Benedict College

Congratulations to Jordan Tanksley, a senior Biology major from Evans, Georgia, on her acceptance into the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program at Emory University School of Medicine! Your hard work, dedication, and excellence continue to make Benedict College proud. #TheBESTofBC #BenedictCollege #StudentSuccess #EmoryUniversity #FuturePhysicalTherapist #BiologyMajor #TigerPride

The Social Work Department’s Food Insecurity course recently participated in a photo shoot at the Benedict College Community Garden. The garden is a campus-based initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity while promoting education, sustainability, and community engagement in the Columbia area. As part of the college’s broader community outreach efforts, the garden seeks to enhance quality of life both on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. It is located at the Tiger’s Den, which also houses a pantry that serves students by increasing access to fresh, healthy foods. Although the garden is in its early stages, it has strong potential to produce vegetables and herbs that can be distributed to students and community members to help reduce food insecurity. Read more: benedict.edu/senior-and-jun…

Dr. Shaneen Corujo is an Associate Professor of Psychology. She is known for her dynamic teaching, student-centered mentorship, and commitment to cultivating inclusive learning environments. Her work bridges academic rigor with real-world application, particularly in areas that center equity, identity, and the lived experiences of historically marginalized communities. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to higher education, Dr. Corujo was recently named the 2026 SCICU Excellence in Teaching Award recipient by South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. This prestigious annual honor is awarded to faculty members across the state who exemplify excellence in teaching and demonstrate a deep and sustained commitment to student success. Dr. Corujo’s teaching philosophy is rooted in engagement, empowerment, and transformation. She creates classroom spaces that encourage critical thinking, authentic dialogue, and personal growth, inspiring students to connect psychological theory to their own lives and communities. Beyond the classroom, she is deeply invested in mentoring students—guiding them through academic challenges, professional development, and the pursuit of meaningful careers. Her recognition by SCICU reflects not only her passion for teaching but also her broader impact on her academic community. Dr. Corujo continues to shape the next generation of scholars, practitioners, and leaders through her unwavering dedication, innovative pedagogy, and commitment to educational excellence.

🔥🎉 TODAY IS THE DAY — HARAMBEE IS HERE! 🎉🔥 The celebration starts TODAY for the Neighborhood Award’s BEST Festival winner — the 37th Annual Harambee Festival! 📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 ⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium Get ready for a full day of music, culture, and community! Taking center stage and headlining the festival is Southern Soul great 803Fresh 🎤🔥 bringing the energy, the rhythm, and the hits that will have the whole stadium moving! So bring your fans, bring your boots, and bring your crew — because it’s going to be a day filled with great music, good vibes, and nonstop dancing! 💃🏾🕺🏾🎶 Don’t miss the excitement. Harambee is happening TODAY! Let’s celebrate together! ❤️🖤💚 #HarambeeFestival #Harambee2026 #803Fresh #SouthernSoul #FestivalDay #DanceAllDay #CommunityCelebration

🎉🔥 TODAY IS THE DAY! HARAMBEE IS HERE! 🔥🎉 The wait is over! Join us TODAY for the Neighborhood Award’s BEST Festival winner — the 37th Annual Harambee Festival! 📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 ⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium Get ready for a powerful celebration of music, culture, and community as the stage lights up with incredible talent all day long! 🙌🏾🎶 Adding to the gospel power on stage, we proudly welcome home recording artist Regina Sketters, whose inspiring voice and spirit will uplift the crowd and make this celebration even more special. ✨ Bring your family, bring your friends, and come experience the energy, unity, and joy that make Harambee one of the most beloved festivals in the community. Let’s celebrate together TODAY! ❤️🖤💚 #HarambeeFestival #Harambee2026 #FestivalDay #GospelPower #CommunityCelebration #ColumbiaSCEvents

The Winter 2025/Spring 2026 Highlights Issue of the BEST Tiger News is available! Visit: conta.cc/3NgvvHF

BC Tigers, we did it before and can do it again! 🐅🎉 The Benedict College Harambee Festival is in the running for the Columbia Neighborhood Awards – BEST FESTIVAL, and we need the entire Tiger family to show up and show out! Voting is unlimited, so let’s make some noise! 📣 ➡️ Vote ➡️ Share ➡️ Repeat Tag your family, friends, classmates, and coworkers and ask them to VOTE for the HARAMBEE FESTIVAL! Let’s bring this win home to Benedict College once again💛 tinyurl.com/CNA-VoteHaramb… #BCTigers #HarambeeFestival #VoteHarambee #ColumbiaNeighborhoodAwards

🔥🎶 Only 1 Day Away! Get Ready, Columbia! 🎶🔥 The countdown is almost over! In just 1 day, we celebrate the Neighborhood Award’s BEST Festival winner — the 37th Annual Harambee Festival! 🎉 📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 ⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium Adding even more fire to the stage, Southern Soul sensation 803Fresh will be LIVE at the stadium, bringing that signature energy and crowd-moving sound that fans love! 🎤🔥 Get ready for a performance that will have the whole stadium fanning! It’s more than a festival — it’s a celebration of music, culture, and community with incredible Gospel, R&B, and Southern Soul artists all coming together for one unforgettable day. For more information and to buy tickets, go to: benedict.edu/harambee-festi… Bring your crew, bring your energy, and get ready to experience the power and excitement of Harambee 2026!

🙌🏾✨ The Countdown Continues — Just 2 Days Away! ✨🙌🏾 Prepare your hearts and get ready for a powerful day of faith, music, and community at the Neighborhood Award’s BEST Festival winner — the 37th Annual Harambee Festival! 📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 ⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium This year’s celebration will be filled with inspiration and spirit as gospel powerhouse Zacardi Cortez, the voice behind the powerful anthem “Lord Do It For Me,” headlines the festival. His soul-stirring music has touched hearts around the world, and he’s bringing that same anointing and energy to the Harambee stage. 🎶🙏🏾 Join us for a day where faith, fellowship, and phenomenal music come together with nationally recognized Gospel, R&B, and Southern Soul artists to uplift our community and celebrate the spirit of unity. For more information and to buy tickets, go to: benedict.edu/harambee-festi… Bring your family, bring your praise, and come ready for a blessing at Harambee 2026! ❤️🖤💚 #HarambeeFestival #Harambee2026 #LordDoItForMe #GospelCelebration #FaithAndCommunity #FestivalCountdown

Benedict College is proud to welcome Daryl A. Graham, Senior Vice President, HBCU & Engagement, Strada Education Foundation, as the guest speaker for the One Hundred Fifty-Sixth Commencement Convocation. We are excited to celebrate the Benedict College Class of 2026 and mark this milestone occasion with inspiration, excellence, and Tiger pride. Friday, May 8, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. Charlie W. Johnson Stadium #TheBESTofBC #BenedictCollege #BCCommencement #Commencement2026 #ClassOf2026 #TigerPride

Only 5 Days Away! 🎉 The excitement is building as we count down to the Neighborhood Award’s BEST Festival winner — the 37th Annual Harambee Festival! 🥁✨ 📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 ⏰ a.m. – p.m. 📍 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium Adding to the all-star power this year is our amazing host, Billie Jean Shaw of WIS TV 🎤, who will keep the energy high and introduce all of our nationally recognized Gospel and R&B artists, including Zacardi Cortez and 803Fresh, throughout the day! 🎶 Get ready for a full day of music, culture, community, and celebration. Bring your family, invite your friends, and come experience the joy and unity that makes Harambee so special! ❤️🖤💚 For more information and to buy tickets, go to: benedict.edu/harambee-festi… #HarambeeFestival #Harambee2026 #ColumbiaSC #FestivalCountdown #CommunityCelebration #GospelRNB #SouthernSoul

🎉 The Countdown Continues — Just 6 Days to Go! 🎉 The excitement is building for the Neighborhood Award’s BEST Festival winner — the 37th Annual Harambee Festival! 🥁✨ 📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 ⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium Get ready for an unforgettable day of music, culture, and community! 🌟 This year’s festival will feature an incredible performance by Kristen Jamison of BET’s Sunday Best, sharing the stage with nationally recognized Gospel, R&B, and Southern Soul artists who will keep the energy high all day long. 🎶 For more information and to buy tickets, go to: #reg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">benedict.edu/harambee-festi… #HarambeeFestival #Harambee2026 #ColumbiaSCEvents #SundayBest #GospelMusic #CommunityCelebration

In an effort to provide peer-to-peer support to the Benedict Campus, 14 Peer Ambassadors and their advisors obtained SMART Recovery Certification sponsored by BC Resist Overcome Achieve Rise (BC R.O.A.R.). Adrien Montalvo, program coordinator, and Social Work Assistant Professor Dr. Kennard DuBose, program director, earned the certification and led the effort to have students complete the self-paced training to demonstrate the knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate SMART Recovery meetings. Montalvo says, “Receiving the SMART Recovery training is meaningful for our Peer Ambassadors because it equips them with tools to provide peer-to-peer support to students who may be navigating substance use or recovery challenges. While they are not counselors, the training helps them feel more confident starting supportive conversations and connecting students with appropriate campus resources.” Read the press release: benedict.edu/bc-staff-and-s…

🎉 Celebrate Unity at the Harambee Festival! 🎉 “The Harambee Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of unity, culture, and community impact,” says Dr. George Devlin, Founder of the Harambee Festival. “We are proud to continue this tradition and invite everyone to come together for a day of joy, connection, and service.” 🌍 Reconnect with family, friends, and neighbors at this beloved community tradition! 📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 ⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium 🚗 FREE Parking ✨ Enjoy a day filled with culture, music, food, community spirit, and fun for all ages! 🛍 Vendor Opportunities are Still Available! Local businesses and entrepreneurs are invited to be part of the celebration. 🔗 Get tickets or register as a vendor: benedict.edu/harambee-festi… 📞 803-705-4789 Bring your energy, bring your family, and let’s celebrate together. Harambee — let’s pull together! 🙌 Video: WLTX

Benedict College proudly announces additional performers for the 37th Annual Harambee Festival, one of the Midlands’ most anticipated cultural celebrations, set for Saturday, April 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. Recognized as Columbia’s Best Neighborhood Festival, the Harambee Festival continues its legacy of uniting the community through music, culture, family fun, and vital resources. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. Festivalgoers can look forward to a dynamic lineup of live entertainment, including nationally acclaimed gospel artist Zacardi Cortez, who will deliver a powerful and uplifting performance. The stage will also feature inspiring performances by Kristen Jamison of Sunday Best, Benedict College’s own Regina Skeeters, and the Bible Way Church Children’s Choir, and a special family-friendly appearance by Megan Piphus, nationally acclaimed ventriloquist and puppeteer of Sesame Street. Read more: benedict.edu/additional-art… Tickets available at benedict.edu/harambee-festi…

Celebrate culture, community, and incredible talent at Benedict College Harambee Festival 37! 🎉 Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium for a day packed with energy, entertainment, and unforgettable performances featuring 803 Fresh, Zacardi Cortez, Regina Skeeters, Megan Piphus, Jason Clayborn, Kris Jamison, David Bratton, and the Benedict College Marching Tiger Band of Distinction. Get your tickets or register as a vendor at benedict.edu/harambee-festi…. #BenedictCollege #HarambeeFestival37 #TheBESTofBC #HarambeeFestival #803Fresh #ZacardiCortez #ReginaSkeeters #MeganPiphus #JasonClayborn #KrisJamison #DavidBratton