Bennett College surpassed its goal to raise $5 million to help in its fight to restore its accreditation, according to The News & Observer.
The school announced on Monday that it raised $8.2 million and will appeal the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission’s decision to revoke its accreditation in December.
The Stand with Bennett Campaign launched eight weeks ago and saw support from students, alumni and corporations. Last month, the Papa John’s Foundation donated $500,000 to the school.
Bennett President Phyllis Dawkins said in the past week that the private, historically Black college for women received a flush of donations.
“We appreciate each and every gift that we were given, no matter how small or how large,” Dawkins said, per News and Observer. “What matters most is that people gave, and they gave from the heart.”
High Point University gave the liberal arts HBCU a $1 million challenge grant on Friday, helping the school reach 95 percent of its fundraising goals. Los Angeles couple Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano also donated $1 million.
“This whole campaign is not about money,” said High Point President Nido Qubein. “I believe that God has ordained Bennett in a very special way, to say to the world that there is a reason why Bennett was founded and there is a reason why Bennett must continue to sustain itself with both success and significance.”
