Newspapers / Bennett College Student Newspaper / May 11, 1995, edition 1 / Page 3
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MAY 11, 1995* BENNETT BANNER «3 Opinions President Scott reminds Bennett of Juanita Shell's legacy It is with deep regret that I inform you of the Death of Dr. Juanita Shell, Benefactress and supporter of Bennett College. She passed away on May lin Los Angeles, California. We will remember Mrs. Shell’s exuberance about Bennett and her excitement about enabling the mass communications program to have a home. It may be appropriate to share some of the flavor of the Bennett friendship with Dr. Shell. I first met Dr. Shell in 1983 in Detroit at the Delta Sigma Theta Convention. We became acquainted because I was a floor candidate for the Office if National President of Della Sigma Theta, and had a platform that attracted her attention. She said to me that she really agreed with the philosophical position that I had expressed and the vision that 1 had about what Delta Sigma Theta could become as an organization responding to contemporary needs. She indicated that she had watched me closely since I had been National President of Girl Scouts U.S.A. As history records, 1 was not elected, though with her support and help and many others, 1 succeeded in motivating the Sorority to rethink the immedi ate pathway under pursuit. Several years passed, and a year after 1 became president of Bennett, she sent a message to me that she was interested in seeing what I would do witli Bennett. Bennett alumna. Villa Frierson, was a very good friend of Dr. Shell, who told me of Dr. Shell’s possible interest in Bennett College. We sent a videotape about Bennett and several sets of information. Then we talked. She said, in tlie way that only she could say “I’m waiting to see what you will do with Bennett. 1 have followed you since you were an under graduate in Delta, and 1 and my family have given funds to support Miles College in Birmingham, and the United Negro College Fund for all of my life. I will continue to give and perhaps if there seems to be reason to do so, 1 will consider investing in Bennett College.” After she decided to begin investing in Bennett, she urged me'to come to.Los Angeles to the UNCF Lou Rawls Parade of Stars so that she might make her first donation on tlie Telethon. 1 went, she gave, and she continued giving to Bennett up until her last surgery. As tliose who know her, typical Mrs. Shell, wanted to motivate tlie I’rustees of the College to give, so she initialed a challenge match tliai she would provide as Trustee giving increased. She had the faith and tlie vision for Bennett. She clearly fell ;uid demonstrated that Bennett was worth a great deal of love ;uid caring. She gave a lot of both, :md she shared a portion of “a px)r widow woman’s assets” (as she liked lo described herself) with Bennett women. Trustee Rosa Hill and I have often been tlie recipients ol the "pH)r widow woman’s treatise” as .she so generously gave to Bennett C'ollege. Sh e graciously accepted ;ui hononiry degree from Bennett tliereby giving a public signal that she indeed cared enough to join tlie nuiks of Phenomenal Bennett Women as they conuibuted toward changing the world. We recall with joy her p;irticipalion in the I'ounder’s College’s highest honor - the l)(Ktor of Humane Letters. M rs. Shell was active in several organizations, including Delt;t Sigma l lieta, and I inks. Inc. She truly achieved success as she lived well, laughed often, loved much. She gained the re.spect of intelligent men ;uid women - Bennett Belles, Bennett Trustees, Bennett I'aculty, Bennett Staff, anil Bennett I 'riends. She made Bennett better Uian she found it through her philanthropy. We foundly remember the dedication of the i Tiiest and .luanita Shell Hall in October 13, IWI, and we will always remember Honorary Belle Juanita Shell. Her memory was ;uid will continue to be an inspiration. Her legacy is rich :uid exeniplifies that ol the Phenomenal Bennett Women. President Dr. Gloria Scott Services for Dr. Shell were held Monday, May S, 1995 in 1ms Anf’eles, California w-^ '!! l«i I ^ Faculty, students and staff of the Mass Communcations, Speech and Theatre stand in front of the Shell Hall buildings. Photo coutlesy of Bennett College Public Relations Staff From Belle to Belle I couldn’t leave you without ex pressing my sincere gratitude for what you have meant to me for the last three years. I am grateful for your support and your encourage ment. 1 was able to succeed here because of the outpouring of love that you have given to me. I will Uiily miss each and every one of you. I may not be able to call you by name but I know you and love each of you through Christ Jesus. Some of you have become life long friends. Some of you have become sister-friends. Some of you have become my daughters. I have mothered, mentor, fed, fought, counseled, chastised, cared, and called you out (smile). I have done each of those things because I love you and want the best for you as you want for me. And, in return, you have taught me so many things. You have taught me the Urue gift of sisterhood, you have taught me the gift of laughter. You have taught me the gift of love. I want to leave with you some wordsof wisdom. First, your repu tation is what men think you are - - you character is what God knows you to be. Second be empowered with knowledge so no one can disempower you. God’s blessings and Godspeed to each and everyone of you. You are Phenomenal Bennett. Antoinette Rochell, psychology major Graduating Class '95 Letter Policy Tlie Bennett Banner wel comes all letters that are typed, double-spaced, and no longer than 500 words. All letters to the editor must be signed, and they include the autlior's name address and daytime telephone number. No letters will be printed in tlie Banner without the author's name. Once submitted tlie letters become the sole property of the of Bennett Banner. The Banner re.serves the right to edit. l.etters may be hand delivered to the Banner office in Shell Hall C or mailed to Letter to the Editor, The Bennett Banner, Shell Hall C Room 2, Bennett College Greensboro, NC 27401. The Banner Congratulates the Class of 1995
Bennett College Student Newspaper
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May 11, 1995, edition 1
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