[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5081]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING BENNETT COLLEGE ON THE OCCASION OF PRESIDENT JOHNNETTA B. 
 COLE'S APPEARANCE BEFORE THE TIDEWATER ALUMNAE CHAPTER, MARCH 18-19, 
                                  2005

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2005

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Bennett 
College and its president, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, on the occasion of 
her appearance before the Tidewater Alumnae Chapter for its annual 
White Breakfast on March 19, 2005.
  Bennett College is an historically black college and university 
founded in 1873 in Greensboro, North Carolina, through the inspiration 
of newly emancipated slaves. Instruction was first held in the basement 
of St. Matthew's United Methodist Church until the Freedmen's Aid and 
Southern Education Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church assumed 
responsibility for support of the school in 1874. Through a $10,000 
gift from philanthropist Lyman Bennett the school was able to prosper 
and grow, and the school was renamed in his honor. In 1926, the school 
was reorganized as a college for women, a role that it continues to 
serve today. In 1989, Bennett College had the distinction of having 
First Lady Barbara Bush as its commencement speaker.
  For over 130 years, Bennett College has served the needs of the 
African American community in North Carolina and its surrounding area. 
Since 1930, Bennett College has graduated over 5,000 women, many 
serving in the education profession. My home city of Chesapeake, 
Virginia, has been particularly reliant on the service of Bennett 
College alumnae as career teachers in the Chesapeake Public School 
System. I am grateful to Bennett College for this contribution to my 
congressional district.
  In 2002, the esteemed Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole became the 14th president 
of Bennett College. Her career as a college university professor and 
administrator spans over three decades. In 1987, she made history as 
the first African American woman to serve as president of Spelman 
College. In 2004, she made history again as the first African American 
woman to serve as chair of the board of the United Way of America. I am 
proud to have her visit my district and applaud the Tidewater Alumnae 
Chapter of Bennett College for bringing her to Virginia on the occasion 
of their annual White Breakfast.
  The Tidewater Alumnae Chapter has distinguished itself in 
southeastern Virginia through its contribution to the community. Among 
their members are many present and former teachers of the Chesapeake 
Public School System. Their professional contribution to my district is 
significant, and I thank them for their accomplishments on the occasion 
of their annual White Breakfast.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Bennett College, Dr. 
Johnnetta B. Cole, and the Tidewater Alumnae Chapter of Bennett College 
for their record of service and contribution to our Nation and to my 
district. It is truly my honor and privilege to recognize Bennett 
College, Dr. Cole and the Tidewater Alumnae Chapter in the United 
States House of Representatives on this day.

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