Campus Works to get More Belles Honored

More than 100 Belles' names were listed in the Spring Honors Convocation program.

Bennett College recognized 160 Belles at the Spring 2011 Honors Convocation.  That number represents less than a quarter of the 714 students enrolled in the school according to the latest Bennett College Fact Book.

Dr. Stanley Viltz, associate provost of student affairs says that number is lower than what the college strives for in the student body, but there are some contributing factors. She says one factor is getting emerging scholars caught up.

“We admit about 25% of emerging scholars. They won’t all be ready right away, and as we build up those skills that number tends to fluctuate, but is usually around the same, more or less.”

The 2010-2011 Bennett College Catalog says emerging scholars are students admitted who had between a 2.0 – 2.3 grade point average in high school, but show the ability for potential success. Students must have a minimum of a 2.4 grade point average in high school to be accepted in the regular admissions category.

“Honors convocation is great because it acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of our students. Often times we spend a lot times talking about what they don’t do or what they can’t do and we don’t give enough attention to the students who are doing well, ” says Dr. Stanley Viltz.

Belles have to meet the following criteria to be recognized as an honor student. They must have at least satisfactory attendance in the Academic Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES), and no incompletes.  The ACES programs teach career preparation and life skills to students, and frequently feature prominent speakers. Mandatory attendance is required at the twice a week program. Each class must also maintain a minimum grade point average: 3.0 GPA for freshwomen, 3.2 GPA for sophomores, 3.3 GPA for juniors, and a 3.4 GPA for seniors.

Student Government Association President, Shanee Williams recognizes the numbers, and has made a goal to raise the student body’s overall grade point average.

“The numbers are frightening, but I am aware of them and I am doing everything that I can in the short time that I have to find the solution to the problem.”

SGA plans to hold weekly study halls based on students’ majors. The organization hopes the study halls will stimulate good study habits and academic achievement. Williams says the SGA isn’t tackling the issue by itself.

“We will be teaming up with the faculty and student senate to combine ideas, and see what we will do to raise the campus’ GPA.”

The campus administration plans to give every student on campus a mentor to help with tutoring, counseling, and career services.

“Mentors will be able to help with major decisions and career choices. They will be able to discern what is going on with you and offer some suggestions. Without question, your academic program will benefit.”

By: Delrisha White

Sisters Don’t Show Up

“The purpose of the events were to bring people together to spend more time with each other,” says Delrisha White, sophomore class president.

However, she admits disappointment that mostly only the event planners came out to support the festivities.

On Monday night the Hot Chocolate Sister Chat was held in the parlor of Player Hall. Sisters discussed everything from the best types of guys to date, who should and should not wear leggings, and when to help a Bennett sister who is struggling academically. Mean Girls, a comedy starring Lindsay Lohan, was shown for Tuesday’s movie night and Belles were supposed to have participated in Thursday’s Arts and Crafts night in the student union. But nobody showed up.

“Overall I think the people who were serious came out,” says White. “I took the events seriously because people complain about a lack of sisterhood, but we planned a week of events and no one barely came out.”

Many Belles claimed their tardiness on late notice. Although White agreed the programs scheduled for Monday and Tuesday were last minute, she feels there was adequate time for planning for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday’s events.

Shevon King, a sophomore Business Administration Major from Harlem, NY, says she disagrees that late notice is an excuse. “They do not care about sisterhood because if they did they would have shown up.”

On the other hand, there were some exceptions to the rule. Senior Brittany Purcell enjoyed the sister chat on Monday night with all three of her little sisters: Chelsea Weddington, Sierra Jackson, and Krystal Patterson.

Miss Royal Blue and White, Charmel Holland had fun dancing to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” at Friday’s cocktail social with her little sisters: Evelyn Rodgers, Antoinette Morris, and Christina Garnett. “I have the best little sisters in the world and we all look forward to these types of events to spend time together,” says Holland.

The initial plan was for the senior and sophomore classes to just have a bonding day. But Alicia Ward, who serves as Miss Senior, recommended the classes’ executive boards hold a week of events. Since the sophomore class is responsible for planning the Senior Banquet, they favored the idea of having more bonding time with their big sisters.

Big Sister – Lil Sister Week was open to all Bennett College students. “A lot of people didn’t come with their big sister,” says White. “Some just came for the fellowship with their Bennett sisters.

“Monday and Friday had the best turnouts,” says Sara Finch, senior class parliamentarian.

“Although there was only a few of us we got the party started by ourselves.”

By: Myeisha Essex

Rolonda Watts Tells Belles to “Love Yourself”

Rolonda Watts played Cupid at Bennett College’s Chapel Valentine’s Night. The media maven shot “Agape” arrows with her bow.  Watts says “agape” is unconditional love for both self and others.

Watts’ conversation with the students was very timely, with many Belles focused on cards, chocolates, flowers, and other material gifts from their valentines.

Watts’ main message of the night was for students to love themselves.

“I know that whatever I go through I am going to be ok because I’ve gone through the process of loving myself unconditionally.”

Rolonda Watts is from Winston-Salem, N.C. Watts graduated from Spelman College, but her ties are just as strong to Bennett College. The college was founded in the basement of her relative’s church. Watts’ worked as an investigative reporter, news anchor, and a talk show host.  She’s currently acting, doing voice over work, and writing a book.

While some Belles are searching for their other halves, Watts encourages them to find out whom they are before searching for someone to grow with.

“You have to be the best you before you can get with someone else. Your greatest relationships, you find during your most difficult times. Never underestimate the power of friendship.”

In addition to healthy relationships, Watts says a woman must follow her dreams, envision her success, and trust her gut intuition.

“Visualizing is such an important part of success. When you have your dreams so visual that you can see it, it starts to take care of you.”

Passionate about her own and others living out their purpose, Watts makes it clear that sometimes you have to be the most important person to yourself and that begins with trust.

“You have to remember never underestimate your gut. That’s how we protect our tribe, that’s how we protect our land. No matter what happens you have to handle it.”

While Watts stands on the foundation of trust, self love first, and perseverance she acknowledges that the process of getting there isn’t easy.

“The women you are today, you won’t even know that person in five years therefore you have to be apart of your life. There’s nothing worst than a women having her dreams deferred.”

No matter what you go through Watts says that you must remain your biggest obstacle, so that other minor things never get in your way.

Watts left Belles with the charge of “Re-Belle-ing”. The concept asks Belles to embrace themselves and all that they endure in order to be successful.

“You are a lady, and a Belle, and when you think about ‘Re-Belle-ing’ that’s talking about getting back to who you are,” ends Watts.

Rolonda Watts told Belles they could continue to reach out to her via facebook at “RolondaWatts” and on twitter “@Rolonda”.

By: Lydia Blanco

The Rolonda Show

Rolonda Anchors WABC Eyewitness News- 1988

Belles Shine at UNCF Conference

Brielle Kenney poses with members of the Pre-Alumni Council at UNCF conference.

Bennett Belles past and present left their mark on this year’s UNCF Leadership Conference. Bennett College won four awards at the United Negro College Fund’s conference in Birmingham, Alabama. The conference consisted of the 65th National Alumni Council and 53rd National Pre-Alumni Council. It took place February 2-6.

Bennett College’s Pre- Alumni Council (PAC) hosted 12 students along with Rachel Pridgen, director of student affairs, on the 8-hour bus ride.

“Bennett was noticed and received the recognition it should have the whole conference,” says Pridgen.

Audrey Franklin, director of alumnae affairs and PAC advisor, won UNCF Advisor of the Year. Caroline Mackey, Bennett alumna class of ’66, won the UNCF National Alumni Council Hall of Honor, and Keisha Natasha Balir won the UNCF Outstanding Young Alumni award.

Bennett also won Scrapbook of the Year. The scrapbook consisted of events the PAC has done throughout the semester including a bone marrow drive, hunted house, and the Big Sweep—a community service clean-up day.

The conference also included training sessions for PAC officers, advisor workshops, business meetings, and a pageant.

Brielle Kenney, sophomore social work major from Willingboro, New Jersey, placed 3rd runner up in the Miss UNCF pageant. This consisted of workshops, including an etiquette class, and rehearsal for a dance segment.

Kenney’s mother traveled from New Jersey to watch her in the pageant.

“It is just me and my mom and she is the reason why I am so optimistic to try and follow my dreams,” says Kenney. She said having her mother there for support meant the world to her.

Kenney applied for the pageant last year around April because PAC President, Tiffani Bryson, encouraged her to apply.

“She showed the capabilities and I knew she would represent Bennett well,” says Bryson.

This is Bryson’s second year serving as president of the organization.

“Bennett College definitetly represented well. Alums came out to support and get to know us,” says Bryson.

PAC hosted a Bennett College alumnae reception during the conference.

“We met a lot of alums there. We also have a few alums who serve on the national boards of UNCF,” says Charnee’ Pearson-Starling, a senior biology major from the District of Columbia who also serves as Miss Bennett College.

“This was my first time going to the conference and I felt proud of all of them. The girls attended all the sessions, dressed the part everyday, their attitudes were wonderful, and they attended all workshops with no question,” says Pridgen.

Danielle Williams and Anthony Neal of Bennett College’s office of Institutional Advancement also attended the conference.  Yolanda Johnson, special asssistant to the provost, who helped facilitate sessions at the conference, and Taunya Monroe, senior admission counselor,  represented Bennett at the college fair.

“This was truly a wonderful experience and I am ever so grateful to have been a part of this event and to say that I am a proud product of an UNCF institution,” says Pearson-Starling. “I love my HBCU!”

By: Myeisha Essex