Dr Johnnetta Cole
Bowie State University Graduates of 2014
(Updated 12/23/2014) Bowie State University held its 2014 Winter Commencement ceremony Dec. 19 for 380 graduates. Dr. Johnnetta Cole, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and former president of Spelman College and Bennett College for Women, addressed 295 undergraduates and 85 graduates at the event.
“But of course, my most warm and enthusiastic greeting is for you, the mighty class of 2014.” she told the graduates.
Bowie’s oldest alumni, Barbara Fletcher Martin
Cole spoke about the importance of education in the Black community and of the importance and significance of HBCUs, referencing the need for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programs at the schools.
Bowie State President Mickey L Burnim
The event also included one of Bowie’s oldest alumni, Barbara Fletcher Martin from the Class of 1943. According to her bio on Bowie’s website, Fletcher was an educator and served as chair of the Prince George’s County School Board.