Centennial Alumnae Weekend Events
The Bennett College Office of Alumnae Engagement invites you to join us on May 14th – May 17th for the Centennial Alumnae Weekend!
The weekend will feature exciting on-campus events in celebration of our Centennial as a women’s college. This historic gathering honors 100 years of impact, legacy, and our sisterhood as Bennett Belles. Join us as we celebrate the Centennial theme that we all share: “Women. Learn. Lead.”
The White Breakfast and President's Tea will be among our traditional events. We will honor the Class of 1976 during the Golden Class Breakfast, a new spin on a beloved favorite. We invite you to join us on campus for fun, sisterhood, and the opportunity to let loose at planed events that include an exciting new Belle Hour, BelleFest with a special musical guest appearance, and much more!
All Bennett Belles are invited to attend this fun-filled weekend and to join the College in recognizing Belles who are celebrating their reunion years (ending in 6 & 1).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Martina Gibbs Dowdy, Director of Alumnae Engagement, at AlumnaeAffairs@bennett.edu or call 336-517-1835.
We can’t wait to see you at the Centennial edition of the Bennett College Alumnae Weekend.
Centennial Alumnae Weekend Registration Details
Full Weekend Registration is available for $225.
Full Weekend Registration includes 1) tickets to all on-campus events; and 2) a Centennial Belle Swag (for Full Weekend registrants exclusively)
A La Carte Tickets are available for all ticketed events.
Alumnae are encouraged to invite their partners and loved ones to attend on-campus events. Any accompanying guests must have a ticket for entry into ticketed events.
Hotel Information and Booking
Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons
3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407
When calling to book your room, make sure you ask to be included in the Bennett College Centennial Alumnae Weekend Room Block and use our reference number, M-VX18ZTZ or use the link below!
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Centennial Alumnae Weekend Check-In
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Global Learning Center- Rotunda
Stop by the GLC Rotunda to check in for Centennial Alumnae Weekend 2026, pick up your name badge, and receive your event tickets. If you purchased a Full Weekend Registration, you will also receive your exclusive Centennial Belle Swag.
Golden Class Dinner
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Global Learning Center- Multipurpose Room
Attendees: Class of 1976
Cost: Free for all members of the Class of 1976
The Golden Class of 1976 is invited to join a private dinner event to celebrate 50 years of sisterhood, legacy, and lifelong commitment to Bennett College.
Class of 1976 only.
Top Alumnae Donor Presidential Reception (Invitation Only)
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Steele Hall Art Gallery
Attendees: Top alumnae donor invitees
Cost: Free for all invitees
An intimate, invitation-only reception honoring our top alumnae donors and distinguished guests for their unwavering support and partnership in advancing Bennett College’s legacy and future.
Centennial Alumnae Reunion Choir Concert
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel
Attendees: Open to all alumnae and the public
Cost: Free
Join us in our beloved Chapel as the Alumnae Reunion Choir reunites across generations to raise their voices in a powerful celebration of faith, sisterhood, and Bennett’s enduring legacy.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Centennial Alumnae Weekend Check-In
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Global Learning Center- Rotunda
Stop by the GLC Rotunda to check in for Centennial Alumnae Weekend 2026, pickup your name badge, and receive your tickets for events. If you purchased a Full Weekend Registration, this is when you will pickup your exclusive Belle Swag.
Centennial College Showcase and Video State of the College
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Location: Global Learning Center Rotunda and Hyflex Classrooms 12 & 13
Attendees: Centennial Alumnae Weekend Attendees
Cost: Free
Tea Time with the President (Invitation Only)
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room
Attendees: Invitation Only
Cost: Free to all invitees
Precious Pearls, wear your hat and gloves and join us for a private tea with Interim President Hardee to reminisce on the “good old days” with your sisters.
Centennial BelleFEST
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Sports Complex
Attendees: Open to all alumnae and the public
Cost: FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Join us at the Sports Complex for the Centennial BelleFEST, featuring 803 FRESH and the BOOST BUS. Visit vendor tables, enjoy live music, and grab a bite to eat from local food trucks in a joyful celebration of sisterhood and community.
Baccalaureate
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel
Attendees: Open to all alumnae and the public
Cost: Free
The Baccalaureate Service is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the academic and spiritual journey of our graduating students through music, prayers, and an inspiring keynote address. Held before Commencement, this uplifting ceremony offers reflection, gratitude, and encouragement as graduates prepare for their next chapter. Join us as we celebrate our new Bennett sisters.
Belle Hour
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Global Learning Center- Patio
Attendees: Open to all alumnae and the public
Cost: Included in Full Weekend registration cost; Individual event ticket cost is $30.
Raise a glass with your Belle sisters at Belle Hour—an evening of celebration and centennial cheer. Join us for cocktails, music, and community as we toast to 100 years of Women. Learn. Lead.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Breakfast & Robing- Golden Class & Silver Class
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Location: Global Learning Center- Multipurpose Room
Attendees: Class of 1976 and Class of 2001
Cost Free for members of Class of 1976 and Class of 2001
The Class of 1976 and the Class of 2001 are invited to join us for a light breakfast as we prepare for Commencement.
Don't forget your academic attire!
Commencement
Time: 11:00 am
Location: The Campus Quadrangle
Attendees: Open to all alumnae and the public
Cost: Free
Celebrate our sister Belles of the Class of 2026 as they receive their degrees.
Rain Plan: In the event of rain, Commencement will be moved to Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel
Centennial Alumnae and Donor Recognition Luncheon
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Global Learning Center- Multipurpose Room
Attendees: Alumnae and Guests of Alumnae
Cost: Included in Full Weekend registration cost; Individual event ticket cost is $75.
Join us on the quad immediately following commencement for an organized “sister circle moment” to demonstrate the enduring strength of our sisterhood. The sister circle will be followed by a casual luncheon as we celebrate all alumnae and recognize class gifts. This luncheon will feature good food, good memories, and the announcement of class gifts.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Centennial White Breakfast
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: Global Learning Center- Multipurpose Room
Attendees: Alumnae and Guests of Alumnae
Cost: Included in Full Weekend registration cost; Individual event ticket cost is $100.
Close out the Centennial Alumnae Weekend with the White Breakfast, a traditional and beloved part of Bennett College’s culture, where we will commemorate our past and the Belles we have lost while celebrating our sisterhood and one another.
Thank you to the Alumnae Advisory Council and Class Coordinators for your dedication and hard work coordinating Centennial Alumnae Weekend 2026 with the Bennett College Institutional Advancement Team. Your commitment to bringing Belles together and celebrating our sisterhood is truly appreciated!