BENNETT STUDENT SELECTED AS ONE OF 73 HBCU ALL-STARS

Bennett Junior Asheley Taylor  "GREENSBORO, NC — Bennett Junior Asheley Taylor was selected by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities as one of the 73 HBCU All-Stars for 2016 for her accomplishments in academics, leadership, and civic engagement.  “I am honored to be chosen to represent my institution in the HBCU All-star program because I believe that being proactive doing things and leading by example is the first step to getting our institution further up the list of top HBCUs,” said Ashley, who is majoring in psychology. “I believe that Bennett is a great institution and the genuine love I have for my school was reflected in my essay.  Although I am a junior credit wise this is only my second year here at Bennett College and I have seen a tremendous amount of growth that has taken place in my life.” The All-Stars were selected from more than 300 students who attend HBCU’s in 24 states, the District of Columbia, Ghana, Nigeria and the Virgin Islands. “During the course of one academic school year, the 73 All-Stars will distinguish themselves as exemplars of the talent that HBCUs cultivate and as noble ambassadors of their respective institutions,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. “The Initiative is looking forward to working with this third class of All-Stars and is confident this opportunity will allow the Initiative to meaningfully connect with HBCU students and advance academic excellence at their schools.” Over the next year, the students will serve as ambassadors by providing outreach opportunities and communicating with other students about the value of both education and the Initiative as a networking source. Using social media, relationships with community-based organizations, and sessions with industry professionals, the students will share proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential.  They will also participate in the White House HBCU Week Conference, national and regional events, and webinars with Initiative staff and other professionals on a range of disciplines that support a spirit of engagement and personal and professional development. “We're looking forward to working with this new class of HBCU All Stars,” said Deputy Under Secretary of Education and Acting Executive Director White House Initiative on HBCUs Kim Hunter Reed. “Our goal is to provide a unique opportunity for these talented students that exposes them to critical national conversations and thought leaders. No doubt they will make their mark and represent their campuses well.” Taylor has been involved in campus life at Bennett.  She served as sophomore class secretary for the 2015-2016 academic year and was also involved as a Student Ambassador, member of the Psychology Club and the Student Union Activities Board FOCUS group.  This year she serves as president of the Student Ambassadors and  Vice  President of the Psychology Club.  Among her honors and achievements are being selected as a Tom Joyner Foundation Scholarship Recipient and as a Summer Medical/Dental Enrichment Program Scholar. She is the daughter of John Taylor of Durham, N.C." - A Press Release

BENNETT GEARS UP FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WEEK

"GREENSBORO, NC — On September 20-25, 2016, Bennett College will hosts its annual Friends and Family Week which will culminate in the Founders’ Day Convocation on Sun., Sept. 25, 2016, with Dr. Martha S. Jones, the granddaughter of Bennett’s first president as the speaker. “As we celebrate our 90thAnniversary we are honored to have Dr. Jones speak to our students,” said Rolanda Burney, chair of the Friends and Family Week Planning Committee and chief of staff for the Office of the President.  “We are also hoping that the community will come out and join us on Saturday for our community day.” Jones’ grandfatherr was David Dallas Jones, who served as president of Bennett College from 1926 to 1956.  The founder’s day speaker is a presidential bicentennial professor at the University of Michigan where she serves as professor of history and Afro-American and African Studies.  She is a member of the University of Michigan and Law School faculty where she directs the Law Program in race, law and history. Her scholarly interests include the history of race, citizenship, slavery, and the rights of women in the United States. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Columbia University and a JD from the CUNY School of Law. Prior to joining the Michigan faculty, she was a public interest litigator in New York City and a Charles H. Revson Fellow on the Future of the City of New York at Columbia University. Professor Jones is the author of All Bound Up Together: The Woman Question in African American Public Culture, 1830-1900 (2007,) co-editor of Toward an Intellectual History of Black Women (2015,) and author of the forthcoming Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum American, forthcoming from Cambridge University Press in 2017. Her articles have appeared in the Law and History Review, the Journal of the Civil War Era, the North Carolina Law Review, the American Journal of Legal History, and numerous edited collections.  The schedule for Friends and Family Week is as follows: Tuesday, September 20 Miss Bennett College Banquet, Global Learning Center, 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 21 Bennett Dining Services Go Orange Event, David Dallas Jones Student Union, Noon Thursday, September 22 ACES Featuring Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire, Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel, 11 a.m.  Dr. McGuire  is director Emerita of the Center for Academic Success, retired assistant vice chancellor and emerita professor  – chemical education at Louisiana State University Friday, September 23 Miss Bennett College Coronation Ceremony, Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel, 7 p.m. Coronation Reception, Global Learning Center, 9 p.m. Saturday, September 24 Bennett Parent’s Association Annual Meeting, Global Learning Center Auditorium, 9 a.m. Friends and Family Cookout, Campus Quadrangle, 11 a.m. Run 4 the Greenway, N.C. Cumberland Park/Innovation Cornerstone at Murrow & Lindsay, 5 p.m. Arts of Greensboro Folk Festival, Fabric of Freedom “Dislocate,”  Little Theater, 7 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2016 Founders’ Day Convocation featuring Dr. Martha S. Jones, Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel, 11 a.m." - A Press Release

20 BENNETT COLLEGE STUDENTS TO TRAVEL TO CHINA THIS WEEK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAN ENERGY -- ALL EXPENSES PAID

Lee Todhunter, interim director of Bennett College Center for Global Studies (right), is in the Center of Global Studies at Bennett preparing for the trip to China.  She is accompanied by Ebony Small of Greensboro, a journalism and media studies major who will be traveling with the group.  Also in the photograph is Hsia Pei-An, a Chinese Instructor at Bennett. GREENSBORO, NC — A group from Bennett College which includes 20 students will travel on an all-expenses-paid trip to China to conduct research, become immersed in the culture and learn more about clean energy as part of the 100,000 Strong Initiative by the Wanxiang Group, a multinational automotive components group headquartered in Hangzhou, China. The group will depart the U.S. on June 30, 2016 and return July 14, 2016.  The students will be accompanied by Lee Todhunter, interim director of Bennett College Center for Global Studies; and Michelle Linster, dean of the Division of Sciences and Mathematics.  The program is designed for female students who are interested in learning more about the application and development of clean energy.  The Bennett College students are expected to conduct clean energy research projects in collaboration with participating Chinese female students during and after their return to the U.S.  They will be required to submit their research reports one year after completion of the program in China.  “Over the last three years, 155 Bennett students have engaged in an international exchange, making our strategic goal of global acumen a reality,” said Bennett College President Rosalind Fuse-Hall.  “This work certainly enriches the life of the campus.”  During the two-week trip, students will participate in seminars on the history, language, social and economic development of China and the teachings of ancient Chinese philosophers.  The seminars will also address the development and application of various types of clean energy in China and visit clean-energy related facilities.  The students will tour the cultural attractions in China and attend sporting and entertainment activities. This program is supported by the 100,000 Strong Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that was created as a result of the U.S. State Department initiative of President Barack Obama that called for 100,000 American students engaging with China.  Wanxiang partnered with the City of Chicago to set up the first program.  Other colleges the group has partnered with include the Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Lone Star College, and the Congressional Black Caucus and two delegations of students from historically black colleges and universities. “This program provides an immersive experience, exposing our students to the culture and language of the most populous country in the world, and allowing them to gain valuable research skills that they will bring back to Bennett to share with the entire campus,” said Todhunter. “Fully funded opportunities are rare and Bennett is so fortunate to have formed this partnership.”  "I am so grateful that I will have this opportunity, to go to China at no cost and bring back knowledge about clean energy,”  Shani McMichael, sophomore  from Dayton Ohio majoring in  psychology with a Spanish minor.  “This will be my first time traveling outside of the country.  I hope to gain knowledge on how Bennett can reduce its energy costs.  The dedication from Ms. Todhunter is tremendous.  We are grateful to her.” The Bennett College students traveling to China include:  Tyler C. Binion, Antioch, TN Ajana Blackwell, Mooresville, NC Alexis Branch, Upper Marlboro, MD Tiara Campbell, Atlantic City, NJ Rochelle Givens, Atlanta, GA Kiarra D. Harris, Jamaica, NY Ka’la Hill, Upper Marlboro, MD Ayana Kilpatrick, Dewitt, NY  Marshae S. Kirkpatrick, Pittsboro, NC Toriell M. Lewis, Greensboro, NC Esther Maxy, Raleigh, NC Shani McMichael, Dayton, OH Ophelia Murray, Philadelphia, PA Brianna Shields, Norristown, PA Ebony Small, Greensboro, NC Chelsa Tubbs, Greensboro, NC           Nia Watson, Capitol Heights, MD Jaiza Wesley, Greensboro, NC Deja Willis, Mooresville, NC Cassidy Lyric Wise, Los Angeles, CA" - A Press Release

SENIOR CLASS AT BENNETT LEAVES BEHIND A MURAL AS ITS CLASS GIFT

"GREENSBORO, NC —  The senior class had such great experiences during its four years at Bennett College that they wanted to leave a symbol of their experiences for other classes to enjoy. Members of Bennett College Class of 2016 commissioned Khyri Headen Crawford, a recent fine arts graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, to paint a mural that is located on the lower level of the David D. Jones Student Union Building. “I received my inspiration from the ladies,” said Crawford, who spent about 168 hours on the project.  “I’m actually happy and surprised about the final results.” According to Jasmine Everett, president of the senior Class, there are elements of the mural that represent different facets of the Class of 2016.  When the students enrolled in 2008, Obama’s slogan of “Yes We Can,” resonated with the young women.  The young girl in the mural represents the mentoring that takes place between students, the community and alumnae.  The Afro puff in the young girl’s hair represents the “Black Lives Matter” movement.   The mural also includes lyrics that have been included in the seniors’ class song. The mural also includes the names of the residence halls that were open during their first year and descriptive words highlighting the characteristics of the Class of 2016. The commencement for members of the senior class is scheduled Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 10 a.m. in the Quadrangle at Bennett College." - A Press Release

BENNETT STUDENTS TRAVEL ABROAD TO GAIN GLOBAL EXPERIENCES

Chelsea Moore is having fun at a stadium during her stay in Nicosia, Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean. "GREENSBORO, NC —  This semester Bennett College has five students that are studying abroad in countries such as Nicosia, Cyprus; London, England; and Zanzibar, Tanzania. These students say that they have been able to gain insight into their passion, develop a greater appreciation of other cultures and begin the effort to build an international network for future. Olivia Leaven is in her junior year at Bennett and is paying for her study abroad expenses as a Robert Kantor Scholar.  She is enrolled in the School for International Training (SIT)  Study Abroad Program in Tanzania, conducting research with a focus on costal ecology, natural resource management, and sustainable development. The biology major and international affairs minor, wants to help indigenous groups grow healthy crops that will ultimately result in reduced incidents of diabetes and high blood pressure.  She said she wants to create and manage a non-governmental organization that acts as an ombudsman between indigenous and underrepresented communities encouraging self-sufficiency.  Leaven is passionate about making sure underrepresented communities have healthy foods.   As a student, she is currently working on establishing SanKofa Sprouts in Greensboro. Sankofa is a word in the Akan language of Ghana that translates as “reach back and get it.” “SIT is like a beacon of light that directs me to my goals,” said Leaven. Chelsea Moore is a junior, journalism and media studies major from Nashville, Tennessee who is studying in Nicosia, Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean. Moore says, her experience thus far has been life changing. "I've grown in so many aspects and I can now say I'm able to adapt anywhere!"  Students often wonder are they allowed to travel to other countries while studying abroad.  "What I'm enjoying most about my time here in Europe is the ability to travel to various countries inexpensively." Jaiza Wesley is a junior, psychology major- sociology minor from Olympia, Washington, who is studying in Nicosia, Cyprus, the largest city on the island of Cyprus, a part of the European Union. Her favorite course that she is taking at the University of Nicosia is “Culture and Psychology” where she is learning how important it is to take into consideration people’s culture, not only when counseling, but in everyday life. Joy Angbo, a business major from Brooklyn, is shown here in Nicosia, Cyprus.  She is there as part of a Bennett College Study Abroad Program. Wesley says, “I recommend studying abroad to all students, this experience has changed my perspective on how to view the world. I believe it is important to meet and interact with people of different cultures. Take advantage of the opportunity!” Often times, students want to study abroad, but don’t know where to start. Every semester there is an Academic Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES) program available to all students at Bennett College where study abroad students share their travel experiences. Ms. Lee Todhunter, Interim Director, for the Center for Global Studies, said, “The only restrictions for students wishing to study abroad is that they cannot be freshwoman or in their final semester of studies. In addition, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, although some programs require higher, and students must be in good academic standing.” The Center for Global Studies is created to help students who have inquiries about studying abroad, where to start and how to apply. Todhunter said, “The center for Global Studies has also made an effort to partner with those who provide cost effective programs that match Bennett’s cost of attendance, including programs to countries such as Cyprus and Costa Rica and to help students identify a program that offers courses they can take for credit and one that they can also afford.” Joy Angbo, a junior business administration major and management minor from Brooklyn, New York, is also studying at University of Nicosia. She is enjoying the course she is taking in Corporate Finance where she is learning how to make investments. This experience is an eye-opener for Angbo, since it is her first time being out of the country for an extended period of time. “I can’t wait to be back at Bennett to share with my Bennett sisters my full story of this beautiful opportunity,” said Angbo. Kiara Mills, junior journalism and media studies major from Willingboro, New Jersey, is currently studying at London South Bank University in London, England. The program has provided her with insight on how people in different parts of the world experience an education. She is taking Professional Writing; and Cultural Memory, and American Cinema courses." - A Press Release

BENNETT COLLEGE BRINGS NEW PERFORMANCE STYLE TO THE LITTLE THEATRE IN “UP ALL NIGHT”

"GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Bennett Players presents “Up All Night,” a stage adaptation of “Anna May and the Preacher:  A Collection of Short Stories” by Theresa Bennett-Wilkes on April 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. in The Little Theatre at Bennett College.  The event is free and open to the public.  The Box Office opens 30 minutes before curtain.   A talk back with the author and performers will occur after both performances.  Signed books from the author will also be available. The adaptation is performed by Jovelyn Richards, visiting performance artist, writer and host of Pacifica Radio, 94.1 FM in the San Francisco Bay area. Some of the scenes in the adaptation are performed by Bennett students who are enrolled in a “Voice for Actors” class taught by Elisabeth Ritson-Lavender, an assistant professor of theater at Bennett College.  Among the students participating are: Clyje Armstrong, Cyera Bonner, Ashley Riddick, Tyana Gladders, Britni Allen, Janae Peats and Stephani Hunter. Ritson said this is her class’ first attempt at this style of performance and the effort has turned into a class project.   “Our students are excited about their role in the performance and are intrigued by the stories in Ms. Bennett-Wilkes book,” said Ritson-Lavender. “We are expecting a really fun night of improvisation performance.  Students will sing, dance, shop for church clothing and more.  They will be acting out the narrative. Mrs. Bennett-Wilkes has a wonderful voice in which she writes. It is more of a specific tone to time and place.” According to Richards, students will read the short story “Anna May and the Preacher” and during planned bookmarks, Richards will come to life with improvisational performances.  In addition, students have picked several scenes within the story to bring to life through their own perspectives. “The goal is to have an understanding between the characters and the audience,” said Richards.  “We are going to read between the lines and create characters.  Richards calls the process “performance literature and improvisation.”  “It is the first time that I believe this type of performance is being done.” Richards is a writer and performance artist specializing in improvisational narratives. She uses music to add another dimension to her performances. She taught and performed improvisational narratives for Hungarian musicians at Central Eastern University. She served as adjunct faculty at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and as a community educator for the California Institute of Integral Studies. She performed at the National Black Theatre Festival, Winston-Salem, NC, in 2013 where she received rave reviews.  “I am excited and curious to see where it takes me as an author,” said Bennett-Wilkes.  “It is humbling that my work made the kind of impression where Ms. Richards wanted to do the show.” Bennett-Wilkes is a published, and self-published, author residing in High Point, N.C. She grew up in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. She is a second-generation Bennett Belle who is a member of Bennett’s Class of ’72.  Prior to becoming an author and freelance writer, Bennett-Wilkes spent more than 20 years as an urban planner in the U.S. and England. She is an adjunct professor of communications at Guilford Technical Community College, Jamestown, N.C.  She earned a B.A. in history from Bennett College and completed a master of urban planning degree at the University of Washington, Seattle." - A Press Release

INSPIRED BY FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA BENNETT STUDENT CREATES EXERCISE PROGRAM

Ka’la Hill, during the Bodies by Bella Program. "GREENSBORO, NC — Bennett College Junior, Ka’la Hill is stretching her way to the top with her program “Bodies by Bella.”  She was inspired to start the program by First Lady Michelle Obama.  Hill, who is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, started this program as a way to encourage her fellow students to become more physically active and maintain healthier lives. On September 29, 2014, Hill scheduled her first Bodies by Bella class.  At first, attendance was very inconsistent.  “I kept showing up, even if no one was there, but that gave me time to learn new things to contribute to my workouts,” she said.   This year, her class popularity has grown from 12 to 20 students in attendance.  Aside from just wanting to help her sisters, Hill attributes her inspiration for starting her program to First Lady Michelle Obama’s, Let’s Move Campaign.  The First Lady’s campaign seeks to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity.  “I would love to get the chance to say thank you to the first lady for inspiring me and teaching me the importance of being physically active,” she said. Hill is also grateful for the Bennett College experience she has had thus far.  “Bennett taught me how to be a leader. The support of professors and the encouragement of my sisters has helped get me where I am today.” Now that Hill is a junior, she has been thinking about her plans after Bennett College.  She wants to earn a master's degree in social work and start a community-based program to target childhood obesity.  She also wants to implement nutritional programs for low-income people.  Until then, she is focusing on how to continue fitness programs for Bennett College.  “By the time that I leave [Bennett], I would like to have several fitness programs in place for my sisters.” She says that one of the most rewarding experiences from her program is when she hears her sisters say that they have lost weight or that they are seeing a difference. Bodies by Bella is offered every Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., in the Gym at Bennett College." - A Press Release

Greensboro Among 2015 Best Cities for Black Entrepreneurs

"The cities of Greensboro/High Point together have been  ranked 55 out of more than 350 US metro areas on their ability to provide the best opportunity for success for African American business entrepreneurs.

The study, conducted by data-science group GoodCall, looked at economic health, educational attainment, networking opportunity, and unemployment rates. For a full breakdown of the data and methodology used, visit this website. 

“Area educational institutions such as NC A&T State University and Bennett College have been the stepping stone for many young black entrepreneurs,” says Gwen Carter, coordinator of the City of Greensboro’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) program. “And through our MWBE program, the City provides minorities equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of City contracting and purchasing programs. Together, as a community, we strive to provide education and technical assistance to minority- and women-owned firms so they can they can not only succeed, but also thrive.”

The City’s MWBE recently sponsored the first Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in Greensboro, hosting networking opportunities, workshops and a luncheon and produced a series of workshops on MWBE-related issues."

- A Press Release

Critical and Less Commonly Taught Languages are Available at Bennett College

"Bennett College is offering three (3) critical and less commonly taught foreign language courses this spring. Along with students from Bennett and neighboring campuses, members of the Greensboro community are invited to register for classes in Arabic, Chinese or Kiswahili.

For spring semester 2015, classes begin on January 12 and are offered at the class times below:

AB 102-01 Elementary Arabic II — MWF (10:00 – 10:50am)

AB 102-02 Elementary Arabic II —TUES and THURS (5:30 – 6:45pm)

CN 101-01 Elementary Chinese I — MW(11:00 – 12:15pm)

CN 102-01 Elementary Chinese II — MW(5:30 – 6:45pm)

KI 102-01 Elementary Swahili II — MWF (10:00 – 10:50am)

KI 102-02 Elementary Swahili II — TUES and THUR (5:30 – 6:45pm)

Note:  All courses are taught on campus in the Global Learning Center on Gorrell Street. 

Participants will gain a greater command of the languages and cultures of these regions as the courses will be taught by visiting international instructors. Teaching Arabic through the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FTLA) Program is Mohammed Al-Hatimi from Saudi Arabia. Mandarin Chinese will be taught by Yun-Ju “Claire” Chen from Taiwan through the Alliance for Language Learning and Educational Exchange (ALLEX) program. Swahili will be taught by David Mshana from Tanzania through the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program. 

According to Dr. Gwendolyn Bookman, director of the Center for Global Studies, the goal is to offer these opportunities as a way to assist area students gain the level of competency in the language and culture of these regions that will make them most competitive in the 21^st Century and as a way to enrich the cultural education that is offered to members of the Greater Greensboro community.  “As we equip Bennett students to be 21^st Century leaders and global thinkers, we are pleased to offer them exposure to the languages and cultures of strategic regions of the world that have been identified as important for global citizens to know,” said Dr. Bookman.

If you are interested in enrolling in these courses for Spring 2015, AFTER January 5, please contact Dr. Bheki Langa, chair, Department of English and Foreign Languages, blanga@bennett.edu or Center for Global Studies, at gbookman@bennett.ed or at 366-517-2106 for further instructions."

- A Press Release

Buchanan found not guilty of assaulting, resisting officer

Ashley Buchanan, a Bennett College graduate who had been charged with two misdemeanor offenses stemming from an April incident, was found not guilty during her hearing in Guilford County District Court today.

Judge Wendy Enochs announced the verdict at approximately 5:30 p.m, following testimonies from witnesses, as well as closing statements from the state, and Buchanan's representative, Jason Keith.

Buchanan was one of four women arrested during an April graduation party at the Sebastian Village apartment complex. She was charged with assaulting a government official and resisting an officer while police attempted to disperse the party due to excessive noise and occupancy.

Buchanan and six other attendees of the party testified during the hearing. They all claimed that police used profanity and excessive force in the incident.

Read: Bennett and A&T student complaints about Greensboro police

Today's dirt article about two incidents between Bennett College students and Greensboro police references the complaints that students filed with the city after the incidents in Sebastian Village apartments. In the first incident, students describe how they were treated when police knocked on their door looking for an armed robbery suspect and in the second, Bennett students celebrating graduation give their version of a night that led to four arrests after noise complaint calls.

Read the complaint and other relevant documents from the first incident here.

For some reason I am having technical difficulties uploading the complaints from the second incident but I will update this post as soon as possible. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Bennett College offering free Arabic classes to public

Bennett College has announced it will offer free Arabic classes on Mondays and Wednesdays this semester that are open to the general public. "Arabic I" will meet from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and "Black Perspectives on Islamic History" is offered from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Below is part of a press release from the school:

"Interested participants are encouraged to seek more information by Friday, January 11, 2013. Please contact the Bennett College Center for Global Studies by calling Dr. Gwendolyn Bookman at 336.517.2106 or gbookman@bennett.edu. 

The classes run from Monday, January 7, 2013 through Wednesday, April 24, 2013. Participants do not have to be enrolled students of the College. 

The course is taught by Project Director Maurice Hines. Receiving his undergraduate from UNCG, he later completed his graduate studies in the Sudan. Hines is an experienced instructor who specializes in teaching for non-Arabic speaking students. 

This initiative is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in an effort to strengthen international studies and foreign language instruction. Bennett College was awarded $64, 044 last September." 

BLOG Extras: YES! Weekly Scuttlebutt

Bennett College president to step down

Bennett College President Julianne Malveaux announced on Tuesday that she will step down in early May. Malveaux has served as president of the historically black college for women in Greensboro since 2007, when she succeeded Johnnetta Cole. Charles Barrentine, chair of the board of trustees, credited Malveaux with completing a $21 million capital improvements progam, restoring accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and increasing enrollment to a historic high of 735 students in 2009. Malveaux, an economist and media pundit, cited a desire to pursue other challenges as reason for her resignation. — Jordan Green

Greensboro College receives $1 million donation

Greensboro developer Roy Carroll has donated $1 million to Greensboro College, where he is an alum and a trustee. Carroll’s daughter is a senior at the college and president of the Student Government Association. The college has raised $7.5 million since launching its Pride in the Future capital campaign in April 2011. — Jordan Green

Downtown Residents Association of Greensboro launches

The Downtown Residents Association of Greensboro held a kickoff event Feb. 22 at Natty Greene’s. Founder Dianne Ziegler, who moved here four years ago after living downtown in various other cities, addressed the packed room to explain how the organization would function and why it was formed. So far the group has crafted bylaws and a logo, filed for 501(c)3 status and held a strategic business planning session. For $25 annually, anyone who works, lives or plays downtown can join the association.

Mayor Robbie Perkins spoke after Ziegler, and after complimenting the new organization and the event turnout, focused on the need for a downtown performing arts center.

“I’m fired up about this performing arts center,” Perkins said. “People will say it’s not the right time to pursue this project. Now is the perfect time. If we wait until things ‘get better’ we will have lost this.”

Perkins said the city could save on construction costs and that the center would be a sales tool for Greensboro. The performing arts center could be a game changer downtown, he said, helping to transform the city to be more like to Greenville, SC, which he described as “nearly perfect.”

The next meeting will be held March 20 at Bin 33. — Eric Ginsburg