DAYTONA BEACH – Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) invited the community to a celebration in honor of founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s 149th birthday.
“Each year, we celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of our Founder, who dedicated her life to paving the way for others to succeed and have extraordinary opportunities,” said Dr. William Berry, Acting President and Provost of Bethune-Cookman University. “It is with great pride that we continue this annual tradition to ensure her legacy continues to live on and represents what she has meant to our institution and the world.”
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, attendees had the opportunity to gain greater insight into Dr. Bethune, her life and achievements by exploring a curated exhibit of artifacts from the Mary McLeod Bethune Home and University Archives. B-CU says this event is only the beginning of year-long festivities aimed at generating excitement for the sesquicentennial anniversary in 2025.
“It is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome the campus and community to this marked occasion celebrating the birth, life, and legacy of our beloved founder as one of the greatest American and global citizens to ever live,” said Dr. Crystal A. deGregory, Director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Institute for the Study of Women and Girls. “We are also saying to the world, as you make plans to celebrate our Founder’s sesquicentennial birthday, come home to Bethune-Cookman, ‘The Home That Mary Built.’”
The 149th birthday celebration was held on campus July 10 inside Carl S. Swisher Library, which is located at 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. in Daytona Beach. Light hors d’oeuvres were served between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
For more information about Bethune-Cookman University, visit www.Cookman.edu.
