GREENSBORO, N.C. — What began as a celebratory gathering of Bennett College alumnae and supporters quickly became a powerful demonstration of philanthropy, sisterhood, and commitment to the future of the College.
During the Centennial Alumnae Donor Luncheon held on May 16 following Bennett College’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony, alumnae collectively announced nearly $500,000 in gifts to support the College’s mission of educating and empowering women. Individual contributions ranged from $5 to more than $25,000, reflecting participation across generations of Bennett Belles and underscoring a shared belief in the institution’s future.
Held as part of Bennett College’s Centennial Alumnae Weekend, the luncheon brought together graduates representing reunion classes from the 1950s through the 2020s. What unfolded was more than a fundraising event. It became a celebration of generosity, legacy, and the enduring bond alumnae share with their alma mater.
As class contributions to the Annual Fund were announced, the room responded with applause, cheers, laughter, and occasional tears. The atmosphere reflected both the joy of reunion and the collective determination to ensure that future generations of Bennett women have access to the same transformative educational experience.
Several donors made gifts in honor of classmates, family members, beloved faculty, and the generations of women who came before them. Others gave in celebration of reunion milestones or as a way of investing in the next generation of Bennett women. Together, their contributions created a powerful moment of shared purpose and collective impact.
The afternoon served as a reminder that Bennett’s greatest strength has always been its people. The gifts announced represented more than financial contributions. They reflected belief in the institution, gratitude for the experiences Bennett helped create, and an investment in the women who will lead the College into its second century.
The luncheon was presided over by Debra Clark Jones ’84, Interim Executive Vice President and Interim Chief Institutional Advancement Officer, and featured greetings from Cassandra Jones Havard ’78, Chair of the Bennett College Board of Trustees, along with alumna Neda Brown ’01. Reunion classes representing 1950, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021 were recognized during the celebration, highlighting decades of leadership, service, and support that continue to shape the institution. Martina Gibbs Dowdy, MBA ’11, Director of Alumnae and Donor Engagement organized the well-attended program, which culminated in the annual fund appeal and a spirited sing-along of Bennett songs.
The fundraising announcements followed a historic commencement ceremony attended by nearly 1,000 guests during Bennett College’s Centennial celebration. Earlier that day, graduates crossed the commencement stage before family, friends, faculty, staff, trustees, alumnae, and supporters gathered from across the country to commemorate 100 years of Bennett College as a women’s college.
Throughout the weekend, campus buzzed with activity as alumnae returned home to reconnect with classmates, celebrate shared memories, and reflect on Bennett’s enduring influence in their lives. The donor luncheon offered one of the weekend’s most inspiring reminders that the College’s strength has always been rooted in the women it educates and the women who continue to support it long after graduation.
The nearly $500,000 raised during the luncheon will support student scholarships, academic programs, student success initiatives, and institutional priorities that help ensure Bennett College remains accessible, innovative, and impactful for generations to come.
As Bennett College enters its second century as a women’s college, the generosity displayed during the Centennial Alumnae Donor Luncheon serves as both a milestone and a promise—evidence that alumnae remain deeply invested in expanding opportunities for current and future Belles.
Founded in 1873 and reorganized as a college for women in 1926, Bennett College has spent a century preparing women to lead with courage, purpose, and vision. The extraordinary outpouring of support during Centennial Reunion Weekend affirmed that the institution’s next chapter will continue to be strengthened by the women who are proudly known as “Bennett Belles.”
To invest in Bennett College visit Giving.Bennett.edu.
