Founders Weekend Events
Welcome!
We are excited to celebrate 150 years since our founding in 1873 as a co-educational institution in the basement of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro. To acknowledge this historic occasion, we’ve planned an exciting weekend of activities for Founders Weekend, October 6-8, 2023. We hope that your schedule allows you to join us for all of these events.
For Media Inquires, please fill out this form.
Sunday, October 1, 2023
United Women in Faith
Location: Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel
Address: 900 E. Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Hosted by the United Women in Faith of the United Methodist Church to Support Bennett College
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Campus Open House
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room
Address: 521 Gorrell Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Get to know Bennett College all over again! Enjoy refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres in our Global Learning Center as Bennett leaders and students showcase our achievements and what we’ve been up to.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Friday, October 6, 2023
Women and Democracy in Morocco Symposium
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room
Address: 521 Gorrell Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
This summer, our Global Studies Team led a month-long research excursion in Morocco as part of the Fulbright-Hays Short Term Group Project Abroad (GPA) grant. The project gave participants the opportunity to explore and experience another culture and learn about issues impacting women abroad. Join us for this symposium and hear first-hand about their research regarding current issues in Morocco.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Lunch
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: David Dallas Jones Student Union Cafeteria
Address: 900 E. Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
LUNCH OPEN TO ALL REGISTRANTS
Belle Talks
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Global Learning Center Lecture Hall
Address: 521 Gorrell Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Modeled after the familiar TEDTalk series, BelleTalks brings our Belle professionals and experts to the stage to share their knowledge with us. Alumnae will present on a topic that aligns with their professional expertise, experiences and personal journey.
Each presentation will be 10 – 15 minutes in length.
Classes 2020 & 2021 "Sister Chat Happy Hour"
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room
Address: 521 Gorrell Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Due to the pandemic, certain classes were not afforded the celebration they so deserved during their Commencement year, so we are making it right. Our 2020 and 2021 alumnae classes are invited to attend a “Sister Chat Happy Hour” to reconnect with their classmates in sisterhood.
Check your email for details.
CLASS MEMBERS ONLY
Dinner with the Classes 1970 & 1971
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room
Address: 521 Gorrell Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Each year we honor the Golden Class during Commencement Weekend. Due to the pandemic, the Golden Classes of 1970 and 1971 had a virtual celebration, but we’re bringing them together in person during Founders Weekend with a special invitation to gather for their class dinner.
INVITATION ONLY
Music Under the Stars
Time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: Bennett College Campus Quad
Address: 900 E. Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Held on the Quad beneath a blanket of stars, enjoy an evening of music from the band “Majestic Souls” featuring Broadway star Jayne Trinette and performances from our talented Bennett Belles!
Bring your blanket, your lawn chair and your snacks.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Saturday, October 7, 2023
White Breakfast
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room
Address: 521 Gorrell Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Attire: All White
Featuring "WOW! Wisdom Of Women" Alumnae Conversation
Reminisce about your days at Bennett College during the Alumnae White Breakfast event! Enjoy the traditions you know and love in your white ensemble while experiencing the debut of our new series, WOW! Wisdom in Women! A panel of Bennett Belles will host a lively discussion and Q&A.
TICKETED EVENT
Fun Around Campus
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Various Locations
Address: 900 E. Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
The fun continues across our campus! Celebrate Founders Weekend with our many activities such as:
- Alumnae Bakeshop
- Author and Makers Market
- Bennett Merchandise Vendors
- Food Trucks & More!
Fun Around Campus: Vendors, Authors & Makers Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Bennett College Campus Quad
Address: 900 E. Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
If you have a book to sell or product (jewelry, t-shirts, goods from your bakery), we invite you to join our Vendors, Authors and Makers Market.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Miss Bennett Coronation
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel
Address: 900 E. Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Celebrate our 2023 – 2024 Miss Bennett College, Callyce Tucker-Reves, as she is crowned in our elegant and traditional ceremony. Accompanied by the Royal Court, Miss Bennett will take on this honorary title and lead her sisters and Bennett College Community.
RECEPTION TO FOLLOW
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Founders Day Convocation
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30pm
Location: Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel
Address: 900 E. Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Join us as we celebrate our 150th year with our Founders Day Convocation. On this day, we remember and pay tribute to those whose vision, wisdom, sacrifice, and support are the basis of our foundation. Special guest speaker alumna Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens will provide her historical remarks for the sesquicentennial event. Lunch included in the cafeteria.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Belles in Ministry
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Kwanza Jones Room, Holgate Library
Address: 900 E. Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Bennett Belles in Ministry will provide a panel on The Place of Faith in the Contemporary World to conclude the Founders Weekend festivities. Join us in this moment of wisdom, discussion, and prayer as we honor our 150 years- and herald 150 more.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Hotel Information
Hyatt Place Greensboro / Downtown
300 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401
Guests may call the reservation line- 1-888-867-4003 and ask for the DOWNTOWN HYATT PLACE and reference Bennett College Founders Weekend or book online using this link or by using the QR code. Rooms are filling up, make sure to make reservation ASAP
Parking Information
General Public
Parking Staff (Show Pros) will be available to direct all authorized parking
Maintenance Lot (Washington Street)
Medley Street Grass Lot (across from Johnnetta B. Cole Honors Hall)
Middle College Lot
(Gorrell Street)
Wells Memorial Church of God in Christ (Overflow Lot) **Pending**
Guests with Disabilities
Parking Staff (Show Pros) will be available to direct all authorized parking
Washington Street Lot (Behind Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel)
Other Parking Details
Parking locations are as follows:
Staff/Faculty
Black Hall, Merner Hall, Pfeiffer Science Lots
Graduating Seniors/Marshalls
Goode Gymnasium Lot
Union Drive
President’s Guest/Board of Trustees
President’s Driveway
Parking Staff (Show Pros) will be available to direct all authorized parking.
Any vehicles parked on the public streets are subject to tow – at the owner’s expense – by the Greensboro Police Department.