Benedict College Forty Under 40
The Benedict College “Forty Under 40” honors exceptional alumni who embody the College’s mission and values through their professional excellence, leadership, and community impact. Through their accomplishments, these individuals exemplify the spirit of #TheBESTofBC while serving as change agents and role models for current students and fellow alumni. This prestigious recognition celebrates graduates who, at the age 40 or younger, are making significant strides in their careers while utilizing their education to drive meaningful transformation in their communities and beyond. These “Forty Under 40” honorees have demonstrated outstanding achievements and leadership across a wide range of industries and disciplines, including, but not limited to, science, technology, mathematics, business administration, entrepreneurship, the arts, education, and human services. Benedict College intends for this initiative to ignite a deep sense of institutional pride and inspire others to support and advance the mission of the College actively.
Nomination Process
Benedict College encourages thoughtful and intentional nominations. Nominations can be submitted by anyone (alumni, faculty, staff, students, or members of the community). All nominations must be submitted using the official online nomination form. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of Benedict College alumni, faculty, and staff. Note: The nominee must be informed of the “Forty Under 40” application submission.
See Eligibility, Evaluation Categories, and Nomination Requirements below.
Eligibility
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate alum.
- Must be under the age of forty (40) as of July 30th.
- A demonstrated life-long commitment to the core values and mission of Benedict College.
- Demonstrated meaningful contributions to Benedict College through engagement, leadership impact, or financial investment.
- Must be willing, if selected, to fulfill all program expectations, including payment of the induction fee and attendance at the official initiative events, including the awards ceremony.
- Must not be a previous Benedict College “Forty Under 40” honoree.
Evaluation Categories
- Professional Achievement
• Demonstrated excellence and leadership in their profession.
• Notable career accomplishments, innovations, or recognitions.
• Advancement or impact within their profession. - Community Engagement & Service
• Active involvement in community service, advocacy, or nonprofit work.
• Demonstrated commitment to uplifting underserved or marginalized communities.
• Leadership in civic or volunteer initiatives. - Leadership & Influence
• Recognized as a leader or role model in their profession and/or community.
• Mentorship of others, especially students or young professionals.
• Influence through public speaking, writing, or thought leadership. - Innovation & Impact
• Creative or entrepreneurial contributions that have made a measurable impact.
• Use of technology, art, or policy to drive change or solve problems. - Connection to Benedict College (Bonus Category)
• Continued engagement with Benedict College (e.g., mentoring, donations, speaking engagements).
• Promotion of Benedict College and advocacy for the institution and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
• A member of the Benedict College National Alumni Association.
• History of financial giving to Benedict College.
Nomination Requirements
Benedict College’s 40 Under 40 program celebrates excellence, leadership, and impact among our distinguished alumni. To maintain the integrity of this recognition, all nominations must meet the following requirements. Please review each guideline carefully before submitting your nomination.
Nominators are strongly encouraged to review each guideline thoroughly, as only complete and eligible submissions will be considered by the selection committee. NOTE: Multiple submissions for the same individual will not influence the selection process.
- A nominator may only submit one (1) application during the application cycle.
- Resume or CV of the nominee with a professional
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- One (1) letter of professional recommendation (ex. employer, community leader, organization, pastor, Benedict College faculty or staff, or Alumni Club president). Note: The letter of recommendation must be submitted by an individual other than the nominator and uploaded to the nomination form. The letter should be addressed to Benedict College, Forty Under 40 Review Committee, 1600 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204.
Deadline
The deadline for nominations is July 10, 2026.
For questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Walletta Moore Johnson at 803.705.4606 or [email protected].
At A Glance
Make sure your nominee...
- is a graduate or alum of Benedict College
- is under the age of 40 as of July 30th
- has demonstrated a life-long commitment to the core values and mission of Benedict College
- has demonstrated meaningful contributions to Benedict College
- Refer to Eligibility Requirements for more information
Important Dates
-
Monday, June 29, 2026
Nomination period opens
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Friday, July 17, 2026
Nomination period ends
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Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31, 2026
Honoree confirmations
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Thursday, August 6, 2026
“Forty Under 40” Class Orientation
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Monday, August 10, 2026
"Forty Under 40" Class Announcement
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Friday, October 16 - Saturday, October 17, 2026
“Forty Under 40” Homecoming Weekend Celebration
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Sunday, October 18, 2026
“Forty Under 40” Awards Brunch
“Forty Under 40” Committee
The committee is comprised of select Benedict College administrators and alumni, along with “Special Advisors,” academic deans.
Committee Members
Ms. Mya Schofield '22
Co-Chair
Dr. Walletta Johnson '00
Co-Chair
Director of Development
Dr. Carla Brabham '98
Alumnus
Mr. Rod Casey '05
BCNAA President
Mr. Calleb Obumba '04
Alumnus
Dr. Kimberly Singletary
Honors Program Director
Ms. Ada Brown Belton '77
Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations & Advancement Services,
Ex-Officio
Mrs. Leandra Hayes-Burgess
Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Ex-Officio
Special Advisors
Dr. Tracy Dunn
Dean, School of Business & Entrepreneurship
Dr. Leon Geter
Dean, School of Communication, Art & Social Science
Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique
Dean, School of Education, Health & Human Services
Dr. Jessica Furrer
Dean, School of Science and Engineering
“Forty Under 40” Member Requirements
“Forty Under 40,” individuals will be required to raise funds in support of the initiative. Members will be provided five (5) tickets to the “Forty Under 40” Brunch. Donations can be made online and/or in person.
Goal
$40,000
Member Cost
$1,500
Pay Reporting
$750 - September 1, 2026
$750 - October 1, 2026
Membership Benefits
“Forty Under 40” members will receive the following benefits:
- Induction into the Class of 2026
- Feature on the “Forty Under 40” website
- One (1) ticket to the “40 Under 40” Meet-n-Greet
- Seat on the “40 Under 40” float during the Homecoming parade
- Feature on the jumbotron during the Homecoming game
- 1-year Benedict College National Alumni Association membership
- Reserved seating at the Benedict College Alumni Awards & State of the College Luncheon
“Forty Under 40” Homecoming Weekend
All “Forty Under 40” honorees will have a curated weekend experience designed to elevate and foster meaningful alumni engagement, and strengthen the enduring legacy of Benedict College, honoring both the inaugural and Class of 2026 honorees. The weekend officially begins on Friday afternoon and ends with the awards brunch.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday, October 16, 2026 | BCNAA Awards Luncheon |
| Friday, October 16, 2026 | Meet-n-Greet |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Homecoming Parade |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Football Game |
| Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Awards Brunch |