Bennett College Alumnae of Durham to Honor Four Women at 36th Annual White Breakfast
DURHAM, N.C. — Four women whose work spans journalism, research, education, and community advocacy will be honored when the Bennett College Alumnae of Durham gather for the 36th Annual White Breakfast Scholarship Fundraiser.
The longstanding Durham tradition will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park Hotel, 4810 Page Creek Lane in Durham.
This year’s honorees are Deborah Holt Noel, Dr. Paquita Herring Yarborough, Anissa McLendon and Sandra Jones Murphy — four women representing different fields but sharing a record of professional achievement, leadership and community service.
Deborah Holt Noel: A Familiar Voice in North Carolina Media
Deborah Holt Noel is host and producer of North Carolina Weekend and executive producer of Black Issues Forum for PBS North Carolina.
Through her work in public media, Noel has helped bring North Carolina’s people, communities, destinations, and issues to audiences across the state.
Dr. Paquita Herring Yarborough: Advancing Research and Innovation
Bennett College alumna Dr. Paquita Herring Yarborough ’98 serves as Vice President of Research & Integration & Implementation at the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center at Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Her recognition brings a Bennett connection directly into this year’s class of honorees while highlighting leadership in research and higher education.
Anissa McLendon: Community and Justice Advocate
Anissa McLendon will be recognized for her work as a community and justice activist.
McLendon serves as co-chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP Education Committee, connecting her advocacy to issues affecting education and the broader community.
Sandra Jones Murphy: Phenomenal Woman of the Year
Bennett College alumna Sandra Jones Murphy ’70 will be recognized as the Phenomenal Woman of the Year.
Murphy is a retired career coordinator and former Career and Technical Education End-of-Grade Testing professional at Chapel Hill High School with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
Her recognition adds another generation of Bennett alumnae leadership to this year’s celebration.
A Durham Tradition Supporting Scholarships
Now in its 36th year, the White Breakfast is more than an opportunity to recognize accomplished women. The annual gathering serves as a scholarship fundraiser, combining celebration and fellowship with support for educational opportunities.
Guests are invited to attend the breakfast for $60 per person. Click here for tickets: 2026 WB Donation Form (2).
Additional information and reservation options are available through the Bennett College Alumnae of Durham.
Celebrating Women Who Lead
From telling North Carolina’s stories and advancing research to advocating for students and building careers in education, the four 2026 White Breakfast honorees demonstrate the many ways women make an impact in their professions and communities.
The Dec. 5 gathering will provide an opportunity to recognize that work while continuing a Durham tradition that has endured for more than three decades.