Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins
The miraculous fundraising effort – announced in a press conference Monday – was a testament to the determination and persistence of Bennett administrators, faculty, students and alumnae, faith-based and Greek organizations, foundations, celebrities, the business community and fellow higher education institutions, college leaders said.
Now, the private historically Black college (HBCU) will continue to focus on re-engineering the institution for long term sustainability as it approaches a decisive SACSCOC accreditation hearing later this month.
“The thought of losing her was more than one could bear. This has truly been a team effort,” said Gwendolyn Mackel Rice, president of the Bennett National Alumnae Association. “Nothing can or will stop us now. For those who are privileged to serve Bennett, we will walk with you to do the work to serve, shape and stabilize Bennett.”
Among the gifts that pushed Bennett over the $5 million-mark were two $1-million gifts from High Point University and the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano SUPERCHARGED Initiative; four $100,000 gifts from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., BB&T, Dr. Kerry Ann Rockquemore and the Old Dominion Freight Line; and additional gifts from the United Methodist Church, Wells Fargo Bank and more.
“Those are the types of grassroots gifts that we’ve received,” said Bennett president Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins. “We appreciate each and every gift that we’ve received no matter how small or how large. What matters most is that every dollar counts towards our goal. What matters most is that people gave, and they gave from their heart.”
