this tradition and expand
opportunities for the community’s involvement and grow the visual arts
at Bennett College.
Bennett College to present “What would
you tell your younger self?”
You probably remember that butterfly feeling you had when stepping
onto Bennett’s campus for the first time. Looking back at yourself as a
teenager, what advice would you give? You are older now and –
hopefully – wiser. What experiences would you steer yourself towards
and away from? What stories do you want to tell younger Belles today?
For an upcoming show at Bennett’s Steele Hall Art Gallery, we would like
alumnae to write a short letter to their younger selves of less than 250
words. In punchy prose that will be on display in the gallery, address
your young self through the experience of age and living. Be honest and
tell it true: what did you need to hear as an 18-year-old?
Accompanying your letter will be a portrait of you as a student and a
portrait of you know. Please send copies of your photos as the originals
cannot be returned.
Send all material to: Harry Swartz Turfle
Instructor of Art and Gallery Director
Bennett College • 900 Washington Street • Greensboro, NC 27401
President Rosalind Fuse-Hall and Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry with members of the Bennett College Board of Trustees (L to R) Annie Tyson Jett, Dr.
Joyce Dixon ’56, Sally Cone, Dr. Harris-Perry, Dr. Christy Clayton, Dr. Andrea Harris ’70, & Dr. Fuse-Hall
You may also email material to HSwartz-Turfle@bennett.edu or call
336-517-1504.
31
NEWS FROM
BENNETT
photo courtesy of Land Tours
Justine Ryan ’15 with the children of Ghana
Bennett Belle Spreads International Message
Justine Ryan ’15 is making the most
of the Semester at Sea Voyage, an
undergraduate program that
introduces students to global and
comparative studies by focusing on
structural and social changes taking
place in the world. She’s on the
experience of a lifetime, traveling
throughout the Atlantic to 15
countries in 115 days.
Recently, the Belle visited Ghana—the
country that she was most excited to see.
“Ghana is the beginning for most African
Americans as it relates to the Middle
Passage, and I can specifically trace my
grandfather’s side (on my father’s side)
back to the Ashanti Tribe in Ghana.
Therefore, I guess you can say I am
coming home. [It’s about] reconnecting
with my roots, experiencing the hardship
Bennett College hosted famed artist Synthia Saint James and she was greeted by faculty, staff, students and
members of the Greensboro community.
through the African American story and
learning so much more about the world
we live in today.”
This opportunity was made possible by
the HBCU Scholarship, a full $30,000
award which was received by two
students from the nation’s historically
black colleges and universities
(HBCUs).
President Fuse-Hall welcomes Saint James.
Community Women Pledge Mentorship Support to Select Bennett Students
The mentors and mentees of the Emerging Scholar Mentoring Program
Women from the community have
pledged their time and talents to ensure
the success of 35 Bennett College
students. This select group of
freshwomen are known as Emerging
Scholars—students who, when
admitted, were deemed in need of
additional academic support but who
demonstrated great potential to succeed.
Enlisting guidance from campus
employees, alumnae and friends of the
College, the Emerging Scholars’
Mentoring Program coupled each student
with her own personal adviser. “This oneon-one attention has the ability to cultivate
promising futures,” said Mamie Doane,
assistant director of the First Year
Experience and coordinator for the
Curriculum Learning Center.
Dr. Sandra Alexander, at-large member of
the Guilford County School Board of
Education, said that it was the mentorship
that she received that inspired her to
become a mentor to a Bennett College
student. “I think about all the people
who did so much to motivate me, inspire
me and support me when I was at a very
vulnerable time in my life and lacked a
lot of resources. I just feel compelled to
give back, to make those opportunities
available to other young women.
Although I can’t do some of the things
that others did for me, I can at least
expose them to some things that,
otherwise, they might not have had the
opportunity to experience,” Dr.
Alexander said.
The Bennett College Chipping Belles
(golf team) with Coach Kevin
Cooper (L to R) Damesha Fraser,
Meagan Washington, Zion Daniel
and Samara Savage
Bennett’s basketball team, “The Dunking Belles”
Visit Bennett’s website at www.bennett.edu for a schedule of games.
33
YES! I would
like to
contribute to
Bennett College
and be a part of
ensuring a
strong and
vibrant future
for aspiring
young women
who desire to
join the ranks
of educated
women.
Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Class: ________________
City: ____________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________________
Phone number: Home (
) ________________ Email: ______________________________________________
Please Check All That Apply:
___ALUMNA
___ PARENT ___ TRUSTEE
___ FACULTY ___ STAFF ___ STUDENT
___ FRIEND/SUPPORTER
Enclosed is my check or money order for: $ ______________________________________________________________
Credit Card Payment: _____ VISA _____ MasterCard _____ American Express
Check payable to
BENNETT
COLLEGE
Card #_________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ________________________
Name as it appears on card: _________________________________________________________________________
Signature: _______________________________________________________________________________________
BELOW IS MY GIVING CATEGORY:
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
LOYALTY
FUND
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________
$25,000 or more
$10,000—24,999
$2,500—9,999
$1,926—2,499
$500—1,925
$200—499
$100—199
President’s Circle
David D. Jones Society
Susie Williams Jones Society
1926 Society
Golden Belle Society
Silver Belle Society
Century Club
_____
I/we would like our gift designated toward the Annual Fund
_____
I/we would like our gift designated for the Scholarship Fund
_____
I/we would like our gift designated for Capital Improvements
_____
Other
_____
My employer will match my gift. Company
______________________________________________________
(Please complete and enclose your company’s matching gift form with your contribution)
_____ I would like information on making a planned gift or including
BENNETT COLLEGE in my will.
Mail form to: Bennett College | Office of Institutional Advancement | 900 East Washington Street | Greensboro, NC 27401-3239
Name: __________________________________________________________ Class: ____________
BENNETT COLLEGE
NATIONAL ALUMNAE
ASSOCIATION (BCNAA)
MEMBERSHIP FORM
Address: __________________________________________________________________________
City:__________________________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________
Phone #: Home (
) ____________________ Cell (
) ____________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________________
Checks and money order payable to: Bennett College
National Alumnae Association
Mail completed form and payment to:
BCNAA, P. O. Box 20321,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
SPECIAL NOTE: PAID MEMBERSHIP GRANTS VOTING
PRIVILIGES DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD
ALUMNAE WEEKEND AND ELIGIBILTY FOR A BALLOT
IN AN ELECTION YEAR.
For questions, contact Elayne Gibbs Jones ’88 at
egjones8@hotmail.com or
Queen Simpson ’75 at qcsimp@ameritech.net
BCNAA Chapter Affiliation (If any): ____________________________________________________
Membership type - Please Check One:
_____ Special Annual Membership of $35 (Graduation date less than 5 years)
_____ Regular Annual Membership of $50
_____ Life Membership of $500
_____ Partial Life Membership (Initial payment $150.00)*
* (Life Membership must be completed within three (3) years)
Enclosed is my check or money order for: $_______________________________________________
Credit Card Payment ____Visa ___ MasterCard ___ Discover
Amount to be charged $____________
Card #________________________________________________ Exp. Date:___________________
Name as it appears on card:____________________________________________________________
Signature __________________________________________________________________________
Alumnae Weekend 2014
May 1 – 4, 2014
Reunion Classes: 4’s and 9’s
Headquarters: Sheraton Four Seasons
3121 High Point Road • Greensboro, NC 27407
336-292-9161 or 1-800-242-6556
Hotel Group Cut Off Date: April 4, 2014
President Rosalind Fuse-Hall’s
Inauguration and Celebration
September 24 – 28, 2014
Refer a Belle
Help a young lady become a Belle and
achieve positive life experiences.
It’s simple and here is how it works: Belles, we would like to get to
know all of the high school sophomores, juniors and seniors that
you know. They could come from your mentor groups, or your
neighborhoods. We will communicate with them on a regular basis,
and hopefully they will be future Belles.
Here’s what we need to get started: Please forward the following
information to: referabelle@bennett.edu
• Full Name
• Address, City, State, Zip Code
• Cell & Home Number
• Email Address
• High School
• Graduation Year
Educating and Celebrating
Women Since 1873.
The Alumnae Chapter
with the most referrals
is in for a
GREAT SURPRISE!!!
{
Keep in Touch
CALL: Audrey Franklin ’72, Director of Alumnae Affairs, 336-517-2247
EMAIL: afranklin@bennett.edu
FAX: 336-517-2244
WRITE: Bennett College, Office of Alumnae Affairs
900 East Washington Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
WEBSITE: www.bennett.edu
•• The Institutional Advancement Office has moved to the
Global Learning Center (GLC).
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
900 E. Washington Street
GREENSBORO, NC
PERMIT #366
s
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Happy
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s
e
r
P
from
,
l
l
a
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Rosalind F arvis Hall
J
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First G
and the
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Benne
Family
The “BLACK MADONNA” was commissioned in 1990. It was the last window designed by
Eva Hamlin Miller before her death in 1991 and is housed in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel.
Pictured (L to R): Miss Bennett College Brenda Keels, Student Government Association President Maria Allen, Freshwoman Class
President Raven Fuller, President Rosalind Fuse-Hall, First Gentleman Jarvis Hall, Sophomore Class President DeMarise Young,
and Senior Class President Unique Edwards

The Belle Ringer: Winter 2013

Transcription

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