On May 31, 1907, Myrtle Craig, the first African American woman to graduate Michigan Agricultural College, received her diploma from the hand of President Theodore Roosevelt, honored guest at the College's Semi-Centennial Jubilee celebration. From this auspicious beginning, succeeding generations of African Americans made their own mark in the history of the University.
It is known that Black students were enrolled at State as early as 1900. Others followed, attracted by the land-grant mission which promoted "the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes" in agriculture and the mechanical arts. By the end of the 1960s, sixteen hundred Black students were enrolled and were represented in most of the degree programs.
While their numbers were never large in the first half of the century, African American students coming here exemplified leadership and achievement not only in their scholastic and extra-curricular activities but in the careers they forged for themselves. Like the students that came before them, Black faculty and administrators who joined the Michigan State University community made their presence felt through their unique contributions.
This exhibit honors some of these "pioneers" and gives recognition to their achievements.
This exhibit is available as a portable four panel display for use by MSU departments. For additional information contact the University Archives and Historical Collections.
Project Director:
Dorothy T. Frye, Archivist
MSU Leadership Fellow, 1996-1997
Sponsors:
University Archives & Historical Collections
Vice President for Student Services
Department of Residence Life
Residence Halls Association
University Housing
Photos:
University Archives & Historical Collections
Dr. Harriet Pipes McAdoo
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University Archives & Historical Collections
