Keynote speaker Phanalphie Rhue inspires Bennett Belles to “honor their own brilliance” during the annual ceremony
On Friday, November 7, 2025, Bennett College gathered for the 2025 Honors Convocation, an annual tradition that recognizes students who have achieved academic excellence. These Bennett Belles are celebrated for their successes and embodiment of the College’s mission to prepare women to be global leaders and scholars.
Celebrating the Spirit of Excellence at the Honors Convocation
Held in Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel, the ceremony honored students who achieved distinction during the previous academic year. Families, faculty, and alumnae filled the chapel with applause as honorees crossed the stage, each representing the highest standards of scholarship and sisterhood within the Bennett community.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Phanalphie Rhue, motivational speaker and Chief Global Communications and Experience Officer for Bennett College. In her address, Rhue encouraged students to embrace their gifts and to lead lives guided by integrity and conviction.
“Honor isn’t something that’s given to you,” Rhue shared during her speech. “It’s something you live out loud; through your integrity, your persistence, and your courage to keep showing up, even when the world tells you no.”
Throughout the ceremony, students were recognized not only for their academic achievements, but the individual journeys they’ve taken and adversities they’ve faced. Through the steadfast support of faculty and staff and their Bennett sisters, these students are honored and recognized for their remarkable perseverance, dedication, and growth. Their success stands as a testament to their resilience and the power of community in transforming challenges into opportunities for excellence.
Interim President Teresa Hardee, Ed.D., CPA, LSSBB joined academic leaders in congratulating the honorees and reaffirmed the College’s commitment to nurturing future generations of trailblazing Bennett Belles.
The Honors Convocation ceremony concluded with applause, joyful reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose; reminding every Belle that academic success is both an achievement and a responsibility to uplift others.
