�㽶�� officially launched its Black History Month observance with the annual Dr. Booker T. Ingram Jr. Black History Month Convocation and Lecture, an evening that centered legacy, leadership and the ongoing responsibility to advance equity within institutions and communities.

Honoring a living legacy

The event in Edmunds Hall opened with remarks from Dr. Selena Blair, �㽶��’s Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice and Community Wellbeing, who framed the lecture as both an act of remembrance and a recognition of leadership that continues to shape the college. Speaking before an audience that included Booker T. Ingram Jr.��himself, Blair reflected on the enduring influence of a man whose work transformed �㽶�� and helped lay the groundwork for many of its current commitments to justice and inclusion.

Ingram joined the �㽶�� faculty in 1987 as the institution’s first African American faculty member and served the college for more than 30 years as a scholar, mentor and trusted advisor. Named Professor of the Year in 2000, he was widely respected not only for his academic excellence but also for his generosity of spirit and his ability to make students feel seen and valued.

Blair noted that the position she now holds exists because of the vision, perseverance and faithfulness of Ingram and others who worked to expand opportunity at the college. She described the honor and responsibility of introducing herself in front of the person for whom her role is named, emphasizing that Black History Month is not only about remembering the past but recognizing leadership that continues to shape the present.

“I stand here because he stood here first,” Blair said.

A call to equity-centered leadership

The keynote address was delivered by Darrin Goss Sr., president and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, who challenged the audience to understand Black history as a living force sustained by leadership, service and moral courage.

Rather than offering a traditional historical overview, Goss focused his remarks on what he calls equity-centered leadership and the essential role philanthropy plays in advancing social, educational and economic progress. He described philanthropy as one of the most enduring values in American civic life.

“If you think about it,” Goss said, “every social movement, every economic advancement, every scientific breakthrough exists because someone decided to give — whether that was their time, their talent, their resources or their influence.”

Goss emphasized that philanthropy is fundamentally rooted in human connection. “It’s this willingness for one human being to see and feel the needs of another human being and step up and try to meet those needs,” he said. “That’s the power of philanthropy.”

He argued that philanthropy reaches its full potential only when equity is placed at its center. Goss defined equity as a standard of fairness that applies resources based on specific needs while accounting for historic and systemic imbalances.

“When equity is at the center,” he said, “it has the power to transform what we do, how we do it, and how we show up for one another.”

From personal calling to public responsibility

Goss traced a pivotal moment in his leadership journey to the 2015 mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, which he described as both a personal and professional turning point. At the time, he was working outside South Carolina but felt a deep calling to return home.

“I whispered a prayer to myself,” Goss said. “I said, ‘If there’s anything I can do to get back to South Carolina, God, make a way.’”

That call ultimately led him to the Coastal Community Foundation, which had never previously been led by a Black executive. Goss spoke candidly about the self-doubt he carried into the role, including fears of being hired as a symbol rather than as a leader chosen on merit.

“All I could be was who I am,” he said. “My culture, my race, my people — fairness is important to me. Equity is important to me. And if that wasn’t what the foundation was about, I didn’t want any part of it.”

Since assuming leadership of the foundation in 2016, Goss has overseen significant growth in both assets and grantmaking while reshaping the organization’s mission to emphasize community engagement and equity. He highlighted the Reverend Clementa Pinckney Scholarship Program, created in the aftermath of the Mother Emanuel tragedy, as one of the initiatives he is most proud of. The program has supported hundreds of students from the Lowcountry, including a current �㽶�� student recognized during the lecture.

Redefining philanthropy

Throughout his address, Goss emphasized that philanthropy extends far beyond financial giving. He outlined five forms of philanthropic capital — social, moral, intellectual, reputational and financial — and encouraged students to recognize that meaningful change often begins long before money is involved.

“You don’t have to be ultra-wealthy to be a philanthropist,” Goss said. “I see in this room more than enough social capital, moral capital, and intellectual capital to change communities.”

He urged students to use their voices, relationships and education to challenge injustice and advance opportunity. Liberal arts institutions like �㽶��, Goss said, are uniquely positioned to prepare students not just for careers, but for ethical leadership.

“You’re not being taught what to think,” he said. “You’re being taught how to think — how to challenge ideas, wrestle with complexity and engage one another on hard issues. That’s powerful.”

Goss closed his keynote by urging the audience to “read reality truthfully and take action responsibly,” calling the coming year a time for what he described as “relentless hope.”

“Hope isn’t passive,” he said. “Faith is the fuel, but hope is what structures our action.”

Continuing the conversation

Following the keynote, Goss was joined by Blair for a fireside conversation that expanded on themes raised during the lecture. Their discussion touched on vocational calling, leadership and self-doubt, the challenges of institutional change and the importance of listening to communities before pursuing reform.

Goss spoke openly about moments of failure in his career, including times when well-intentioned initiatives moved faster than community trust, while Blair reflected on vulnerability, resilience and the importance of asking for help. Audience questions prompted discussion of mentorship, imposter syndrome and the responsibility leaders carry to prepare the next generation.

As the evening concluded, the focus returned to Black history as an ongoing commitment rather than a single month of observance. Goss reflected on his own family history and the ancestors whose sacrifices continue to shape his work, reminding the audience that honoring the past also requires acting faithfully in the present.

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�㽶��’s annual Dr. Booker T. Ingram Black History Month Lecture will feature Darrin Goss Sr., president and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, on Feb. 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Edmunds Hall.

Since 2016, Goss has led the Coastal Community Foundation (CCF)—one of the Southeast’s largest philanthropic institutions—through a period of extraordinary growth and transformation. Under his leadership, CCF’s assets have expanded from approximately $221 million to more than $500 million, allowing the foundation to fund initiatives that promote equity, civic engagement, and regional economic resilience.

A native of James Island, Goss brings a deep understanding of the Lowcountry’s history and culture to his work. His multi-capital approach to philanthropy—one that values moral, intellectual, and social capital alongside financial resources—has redefined how foundations can serve as catalysts for systemic change.

Before joining CCF, Goss served as president and CEO of the Capital Area United Way in Baton Rouge, La., where he led recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastating 2016 floods. He previously worked with the United Way of Greenville County and Wofford College, his alma mater, where he was assistant dean of students and director of career services.

Goss earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wofford College and a master’s degree in Christian ministries from North Greenville University. He is a Liberty Fellow (Class of 2018) and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, affiliations that reflect his commitment to ethical leadership and civic innovation.

A U.S. Army veteran, former athlete, and lifelong advocate for education, Goss serves on the boards of MDC, Inc., in Durham, N.C., and the Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative in Charleston. 

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�㽶�� celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with service, gratitude, and conversation to honor the life and work of the civil rights leader and the values he embodied.��

Annual Service Day reflects �㽶��’s motto 

The college’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve,” was exemplified by students, faculty, and community members alike during its 12th annual MLK Jr. Service Day. Highlights of the day’s service were shared by Student Volunteer Services (SVS) co-directors Abby Donaldson and Becca King at the Martin Luther King Jr. convocation in Edmunds Hall on Monday evening. 

“King himself was a servant leader who coordinated much of the civil rights movement in the South,” King said, acknowledging King’s legacy of faithful service. “His example is still an inspiration to many people, and his legacy of service will continue through �㽶��’s MLK Service Day for years to come.” 

This year’s service projects included assisting in a painting class at , cleanups for several churches, volunteering at the , and assisting at . Other efforts included helping out at the EcoHub on campus, creating Valentine’s Day cards for the elderly, making goody bags for ’s teaching parents, and playing BINGO with the residents at Clinton Presbyterian Community. 

On the year of its 60th anniversary, SVS’s annual MLK Service Day drew a crowd of around 250 volunteers, further representing the community’s dedication to honoring King’s legacy through giving back to the community. 

Keynote address highlights the importance of community 

The celebration continued into Monday evening, with a keynote address delivered by James Bennett, the executive director of . 

Bennett delivered an invigorating speech following the theme “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.” 

Bennett began by drawing comparisons between the theme of this year and last year’s address, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” pointing out that the reason for a sequel is typically because there’s more to the story. 

This year’s story began with building community, something that cannot be done without a shared vision. Bennett referenced a book he’d recently read, “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win,” which broke down the commander’s intent, purpose, and how it is used to drive all components of the Navy to achieve the commander’s vision, likening this concept to Dr. King’s vision during the civil rights movement. 

“This is Dr. King’s holiday, so in a manner of speaking, Dr. King is our commander. In his famous ‘I have a Dream’ speech, he said he had a dream that his poor little children would one day live in a nation where they would not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character,” he said, quoting King and acknowledging these same ideas referenced in the Declaration of Independence. “It is our shared vision that we are all endowed with inalienable rights, and among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Bennett said the next step in building a unified community is to ensure it’s built with values that are congruent with the non-violent movement; values that Dr. King himself abided by: trust, humility, courage, and love, the attribute that binds it all together. 

He spoke of the relationship between love and non-violence, and the importance of not resorting to violence, even when it may seem like the only effective option. 

“Violence increases pain. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” he said. “Love acts as a weapon to disarm hatred and prevents and resists the cunning attack.” 

Bennett wrapped up his address by posing a question: how can we be unified as a nation when it seems like everything we see on TV and social media highlights our differences? 

Referencing figures like Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and Rosa Parks, who paved the way for so many others, he highlighted the importance of “being the one.”

“Be the one who is courageous. Be the one who exudes humility. Be the one who is trustworthy. Be the one who loves your neighbor as you love yourself. Be the one who would be the catalyst to spark a new movement. Be the one who is not afraid to stand alone for doing the right thing,” Benett said. 

A day of remembrance, service, and reflection 

�㽶��’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day represented the impact of his legacy and work. From the personal reflections brought on by Bennett’s address to the opportunity to serve the community directly, Monday’s events showcased how �㽶�� draws inspiration from King daily while embodying the values he held dear to his heart. 

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�㽶�� will host its 2026 Rev. Day of Service Convocation on Monday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. in Edmunds Hall, continuing the college’s longstanding tradition of honoring the life, legacy and teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.��through reflection, dialogue and community engagement.

This year’s convocation theme, “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way,” aligns with the national theme set by and focuses on Dr. King’s enduring commitment to nonviolence as a moral, social and civic practice. The keynote address will be delivered by James Bennett, executive director of .

The annual MLK Convocation is a cornerstone event of �㽶��’s commitment to civic responsibility, leadership development and social justice. Open to students, faculty, staff and the broader community, the event provides an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s vision for a more just and unified society while examining how those ideals apply to the challenges of the present day. �㽶�� also invites student volunteers on MLK Day to volunteer at various sites throughout Laurens County.

Bennett brings to the podium a background that bridges business leadership, public service and community engagement. A native of Taylors, Bennett is a graduate of and earned a Bachelor of Science in packaging science from Clemson University. Before entering the business world, he was a walk-on pitcher for Clemson’s baseball program during the mid-1990s.

Following graduation, Bennett spent more than a decade in the food manufacturing industry, working with Nestlé Frozen Foods and Country Fresh Inc. In 2011, he founded Upstate Home Care Solutions, a nonmedical home care agency dedicated to supporting families and their aging loved ones. Under his leadership, the company expanded to multiple locations in the Upstate and employed more than 100 caregivers at its peak. The organization was recognized as “Best in the Upstate” for in-home senior care services by  in 2019 and was named Minority Business of the Year by the in 2018.��

Bennett sold the company in 2024 and has since focused on leadership and service-oriented initiatives.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bennett has a long history of civic involvement. He has served on several boards and community organizations throughout the Upstate, including , the and . He is also a member of , an organization known for its emphasis on service, scholarship, and leadership.

In 2024, Bennett was named executive director of Palmetto Boys State, an -sponsored program that educates high school students about government, citizenship and leadership through immersive, hands-on experiences. Bennett’s connection to the program spans more than three decades; he first participated as a high school student in 1993. Today, Palmetto Boys State serves more than 1,000 rising high school seniors annually and is widely regarded as one of the premier Boys State programs in the nation.

Bennett and his wife, Matrissa, are ordained ministers and serve at in Simpsonville. They have been married for more than two decades and are the parents of two daughters.

Hosted by the college’s Office of Justice and Community Wellbeing, the convocation is free and open to the public.

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�㽶�� honored its community of first-generation college students during the annual Presby First+ Pinning Ceremony on Nov. 10 in Kuhne Auditorium, marking a defining moment in the college’s celebration of First-Gen Week.��

The ceremony recognized the achievements, challenges, and contributions of students who are among the first in their families to attend college.

This year’s event also acknowledged the 60th anniversary of the , landmark legislation that opened the doors of higher education to broader communities and laid the groundwork for expanding access and opportunity across the United States.

A Community Built on Strength and Purpose

In her welcome, Tomeika Bennett, director of the Presby First+ program, emphasized that the ceremony is more than a recognition—it is a celebration of shared identity and the determination that brings students to �㽶��.

“The Presby First+ pin represents a community connected by a common goal,” Bennett said. “Tonight is a reminder that you can do hard things, that you can navigate unfamiliar territory, because your being here already is a testament to the strength that you possess.”

Bennett also highlighted the significance of first-generation students on campus and across the state.

“In South Carolina, nearly 50 percent of undergraduate students are first-gen. At �㽶��, one in three students is first-gen,” she said. “You all represent an incredible community of diverse learners whose lived experiences contribute to the vibrancy of �㽶��.”

‘You Deserve This Space’

Dr. Selena Blair, Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice and Community Wellbeing, offered words of encouragement rooted in her own experience as a first-generation student. For Blair, the pin symbolizes more than attendance—it symbolizes identity, pride, and perseverance.

“I want you to look at this pin as a sign of resilience. It’s a sign of determination. It’s a sign of fighting,” Blair said. “It’s a sign of breaking barriers and starting new legacies.”

Blair shared that she still experiences moments where she questions whether she belongs in professional spaces—but she reminds herself of the same truth she offered to students.

“You didn’t get here by happenstance,” she said. “You worked hard for it. You earned it. And most importantly, you deserve this space.”

She encouraged students to wear the pin with pride—not just today but on difficult days when doubt reappears.

“Our first-gen identity is not something to be ashamed of,” Blair said. “It signifies to the world that justice lives on in everything we do.”

From the Block to the Blueprint

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Roderick Houston, director of student involvement at �㽶��, who shared his journey from a young boy with big dreams to a college graduate of Lander University and higher education professional.

As a child, Houston said he once imagined only two careers for himself: a garbage truck driver and a preacher. The characters he saw on television—strong, hardworking Black men—were his role models.

“Because when you don’t see yourself represented, you start to wonder if maybe your dreams don’t belong in certain spaces either,” he said.

Houston told students that being first-generation means stepping into rooms where no one in their family has been before.

“Being a first-gen student means you are building the GPS while you’re already driving,” he said. “Where you start isn’t where you’re meant to stay.”

He then asked students to raise their hands if they were first in their family to go to college. Dozens of hands lifted across the auditorium.

“Every hand you see in the air—that’s not just a student,” he said. “That’s a legacy in motion.”

Houston went on to describe two backpacks: one filled with books, laptops, and assignments—the everyday work of college—and a second backpack filled with metaphorical bricks representing family pressure, financial stress, self-doubt, and the weight of future expectations.

But the message was not about the burden.

“You can take this backpack off and hold it as a reminder—not of pressure, but of purpose,” he said.

He reminded students that they are not meant to carry the weight alone. Faculty, staff, friends, mentors—each is there to help.

“One day,” he said, “you will hand that backpack to someone else in your family a little lighter than you found it.”

Houston ended with a declaration that echoed throughout the room:

“You are the blueprint.”

Carrying Legacy Forward

The pinning ceremony concluded with students receiving their Presby First+ pins—small symbols of strength with lifelong meaning.

As Blair encouraged: “Wear it with pride. Because the story you are writing will change your family for generations.”

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�㽶�� will celebrate and honor its first-generation students with a week of events, activities, and community gatherings during First-Gen Week, Nov. 8–14.��

Sponsored by the Presby First+ program, the celebration recognizes students who are the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college and highlights their achievements, resilience, and contributions to campus life.

The week begins Saturday, Nov. 8, with a First-Gen Day of Service from 9-11 a.m. at Clinton Elementary School. Students will join local volunteers and community members to plant daffodil bulbs for the Clinton Canopy project, “Daffodils for Remembrance.” Organizers encourage attendees to dress for outdoor work.

On Monday, Nov. 10, First-Gen Week kicks off with a celebration in the Springs Student Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students are encouraged to wear their First-Gen T-shirts, take photos with themed props, follow the Presby First+ Instagram page, and pick up new First-Gen Week swag. That evening, students are invited to the annual Pizza and Pinning Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in Kuhne Auditorium. The ceremony honors first-year and upper-level students who have not yet received their official first-generation pins. The event emphasizes community-building and shared accomplishments among first-generation students.

First-Gen Week continues Tuesday, Nov. 11, with two opportunities for community support and reflection. From 11 a.m. to noon, member of Alpha Alpha Alpha, the national first-gen honor society will host a “Dear Future Me” letter-writing and affirmation event in the Springs Center, encouraging students to reflect on their goals and encourage themselves for the remainder of the semester. At the same time, also from 11 a.m. to noon, the college’s Division of Justice and Community Wellbeing is hosting “Pie an Executive,” a fundraiser on the Springs Center lawn to help resupply the college’s hygiene closets. Students can “pie an exec” for $1 to raise funds and awareness for the effort.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, first-generation graduate students are invited to a luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Harper Gallery. The luncheon provides an opportunity to connect across academic programs and discuss the unique experiences of being first-generation beyond the undergraduate level. That evening, students can unwind during Grocery Bingo at 6 p.m. in Whitelaw Auditorium. Winners will receive grocery items and pantry staples, offering both fun and practical support ahead of finals.

Career preparation takes center stage on Thursday, Nov. 13, with “Career Fest: Where Fun Meets Your Future” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Smyth Hall. Students can visit the SCWorks Mobile Career Center, speak with career advisors, enjoy food and games, and watch peers model professional attire from the Tartan Threads career closet during the “Rip the Runway” showcase. The event is sponsored by the Office of Career and Professional Development.

First-Gen Week concludes Friday, Nov. 14, with “First-Gen Funnies and Flair” at 5:30 p.m. in Edmunds Hall. The program will feature stand-up comedy from visiting comedian Jas Gil, along with poetry, music, and performance pieces by first-generation students.

Throughout the week, students are also invited to participate in the First-Gen T-shirt Design Contest. Designed artwork should represent �㽶��’s first-generation community, use no more than three colors, and fit within a 12×12 printable area. Submissions are due in digital format to tbennett1@presby.edu. Finalists will be selected based on creativity, thematic connection, and visual appeal, and the winning design will be featured on official Presby First+ shirts.

Presby First+ director Tomeika Bennett said First-Gen Week is a time to recognize the determination, pride, and leadership first-generation students bring to campus.

“Celebrating First-Gen week is a momentous occasion as this year marks 60 years since the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 that expanded access to higher education institutions throughout the United States,” she said. “This is an important time to reflect on the progress that has been made to extend career opportunities and pathways to economic mobility through higher education.  This week is also about continuing to foster a strong sense of community and pride for our first-gen students and champions. It is important that we continue to see and value the assets, unique perspectives, and cultural capital that first-generation students bring to �㽶��.”

For more information, visit �㽶��’s Presby First+ page or follow @presbyfirstplus on Instagram. 

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This past Friday, as part of its Homecoming Weekend celebration, �㽶�� honored the life and legacy of a beloved alumnus during the dedication of the Marion “Dooley” Miller ‘75 Expansive Excellence Center in the newly renovated Reynolds Hall. 

It was a day full of emotion as friends, family, former classmates, and colleagues of Miller all gathered together to reminisce about the kind of man he was, commemorating his achievements, and honoring his legacy as they took in the newly refurbished space.

Miller was �㽶��’s first African American student-athlete and the first African American man to graduate from the college. As a member of the Blue Hose men’s basketball team, he played a historic role in integrating his alma mater and was remembered after his passing in early 2024 as a person of great character and humility.  

After leaving �㽶�� in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in history, Miller went into public education as a teacher and coach. At age 26, he became the varsity boys’ basketball coach at Broome High School and later served as a guidance counselor and administrator in Spartanburg County School District 3 before retirement.

A Blue Hose Spirit

The dedication began with opening remarks from Dr. Selena Blair, the Rogers-Ingram Vice President of Justice and Community Wellbeing, and college president Dr. Anita Gustafson, reflecting on Miller’s legacy, the importance of encouraging student success, and the importance of change. 

“As we dedicate Reynolds Hall, and specifically the Marion Dooley Miller Class of ‘75 Expansive Excellence Center, may it always remind us that progress is built by people; people who care deeply, people who give freely, and people who believe wholeheartedly,” Blair said in her opening remarks.

Miller embodied that spirit, Gustafson said. 

“Dooley’s legacy lives on in this building. It lives on in the students who will walk these halls. It lives on in everyone he taught, coached, counseled, and befriended,” said Gustafson. “And it lives on in the promise we make today, to continue opening doors, to continue supporting excellence for all of our students, and to continue doing so with the joy, grace, and integrity that Dooley modeled for us.” 

The ceremony concluded with remarks from former classmates and friends, who reflected on the lifelong impact that crossing paths with Miller had on them, hoping that the center named in his honor will create a similar impact for students to come. 

“I think this center of excellence reflects Dooley and the influence he had on the students around him at that time,” said Dr. Alvin “Swan” Sewell ‘77. “This place will give today’s students the sense of community that he gave me; that sense of belonging, friendship, guidance, and excellence, just from being in his presence.” 

“My friendship with Dooley meant the world to me, and it’s been a sustaining part of me ever since,” said the Rev. Bob Brearley ‘74. “Dooley was like that. He gave himself to everybody he met; that infectious smile, that humility, that grace.” 

The Miller family also spoke, reflecting on the kind of man he was, and expressing their gratitude and pride at having his name honored and his legacy carried on for generations to come. 

“Whenever I go into spaces like these, it reminds me that grief is kind of like glitter; it’s everywhere at first, but then after you start to clean it up a little bit, you see these little sparkles, and it reminds you of something, and instead of crying, you smile. And today is a day of smiling,” said Miller’s daughter, Lustra.

Celebrating New Space 

The emotions were felt by everyone in the room, including the Justice and Community Wellbeing team, for whom this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and who have the honor of furthering Miller’s memory on campus through their services. 

“Seeing the reactions of the Miller family, donors, our students, and alumni, seeing their excitement and gratitude, and knowing how this space will enhance the student experience has been so fulfilling,” said Blair.

The renovation project has been in the works since 2023, though the dream was born much earlier. 

“I’m overwhelmed with joy to see this day finally arrive,” said Blair. “I remember standing in front of this building on Friday, April 1, 2022, during my on-campus interview, pitching my idea for the use of the building to former president Dr. Matt vandenBerg.” 

For the Justice and Community Wellbeing team, whose services were previously scattered throughout various buildings across campus, having all of their colleagues within arm’s reach has been an incredible change. 

“Being separated made it very difficult, because they were in the main building and we were across the street in the alumni house,” said administrative assistant Susanne McCarley. “It’s exciting to be under one roof, to be able to see and greet each other every day, and to have our meetings together.” 

“Not only is it extremely beneficial for our students, but it also allows us to strengthen our professional relationships with one another and creates more opportunities to collaborate for the betterment of our entire campus community,” said Blair. 

In just the few short months that the Marion “Dooley” Miller ‘75 Expansive Excellence Center has been in operation, much like its namesake, it has already made a profound impact on campus, for both students, faculty, and alumni alike. 

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�㽶�� formally welcomed its newest cohort of first-generation students and Jacobs Scholars during the annual Connect2�㽶�� Launching on Aug. 19 in Kuhne Auditorium, celebrating their place in the Blue Hose family with an afternoon of community, encouragement, and tradition.

The event marked the official launch of the academic journey for these students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college or who have experienced foster care. Faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and upperclass peer mentors joined to affirm their commitment to supporting the incoming Class of 2029.

A Transformative Journey Begins

Tomeika Bennett, director of Presby First+, the program that supports first-generation students at �㽶��, told students they are stepping into a transformative experience that will shape them far beyond academics.

“We know that it will go by pretty quickly, but while you’re here, we hope that you truly will be a part of a very transformative experience,” Bennett said.

Bennett guided students and their families through the day’s schedule, which included breakout sessions tailored for both students and their parents or supporters. These smaller group sessions allowed participants to ask questions, learn more about resources, and hear from campus leaders about what lies ahead.

Following the welcome, students and their families took part in the Launching Ceremony, a symbolic exchange marking the transition from home to college life. Each student signed their name to affirm their place at �㽶��, with college president Dr. Anita Gustafson greeting each of them personally.

‘Once You’re a Blue Hose, You’re Always a Blue Hose‘

In her remarks, Dr. Gustafson emphasized both the unique tradition and the enduring sense of belonging that comes with becoming part of the Blue Hose family.

“Once you’re a Blue Hose, you’re always a Blue Hose,” Gustafson said, tracing the nickname back more than a century to a time when teams were often referred to by their stocking colors, much like the White Sox or Red Sox.

But more important than the nickname, she told students, is knowing they have truly earned their place at �㽶��.

“The thing I would want you to know more than anything is you belong here,” she said. “Whenever you feel a little tenuous, just remember that—you’ve earned it, and you belong.”

As a former history professor, Gustafson also offered practical advice for academic and personal success: be curious, ask questions, stay organized, and find mentors among �㽶��’s faculty and staff.

“You’re here to learn, and curiosity just kind of opens you up to growing,” she said. “Your advisors and professors are here to help guide you. And remember—academics come first, but be sure to get involved and enjoy your time here.”

Authenticity and Empathy

Dr. Selena Blair, Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice and Community Wellbeing, connected with the audience through humor, personal storytelling, and empathy—particularly toward parents experiencing the bittersweet milestone of sending a child to college.

“I empathize with you,” she said. “I cried the night before move-in. They thought I was taking a shower, but I was just letting the water run while I cried”.

Blair encouraged parents to trust that they had given their children what they need to thrive, while reminding students to show patience with their families adjusting to the change.

“Parents, we’ve spent anywhere from 16 to 18 years preparing them to fly,” she said. “Students, have a little grace with us—it’s going to be different when we get back to our houses and you’re not there.”

Blair also underscored that �㽶��’s peer mentors—upperclass first-generation students who guide new students throughout their first semester—will provide continued support.

“We don’t go away,” she said with a smile. “We’re like magnets. We will be here with you on this journey.”

Support for Jacobs Scholars

Dr. Barbara Beeks, director of the Jacobs Scholars Program, highlighted the unique needs and strengths of students who have experienced foster care.

“The Jacobs Scholars Program is a scholarship for students who have been impacted by foster care,” Beeks explained. “This is our third year, and the students are doing awesome. We are so proud of them and so happy with the new cohort that’s coming in”.

Beeks noted that the program offers wraparound services designed to provide whatever is needed to help Jacobs Scholars succeed, from academic support to personal guidance.

“I promise you we’re going to take really good care of them,” she said. “If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me any time. My students will tell you—I’m always available.”

A Network of Champions

In her additional remarks, Bennett orchestrated an interactive moment to demonstrate the web of support surrounding the students. She asked groups across the auditorium to stand—faculty, staff, peers, alumni, and parents or supporters—reminding students that they are never alone.

“Faculty are not here to simply teach you. They will walk with you, challenge you, welcome your questions, and grow with you,” Bennett said.

She told students to look around and remember the faces in the room: “They are your champions. They believe in you.”

Bennett concluded with a charge to the incoming class: “What begins here is not only an education, but a journey of becoming. Take ownership of your journey. Ask questions. Try bravely. Fail forward. Become who you are meant to be.”

Orientation and Beyond

The Connect2�㽶�� Launching capped a series of early orientation activities designed to prepare first-generation students and Jacobs Scholars for success at �㽶��. In addition to the welcome event and breakout sessions, students participated in several days of programming that included workshops, social events, and opportunities to build connections with peers, faculty, and mentors.

Upperclass first-generation students serving as peer mentors were central to these activities, helping new students adjust to campus life and offering advice drawn from their own experiences.

A Family Effort

Throughout the day, speakers emphasized that student success at �㽶�� is the product of a partnership between students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families. The event celebrated not only the accomplishments of the incoming class but also the trust placed in the college community by parents and supporters.

As Gustafson reminded the new Blue Hose: “Have fun, I’m so happy you’re here—welcome to �㽶��, and go Blue Hose.”

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