DENMARK, S.C. – Voorhees University proudly announces the distinguished honorees who will be inducted into the 2025 Voorhees University Alumni Hall of Fame. The honorees will be recognized at the Alumni Hall of Fame Gala on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Leonard E. Dawson Health & Human Resources Center on the Voorhees University campus.
This year’s honorees represent decades of excellence, service, and leadership. The 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees are:
Ms. Patricia Green, Class of 1972
Reverend Dr. Donald E. Greene, Class of 1988
Ms. Bettye Barnette Hellams, Class of 1972
Ms. Bessie Meeks, Class of 1972
Mr. Fred Young, Class of 1971
Ms. Patricia Green, Class of 1972
Patricia “Pat” Green, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, and originally from Heath Springs in Lancaster County, graduated from Voorhees University in 1972. After earning her degree, she taught Bookkeeping and Accounting at Chesterfield High School before pursuing a master’s degree in Business at the University of South Carolina. Pat went on to build a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where she advanced to Director of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for South and North Carolina. Her dedication to education, leadership, and equity continues to reflect the values of Voorhees University.
Reverend Dr. Donald E. Greene, Class of 1988
Reverend Dr. Donald E. Greene, pastor of Andrew Chapel Baptist Church in Orangeburg, S.C., is a nationally respected minister and educator. As former president of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, he led impactful community outreach initiatives, including statewide food distributions and a $1.47 million donation to the Morris College Endowment Fund. A published author and advocate for Christian education, Dr. Greene continues to inspire through servant leadership and faith.
Ms. Bettye Barnette Hellams, Class of 1972
Ms. Bettye Barnette Hellams is being honored for her generous and sustained support of Voorhees University. A retired educator from the D.C. Public School System, Mrs. Hellams dedicated nearly 37 years to shaping young minds and promoting core values of pride, respect, and responsibility. A lifelong learner and active member of Kettering Baptist Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she exemplifies the power of faith and philanthropy.
Ms. Bessie Meeks, Class of 1972
Ms. Bessie Meeks is an accomplished educator, writer, and community leader. With over four decades in education, she has earned recognition for excellence in teaching, journalism, and creative writing. Beyond the classroom, she has served in leadership roles with the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club, Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra, and the Museum of York County, continuing her lifelong dedication to service and the arts.
Mr. Fred Young, Class of 1971
Mr. Fred Young, a former Voorhees student-athlete and educator, has spent more than 50 years transforming young lives through education and athletics. A retired U.S. Army Major and longtime school principal, Young founded youth sports programs under the motto “No Books, No Ball,” inspiring generations to achieve academically and personally. His leadership, mentorship, and community impact are a testament to his enduring Voorhees pride.
The Voorhees University Alumni Hall of Fame Gala, a highlight of Homecoming Weekend, honors alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, and service. “We are proud to celebrate these distinguished alumni whose accomplishments continue to uplift the Voorhees legacy,” said President Ronnie Hopkins. “Their lives reflect the University’s core values and the transformative power of a Voorhees education.”