Mary F. Henson Scholarship Fund Established to Support Non-Traditional Students

Pictured from left to right are Ms. Denise I. Henson ('79), Mrs. Dorothy Kasey McNeill, Mrs. Darlene E. Holmes ('78), holding the picture of the late Mrs. Mary F. Henson ('83) with Mrs. Mary Diana Sutton ('76), Rev. Dr. Deborah (Dee) Henson-Governor ('73), and Interim President Hubert L. Grimes 

The daughters of Mrs. Mary F. Henson have established an endowment with a matching scholarship  at Bethune-Cookman University in memory of their mother, Mrs. Mary F. Henson. In fulfillment of their late mother’s wishes, the endowment will provide an annual scholarship to support non-traditional students with financial need and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Mrs. Henson’s pursuit of her education throughout life inspired this gift, for she was a non-traditional student herself at the age of 45 on a journey to — not only further her education— but complete her bachelor’s degree while working at Bethune-Cookman.  As a single parent, finances were always an issue while raising the girls. She would comment on needing that few extra dollars for books, and there was always a scholarship that would see her through.  

Many students were impacted by Mrs. Henson’s acts of kindness, generosity, and her caring spirit during her 35 years of service as an employee and alumna of B-CU. In memoriam, the daughters decided to establish and contribute annually to the Mary F. Henson Scholarship Fund to ensure that their mother’s legacy lives on forever.

The Mary F. Henson Scholarship Fund has reached $14,500 from donations made by family and friends, and her five daughters contributed $10,000. The goal is to raise at least $25,000 by December 2020. The first year of award will be academic year 2020-21.

Continuous contributions from the family and others interested in supporting with a gift, will keep the fund in existence. By redepositing earned interest and only providing scholarships in the years the fund is over the endowment minimum, the endowment will persist. 

Each donation is tax deductible and can be made online, via phone, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or by mail. To contribute online, visit Bethune Cookman University Office of Institutional Advancement and list “Mary F. Henson Scholarship/Endowment” in the “Other” column in the dropdown menu.