B-CC JUDICIAL ALUMNUS RETURNS TO HONOR DR. BRONSON

Bethune-Cookman College President Dr. Oswald P. Bronson Sr. and First Lady Helen W. Bronson (center)  along with Student Government Association President Rachel White (far right) join a representation of Florida's African-American judges for a group photo following Friday's judicial convocation.

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – Donning her judge’s robe for the first time was already a special occasion for Shirlyon McWhorter. Doing so at her alma mater made it “almost overwhelming.”

Dr. Bronson displays the award presented him by Florida's African- American judges.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click on Thumbnails To View At Full Size)
		Florida Supreme Court Judge Peggy Quince delivers Friday's keynote address.
		B-CC graduate Judge Shirlyon McWhorter and B-CC President Dr. Oswald P. Bronson Sr.
		Judge McWhorter and Justice Quince

Just two weeks into her tenure on the Miami-Dade County Court, McWhorter’s first official function was to return to Bethune-Cookman College, where she graduated in 1981 with a 3.9 GPA, as part of a retreat for African-American judges held on the B-CC campus.

“This is a dream come true,’’ McWhorter said. “I’m where I am now because of the training, education, and encouragement I received when I was here.” 

The group of 45 judges, which included Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince, paid tribute to Bethune-Cookman College President Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, Sr. by presenting him with an award during a convocation service Friday in Heyn Memorial Chapel on the B-CC campus.

”We thank him for loving our children,” Quince said of Dr. Bronson. “He has devoted a lifetime to their care and custody.”

Grateful for the recognition, Dr. Bronson also appreciated the strong representation of African-Americans in an area where once there were none.

“I am deeply moved because of my sense of history,’’ Dr. Bronson. “At long last, representation in the judicial system includes justice, fairness and honesty.”

Having one of his former students among the judges made the day more satisfying for Dr. Bronson.

“It’s indescribable,” Dr. Bronson said. “Shirlyon McWhorter is a positive role model to the students and represents what Bethune-Cookman College is all about.” 

Bethune-Cookman is a comprehensive college, which offers degrees in liberal arts as well as professional fields, such as business, education and nursing. A United Methodist Church-affiliated school, the college has a diverse and international student population of more than 2,500 and a solid reputation for academic excellence. As evidence of its outstanding program, the College has been listed in the Templeton Honor Roll of Character Building Colleges and Universities, and it was ranked by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the “Top 50” schools in the nation for black students.

For more information, contact our website www.bethune.cookman.edu. 

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