Audrey and Wanda doing what they
do best…giving orders .
Hello All,
It was a beautiful sight and the rain
did not dampen our spirits. We
gathered at the president’s home,
standing on the sidewalk, under
umbrellas. We hugged each other,
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
remembering the last time we
talked. We were so proud to be a
part of what we knew was creating another page in our history. We were standing tall,
participating in THE LONG WALK which symbolized our determination to renew our
bond with Alma Mater Bennett and to say to the first alumna president of the College, we
support you and the College.
As members of THE LONG WALK planning committee, our hopes for the weekend were
realized. We wanted alumnae from all over the country to come back home and embrace the
institution that embraced us. We wanted alumnae to search deep in their pocketbooks and
give a sacrificial gift to the College; a gift that would assist the president in keeping 35 young
women in school. We wanted alumnae to come and break bread together, hear of our
progress and hear of our future. We wanted to take the walk that Dr. Willa B. Player took
so many times as she served this great institution. We wanted to say to those founders who
started this walk over 139 years ago, that their work was not in vain. We are here, the fruits
of their labor and we are determined more than ever to continue on this long walk for we are
reminded of what Dr. Player said in 1958…“Armed with the truth, it takes a long walk to
reduce the shadow between the idea and the reality. It is a long walk which links our heritage to
the future, from the president’s home to the illumed spire [of the chapel]. It is a long walk to
excellence in intellectual endeavor, it is a long walk; but we are encouraged on our way if we have
love, hope and faith.”
As you prepare for the New Year, reflecting on what you will do differently, analyzing what’s
important and what’s not, setting goals, and prioritizing your time, talents and treasures,
remember Alma Mater Bennett College. Remember your long walk, what it meant to you
and how it has shaped your life. Remember that faculty person that motivated you to get an
A instead of the C; that staff person that knew your name and was concerned when she
didn’t see you; that guest speaker that inspired you to get your act together; and that
classmate that was determined to be a good friend and a worthy sister.
In remembering your walk, we hope that you will have a burning desire to ensure that your
little sisters and Belles yet unborn, will have the opportunity to experience their long walk on
the grounds of Bennett. In the New Year, won’t you pledge to remember Bennett more often
and support her in whatever way you can? If it’s financial support, we thank you for your
contribution. If it’s recruiting new students, we welcome our little sisters. If it’s hosting a
“Bennett Day” at your local church, club or organization, we salute your efforts. If it’s
volunteering to be an ACES speaker or volunteering to be a mentor, we extend an invitation.
If it’s encouraging your employer to support the College, we appreciate and accept the vote
of confidence. If it’s being an ambassador for the College, speaking positive of our work and
our strengths, we express great gratitude. If it’s sending up a prayer for dear ole’ Bennett
College, we receive it.
As always, let us hear from you. Happy Holidays and may your New Year be filled with
peace, love and much laughter.
Audrey Demps Franklin, ‘72
Director of Alumnae Affairs
Wanda Edwards Mobley, ‘83
Director of Public Relations/Communications
REUNION 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 1943
NAA & Alumnae Office
Class of 1948
Eugenia Johnson
Class of 1953
Audrey Phillips Highsmith
Hazeline McPhaul Ross
ej122501@aol.com
ahighsmith@verizon.net
Class of 1958
Lola Ann McAdoo
lmcadoo@bennett.edu
Class of 1963
Tisha Harris
Carolyn Black
Doris Bowman
Opal Hughes Watkins
tharris60@aol.com
rcblack380@aol.com
dbo9488334@aol.com
opalohw@aol.com
Class of 1968
Barbara Williams
Cynthia Frierson
lucywill46@yahoo.com
cynthia_frierson@hotmail.com
Class of 1973
Ruth Dennis Philips
Sandra Murphy
Alvah Taylor Beander
LuRita Charley Walker
Class of 1978
Joyce Bass Valentine
Rochelle Moody
Jennifer Fountain Rogers
Class of 1983
Wanda Mobley
Yolande Johnson
Portia Griffin
rdennisphillips@bennett.edu
sjmurphy51@yahoo.com
alvahb@gmail.com
jedw56@aol.com
rochelle.moody@sbcglobal.net
jennyr77dstbc@yahoo.com
wmobley@bennett.edu
yjohnson@bennett.edu
Class of 1988
Elayne Gibbs Jones
Anna Sumpter
Elizabeth Vanbevrboudt
egjones8@hotmail.com
house4u841@hotmail.com
liz66@verizon.net
Class of 1993
Shawn Mussington Hall
Erica Worley Cunningham
Shelly Markham
mussingtonhaywood@gmail.com
bennettbelle_93@yahoo.com
diarra_sasha@yahoo.com
Class of 1998
Keisha Reed Brown
Adrienne Smith Walker
Kelly Cole
Bianca Mitchell
Jennifer Ajose
Candice Brown-Holloway
rreed15@hotmail.com
adrennejoysmith@yahoo.com
Kellesmail21@gmail.com
Biancapmitchell@hotmail.com
jenniferajose@hotmail.com
BrownNC1@email.chop.edu
Class of 2003
Tamille Glenn
tamale@nannykairos.com
Class of 2008
Taryn Dove
Chemaye Herring
Tiffany Lindsay
tnjdove@gmail.com
chemayeh@gmail.com
tnlindsay@gmail.com
Members of the
Class of 1962
welcome
Dr. Fred Eady,
former faculty
member, to the
White Breakfast.
Bennett Belles are
Voting Belles!
Contents
Letter from Our President................................2
The Sound of the Belle ....................................3
A Message from Institutional Advancement .....4
Feature: To Walk and To Witness.....................5
The Long Walk ................................................8
Belle Notes / Necrology ..................................9
Class Reunion ..................................................12
Chapter/Class Giving .......................................15
NAA Award Recipients ...................................16
Commencement Weekend 2012 ......................17
NAA Award Recipient Criteria ........................19
NAA Nomination Criteria ..............................20
News from Bennett .........................................21
Announcements ..............................................27
Annual Fund Form .........................................28
Credits
President
Dr. Esther Terry, ‘61
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Iris Ramey
Co-Editors
Audrey Demps Franklin, ‘72
Director of Alumnae Affairs
Wanda Edwards Mobley, ‘83
Director of Public Relations/Communications
Contributing Writers
Dr. Linda Brown, ‘61
Jessica B. Wall
Photography
Otis Hairston, Jr.
Jessica B. Wall
Wanda E. Mobley
Graphic Artist
Sherry Poole Clark
Printer
Piedmont Printing
Miss Bennett College Brielle Kenney takes her official bow during the
Coronation program.
Bennett College is a United
Methodist Church-related institution.
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.
Belle Ringer Magazine •
3
Message from our
President
Dr. Esther Terry, ‘61
A Lesson from President Player’s “Long Walk”
Many wonderful gifts were presented to me at the August 19th “Long Walk” Service at which my alumnae sisters
celebrated my having accepted the position of interim president—and I have endowed each one with special meaning. I
confess, however, that beyond the extraordinary gift of money that made it possible to help some thirty-five or so young
women to continue their studies, I receive great energy and inspiration from a book of memories presented on behalf of
you to me by Linda Brown, my ‘61 classmate and the niece of President Willa B. Player.
The memory “book” is really a notebook of Bennett memorabilia from the past that Linda has collected: a 1959
photograph of me standing in the bell tower that Linda took of me when we were sophomores; a program of a
faculty/student panel discussion that took place in the student union faculty lounge in 1961 (The topic of the discussion
was “The Graduate Faces the Challenge of the Larger World” and my
classmates Danlette Brooks and Roslyn Smith were participants.); a
program of a 1961 exhibit of student art that was presented in the Fine
Arts Building. Classmate Roslyn Smith was joined by our classmate
Gwendolyn Mackel as a member of the planning committee on this
one, and there are others—all carefully selected for the memories Linda
knew they would surely evoke.
Deborah Tillman Love, Treasurer, NAA, presents a check
on behalf of the alumnae to Dr. Terry in the amount of
$60,000. More than $70,000 dollars was raised.
But of every precious entry, I open the book most often to the pages
which contain the words of Dr. Player: her 1955 inaugural statement;
an essay entitled “Relationships”; pages from the manuscript of her
first annual report to the Board of Trustees, some portions in her own
handwriting which signals to me that even as the illustrious president,
she did her own work and made drafts (you may well imagine how
useful this information has been to me); an essay entitled “Purpose” in
which she suggests that President David Dallas’ question, “what is your
purpose” was not only to be answered by students, but by others in the
College as well; and some of her hand-written work as a student—one
essay in French for which she received a grade of A-.
Upon reflection, I can tell you that I turn so often to the words of Dr. Player to study them, to learn from what she
says about her own long (1955-1966) walk as the leader of the College, lessons that I may use to illuminate my path
for the short duration of my own service. Here, in her words, is what she saw as the reputation Bennett offered the
world in 1955:
“For Bennett is known as the busy little College which dares to evaluate
itself continuously and to venture into new areas of endeavor when these
promise to move us forward in our quest for the very best that can be
accomplished in the education of women.”
That is the Bennett that claimed my heart as a student in the Player era. Reading her words calls me to the task of
reclaiming and restoring that Bennett as precisely as is needed for the 21st century women who enter to become
prepared to meet and conquer the challenges of the 21st century. Dr. Player knew what was required to make Bennett
relevant; and I am blessed to be able to pick up the gift of the book of memories to seek her guidance as I travel even
this short way of her long walk.
4 • Belle Ringer Magazine
The Sound of the Belle
Message from the
NAA President
It was a beautiful sight to see alumnae dressed in
white walking with Dr. Esther Terry, '61 as she
began her long walk as the first alumna to serve as
president of Bennett College. We were there to
show our support for our Bennett sister and to
reaffirm our commitment to our alma mater.
We, the alums, have all made that walk through
the Bearden Gates. The first time, we were excited
and nervous freshwomen beginning our college
careers and four years later as graduating seniors
leaving to make our mark on the world. We came
to Bennett with plans of what we were going to do
with the education we were there to receive. The
interactions we had with our fellow students,
faculty and staff, during internships and travels
BENNETT COLLEGE NATIONAL ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
(L to R) FINANCIAL SECRETARY, Ms. Queen Simpson ’75; VICE PRESIDENT,
abroad expanded our viewpoints and turned them
Ms. Sandra Johnson ’86; PRESIDENT, Dr. Lisa A. Johnson ’81; TREASURER,
into our new realities. As Belles, we were
Ms. Deborah Tillman Love ’79; RECORDING SECRETARY, Ms. Barbara Martin
’71; and PARLIAMENTARIAN, Ms. Nichelle Gordon-Scott ‘90
introduced to a variety of speakers, singers and
politicians at the mandatory Lyceum Programs or
ACES. We were given etiquette classes, encouraged to travel in groups, wear hats, gloves, flesh toned stockings and sensible
black shoes. We grew to be phenomenal women.
The young ladies entering Bennett today are different from how most of us were, yet, they are the same. They may come from
many diverse backgrounds and have experienced all types of life's challenges at an early age but they are still young women
who need boundaries. Today’s students deserve the benefits of not just any college education but one received at Bennett
College. They deserve to be nurtured by the Bennett family, as we were, building their inner strength and preparing them to
confidently take steps to pursue their dreams. They deserve to have their intellects stimulated and challenged by a dedicated
faculty who encourages them to strive to do and be their best. They deserve to have a President who is firm yet fair, respected
by others and who shows them what it looks like to be a good leader. These young women deserve the opportunity to begin
their long walk into adulthood, as we did, at Bennett College.
Bennett Belles, we love and support our alma mater like no other alums. We help by assisting with recruitment, teaching,
mentoring and answering the call whenever there is a need. Your continued support and involvement ensures our continued
presence in the coming years. Thank you for all that you do.
Though our College has traditions that have been scoffed at by many, they are what have contributed to the character of every
young woman who has passed through her gates, as she began her Long Walk!
Sisterly,
Lisa
If you are NOT receiving the email blasts from Mrs. Audrey Franklin, please send her your email address. We will be corresponding with you
more and more via email.
Belle Ringer Magazine •
5
A Message from
Institutional Advancement
Season’s Greetings Bennett Belles,
Iris Ramey
“The Long Walk” exemplifies a beautiful experience which has helped the Department of Institutional
Advancement write a new chapter in the story that never ends -The Bennett College Story – a story that
propels our young women beyond what they believe is possible and instills in them a sense of pride and
connection to this wonderful Institution.
When I reflect on my meaningful experiences during this academic school year and what “The Long Walk”
means to me, I can truly say how blessed I am to work at such an amazing, historic College with such
dedicated colleagues and donors from across the country. We are truly one of the few institutions of higher
learning where students have the option to form close, personal relationships with their professors, division
chairs and administrators, shaping their collegiate experiences and, ultimately, their successful futures.
You have remained significantly involved in the life of the College over the years and have provided a
remarkable amount of financial support for programs and academia. For this I say, thank you.
Over the course of the past several months, Institutional Advancement has worked vigorously to
increase philanthropic support from local and national foundations and corporations. Today, I am
very pleased and thrilled to announce that the College has secured an endowed gift of $625,000 from
the McCrindle Foundation for scholarship support. Gifts of this magnitude will create a powerful
impact on our students’ educational progress and the many contributions Bennett College continues
to bestow upon society. John Rowe, the President of the foundation has indicated that this grant
reflects the directors’ interest in honoring Joe McCrindle's commitment to education. It is also a vote
of confidence in Bennett College and its mission.
Additionally, the College has received financial support from several other sources. The Weaver
President Terry and Sheila Biddle,
board member, McCrindle
Foundation and PNC Bank have individually given a total of $20,000 to support scholarships and
Foundation
Bennett’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. In conjunction with the U.S Department of Education’s
Title III Program, Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the College was granted $1,457,849. An additional
$64,044 was awarded by the International Studies and Foreign Language Program (UISFL), making Bennett one of 17 institutions
selected to strengthen its global studies and foreign language programs.
So, as we continue with our journey,
building on the long walk, I hope you will
be deeply encouraged by the trajectory of
the Department of Institutional
Advancement. I am confident we are on
our way from “good to great” and there’s no
limit to where Bennett will dare to soar in
the future. Thank you once again for your
generosity and commitment to Bennett
College.
Wishing you and your families a Happy
Holiday and a healthy New Year,
Iris Ramey
Vice President for Institutional
Advancement
NAA President Lisa Johnson welcomes members of the Willa B. Player Legacy Society
(L to R) Johanna Polanen ’61, Lola McAdoo ’58, and Joyce Martin Dixon ‘56.
6 • Belle Ringer Magazine
By Linda Beatrice Brown, ‘61
To Walk
To Witness
“Reprinted fromThe Long Walk Program”
and
E
very journey is formed, not only
by the historical events in a
particular period of time, but by
the culture, and ethos of that location. To
understand the journey of a particular
college president, you must consider the
unique character of the college involved.
For both Willa B. Player and Esther Terry,
the journey was influenced by those who
came before as well as by their own time.
In the context of Bennett College their
journey is shaped by a history that was
handed them by others, a culture heavy
with tradition and laden with expectations.
Player followed the powerful David D.
Jones, whose influence lingered for many,
many years after his death, and whose
indelible mark still undergirds the life of
the College, even when most present day
members of the community don’t realize it.
He mentored Player and she valued his
philosophy and perspective even while
changing some things to keep pace with
her own day.
In the case of Esther Terry, as Interim
President, she follows all the presidents
since Player and they make up a varied
picture of styles, traditions and culture.
Of course there was a diversity of reactions
and responses of these presidents to the
severe challenges that have pressed in on
many College administrators in the last 50
years. However, because Terry is unique in
that she is the first president to also be a
graduate of the institution and also because
she is a product of the Player years, it may
be helpful to draw some comparisons
between the “Walk” that Dr. Player took,
and the “Walk” Esther Terry might take.
Player’s presidential journey was no doubt
influenced if not formed
by the positions she had
on the campus
beginning in 1930,
serving as faculty
member, registrar, Cocoordinator of
Instruction, Acting
Dean, VicePresident and
President.
While David
D. Jones
had no
Dr. Willa B. Player, 10th President of Bennett
College was the College’s first woman president
and the first African American woman president
of a four-year fully accredited liberal arts college.
choice but to deal with Jim Crow and overt
separation of the races, Player faced a
major cultural change with the advent of
the sit-ins and the ensuing Civil Rights
Movement in Greensboro. She had
observed and worked with Jones as he
navigated the mine fields of segregation
from the early days in the 30’s until his
death in 1955. And then, shortly after she
stepped onto the stage as president, the
struggle for justice heated up and she
became Bennett’s leader not only in
academic matters, but in an overwhelming
time of social change. She was called to
walk the way of a witness for social justice.
As she contemplated this thorny tangle of
responsibility, she writes of the Long Walk,
in 1958, the same year that Martin Luther
King gave his important speech at Bennett:
During THE LONG WALK program, Dr. Gloria Scott, 12th President of Bennett College, presents
Dr. Terry with flowers.
Armed with the truth, it takes a long walk
to reduce the shadow between the idea and
Belle Ringer Magazine •
7
the reality. It is a long walk which links
our heritage to the future, from the
president’s home to the illumed spire [of the
chapel]. It is a long walk to excellence in
intellectual endeavor, it is a long walk; but
we are encouraged on our way if we have
love, hope and faith. (Brown, The Long
Walk p. 12).
Her priorities became more complicated as
she worked not only to maintain the idea
that the College should offer “the best” to
its women students within the context of
forward looking Christian education, but
also to take a principled stand during this
time when America’s 300 year old
segregated system was breaking up. On the
whole, Player maintained most of Jones’s
philosophy, but was also very clear that
modern times called for a global perspective
which would prepare the students for a
fiercely competitive world in which science
and developing technology would create
more pressures to rise to a standard of
excellence that would be even more
exacting. In the age of “Sputnik”, the
Russian challenge to America’s space
exploration put tremendous pressure on
educators to compete by offering superior
training in science. Player was consciously
aware that her role encompassed being a
change agent as well as an educator. We
must add to that the financial responsibility
of a president.
While Player’s formative professional years
were deeply influenced by the Jones
mentorship, Terry’s formative student years
included being influenced by Player herself.
In addition, the experience of Terry during
the Civil Rights Movement certainly had a
great influence on who she was to become
as an academic and an administrator:
The sisterhood which was so personified at
Bennett was aided by the Civil Rights
Movement. It was amplified by what we
went through….At Bennett they told us
that we were to be leaders and have a
responsibility to social activism. At Bennett
we were in training to go forth. Bennett
made that a part of who we were….In a
world that is always looking for women of
great courage at this women’s college we
watched the example every day of our lives
of Willa B. Player. There shouldn’t be a
civil rights museum that doesn’t hold her
high and wide. I think that woman is one
of the most influential women of our time
and nobody seems to remember that….The
movement influenced the rest of my life
phenomenally at Chapel Hill where I did
my graduate work and at U Mass. I was
with others who were involved in the
movement. We were together in this
activism which we knew had to be a part
of a meaningful education. That’s what I
had been taught here at Bennett. As
graduates we still hear that drumbeat even
now over 50 years later. This is our
birthright. (Brown, Belles of Liberty,
manuscript).
This strengthening was to become
indispensable as Terry continued her
professional experience, distinctly in the
minority at U Mass Amherst. Her struggle
to lead the founding of an African
American Studies department was
Herculean, though incredibly successful,
and could only have endured with the
background she received at Bennett
College and the messages she received
there. After many years, Terry returned to
Bennett to bring her deep experience as an
administrator, teacher, ground breaker and
change agent as well.
While Player walked the cutting edge of a
cultural and societal change, Terry does as
well, though the situation may appear to
be different. Today’s challenges for women,
particularly women of color, have become
harder to grasp. We can eat our hot dogs in
restaurants. We might even become the
CEO of a large corporation which owns
The Alumnae Choir performs during The Long Walk
8 • Belle Ringer Magazine
the restaurant. But our journey to get to
the top or even to achieve moderate success
remains a formidable struggle for too many
of our young people. And tragically,
powerful forces arrayed against us have
only hardened into a systematic machine of
resistance to change.
In 1958, Player speaks of witness, speaking
to the Fifth Assembly of the Women’s
Society of Christian Service of the
Methodist Church:
If we be witnesses, we are called to rise
above our fear, the ambition, the bigotry
and the tensions of a culture beset with
controversy, in total acceptance of our God
given right and responsibility to pass on
love and learning; to teach new generations
as true servants of God having been chosen
to fulfill his purpose among men. (Player
papers).
She reminds the women that as Christians
we are called to witness, and that means
taking a stand for that which is right. At
the time she was summoning the United
Methodist women to support equality of
education, rights and justice for all.
Terry also must witness in the face of such
injustice, resisting discriminating treatment
of the gay community and resisting new
voter registration laws which would rob so
many people of color of the right to vote,
also resisting the growing prejudice against
American Muslim citizens. Adding much
to these intense tasks, is the financial
pressure on an enrollment driven
institution, and the necessary striving to
maintain the standards of such a
community in a world that often sees
Bennett, HBCU’s and women’s education
as irrelevant.
And so Esther Terry’s obstacles are no less
huge and her task is no less daunting than
Willa Player’s. The goals are still similar- to
provide an education of excellence for
young women of color and others, and
to equip them for surviving and
thriving in this complicated world. Terry
has indicated that her desire will be to
focus on: continuing to provide young
women with what they need to be
successful and productive at the highest
levels; to promote the Bennett story and
the great promise of this College for future
students and to put forward a plan for this;
to work on a solid financial plan so
this campus is on a firm footing; to
embrace our own students as full of
potential and worth; and to maintain a
witness for what is right.
The time honored values that are the
foundation of Bennett College have not
tarnished with age.
On the contrary, they are critically needed
in this tumultuous time, when it often
feels like there is nothing stable under our
feet. Bennett remains an island of
principal, high regard for the individual
student and positive honorable living,
where young women can be both nurtured
and inspired to do their very best. While
the two leaders had no end of mountains
to climb and certainly valleys to traverse,
both Player and Terry in their time
courageously took up the call to witness to
a great tradition as they completed their
Long Walk.
Belle Ringer Magazine •
9
History Made at Bennett College: Interim
President Dr. Esther Terry and The Long Walk
Stretching from the President’s Home to
the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel, The
Long Walk was journeyed by 200 Bennett
College alumnae, adorned in their
traditional white attire. Organized by the
National Alumnae Association, a religious
ceremony followed with Rev. Dr. Lillie
Madison Jones, ’65 as the guest minister
for the occasion.
NAA President Lisa Johnson presents Dr.
Terry with citation from alumnae.
It’s a way of life for Bennett women to
journey the road less traveled. Since their
emancipated founders purchased the College’s
hallowed grounds, the alumnae have
continued to forge the unbeaten paths of civil
rights, gender equality and public health. No
less was expected from a most diligent Belle,
Dr. Esther Terry ’61.
From participating in the historic sit-in at
the Woolworth Lunch Counter to founding
the African American studies department at
U Mass Amherst, Dr. Terry has walked a
path that many wouldn’t have expected from
a small-town girl, growing up in segregated
Wise, North Carolina. Now, as she assumes
the helm as the first alumna to ever lead
Bennett College, she is again faced with
unchartered territory.
In celebration of their commitment to
alma mater, Bennett College Alumnae
recently hosted The Long Walk, a symbolic
link between the walk of Dr. Terry and that
of Bennett’s tenth president Dr. Willa B.
Player, the first woman to ever lead
Bennett College and the first woman to
lead any four-year liberal arts institution.
Love and excitement filled the room as the
Belles vowed their support to their Bennett
sister and to Bennett College. Their level of
dedication echoed when the National
Alumnae Association presented the interim
president with a check for $60,000.00, a
fund that was raised in a mere 45 days. The
original goal was only $50,000.00. The
total amount raised was $73,000.
It was definitely a moment in Bennett’s
history that many alumnae knew they
couldn’t miss. Traveling from Boston, MA,
young alumna Janine Quarles, ’09, former
Miss Bennett College, felt she owed her
alma mater support during this historic
moment. “Not only was this a piece of
history, but for me, it was also a personal
obligation and a moment to express deep
gratitude. Bennett has taught me so many
things, that I can be triumphant and that I
can stand on my own. I just knew I had to
be here to support my college and Dr.
Terry,” she added.
The interim president’s graduating class
was well represented with an amazing 17
members present. Traveling from Chicago,
IL, Gwendolyn Mackel Rice, ’61 expressed
her confidence in Dr. Terry’s mission. “I
know that Bennett is internalized in her as
deeply as it is in me,” Rice said. “We grew
up here, living and loving these traditions.
That has a great deal of meaning for the
new leadership because [Dr. Terry] truly
understands what Bennett’s all about, and
she has an invested interest in its success.”
For Charles Barrentine, chair of the board
of trustees, he is most appreciative that Dr.
Terry accepted the interim position when
she didn’t have to assume such a substantial
role. “Bennett College rejoices that our
outstanding alumna, Dr. Esther Terry, has
been appointed as our interim president.
We are truly, truly grateful that she said yes
to our request, yes to a request that she will
wear the robes of leadership, and those
robes will take us through this critical
transition,” Barrentine said.
It isn’t the nature of Bennett Belles to avoid
a call to leadership, to escape the road less
traveled. For Dr. Terry, she knew that
denying her alma mater was never an
option. “We have walked the walk here at
Bennett for 139 years, and I intend to put
my feet on the road with faith and hope
and love so I can remind the world that
the Bennett walk is not nearly over,” Dr.
Terry said.
Dr. Terry’s appointment to interim
president follows a three-year stint of
having served as the College’s Provost and
Vice President for Academic Affairs. She
has dedicated more than 40 years of her
life to higher education.
“Even though I never imagined trying to
follow [Dr. Player] on this walk, through
some strange destiny, I am here. And while
I am here, I want nothing more than to do
such a good job and do such good work
that when I shall have left this post, there
will be those who will be able to say that I
too have helped some of Bennett’s dreams
to come true,” Dr. Terry said.
Members of the Class of 1961 applaud in support of classmate Esther Terry.
10 • Belle Ringer Magazine
Dorothy Kennedy ‘30 celebrated her 104th birthday in August.
She is a member of the Detroit chapter. She wrote a poem in
honor of her birthday titled I Am Blessed.
BELLE Marriages
Kimberly Leathers ’85 to Lowell Raynor
Sarah Brodie Sharpe ’87
Dr. Gwendoline Fortune ’46 is an educator, a classically trained
soprano and has traveled on five continents. Gwendoline wrote
columns for suburban Illinois and North Carolina newspapers
and has been guest columnist in a number of magazines and
journals. She is a retired Professor of History-Social Science in
Illinois. Her published novels are, Growing Up Nigger Rich –
2002 and Family Lines - 2003
Christine Hartsfield Wilson ’49 retired after 30 years as an
educator. Before this, she ran her own medical laboratory. She
presently resides in Pennsauken, New Jersey where she still
substitute teach three to four days a week. She is 85 years
young, looks good and is very active in her church.
BELLE Necrology
Annie Coleman ‘41
Effie Gibson Wright ‘41
Addie Batey ‘41
Frances Edna Reeves Jollivette Chambers ‘42
Icephene Perks Porter ‘42
Willie Humbles Hutchersen ‘42
Juanita P. Scott ‘44
Carol Hanna ‘44
Frankye Robinson Clarke ‘49
Geraldine Freeman Williams ’49
Mildred Thomas Lester ‘50
Lillie Stanback ‘53
Delores Ella Dwiggins ‘53
Edna Williams McDaniel ‘54
Mattie Lee Mathias ‘57
Gloria Cumbo Brizant ‘58
Shirley Johnson McFarland ‘58
Mattie Sellers Foskey ‘59`
Emily Harris Cheek ‘59
Thelma Spruill Robinson ‘63
Jo Laurence Richardson- White ‘64
G. Seporia Holland-Wilson ‘66
Frances Kelly Cobb 67
Alice Baldwin ‘70
Carol Craig Brockington ‘70
Sharon Ferguson ‘83
Tamica Oaks ‘98
Susie Ruth Powell ’64 held a special screening of US-made film
The Loving Story highlighting interracial tolerance. This was
co-sponsored by the US Embassy in Bishkek at the One World
International Documentary Film Festival. Susie, the film’s
screenwriter held a discussion afterwards. This festival brings
documentary films from all over the world to the big screen in
Bishkek. The Loving Story follows the true story of Richard and
Mildred Loving of Virginia, who were arrested in 1958 for having
an illegal marriage between a white man and a black woman.
The Lovings fought a decade-long legal battle to have their
marriage legalized. Eventually the United States Supreme Court
declared state bans on interracial marriage to be
unconstitutional in 1967 in a landmark decision.
Powell
Belle Ringer Magazine •
11
Col. Genevaa C. Saunders ’77 was recently inducted into the
North Carolina A&T State University Military Hall of Fame. She
retired from the US Army October, 2003 after serving 26 years.
She graduated from Bennett with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in
Political Science and received her commission as a Second
Lieutenant in the adjutant General’s Corps United States Army
Reserve from A&T. She holds a Masters of Arts Degree in
Executive Public Development from Ball State University and a
Master of Science Degree in National Resource Strategy from the
National Defense University Industrial College of the Armed
Forces.
The U.S. Department of Commerce
Minority Business Development Agency
(MBDA) honored Andrea Harris ‘70,
President of the NC Institute of Minority
Economic Development with the Abe
Venable Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Appointed by President Nixon, Abe
Venable was the first person to head the
Office of Minority Business Enterprise. This national award is given
to an individual who has played an integral role in the creative,
technical or professional progress of the minority business
community over the course of his or her life. Harris received the
award at the annual MED Week Awards Luncheon on December
6th in Washington DC during a two‐day national MED Week
conference. Andrea Harris, a member of the Board of Trustees
at Bennett heads the search committee for the next president.
Valentine
Harris
Paula Martin Smith ’68 was featured in the Evince Magazine in
Danville, Virginia for her work along with her friends and the
Danville Historical Society to create a self guided walking tour of
the Holbrook-Ross Historic District. This is the first
neighborhood for professional African Americans at the turn of
the century and a guidebook “There’s a Story Here”. Now local
residents and out of town visitors can learn more about
Danville’s African American History.
Theresa Massey ‘84 was named 2012 Soror of the Year by Omega
Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was
named along with her twin sister, Patricia Massey ‘84. They are
silver stars who attend all conferences. Theresa is a graduate of
the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Academy and currently works as the
Graduate Advisor for Delta Mu Chapter at Temple University. In
2011, she and her sister Patricia established a scholarship for the
sorority. She is also a CPA for the Internal Revenue Service in
Philadelphia. Patricia is a nurse in Philadelphia.
Dr. Linda Coley Silver ’70 has been named chairwoman of the
Department of Marketing Transportation and Supply Chain at
North Carolina A&T State university. She is also an Associate
Professor.
Dr. Carlinda Purcell ’72 has been named superintendent of
schools in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Moody
Sharon J. Buckner Moody ’76 received her Master of Divinity
degree in May, 2012 from Maple Springs Baptist College and
Seminary, Capital Heights, Maryland. Sharon has been employed
12 • Belle Ringer Magazine
as a Medical Technologist in
Hematology at the National Institutes
of Health for 32 years. She is also the
contract Chaplain for the Medstar
Washington Hospital Center in
Washington. Her goal now is to
become a board certified Chaplain.
Wall/Douglas
Theresa Bennett Wilkes ’72 has relocated back to North Carolina
from California. She is still actively sought after as a consultant
and continues to write. She is also currently teaching writing
classes at Guilford Technical Community College.
Dr. Frankie Penn Powell ’76 is a Professor in the School of
Education at the University of North Carolina – Pembroke. She
will take the lead with three other professors at her institution to
work with the UNC Center for Health Promotion to create a
“communities connection core” to collect data and facilitate
research and training. This is a five-year $3 million grant.
Joyce Edwards Bass Valentine ’78 has received the degree of
Masters of Education in Training and Development from North
Carolina State University. Joyce has also accepted membership
in Golden Key International Honor Society. She has been
accepted in the PhD. Program at North Carolina State University
in Educational Research and Policy
Analysis (Workforce and Human
Resources Specialization). Joyce
currently serves as a Manager on College
User Support team at North Carolina
State University. She also currently
serves as the Raleigh Chapter President.
Josefa Bethea Wall '87 and Wendelin Douglas '91 attended the
2011 World Methodist Conference in Durban, South Africa. The
Conference consists of some 77 denominations from 132
countries. The main headquarters for the World Methodist
Council is located at the Southeastern Jurisdiction Assembly
Center in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. There, the welcome
center is named for Bishop Joseph and Shirley Bethea. In
addition to the conference,
nightly bible study speakers
included the Archbishop Elias
Chacour of the Melchite Greek
Catholic Church in Galilee.
Chacour is the 1994 World
Methodist Peace Award
Recipient. The African
University choir as well as other
choirs from around the world rendered music and dance. One of
the foci of this conference was an emphasis to end World Hunger.
Elayne Gibbs Jones, 88' recently passed the Registered Tax
Return Preparer examination administered by the IRS. This test is
Wise
required of all paid tax preparers to demonstrate competency
and to enable tax professionals to provide better services to
clients. Elayne is employed at Guilford College as a Student Loan
Accountant.
Sonja Cambridge Wise ’89 currently
serves as a Homicide Detective in Tampa,
Florida. She is a member of the Honor
Guard and past president of the
Association of Black Law Enforcement
Officers – Tampa Chapter. Sonja was the
first African American female Robbery
Detective in Tampa. In her spare time,
she is the lead vocalist for the Jazz Ensemble “Ladyfingers”. Her
sophomore CD project “It Is What It Is” has just debuted. She is
also the co-founder of Encore! Production’s, a theatrical
production company. She resides in Tampa with her husband
Eric and two sons, Christian and Justin.
McCray
Darisha Miller ’96 Director of Media Relations for Ross
Associates, Inc. was recently elected President of the
Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society. She also recently
served as the publicist for an event with Judy Smith. She was
featured in Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News,
Philadelphia Tribune, and on an interview with Alicia Vitarelli of
WPVI-Channel 6. Judy Smith is the Executive Producer of
Scandal on ABC.
Dr. Talia McCray ’90 has been selected as
a Fulbright Scholar in the UK-Glasglow
for the 2012-13 academic year. As a
Fulbright-Scotland Visiting Professor at
Glasglow Urban Lab, she will explore
techniques that accurately represent
what people do in urban public spaces.
Talia is on the faculty at the University of
Texas at Austin School, School of Architecture, Community and
Regional Planning Program. She is also a former member of the
Board of Trustees at Bennett.
panelist. Takiyah is the clinical research coordinator for the
program and was recently featured in the Greensboro News and
Record for her efforts. The African American Alzheimer’s Disease
(AAAD) Research Study at North Carolina A&T State University is
a genetic research study that combines both research and
outreach to better understand why African Americans suffer
disproportionately from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and to educate
the community about the effects of this devastating disease.
Jenipher R. Jones ‘08 political science major, received the juris
doctorate from Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans,
Louisiana, in May 2012.
Rosetta M. Allen ‘09 political science major received a juris
doctorate from North Carolina Central University School of Law,
Durham, North Carolina, in May 2012.
Katherine Parker ‘11 is currently enrolled in the Master of Public
Administration program at Clark Atlanta University. She was
recently featured as Student of the Month in their newsletter.
This past summer, Katherine interned with the North Carolina
Govenor’s Office as a researcher in the Office of Citizen and Faith
Outreach. She also served as the project coordinator for the
Area Health Education Center’s Camp P.U.S.H. The camp, which
services fire counties within its North Carolina region, is
designed to expose middle and high school students to math,
science and health related occupations. Zepplyn Humphrey ’55
celebrated her 98th
birthday with family.
Zepp currently resides in
Palm Coast, Fl.
Karen Martin Jones ’98 received her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies
from North Carolina A&T State University. She currently serves
as the Coordinator of Enrichment Services at Bennett.
Daydra Wilkes ’99 was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. She is
currently a teacher in the Guilford County School System.
Stephanie Cambridge Mardis ‘00, a Corporal with the
Greensboro Police Department was promoted to Sergeant.
Tamile Glenn ’03 has opened a business in Charlotte called The
Nanny Group where she places licensed nannies with the
appropriate children.
In honor of National Alzheimer's month, the International Civil
Rights musuem hosted a panel discussion on Alzheimer's
Awareness. Takiyah Starks ’98 in the Department of Biology at
North Carolina A&T State University was one of the guest
Dr. Esther Terry attended the Eastern North Carolina Chapter’s
White Breakfast.
Belle Ringer Magazine •
13
1962
1957
1952
1942
14 • Belle Ringer Magazine
1947
1977
1967
1972
Belle Ringer Magazine •
15
1997
1987
1992
16 • Belle Ringer Magazine
1982
2002
CHAPTERS
BENNETT COLLEGE NATIONAL
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
Chapter &
Class Giving
Executive Committee and Chapter Presidents
Chapter/Class
2009-2011 • P. O. Box 20321 • Greensboro, NC 27420
Total as of 06/30/12
PRESIDENT
Dr. Lisa A. Johnson ’81
drjnaaprez@comcast.net
CINCINNATI, OH
Rev. Jeannine Lewis Walker ‘85
nean727@juno.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Ms. Sandra Johnson ‘86
sgj3209@hotmail.com
COASTAL CAROLINA, NC
Ms. Renee R. Purvis ‘85
msnicet@yahoo.com
RECORDING SECRETARY
Ms. Barbara Martin ‘71
b_a_martin@bellsouth.net
CONNECTICUT
Ms. Lensley Gay ‘75
lens09@aol.com
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Ms. Queen Simpson ’75
qcsimp@ameritech.net
DELAWARE VALLEY
Ms. Elizabeth Van Beverhoudt ‘88
dvbcaa@gmail.com
TREASURER
Ms. Deborah Tillman Love ‘79
dlove7198@aol.com
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Mrs. Sandra Philpott-Burke ‘70
sphilpottburke@yahoo.com
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Ms. Nichelle Gordon-Scott ‘90
ngordscott@aol.com
DURHAM, NC
Dr. Bernadette G. Watts ‘71
watts.bernadette@gmail.com
ALUMNAE AFFAIRS
Mrs. Audrey Demps Franklin ‘72
Director of Alumnae Affairs
afranklin@bennett.edu
EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Mrs. Sarah B. Sheppard ‘87
brodiesheppard1.yahoo.com
PRE-ALUMNAE PRESIDENT
Ms. Larika Jones ’13
larika.jones@bennett.edu
ALBANY, GEORGIA
Dr. Judith Hatch ‘77
Email: judehatch@yahoo.com
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Mrs. Norita Phillips ’91
norita68@msn.com
CHARLESTON, SC
Mrs. Eugenia D. Johnson ’48
ej122501@aol.com
CHARLOTTE, NC
Ms. Betty Brown Wilson ‘81
wilson7273@bellsouth.net
CHICAGO, IL
Ms. Christine Pendleton ‘04
stine38925@aol.com
GASTONIA, NC
Mrs. Lillian Pryor Williams ‘55
Email: lprywms72@yahoo.com
GREATER NEW YORK
Ms. Lenore Brathwaite ‘89
lenore72lab@aol
GREENSBORO, NC
Ms. Jacquelyn Jeffers-Wright ‘59
jjeffers-wright@att.net
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Mrs. Tisha Harris ‘63
tharris60@aol.com
METRO ATLANTA, GA
Ms. Allyson Berry ‘86
alleybebugging@yahoo.com
METRO WASHINGTON, DC
Atty. Brandy Jones Osimokun ‘00
barristerbrandy@yahoo.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Dr. Juanita Patience Moss ‘54
juanitam@cox.net
NORTH JERSEY
Ms. Samantha Dow ‘98
njbelles@msn.com
ORANGEBURG, SC
Dr. Grace Heyward Salters ’55
gsalters@bellsouth.net
RALEIGH, NC
Mrs. Joyce Bass Valentine ‘78
jedw56@aol.com
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Ms. Meredith Simmons ‘96
shipyard@aol.com
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Ms. Brooke Walker ‘94
ladyvenoms@yahoo.com
TIDEWATER AREA, VIRGINIA
Mrs. Carolyn Maddox McKie ‘66
cookie66@cox.net
WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK
Mrs. Fay L. Fagan ‘55
faylfagan@aol.com
WESTERN NC
Ms. Audrey Adam Longcrier ‘72
alongcrier@charter.net
WINSTON SALEM, NC
Ms. Shareka R. Brown ‘97
srbrown28@yahoo.com
Albany, GA
Baltimore, MD
Charleston, SC
Charlotte, NC
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Class of 1932
Class of 1942
Class of 1947
Class of 1952
Class of 1957
Class of 1962
Class of 1967
Class of 1972
Class of 1977
Class of 1982
Class of 1987
Class of 1992
Class of 1997
Class of 2002
Class of 2006
Class of 2012
Class of 2013
Class of 2014
Class of 2015
Class of 2007
Coastal Carolina
Conneticut
Delaware Valley
Detroit, MI
Durham, NC
Eastern Carolina NC
Gastonia, NC
General Membership
Greater NY
Greensboro, NC
Kinston, NC
Las Vegas, NV
Jacksonville, FL
Miami
Metro Atlanta
Metro Washington DC
North Jersey
Northern VA
Orangeburg, SC
Raleigh, NC
Richmond, VA
San Francisco Bay Area
Savannah, GA
Southern California
Tidewater, Va
Westchester, NY
Western NC
Winston Salem
$3,374.00
$5,000.00
$5,090.00
$10,348.00
$5,402.80
$8,485.00
$10.00
$6,080.10
$31,776.00
$11,576.00
$26,764.00
$94,932.00
$11,392.60
$22,473.80
$5,100.00
$8,582.00
$14,245.00
$6,070.00
$3,976.00
$3,151.00
$270.00
$865.00
$196.20
$100.00
$100.00
$165.00
$100.00
$13,840.00
$15,098.26
$9,569.60
$13,414.26
$3,285.00
$350.00
$53,789.62
$25,224.00
$72,536.76
$500.00
$5,913.34
$4,682.00
$2,973.60
$34,840.00
$55,539.98
$9,806.38
$23,597.60
$2,820.00
$20,795.00
$155.00
$6,796.00
$4,702.00
$12,882.60
$32,503.40
$4,578.00
$3,550.00
$10,647.60
$730,014.50
Belle Ringer Magazine •
17
NATIONAL ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
2012 HONOREES
SUSIE W. JONES AWARD
JACQUELYN JEFFERSWRIGHT ’59
YOUNG ALUMNAE AWARD
KENYA SAMUELS GARY
’99
THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD
ELLEASE RANDALL
COLSTON SERVICE AWARD
ANDREA HARRIS ’70
WENDELIN DOUGLAS ’91
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
YVONNE JOHNSON ‘64
FRIEND OF BENNETT AWARD
STAFF SERVICE AWARD
FACULTY SERVICE AWARD
MINNIE BROOKS
JAMES DIXON
JOYCE SPRUILL
National Alumnae Association 2012“Unsung Heroines”
Cherry Reid
Dula ’72
Hortensia Nash
Flowers ’77
Mary D. Jacobs
’67, Ed.D
Roberta Causer
Judd ’80
Norma Gray
“Cindy” Jones ’73
Teresa Gordon
Lynn ’73
WESTERN NORTH
CAROLINA CHAPTER
CHICAGO CHAPTER
DURHAM CHAPTER
GREENSBORO CHAPTER
TIDEWATER CHAPTER
METRO DC CHAPTER
Sandra Wallace ’69
LaVada Watson ’87
TIDEWATER VIRGINIA
CHAPTER
METRO ATLANTA
CHAPTER
Barbara L. WilliamsWilliams ’68
Brenda Morgan
Nicholson ’69
Queen Carol
Simpson ’75
Dr. Lucille
Thomas ’41
NORTHERN
VIRGINIA CHAPTER
DETROIT CHAPTER
GREATER NEW YORK
CHAPTER
18 • Belle Ringer Magazine
NEW JERSEY CHAPTER
Belle Ringer Magazine •
19
20 • Belle Ringer Magazine
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, 2013 to Sandra Johnson, National Vice President,
NAAawards@gmail.com.]
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
NAAAwards@gmail.com no later than January 31, 2013
• There will be no exceptions to the nomination deadline.
• All submissions will be acknowledged with an electronic confirmation Email.
Criteria for Nominee:
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.
• Must have exemplified high moral
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.
• Must have exemplified high moral
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
Association.
• 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.
Belle Ringer Magazine •
21
NOMINATION PROCEDURES
BENNETT COLLEGE NATIONAL ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
2013-2015
Criteria
••••••••••
To be a National Officer, an alumna shall be an active member of the Association, actively participated in the programs of
the Association, shall be a member of a local chapter, provided that one is in her residential area, and she shall have
attended a minimum of one annual business meeting within the last two years prior to nomination. The nominee for
President and Vice President shall have graduated from Bennett College for at least five years prior to nomination.
Candidates for Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian shall have attended Bennett
College for a minimum of two (2) years.
Duties of Officers
The PRESIDENT shall preside at all meetings: she shall have the power to call meetings of the organization, the Executive
Board, and the Executive Committee. She shall appoint the chair of all ad-hoc and standing committees. Together with
the TREASURER, she shall sign all contracts and obligations authorized by the Executive Committee. She shall maintain
a record of correspondence, and respond to such. She shall serve on the Executive Committee for one year after her
elected term in office in an ex-officio capacity.
The VICE PRESIDENT shall perform the duties of the PRESIDENT in her absence, incapacitation, or resignation, in
the office of President. She shall serve as chair of the Awards Committee, Scholarship Committee, and she shall serve as
the editor of the NAA Newsletter, and Director of Area Units whenever either is required.
The RECORDING SECRETARY shall record and keep a record of the minutes of the general organization and of the
Executive Committee and Executive Board meetings. She shall serve as custodian of all organization records and historical
records. She shall maintain under a separate cover, permanent copies of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing
Procedures. She shall record the attendance of each member present at all Executive Committee meetings. She shall
maintain as proof of attendance at the Annual Business Meeting, the Official Sign-In Sheet distributed at the Annual
meeting.
The FINANCIAL SECRETARY shall maintain all records of receipts of funds and records of disbursements; she shall give
an annual report to the membership, and submit all records for audit at the end of the fiscal year. She shall be the
National Chairperson for membership. She shall issue membership cards within 30 days of receipt of membership dues.
She shall give an annual report at the Annual Business Meeting of the NAA.
The TREASURER shall have custody of all funds of the association, and she shall deposit all funds in a bank in
Greensboro, North Carolina. She shall, upon the receipt of all legitimate statements, with the authorization of the
President, disburse the funds of the association. She shall keep a full and accurate record of all funds transmitted to her
and a record of all funds disbursed. Together with the PRESIDENT, she shall sign all contracts and obligations authorized
by the Executive Committee. She shall give an annual report at the Annual Business Meeting of the NAA, and she shall
submit all records for audit at the end of the fiscal year. She shall submit a treasurer’s report monthly to the President.
The PARLIAMENTARIAN shall be responsible for the proper conduct of business proceedings. She shall review the
Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Procedures of the NAA and she shall make recommendations to the Executive
Committee/Board. She shall use Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revised issue as final parliamentary authority.
All nominees must submit notification of position, a current resume, and a black and white passport sized photograph to
the Nominating Chairperson no later than January 31, 2013.
Nomination Committee Chairperson is:
DEITRA EVANS MEANS ‘86
11315 Wagonford Lane | Charlotte, NC 28273 | deemeans@aol.com
22 • Belle Ringer Magazine
•
••
NEWS FROM BENNETT
Bennett College Marches to the Polls with
of Students Registered to Vote
95
Percent
BENNETT COLLEGE
RECEIVES $625,000
GRANT FROM THE
JOSEPH F.
MCCRINDLE
FOUNDATON
Bennett College has announced a
$625,000 scholarship grant from the
Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation. The
grant includes $600,000 for a Joseph F.
McCrindle Scholarship Endowment and
$25,000 to fund the scholarship
recipient for next fall.
Bennett Belles are voting Belles!
“Bennett Belles are voting Belles!” rung
throughout the Greensboro community as
the student body rallied and marched to
the polls. Bennett College President Dr.
Esther Terry led the troops along with
Representative Alma Adams, Congressman
Mel Watt, Senator Gladys A. Robinson
’71, Judge Avery Crump, Commissioner
Ray Trapp, and President of the North
Carolina NAACP Rev. William Barber, II.
Addressing the Bennett students, Rev.
Barber fired up an already exuberant
crowd. “We come here today remembering
where we are, on this campus where the
idea for the Greensboro sit-ins began, this
Chapel where Dr. Martin Luther King
could come and preach in Greensboro
when he could go nowhere else. I come to
you today, at Bennett College, to remind
you that this election is about the heart of
America,” he added.
Before departing to the voting destination,
at Reid Memorial Christian Methodist
Episcopal Church, Rep. Adams, a retired
professor of the College, wanted to boast
about the Bennett students. “We’re almost
at 95 percent registered voters. No other
schools within North Carolina and these
United States can boast about those
numbers. You ought to be as proud as I
am,” Rep. Adams said to the Belles. ■
"This grant reflects the McCrindle
Foundation Directors’ interest in
honoring Joe McCrindle's commitment
to education. It is also a vote of
confidence in Bennett College and its
mission. The McCrindle board hopes this
will encourage other foundations,
corporations, and individuals to support
scholarship funding at Bennett as well,”
said John T. Rowe, President of the
McCrindle Foundation.
Additionally, the College has received
financial support from several other
sources within the past 30 days. In
conjunction with the U.S Department of
Education’s Title III Program,
Strengthening Historically Black
Colleges and Universities, the College
was granted $1,457,849. An additional
$64,044 was awarded by the
International Studies and Foreign
Language Program (UISFL) which
tapped Bennett as one of 17 institutions
selected to strengthen its global studies
and foreign language programs. ■
caption
Dr. Esther Terry and students are joined by community leaders for the march to the polls.
Belle Ringer Magazine •
23
NEWS FROM BENNETT
Randal Pinkett, Winner of The Apprentice, Season 4 Speaks at Bennett College
The Entrepreneurial Speaker’s Forum at
Bennett College featured keynote speaker
Dr. Randal D. Pinkett, winner of The
Apprentice: Season 4. Co-sponsored by the
North Carolina Institute for Minority
Economic Development and the Center for
Entrepreneurial Studies at Bennett College,
the forum is designed to promote the
promise of business ownership within the
student body.
could about entrepreneurship but to also
resist the fears that are associated with
starting a business. Assuring them that many
college students have established
multimillion dollar initiatives while still in
school, he referenced Google, Nike, Subway,
Pizza Hut, Kinkos, Bad Boy Records and
various others, all of which were created by
students.
“I think about the legacy at Bennett, a
legacy of cultivating leaders, a legacy of
women who embody what it means to
have courage, to be resilient. And as I
think about students, like yourselves, as it
relates to business, students demonstrate a
level of courage and resilience that is
transforming the business world,” he
added. ■
“There’s this growing movement around
entrepreneurship for students. There was a
day and a time where it wasn’t even touched
by universities, so for Bennett to even have
the program, to be working towards the
major, to have this center, to have those
who are working towards instilling the
entrepreneurial mindset, that’s putting you
on a much different trajectory than you can
imagine. It gives you an appreciation for
not just being an employee but being an
employer,” he said to the students.
Pinkett wanted to encourage the Bennett
students to not only learn as much as they
Randal Pinkett, (far left corner) is greeted by the Bennett Community.
Morehouse President’s Message Calls for Renaissance Women:
Dr. Robert Franklin Speaks at Bennett College Honors Convocation
Renaissance women of the future by having
five attributes: well-read, well-spoken, welltraveled, well-dressed, and well-balanced.
Dr. Franklin is greeted by Dr. Esther Terry,
program participants, and some of the honor
recipients.
24 • Belle Ringer Magazine
Tenth President of Morehouse College, Dr.
Robert Franklin, recently spoke during the
Honors Convocation at Bennett College,
encouraging the students to become
Before closing, the guest speaker expressed
his confidence in their capabilities. “I
believe you can and you will do this
because you have some of what Phillis
Wheatley had as she became the first
published Black poet…You have the same
substance that drove Nannie Helen
Burroughs, the business woman who
founded the largest Black women’s
organization in the country, at her time…
You can do this because you have inside
you, inside your DNA some of what the
great Anna Julia Cooper had as she earned
a Ph.D. and became only the fourth Black
woman to earn a Ph.D. You have the right
stuff,” he added. ■
NEWS FROM BENNETT
The Search for a New
President is Under Way
Attorney Carolyn House Stewart, International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
and members of the Sorority including Lisa Johnson and Audrey Franklin
Sorority Forms Partnership with Bennett
Attorney Carolyn House Stewart, the International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Incorporated, visited Bennett recently as an ACES speaker. Members
of the local chapter along with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director,
Dr. Linda H. Gilliam and sorority members from across the region
attended the event. As a part of the commitment AKA has to
making a difference in the lives of young women and their
educational pursuits, Attorney Stewart and Dr. Gilliam presented a
check for $5,000 to Bennett from the Educational Advancement
Fund (EAF). Attorney Stewart is also partnering with Bennett in an
Attorne
y Caroly
agreement through EAF to establish a scholarship at Bennett in the Ste
n House
wart (l),
Internati
Preside
name of Alpha Kappa Alpha. A letter will be sent from her
onal
nt
Alpha S of Alpha Kappa
orority,
soliciting funds from all members of the sorority who attended
Incorpo
and Dr.
rated
da H. G
Bennett. If you are a member who joined after Bennett, we need Mid-AtlaLnin
illi
tic Regio am (r),
D
n
ir
a
e
l
c
tor, p
to hear from you so that you can become a part of this historic
check to resent scholars
hip
Dr. Esth
event. Contact Audrey Franklin, Director of Alumnae Affairs er Terry.
afranklin@bennett.edu. ■
Bennett College Welcomes Fulbright Scholar as
Swahili Instructor
On any given day, Anna
Mbise can be found
within a Bennett College
classroom. Depending on
the day, however, she’s
either teaching or taking
notes.
Even after these short months, Mbise feels
like a member of the Bennett family. “People
are just so nice on this campus. I have very
good professors and very welcoming
students. Also, the global studies area has
been so good about taking care of me and
my needs,” she added.
A Fulbright scholar,
Mbise hails from
Tanzania, East Africa. Selected to teach
Swahili at an American institution, she is also
required to take four classes at the host
college within a ten month period. Besides
teaching two classes this semester, Mbise is
also taking a social work course and
elementary French. With a passion for
linguistics, Mbise hopes to learn as many
languages as possible. She is currently fluent
in English, Swahili and a few local languages
of her native country, which is home to
hundreds of tribal languages.
Even though being a good instructor is high
on the priority list for Mbise, she realizes
there has to be an even balance the life of
teacher and the life student. “I have to be
sure I get good grades in my classes while
also giving time to be there for my students.
A Fulbright scholar is a Fulbright scholar for
the rest of time. I must do well to represent
the program and myself,” she said.
Fulbright Scholar
Anna Mbise teaches
Swahili at Bennett.
Bennett College has hired The
Hollins Group to conduct the
presidential search for the next
president. The firm has already met
with the Board of Trustees to
discuss the search process and get
their input about what they want to
see in a next president. The firm
has also met with Dr. Terry, senior
staff, faculty, staff, and students to
discuss what each group would like
to see in a president.
Lisa Johnson, NAA President, will
be contacting alumnae to be a part
of the alumnae focus group which
will meet with The Hollins Group
using Skype by the first of the year.
If you have anyone you want to
suggest for the position, you can
send their name to President
Johnson or the chair of the search
committee, Trustee Andrea Harris
’70 at andreah@ncimed.com. These
names will be given to the search
firm who will reach out to them
and other possible candidates to see
if they are interested in the
position. The firm will then spend
the next couple of months vetting
candidates and will present to the
search committee a list of people
who meet the requirements. The
search committee will narrow the
list to two or three finalists and
present them to the Board of
Trustees who will make the final
decision. All of the focus groups
will have an opportunity to meet
and give input about the final
candidates. Trustee Harris has given
a timetable to the search firm to
have this process completed by May
2013 so that the announcement of
a new president can be made at
Commencement. ■
Mbise attended a one-week summer
orientation that introduced how to teach in
United States colleges. This month the
international Fulbright instructors will meet
at a conference in Washington, DC. ■
Belle Ringer
Ringer Magazine
Magazine •• 25
25
Belle
NEWS FROM BENNETT
Family and Friends Weekend
Bennett College Remembers Coretta Scott King
During Family and Friends Weekend
“The fact that over 200 Bennett women
carried the [Greensboro Civil Rights]
movement forward from 1961 until 1963
by marching, demonstrating and going to
jail became a lost story during every
anniversary of the sit-ins until very
recently,” Dr. Brown said. “Mrs. King’s
work throughout the years, following her
husband’s death, is lost to many, just as the
Bennett story has been overlooked and does
not resonate with us as a familiar example
of a woman with courage. And it should
resonate with us.”
Program Participants
Ten years to the day after Coretta Scott
King spoke to the Bennett community, the
College kick-started their annual Family
and Friends Weekend with a day dedicated
to the late activist.
Dr. Linda B. Brown ’61, Willa B. Player
Distinguished Professor of Humanities,
spoke during the Academic Cultural
Enrichment Series (ACES), paralleling the
work of Bennett College to that of the
iconic leader.
Dr. Brown originally coined the phrase,
“the daughters of Harriet Tubman” to
describe the Bennett women who led the
Civil Rights Movement. “This is because I
felt we were all related to our first iconic
activist sister as we marched. Harriet
Tubman taught us that one lone woman
with faith and courage and gumption could
change the world. Mrs. King was clearly
one of Harriet Tubman’s daughters. She
inspired us to rise up and seek to correct
injustice,” she added.
Besides sharing lineage to the famed
conductor of the Underground Railroad,
Bennett Belles and Mrs. King also know
too well how easily the work of women can
go unnoticed. Dr. Brown recognized this
connection.
Bennett College Celebrates 139 Years
with Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx
as Guest Speaker
Coretta Scott King’s work did not go
unnoticed during her day of celebration at
Bennett College. It was also opening night
of the Bennett Players’ performance of A
Song for Coretta, written by Pearl Cleage.
On February 6, 2006, five strangers, of
varying generations, wait at the end of a
long line of mourners to pay respect to the
recently departed Coretta Scott King.
Heartwarming and enlightening, the
performance was delivered by Amber Gay
’15, Justine Ryan ’14, Alexis Small ’15 and
Joh’vonni Smith ’13. The play was directed
by Elisabeth Ritson, assistant professor of
theatre. ■
Mayor Foxx is presented the Honorary
Doctorate of Law degree by (L to R)
Andrea Harris, President Terry, Foxx, and
Dr. Joyce Blackwell.
Political pioneer Mayor Anthony Foxx led the Founders’ Day
ceremony at Bennett College. The Institution celebrated 139 years
since its modest inception in the basement of, what is now, St.
Matthews United Methodist Church.
Following two terms on City Council as an at-large representative,
Anthony Foxx became the youngest mayor in Charlotte’s history,
its second African-American mayor, and its first Democratic
mayor in 22 years when he was elected in 2009. He was re-elected
to a second term in November 2011.
During the ceremony, Foxx was conferred the honorary doctorate
of law, receiving an official hooding from Interim President Dr.
26 • Belle Ringer Magazine
Esther Terry ’61. “I am truly honored to have had the opportunity
to robe Mayor Foxx. I know that our founders are well pleased at
his representation of such a momentous occasion,” she said. ■
Bennett College Crowns Its Newest Queen Miss Bennett
College Brielle Kenney
Miss Bennett College 2012-2013 Brielle Kenney invited the audience
to “Come Away with Me” during her Coronation Ceremony.
“My vision for my Bennett sisters is to rebuild, renew, restore what
Bennett College is known for, the production of powerful women,”
Kenney said. “[My campaign] ‘A Belle of the Future Remembering
the Past’ was a platform to build a relationship with the past and the
present; to come together is the beginning, keeping together is
progress, working together is and will be our success.”
Two Belles and two gentlemen
Dr. James Dixon & Dr. Esther Terry
Kenney is a graduating senior, social work major from Willingboro,
Brielle Kenney & Christopher Love
New Jersey. Upon graduation, Miss Bennett College aspires to
attend Baylor University where she will pursue a master’s degree in social work. She hopes to one day serve
as a clinical social worker with a certification in American Sign Language. ■
Meet the Royal Court
Miss Sophomore, Jasmine Beckwith (L to R, #1)
Jasmine is a native of Columbus, Ohio. Since arriving at
Bennett, this social work major has accomplished many things,
including making the honors and dean’s list and serving as
publicist for the Social Work Club.
Serving as Miss Sophomore allows Jasmine to give back to
the community. One of her main goals is to continue to
impact the lives of her sister Belles, the community of
Greensboro, and everyone she may encounter.
Miss Senior, Erica Simms (L to R, #2)
Erica is a native of Annapolis, Maryland. A senior, biology
major, Erica’s current GPA of 3.93 has entitled her to be on
the honors and dean’s list since her freshwoman year and she is
a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Alpha Kappa Mu
Honor Societies. She was also selected as one of two students
from Bennett College to be part of the GlaxoSmithKline
Scholarship program, a program that provides
underrepresented women in the field of science with the
resources required to succeed in science professions.
Upon leaving Bennett, Erica hopes to attend the University
of Maryland School of Dentistry to become a general dentist.
Little Miss Bennett Belle, Satchel Kinston Graves (L to R, #3)
Little Miss Bennett Belle Satchel Graves is a 10-year old from
Greensboro and the great niece of Bennett alumna, Ms. Lola Ann
McAdoo ‘58.
Her hobbies include playing the clarinet and violin and playing
soccer with the Greensboro United Soccer Association Peach Pizzazz
team.
Miss Royal Blue & White, Milon McCune Murphy (L to R, #4)
Milon is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. A senior, business
administration major with a minor in entrepreneurial studies and
economics, her ultimate career goal is to become a market researcher
for the hair care and cosmetics industries.
This school year, Milon wishes to focus her community service
around strengthening young leaders in the community and equipping
them with the tools they need to be successful. In addition to serving
as Miss Royal Blue and White, she serves as the president of Students
in Free Enterprise as well as the executive secretary and financial
secretary of Ecentrique Modeling Troupe. While maintaining multiple
roles, Milon has made the dean’s list since her freshwoman year.
Miss Junior, Pamela Christina Butler (L to R, #5)
Pamela is a native of Fort Washington, Maryland. She is a member
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., captain of the cheerleading squad,
and a member of the Junior Class Executive Board. Pamela is a junior,
psychology major, hoping to become a developmental psychologist for
children in the public school system.
Upon the conclusion of the academic school year, Pamela hopes to
have 80 hours of community service and an unbreakable bond with
the little sister class.
Miss Freshwoman, Destinee Chanelle Crutchfield (L to R, #6)
Destinee is a biology major from Roxboro, North Carolina. At 17,
she graduated from Person High School one year early with honors.
Destinee hopes to attend Howard University for graduate school
where she plans to study medicine. Her long term goals include
finding a cure for asthma and eventually becoming a pediatrician and
starting her own medical practice. Destinee also has dreams of
traveling to Uganda for missionary work, assisting other missionaries
in their care for infants who are in dire need. ■
Belle Ringer Magazine •
27
NEWS FROM THE EARLY/MIDDLE COLLEGE
AT BENNETT
Success Rate is on the
Rise for the Early/Middle
College at Bennett
College
The Early/Middle College at Bennett is located on the beautiful, historic campus of Bennett
College in Greensboro, a thriving metropolitan area in the Piedmont region of central North
Carolina. The Middle College at Bennett has the distinction of being one of only two allfemale high schools in the state of North Carolina. It began in 2003 as a middle college
serving femail 11th and 12th grade students who were at-risk of dropping out of high school.
By 2006, with the help of The New Schools Project Reform Initiative, The Middle College at
Bennett expanded its population to include 9th and 10th graders and began offering dual
enrollment. With duel enrollment, students take college courses and earn transferrable college
credit as they earn their high school diploma. Students begin taking college courses their 9th
grade year and may earn up to 2 years of transferrable college credit hours upon completion
of their senior year. ■
During the Early/Middle College at
Bennett College’s 2nd Annual Promise
Ceremony, each entering student received
an honorary pearl necklace and recited a
promise to uphold the institution’s tenants:
academics, character, leadership and
service. With the high school’s recent
success, it’s apparent that the student body
is dedicated to keeping their word. Here’s a
list of some of their recent honors:
•
•
•
•
Named a National Blue Ribbon School
by the US Department of Education
Principal Esther Coble is nominated for
Guilford County’s Principal of the Year
Consecutively Reached 100%
Graduation Rate for 2011-2012
Bennett College freshwoman with the
highest GPA is a Middle College
graduate
Early/Middle College Students have received their pearls
28 • Belle Ringer Magazine
TS
HE STUDEN
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O
F
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N
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NETT
ISE STATEM
GE AT BEN
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O
THE PROM
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• We prom
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ise to be po
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apply our
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be
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• We prom
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• We prom owledge to everyday
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ent handbo
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• We pr
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Dr. Terry is presented flowers by Miss Senior Ciara Johnson
ANNOUNCEMENTS
B.E.S.T. - Bennett Electronic
Service Transfer
It is a simple and convenient way to honor
your financial commitment to Bennett my
making monthly pledge payments by
electronic transfer from your bank and paid
directly to the College.
DID YOU ATTEND THE CHILDREN’S
HOUSE on BENNETT’S CAMPUS?
The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center
(formerly The Children’s House) is hosting
a class reunion for graduates 18 years and
older on Friday, May 24, 2013. The class
reunion will be held in conjunction with the
annual “Stepping Up” program. You are
invited to come back, tour the new facility,
attend the “Stepping Up” program, and
enjoy a luncheon with the graduates and
staff of the Center.
LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE A GRADUATE
by calling 336-370-8707.
A registration packet will be mailed to you.
We will celebrate the Planned
Giving Society and the 1926
Society members during
Alumnae Weekend 2013.
To be a part of the ceremony,
contributions must be in no later
than April 15, 2013.
Photographer Otis Hairston, Jr. departed
this life unexpectedly on Thursday, October 11,
2012. Otis was the quiet man present for more
than 30 years of Alumnae Weekends and other
Bennett events documenting our activities. It was
he who took the many class reunion pictures you
have framed around your house.
Contributions can be made to the Otis L. Hairston, Sr.
Family Life Enrichment Center, c/o Shiloh Baptist
Church, 1210 South Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27406
or to The Otis L. Hairston, Sr. Middle School, 3911 Naco
Road, Greensboro, NC 27401. Otis was adored and loved
by many and will be missed by us all.
e
l
l
e
B
a
r
e
f
e
R
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
Purchase a Belles Vest for $75 on the Atlanta Chapterʼs
website at www.BennettATLchapter.com
(under the Revitalizing Bennett tab.)
Educating and Celebrating Women Since 1873.
The Alumnae Chapter with the most referrals is in for a
GREAT SURPRISE!!!
Belle Ringer Magazine •
29
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: ________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________
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:
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
ANNUAL
FUND
FORM
$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
NAA
MEMBERSHIP
F O R M
Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Class: ____________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________
City:________________________________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _________________
Phone number: Home (
) _______________ Email: ____________________________________________
Type Membership — Please check one:
_____ Special Membership of $35 (Graduation date: less than 5 years)
_____ Regular Membership of $50
For questions
contact
Deborah Love ’79
at
dlove7198@aol.com
or
Queen Simpson
at
qcsimp@ameritech.net
_____ Life Membership of $500 (Life Membership must be completed within three (3) years)
_____ Partial Life Membership (Initial payment $150.00)
Enclosed is my check or money order for: $____________________________________________________________
Make checks payable to: BENNETT COLLEGE NATIONAL ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
Mail to: P.O. Box 20321, Greensboro, NC 27401
Credit Card Payment: ____ VISA ____ MasterCard
Amount to be charged $ ____________________________
Card #__________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ____________________
Name as it appears on card: ________________________________________________________________________
Signature _____________________________________________________________________________________
30 • Belle Ringer Magazine
Alumnae Weekend 2013
May 2 – 4, 2013
Reunion Classes: 3’s and 8’s
Headquarters:
Sheraton Four Seasons
3121 High Point Road • Greensboro, NC 27407
336-292-9161
1-800-242-6556
Hotel Group Cut Off Date: April 5, 2013
{
Keep in Touch
CALL: Audrey Franklin ’72, Director of Alumnae Affairs, 336-517-2247
EMAIL: afranklin@bennett.edu
FAX: 336-370-8689
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).
BENNETT COLLEGE
900 E. Washington Street
Greensboro, NC 27402
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
GREENSBORO, NC
PERMIT #366