April 25, 2008

Class of 1958 Honored During 2008 Spring Commencement

Imagine a Bethune-Cookman University campus with no Civic Engagement Center, no Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center (MMB PAC) or Fine Arts building, not even a Charles Parlin Student Center. Well this was just the case when the Class of 1958 departed Bethune-Cookman College to serve this world. The Class of 1958 celebrated their golden 50th class reunion during Commencement weekend April 18-19, 2008 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The festivities provided many opportunities for the classmates to reminisce about their days on the yard. The highlight of the event for the 13 graduates in attendance from the class of 1958 came on Saturday at the 2008 Spring Commencement Ceremony when they were honored on stage by Dr. Trudie Kibbie Reed. The ’58 grads also got the opportunity to greet the special guest speakers, Mr. Earl Graves and Ms. Cicely Tyson, as they walked across the stage. One graduate from the Class of 1958 was especially grateful for the opportunity to participate in the ceremony. “I got to say hello to Ms. Tyson and she even gave me a kiss on the cheek” said Ms. Katie Cooper Curtis reminiscing about the special moment.

After the Commencement Ceremony the reunion participants gathered for a recognition banquet held at the Oswald P. Bronson Banquet Center inside of the MMB PAC. The participants were greeted by National Alumni Association President Ms. Jacqueline Mongal before enjoying a delicious dinner followed by reflections and entertainment by Class of 1953 graduate John Broome. Class of 1958 graduate and retired Broward County teacher Ms. Annie Edwards summarized the weekend by saying “I am truly blessed for the opportunity to be able to celebrate my 50th class reunion with so many of my classmates and friends.” The Golden Class is honored during their 50th reunion every year at Bethune-Cookman University Spring Commencement Ceremony.