The Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel erupted in cheers as President Phyllis Worthy Dawkins announced Monday that Bennett College had raised $8.2 million.
Dawkins says gifts came in all amounts.
“What matters most is that people gave, and they gave from their heart," she says. "The outpouring of love and support that Bennett received during this campaign is amazing. ... Some might even call it a miracle.”
The historically black women's college set a $5 million goal when it found out it was at risk of losing its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges due to lack of financial resources.
Bennett officials thanked the alumnae, foundations, students, and community members who made reaching the goal possible. They also announced a $1 million gift from investors Kwanza Jones and husband Jose Feliciano.
Bennett College's appeal meeting will be February 18 in Atlanta.