Among Bennett College’s most treasured and cherished events, the Casual White Breakfast is filled with tradition, energy and sisterhood.
Held annually, in the Sallie Walker Brown Dining Hall just before the start of fall classes, the Casual White Breakfast welcomes incoming freshwomen to Bennett.
As is tradition, guests, comprised of students, faculty, staff, and alumnae, wear white and are treated to a delicious breakfast meal of eggs, bacon, grits, French toast, fresh fruit, muffins, orange juice and coffee.
The Casual White Breakfast is filled with sisterhood and a celebration of the life journey that the students are on together. Supported by faculty, staff, and alumnae, the ladies are reminded that they are not on this academic path along. During the breakfast a unity candle is lit, and class superlatives are given to the freshwoman who lives closest to Bennett College and the one who lives the farthest away.
Superlatives are also given to the freshwoman with the highest GPA, the youngest one and the most seasoned one.
A highlight of the event are the songs sung as part of the tradition, including “Grace,” which blesses the food; “Tell Me Why,” which explains why Belles – as Bennett students and alumnae are affectionately called — love their institution so, and the alma mater.
One song, included in the day’s repertoire, is the most fun, “The Preference Song.” Sung with enthusiasm, attendees become animated, building to the point that napkins are spun in the air to accentuate the words and melody. The song begins with, “There are many, many schools in the East and in the West. Sometimes you may be questioned as to which one is the best. If you really want to know, there is one that will stand out. It’s dear old Bennett College; that’s the one you hear about. Some prefer to go to Spelman; others A&T. Some say here’s to Talladega; others Johnson C. But Bennett College is the best, girls. Lift high your colors bright. Raise your voices in a cheer, girls for the dear old blue and white rah-rah-rah!”
The 2023 Casual White Breakfast is Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:00 am est. in the Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room.
Raise Your Napkins High!