NOMINATION EMAILS HAVE BEEN SENT!
A CELEBRATION OF
B-CU EXCELLENCE
Bethune-Cookman University has long been a home to visionaries, changemakers, and leaders who carry the Wildcat spirit into every corner of the world. To honor that legacy and spotlight those who continue to uplift it, we are proud to introduce the Golden Honors Program.
OUR WHY
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Golden Honors Awards is to celebrate the significant contributions of alumni of Bethune-Cookman University and their various fields of study. Recipients of this award have proven to uphold the values and characteristics of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, entering to learn and departing to serve.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The Golden Honors Committee will review applications and select the top nominees for The Ave-BCU Golden Honors 2025 based on criteria including notable success, leadership, and/or impact in their careers or communities.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This new initiative will recognize and celebrate a select group of distinguished B-CU alumni—individuals who have made meaningful contributions in their fields, communities, or through unwavering support of the university.
The program will feature a six-person selection committee, charged with reviewing nominations and identifying honorees through a thoughtful and thorough process.
In addition to honoring alumni, the Golden Honors Program will serve a larger purpose: to inspire giving and support for Bethune-Cookman University. Through this celebration of excellence, we aim to rally alumni and supporters around the continued advancement of our beloved institution.
The inaugural recipients will be introduced during a signature awards program designed to shine a light on their stories and strengthen the bonds that tie generations of Wildcats together.
AWARD CATEGORIES
PRE-ALUMNI AWARD
Reserved for current Bethune-Cookman Seniors, this category celebrates those who are excelling academically, leading on campus, and embodying the values of a future Wildcat alum. These students show great promise and are already making a meaningful impact within the B-CU community.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARD
This category recognizes alumni 40 & Under who are actively making a difference in their careers, communities, or through service to the university. These individuals reflect the spirit, drive, and excellence of a Wildcat in action—living proof of the power of a B-CU education.
THE VANGUARD AWARD
This category salutes Bethune-Cookman University alumni older than 40 who’ve shown a longstanding and well documented commitment to the university. Through professional excellence, mentorship, or service, they embody the legacy and strength of Dr. Mary Mcleod Bethune pride across generations.
FAQ
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GOLDEN HONORS PROGRAM
The Ave-BCU Golden Honors are the best and brightest Pre-Alumni and Alumni across the nation. They are uniquely different high achievers in theirvarious fields of study who have proven to uphold the values and characteristics of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, entering to learn and departing to serve.
Current seniors enrolled at Bethune-Cookman University and BCU Alumni are eligible for nomination. The Pre-Alumni category is only for seniors who demonstrate strong leadership, service, and academic qualities. The Young Professional & Vanguard categories are for BCU Alumni only. All nominees will be subject to a verification process confirming eligibility.
Not exactly! Pre-Alumni must be currently enrolled at Bethune-Cookman University with senior classification. All other nominees must be over the age of 18 and can in fact be older than 40.
Yes, you can nominate a student, colleague, friend, and/or a fellow alum you think deserves to be recognized for their work in the community. However, you may not nominate yourself.
Nominations are open from August 22nd – September 12th.
Once the nomination period ends, the selection committee will evaluate each nominee. Qualified nominees will receive an invitation to apply for The Golden Honors 2025 which must be submitted on or before October 17, 2025 at 12 pm EST. After reviewing all applications, the top 25 nominees will be selected. Award recipients will be notified privately and recognized publicly in our Inaugural Golden Honors Program broadcast to be held in November 2025.
Although there is no cost for selected individuals to apply, The Golden Honors Program has a goal to inspire giving and support for Bethune-Cookman University. With that goal in mind, a donation will be made directly to the institution on behalf of The Ave-BCU 2025 Golden Honors Class.
Yes, but not until the announcement is made publicly in November. We know that if you are selected, you will be excited to share, but we want the announcement to be a surprise. Please refrain from advertising your selection as a BCU Golden Honors recipient in any form, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. All awardees will be provided a link for family and friends to join the LIVE Ave-BCU broadcast to celebrate this honor with you.
SELECTION COMMITTEE
This committee is made up of accomplished B-CU alumni who will review nominations and select honorees based on merit and impact.
MICHELE A. HOLMES
Elementary Education
Michele A. Holmes, a 2008 graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, is the owner of Skye Confections, where she strives to inspire joy, spark creativity, and serve the Metro Atlanta community – one modern dessert at a time. After years of balancing a career in education with cake decorating, she made the leap to combine her love for both into a full-time profession. Michele shares her skills hosting baking classes for all ages, volunteering as a “Sugar Angel” with Icing Smiles, and has competed on Food Network’s The Big Bake: Halloween, Seasons 3 & 4.
ADAM BROOKS
Music Education
Adam Brooks, a 2003 graduate of Bethune-Cookman, currently serves as the Instructional Coach for Fine and Performing Arts with Atlanta Public Schools. Brooks is a 23-year veteran of the school system, previously serving as the Director of Bands at North Atlanta High School for 20 years. With a successful career in education, it is apparent that Adam is walking out our founder’s challenge of “enter to learn, depart to serve”.
TIFFANY SPENCER
Computer Information Systems
CHANTEL PELSEY
Business Administration
Chantel Pelsey, a 2002 graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, is a seasoned Claims Manager with 17 years of experience in the insurance industry. Currently leading a high-performing team specializing in litigation claims at a prominent insurance company, Chantel exemplifies servant leadership both professionally and personally. Passionate about empowering others, she actively mentors emerging professionals and volunteers with youth programs focused on career readiness and education in underserved communities. Through her collaborations with civic, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations, Chantel is dedicated to uplifting others and driving meaningful change.
DARNELL L. WALKER
Speech Comm & Theater Arts
Darnell Lamont Walker, a 2005 graduate of Bethune-Cookman, is an Emmy- nominated children’s television writer, contributing to beloved shows like PBS Kids’ Work It Out Wombats!, Netflix’s Karma’s World, and Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues & You. He is also a published author & dedicated death doula, guiding individuals and communities through the raw terrain of grief toward healing and happiness.
DENNIS MURPHY
ACCOUNTING
Dennis Murphy is a 2011 graduate of Bethune-Cookman University and a proud alumnus of the Marching Wildcats. He is an accounting and operations professional with expertise in financial services for alternative investment managers. Outside of work, Dennis enjoys spending quality time with his college sweetheart, along with friends and family, whether at home or while traveling.
