Benedict College proudly celebrates an extraordinary milestone in its history of alumni philanthropy as the institution marks 12 consecutive years of Inspiring Alumni Philanthropy, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of its alumni and friends to the success of future generations of Tigers.
For the 2026 Alumni Fund Campaign, Benedict College once again achieved an outstanding fundraising year, continuing a remarkable tradition that has generated $1,702,229 in support of scholarships, academic programs, student services, and other institutional priorities.
The Alumni Fund reflects gifts received during the campaign period, not future pledges or commitments, highlighting the immediate and meaningful investment that alumni and supporters continue to make in Benedict College and its mission.
“This milestone represents far more than dollars raised; it reflects the collective effort from Alumni Clubs Leaders and volunteers nationwide over the many years by faith, loyalty, and shared purpose,” said Ada Brown Belton, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Advancement Services. “Our alumni and supporters continue to demonstrate that investing in Benedict College is an investment in transforming lives. Their generosity strengthens our mission and creates opportunities that will benefit students for generations to come.”
Club Name Amount Club Rank President Name Columbia Alumni Club #2 $ 339,074.38 1 Mr. Basil A. Harris’89 Washington Alumni Club #46 $ 111,110.60 2 Mrs. Kimberly Gilliam’87 Columbia Alumni Club #1 $ 76,889.23 3 Ms. Janie Fair’71 Atlanta Alumni Club $ 76,801.99 4 Mrs. Teshine G. Good’74 Augusta Alumni Club $ 62,454.30 5 Ms. Frances D. Wimberly’68 Edisto Area Alumni Club $ 51,490.93 6 Mr. Henry A. Dyson’63 Greenville Alumni Club $ 48,692.00 7 Mr. Rondey L. Smalls’79 Greater Jacksonville Alumni Club $ 42,091.00 8 Ms. Erica Sharee Smalls’07 Charleston Area Benedict Alumni Club $ 38,495.00 9 Mrs. Lovie Simmons Howell’80 Tiger West Alumni Club $ 36,321.22 10 Dr. John W. Summers’72
Under Belton’s leadership, the Alumni Fund has become one of the College’s most consistent and impactful sources of philanthropic support. Through her strategic oversight of annual giving initiatives, donor engagement efforts, and alumni participation campaigns, the College has sustained 12 consecutive years of fundraising success and raised over $1 million. Working closely with volunteer leaders, alumni clubs, and supporters across the country, Belton has helped to strengthen a culture of giving that continues to advance the College’s mission and expand opportunities for Benedict students.
The campaign also benefited from the dedicated support of chairs and members of the Alumni Fund Committee, Dr. Elsie Hamler, Dr. Marlene McClerklin, Mrs. Teshine Good, Mr. Jimmy DuRante, Dr. Juliet King, and Mr. Melvin Miller, and other alumni volunteers nationwide whose advocacy encouraged widespread participation throughout the year.
“Our alumni continue to prove that Tiger Pride is demonstrated through action,” said Rod Casey, President of the Benedict College National Alumni Association. “Year after year, Benedict graduates, reunion classes, and other alumni organizations answer the call because they understand that today’s gifts become tomorrow’s opportunity. Every contribution helps ensure our students have the resources to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.”
Benedict College President and CEO Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis praised the enduring commitment of the College’s alumni and supporters.
“For twelve consecutive years, our alumni have demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose and give with heart,” said Dr. Artis. “Their generosity continues to distinguish Benedict College nationally. While our alumni community may be smaller than many institutions, its extraordinary commitment consistently delivers an outsized impact. Their investment reflects confidence in our students, belief in our mission, and a shared vision for the future of this beloved institution.”
Alumni clubs once again played an essential role in the campaign’s success, with nearly half of all reporting clubs meeting or exceeding their individual fundraising goals. Their efforts, combined with reunion giving, class campaigns, and individual donor support, helped sustain Benedict College’s remarkable culture of philanthropy.
“Our alumni club presidents and volunteers continue to inspire excellence through their leadership,” said Dr. Marlene McClerklin, Alumni Fund Co-Chair. “This twelve-year streak is a testament to the relationships we’ve built, the pride we share, and the collective belief that every Tiger has a responsibility to give back and help move Benedict College forward.”
Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Trustee Elsie Hamler, Alumni Fund Chair, emphasized the collective commitment that has fueled more than a decade of success.
“Reaching twelve consecutive years of meeting our fundraising goal is an extraordinary accomplishment that belongs to every alumnus, friend, volunteer, and donor who chose to invest in Benedict College,” said Dr. Hamler. “Together, we have built a culture of generosity that continues to elevate our institution and expand opportunities for our students. More than $17 million has been invested in Benedict College over the past twelve years because our alumni understand that their legacy is measured not only by what they achieved here, but by what they make possible for those who follow.”
Special appreciation is extended to the Office of Institutional Advancement, led by Vice President Leandra Hayes Burgess, whose strategic leadership and collaboration with Alumni Relations and Advancement Services help to strengthen and deepen alumni engagement.
As Benedict College celebrates twelve consecutive years of fundraising excellence, the achievement stands as a powerful reflection of the enduring bond between the College and its alumni. Together, they have created a legacy of generosity that is transforming lives, strengthening the institution, and ensuring that future generations of Tigers have every opportunity to succeed.
Benedict College
Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 29 competitive baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from several counties in South Carolina, states across America, and countries around the world. The College also has a diverse faculty deeply engaged in teaching, research, and service.
Benedict College has been highly regarded and exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. Benedict College is the recipient of the 2024 UNCF Institutional Excellence Award given by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building Program. Benedict was also named HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest and voted the number one Gold Winner in The States’ BEST College or University in 2025. The College was also recognized as one of the Best Colleges in South Carolina in the 2026 Research.com rankings.
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Five of the College’s degree programs hold national accreditation: Social Work Program, Environmental Health Science Program, Environmental Engineering, Studio Art, and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.