Campus Community Celebrates the Contributions of B-CU Women in Week-long Women's History Month Festivities

The university community came together to celebrate the numerous women on campus whose exemplary commitment to service stands as a shining testament to the values of Bethune-Cookman University during a week-long Women’s History Month celebration March 18-22. 

Dr. Crystal A. deGregory, director of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Center for the Study of Women and Girls, held a fireside chat in collaboration with the office of student affairs to kick off the celebrations Monday. Students and staff gathered to weigh in “Love Lessons: A Discussion of Service as an Act of Love” in the university’s Center for Civic Engagement Monday evening, reflecting on the university’s commitment to service as the debt we owe Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune for the love she showed in founding this institution.

The Office of the Executive Vice President joined the Center as hosts of the “Hats On! For Women” tea, which was held March 19 in the Performing Arts Center. This event recognized and celebrated those women on campus who have dedicated over 50 years in service to the university. Honorees included:

• Mrs. Gloria Sims-Brown, Office Manager for Title III, ORG, and Futures, who has been with the university for nearly 55 years;
• Dr. Joan Thompson, Assistant Professor and Retention Specialist in the Office of Academic Affairs – nearly 50 years of service;
• Dr. Ranjna Patel, Interim Dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, who will mark 49 years with the university this fall;
• Ms. Rusha Sullivan, the university’s Specialist Payroll Manager, who has been with the university nearly 49 years;
• Mrs. Villajean Freeman, Operations Manager for the Marching Wildcats band, who has been with the university for over 37 years;
• Ms. Davita Bonner, Director of Community Outreach and Civic Engagement, is celebrating nearly 35 years of service to the university;
• Dr. Winifred Johnson, Assistant Professor of International Studies; also nearing 35 years of service;
• Dr. Mary Corliss, Assistant Professor of English, who has also been with the institution for close to 35 years;
• Dr. Claudette McFadden, Professor of Communication Studies, who is nearing 34 years of service;
• Ms. Cherie Houston, Technical Processing Assistant in the Carl Swisher Library, has been with B-CU for over 32 years; and
• Ms. Lillie Wiggins, Director of Accounts Payable, who is approaching her 31st anniversary of employment at B-CU.

"Women's History Month presents a cherished opportunity to honor the countless contributions of women and girls nationwide," said Dr. Crystal A. deGregory, Director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Center for the Study of Women and Girls. "As one of the select American colleges founded by a woman, Bethune-Cookman takes immense pride in our historic and ongoing dedication to preserving women's narratives and to making ‘her-story.’"

A keynote address from Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, the 24th national president of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., on Wednesday, March 20 kicked off the 14th annual Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s Conference, which was led by Dr. Winifred Johnson and held in the Center for Civic Engagement March 21-22.