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            History of The Durham Alumnae of Bennett College

The Bennett College Alumnae of Durham graduates was reorganized in 1969, when Mary Mayfield Eady, the Registrar at Bennett College, sent a letter to Dorothy Dixon Morrow, Class of 1954.  Mrs. Eady wanted to come to Durham to meet with Bennett Belles to provide them with information about the status of the college and to let them know how they could organize and help their Alma Mater.  After receipt of this letter, Dorothy Morrow contacted the following Bennett graduates and invited them to meet with Mrs. Eady on December 10, 1969 at the home of Almeda Spears ‘38.  Belles in attendance were:  Mayme Harris Perry ‘45, Thomasine Burthey ‘43, Emma Martin Gatling 59, Johnetta Holloway George ‘43, Mary Grant ‘43, Dorothy Dixon Morrow ‘54, Icelean Davis Payton ‘61, Carolyn Ingram Thornton ‘57, Marie Clapp Moffitt ‘34, and Mary Whitmore Jacobs ‘67.  At the meeting, Mrs. Eady shared information about the college, answered the numerous questions and concerns the Belles had regarding the college and discussed ways they could be involved in recruitment, fund-raising and preserving the College.

 A great amount of enthusiasm was expressed, and the group decided to form The Durham Alumnae of Bennett College. The following officers were  elected:   President - Almeda Spears; Secretary – Mayme Perry; Treasurer – Mary Jacobs.

Throughout our fifty years, 1969 – 2019, the Durham Alumnae of Bennett College has grown to approximately 140 graduates and we have received outstanding support from Durham and surrounding communities. Our alumnae group has provided numerous scholarships to area students who attend Bennett to assist with financial needs, presented College Fairs, made annual donations to the College and volunteered at numerous events.  Since 1990, the Durham Alumnae has presented the White Breakfast annually to honor outstanding members of our alumnae group and members of the Durham community.

It is with this spirit of commitment that the Durham Alumnae group will continue to uplift its students, the College and the Durham community in the future.

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