The Benson Society In celebration of Wesleyan’s 175th anniversary, the College recently renamed the Thousandfold (giving) Society as the Benson Society in acknowledgement of Catherine Brewer Benson, Wesleyan’s first graduate in 1840. The Benson Society recognizes alumnae and friends who make annual leadership gifts of $1000 - $4999 to the College. Her distinction as the “first” graduate is reason enough for notoriety, but it is Benson’s remarks to Wesleyan’s graduating class of 1888 which have made a lasting impression on Wesleyan and her alumnae. Each year during Alumnae Weekend, her eloquent words, known as the “Benson Charge,” are recited by the seniors during the Candlelighting ceremony, marking their induction into the Alumnae Association. The Society is aptly named for Catherine Brewer Benson because she continued her loyal service to Wesleyan throughout her life. Upon graduation, she remained in Macon and in 1842 married Richard Aaron Benson. Together, Catherine and Richard had ten children. In addition to her service at home and church, Benson was a faithful supporter of the College and was instrumental in the establishment of
the Wesleyan Alumnae Association in 1859, the world’s first Alumnae Association. Remarks Benson made in earlier years provide an appreciative glimpse into the first years of the College. In a brief tribute to her teachers, Benson fondly referred to Wesleyan’s first president, Reverend George F. Pierce, as “ever kind and genteel” and stated that his “memory is lovingly embalmed in the hearts of all who were under his guidance.” She further recollected that rather than study mathematics one evening, she and her friends elected to spend their hours curling their hair. In class the following day, Reverend William H. Ellison realized that his students had not completed their lessons and stated, “Young ladies, had you devoted the hour to study instead of making cork screws you would have found it more profitable.” Through the direction of Reverend Thomas B. Slade, Benson recalled botanical walks and the joy of analyzing flowers on the banks of the Ocmulgee River. Speaking to an Alumnae reunion group almost fifty years after her own graduation, Benson
described the significance of her matriculation and that of her classmates by saying, “One of the most memorable days in the history of Macon was the day the matriculation book was opened and ninety girls from Macon and abroad were registered as pupils of ’Georgia Female College.’ The idea that woman could compete with strong-minded men in the pursuit of knowledge had never until that late date taken possession of the public mind… How far wrong they were in their opinions has been fully demonstrated in the number of cultured women who have left these halls.” While Benson’s reminiscences of Wesleyan are historically significant, it is her statement to the graduating class of 1888 that established her legacy at the College. In the memorable words of Catherine Brewer Benson, “Members of the graduating class, demands will be made upon you which were not made upon us. Your training, if you are true to it, will amply qualify you to meet those demands. No wiser blessing could I wish for you than that you may be true to every God-appointed work.”
Alumnae: Join Mathews Athletic Center for just $22/month! Membership includes access to Cybex strength training equipment, free weights, recombent bikes, treadmills, steppers, elliptical machines, outdoor track, yoga, pilates, step aerobics, sculpting, Cycle Reebok classes, indoor pool and tennis courts. The Center provides locker room areas with day use lockers, showers, vanity areas, and towel service. Call Kathy Malone (478) 757-3775.
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Do your Christmas shopping at the Wesleyan Campus Store through December 21st and give a gift that gives back to the College directly. Sweatshirts and t-shirts in all class colors, jewelry, and other fine gifts. Monogramming and gift-wrapping available. Shop M-Th, 10am - 5pm, Fri 10am - 4pm (478) 757-5233