Letter From The President

     It is an exciting time to be at Bethune-Cookman University.  The rich legacy of faith, scholarship and service left by our founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Methodist minister Reverend Alfred Cookman is being revitalized every day by our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. 
     In the four years since I became president of this great institution, we have achieved University status and enjoyed record-breaking enrollment.  Our stewardship covenant ensures that B-CU stands on strong financial footing, with balanced budgets, strong financial ratings and an endowment that has nearly doubled since 2004. 
     Our students are academically accomplished, multi-talented and spiritually engaged. Through the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life, our students embrace their faith while they attend B-CU.  Many of this year’s graduates are pursuing advanced degrees, and all of our graduating nursing students had secured jobs by the time of commencement.  Nine student musicians were tapped for the Florida Music Education Association 2008 Intercollegiate Band and one was selected for the first-ever Fox Music Experience Internship in Los Angeles. 
Everyday, our faculty and staff inspire students to fulfill their God-given potential.  Many are involved in professional development programs that bring innovation and a global perspective to our campus.  Others are receiving accolades for research – such as Dr. Michael Reiter whose work in environmental science led to B-CU being selected for a prestigious federally funded research program.  
     On campus, we are committed to creating an effective learning environment.  This year, we opened the new L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing Building which includes state-of-the-art technology-equipped classrooms and skills labs and expanded capacity for increased enrollment.
     Finally, interwoven in everything at B-CU is a commitment to leadership development and civic engagement.  Through programs like the Black Male Think Tank and the President’s Beachside Chats, students learn to play an active role in their education.  They look outward with efforts like the Black Male Explorers Program which provides support to young Black males in the community and the Odessa Chambliss Wellness Center, our nurse-managed community health clinic.
     I am so proud to lead an institution with such a proud history of touching lives. 

Florida Classic Presented By
State Farm Is Back
-- And Better Than Ever !!!

     ORLANDO – The 29th Annual Florida Classic presented by State Farm is back for another weekend loaded with fun-filled and tradition-rich festivities. The Classic weekend kicks off this Friday, November 21st with the State Farm Battle of the Bands at the Amway Arena. The annual rivalry game between Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University wraps up the weekend on Saturday, November 22nd at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. This year’s game in particular has some big implications. With this being both of the schools last game of the season, the Rattlers (8-3) and the Wildcats (8-2) are equally counting on a win to help their chances of post season play. The game will open with FAMU’s “Marching 100” and gospel/ soul singer Kelly Price performing the national anthem.
     Here is a timeline of events for Classic weekend:
     -Thursday, November 20th Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Corporate Scholarship Luncheon
     -Friday, November 21st Coaches’ Luncheon
     -Friday, November 21st AARP Hosts: An Evening with the Presidents
     -Friday, November 21st State Farm Battle of the Bands
     -Saturday, November 22nd Florida Classic presented by State Farm
In addition to the weekend’s two main events, the State Farm Battle of the Bands and the rivalry game, there’s a lot more that the Classic has to offer.
     “The Florida Classic presented by State Farm is much more than just a game,” said Joey Walters, director of the Florida Classic. “With all of our ancillary events and some of the new things we’re doing this year, it’s more like a celebration of these two great institutions.”
One of the new things with the Classic this year is that the AARP Hosts: An Evening with the Presidents has changed from a traditional gala –type event to a more “Old Hollywood” style, cocktail and social event. -CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE-      -FROM PREVIOUS PAGE- This event will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla. and will be hosted by non other than Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Joyner, also known as the “Fly Jock” will kick off the event by introducing the presidents of B-CU and FAMU. He will also conduct Q&A sessions with the two presidents later on in the program. In addition, there will be video highlights from each of the two respective schools showcasing their many successes.
     Friday’s Coaches’ Luncheon will be open to the general public for the first time ever this year. For a price of $25 fans will get to hear from the coaches and school dignitaries, while getting to see football players from each of the two schools showcase special talents during the program.
     Another new aspect to the Florida Classic presented by State Farm is the addition of the Uprights Club, the ultimate ticket for gameday. Fans will be able to enjoy the game up-close and personal as they will be sitting on the actual field in the North end zone. For $200, fans will receive V.I.P. treatment in a climate-controlled tent just a few yards from the action. The tent will be complete with a plush lounging area, flat screen TV’s, top-shelf open bar and premium catered carving stations. Fans will also have the choice of sitting outside the tent in tiered individual seats.
     Also, the classic is having its annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Corporate Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, November 20th at the Ballroom at Church Street. The purpose of this luncheon is to show support for education as proceeds will benefit scholarship opportunities at both B-CU and FAMU. The event features presentations from both school’s presidents and draws Orlando’s leaders in politics and business.
For more information, visit either www.floridaclassic.org, or contact Florida Citrus Sports at 407.423.2476.