Privilege to Serve and a Great Experience!

…..Recently, it was cited in an article that South African Leader, former President Nelson Mandela said that, “Education, is the most powerful weapon, which we can use to change the world.” To a large degree I agree with his statement. However, I would dare to say that Love is the most powerful weapon, which can be used by people to change the world. Our arsenals hold several mighty weapons including education, faith, prayer and God’s favor.

     It has been my privilege to serve as the Bennett Parents’ Association President for the past two years. To my Executive Team, Sondra Williams, Pamela Streeter, Tara Ravnell Bradley and Taunya Harris-Smith as well as our Team Liaison, Mrs. Wanda Mobley, Thank You!

     Thank you for your outstanding work and untiring support for the students of Bennett College. Thank you for your commitment to carrying out the fundraising and recruitment goals of this administration on behalf of the association. To Dr. Malveaux, Thank you for your willingness to work and partner with us. You hit the ground running as the saying goes. I’m confident that the incoming officers and parents will continue to follow and support your initiatives and programs designed to catapult to lofty heights and cement Bennett’s aggressive move from Good to Great!

     Thank you parents notably, Adrienne Witherspoon for your consultation on several aspects of our fundraising plan; Thank you to Choir Director, Ms. Valerie Johnson and Dr. Rainey, you both have made an indelible impression on our daughter, Jennifer. She cares for you both. Thank you to all of the members of the Fundraising & Recruitment Committees as well as to the Bennett alumnae, under the dynamic leadership of Mrs. Audrey Franklin, for ALL OF YOU garnering your resources and that of family and friends for our many projects such as: The Brick Legacy Campaign, Outstanding Membership Drives and other efforts. Through your generous giving, the BPA was able to donate contributions for the Class 2008 Memory Book, Brick Legacy Walkway to be dedicated in October 2008 as well as a commemorative and decorative bench for the campus from The Bennett Parents’ Association -2007 & 2008, Mary E. Houston, President.

     Lastly, to the Class of 2008, you have received one very powerful weapon for success, Mandela calls it the most powerful of all, here at Bennett College for Women namely an EDUCATION! Continue to learn and follow a path of lifelong learning. You have a quiver full of success weapons for a lifetime of success: pray often, believe deeply in God’s ability to change any situation, use your faith to remove mountains and rely on what the scriptures say is the greatest, LOVE! Love people, love your families, friends and even your enemies; love your college and give generously back to your Alma Mater, Bennett College for Women. Spread LOVE wherever you go! You will be known by the love that you show one another. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU ALL! May 3^rd will soon be here. Congratulations to my daughter, Jennifer Lauren Marie, Staci, Jennifer, Tyler, Clinesha, Kelay, Ebonee, Spencer, Vania, Chemaye, Tiffany, and all of the beautiful sisters of the Class of 2008! God bless!

Gordon and Mary Houston