Morehouse College recently hosted the inaugural Presidential Tribute Dinner, marking a historic moment for the institution and its community of leaders. The event celebrated the formal induction of previous “A Candle in the Dark” Gala honorees into The Society of Bennie & Candle Award Honorees, a newly established body of distinguished leaders whose lives and legacies reflect the highest ideals of Morehouse College.
This gathering was far more than a ceremonial dinner. It symbolized the beginning of an enduring partnership between Morehouse and some of its most visible ambassadors, individuals whose excellence, integrity, and influence continue to inspire generations of Morehouse Men. Convened during the installation of Dr. F. DuBois Bowman ’92 as the 13th President of Morehouse College, the Society was founded at a pivotal moment in the College’s history and presidential vision.
The Society of Bennie & Candle Award Honorees was established with a clear purpose: to celebrate and elevate the extraordinary achievements of its members while creating enduring connections to Morehouse College. Its mission extends beyond recognition, fostering a long-term engagement program that invites honorees to remain active participants in the life of the College. Through mentorship, learning opportunities, and inspirational interactions, members are positioned to guide and shape the experiences of current and future Morehouse Men. The Society also cultivates philanthropic partnerships and storytelling initiatives that advance the College’s mission and extend its influence globally. Each year, honorees come together to present a collective gift in support of the President’s vision, reinforcing a shared commitment to excellence, leadership, and the enduring legacy of Morehouse.
During the ceremony, honorees were presented with hand-crafted medallions marking the year of their original honor, intended as family heirlooms symbolizing their permanent place in the lineage of Morehouse excellence. Membership carries both distinction and responsibility; Society members were encouraged to mentor current students, deliver guest lectures or master classes on campus, participate in Inauguration Weekend events, and advocate for Morehouse within their respective industries and communities.
“The Society of Bennie & Candle Award Honorees is not just about recognition, it is about carrying the torch forward,” said President Bowman. “These leaders help ensure that the light of Morehouse burns ever brighter, guiding the next generation of men who will follow in their footsteps.”
The evening featured welcome remarks from Henry M. Goodgame Jr. ’84, Chair of the Presidential Inauguration Committee, and an invocation from Min. Naivion M. Stephens ’28, followed by a memorial moment honoring those who shaped the College’s legacy. President Bowman formally inducted the inaugural class of Society members and presented commemorative medallions, celebrating the achievements of each honoree. Closing remarks from the President and the singing of the Morehouse College Hymn brought the evening to a reflective and inspiring close.
The Presidential Tribute Dinner set the tone for a renewed era of partnership and excellence, establishing The Society of Bennie & Candle Award Honorees as a living, intergenerational body of leadership that will continue to shape the College, its students, and the broader world for years to come.