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Bennett College to welcome Clinton, Dole for fund-raiser

Jul. 22, 2005

NOTE: Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.

By Neill Caldwell*

GREENSBORO, N.C. (UMNS) - Bennett College will party like it's 1996 when
it hosts former President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Sen. Robert Dole
for a major fund-raising event.

In a July 21 news conference, Johnnetta B. Cole marked her third
anniversary as president of the historically black United Methodist
women's school by again pledging that she will continue in the position
until the school "is fully on solid ground" financially. Cole also
offered a series of updates and said the theme for the coming school
year would be, "Bennett College on the move from good to great."

"At the center of this celebration is my recommitment to help Bennett
reclaim her rightful place in American higher education as she continues
her rich legacy of transforming girls into phenomenal women," Cole said.
"I am deeply grateful to my sisters and brothers in the Bennett College
extended family who have contributed to the enormous progress we have
made in just three short years. Now we are moving on to greater
heights."

The black-tie gala involving Clinton and Dole will be Sept. 21 at the
Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro. A reception will
begin at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 7. Tickets are $500 per
person, or $5,000 to sponsor a table.

Cole called the two men "greats of American politics and service." "We
are truly fortunate to have these two amazing forces in the life of our
nation come and support Bennett College," she said.

Clinton defeated Dole in the 1996 presidential election and the two have
become friends in retirement, working together to provide commentary for
the CBS television program "60 Minutes" and on other projects, including
the World War II Memorial in Washington and raising money for victims of
the Sept. 11 attacks.

Cole worked for the 1992 Clinton campaign and was part of his transition
team. She was mentioned as a possible secretary of education during the
first Clinton administration.

Since she's been at Bennett, Cole has befriended Dole and his wife, U.S.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., and both have participated in raising funds
for Bennett. Cole recounted a visit to the campus by Elizabeth Dole when
she was running for the Senate and a promise from her to help Bennett
College.

"A few days later I got a call," said Cole, "and the voice at the other
end said, 'This is Bob Dole, and my wife said I'm supposed to help you.'
I told him he should always listen to his wife. After that we began to
introduce Sen. Dole to all that is Bennett."

Dole is chairing the Revitalize Bennett fund-raising campaign. Cole said
the college has raised $24 million of the campaign's $50 million goal.

In other updates, Cole said:

"	Bennett will receive a $1 million challenge grant from the
William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust. The grant will fund a Kenan
Scholars program for Bennett students.

"	Bennett has received additional grants from the Andrew W. Mellon
Foundation and from Hong Kong/Shanghai Banking Corp.

"	Bennett alumnae have raised more than $1 million for the third
year in a row. Cole also said that more than 30 percent of the "Bennett
Belles" contribute money to their alma mater, a figure that has doubled
since she came to campus three years ago.

"	Enrollment for the fall term is projected to be 530, which is on
target for increased admission goals.
"	For the first time, Bennett welcomed Volunteers in Mission from
the United Methodist Church, who worked at the campus this summer
addressing some of the school's physical needs.

The press conference was held in the newly renovated Steele Hall, which
has been transformed into an art gallery.

*Caldwell is a UMNS correspondent based in High Point, NC.

News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

********************

United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org

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