African American Alumni Heritage Wall

The African American Alumni Heritage Wall is located in the East Lobby of the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on 91ԭ��’s historic College Green. The auditorium was named after John Newton Templeton (Class of 1828) and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn (Class of 1916) who were the first African American man and woman to graduate from 91ԭ��.

From Templeton and Blackburn to current alumni to today’s students, coming to Athens has changed lives, transformed dreams, and inspired so many to honor the opportunities won through the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before them. Graduates are proud of who they became at 91ԭ��, and their lives and achievements continue to make a difference to all.

African American graduates will always be part of the Templeton and Blackburn legacy, but how can this legacy be linked with future generations?

The Heritage Wall will ensure that Templeton and Blackburn's legacy is preserved by listing all African American alumni who want to be recognized, along with those individuals who were instrumental in helping them achieve their goal of attending and graduating from 91ԭ��. Graduates can make the same kind of difference to future generations of African American students at 91ԭ��.

Take a moment to think about your “story.” Who helped make your dream of a college education come true? Was it a parent, a grandparent or an uncle, a neighbor, or a friend? Who are the people who made it possible to overcome? These are the people who helped write your story, and they deserve to be honored.

John Newton Templeton

John Newton Templeton was born into slavery in South Carolina. After his emancipation in 1813 by Thomas and Anne Newton Williamson of South Carolina, John was brought to Ohio and educated by the Williamsons’ son, Rev. William Williamson. In 1824, John Newton Templeton entered 91ԭ�� through arrangements made by Rev. Williamson and Rev. Robert Wilson, president of 91ԭ��. Young John lived and worked in the home of President Wilson (the Silas Bingham House, now the University’s Visitors Center on Richland Avenue) until his graduation in 1828. When Templeton received his bachelor’s degree, he became the fourth African American college graduate in the nation, and the first in the Midwest.
Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn

91ԭ��’s first female African American graduate, Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn received her bachelor’s degree in education summa cum laude in 1916. Martha’s family also holds important historical ties to 91ԭ��, since her father-in-law, John R. Blackburn of Cincinnati, served as the first African American member of the University’s Board of Trustees from 1885-1892. 91ԭ�� awarded Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn the Medal of Merit, one of the Alumni Association’s highest honors, in 1979 for her contributions to education.

The Heritage Wall is a touchstone for every African American who passes through 91ԭ��.

To be recognized on 91ԭ��’s African American Alumni Heritage Wall, please make a minimum gift of $100 to have one name inscribed, as well as a minimum $100 gift for each additional name. Please note, gift must be received in full before name(s) will be added to the wall.

Heritage Wall Dedication

In 1999, Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium was renamed to honor the legacy of John Templeton and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn. This was the first building named to honor African Americans on the Athens campus. The dedication of the African American Alumni Heritage Wall took place during Homecoming 1999 in the East Lobby of the Memorial Auditorium to extend upon the re-naming and legacy of Templeton and Blackburn. Then 91ԭ�� President Robert Glidden and Trustee Patricia Ackerman unveiled the Heritage Wall and the names of all charter members. Additional names are placed on the Heritage Wall annually, and our ultimate goal is to eventually include all African American graduates of 91ԭ�� in this ongoing commemoration.

“Legacies of John Newton Templeton, John R. Blackburn, and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn at 91ԭ�� are manifest in the successful matriculation and graduation of African American students for nearly two centuries. Embracing this heritage with pride, African American alumni named here celebrate the triumph of their individual accomplishments and honor those who shared in making them reality. May all who follow be inspired by their collective stories of challenge and achievement.”
— Patricia A. Ackerman ’66

Dr. Patricia A. Ackerman, BA - Class of 1966

Dr. Patricia Ackerman has dedicated her life to education. Over the course of her 35-year career, she taught in the K-12 system and served as a principal and an administrator. A steadfast advocate for underserved students, Dr. Ackerman founded the Taylor Academy in Cleveland Hts. to meet the unique needs of this population and established Indeed.WeCode in 2015 to help young African American women learn more about computer coding. Today, she is the executive director of the Chalkdust Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides a coding summer camp for African American girls, professional development for K-12 educators, and programs for parents

Dr. Ackerman’s influence on the world of education extends to 91ԭ��, where her significant contributions of her time and expertise will have a far-reaching impact, forever. She was the first African American woman to serve on OHIO’s Board of Trustees and as its chair, and she was an influential member of the Presidential Search Committee that recommended the selection of Dr. Roderick McDavis as the university’s first African American president. Dr. Ackerman also completed terms on the Ohio Board of Regents and The 91ԭ�� Foundation Board of Trustees. She co-founded the Ebony Bobcat Network, and her inspiration and dedication led to the creation of the African American Alumni Heritage Wall in the Memorial Auditorium and the Urban Scholars Program.

Members of the Wall Prior to 2026

Patricia A Ackerman, '66, honors Rev. Amos A. Ackerman, M. Ruth Ackerman, Ruth Y. Lewis, Chelise P. Lewis
Monica Lynne Adams with gratitude to my family Jacqueline Pettway Maiden, Marc Laurence Adams and Dr. MaryAnn Tolbert
Mrs. Yvonne M Adams
John E Addison, '63
Dr. Sashelle T Alexander, '96
Jean C Allen, '96, ‘98
Joseph T Allen, '69
Jeana C Allen
Joseph T Allen, '69
Bernetta Allen Armstead
Jean H Allen-Jenkins, '68
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Phi Chapter 1919
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Phi Chapter
Stacey J Anderson, BA '95, 1991-1995
Justin M Anderson, '98
Jay Anthony, '83
Stella L Antwine
Wilda R Arnold, '79
Kellie Armstead Didigu
Yolanda Armstrong-Strong
Althea P Artis, '84
Coach Bernita Ashford, '80
Stephanie G Ashford, '75
Charles D Atwater, '69
Ms. Jenean D Atwood Baynes
Bryant D Austin, '96, ‘99
Dr. Carolyn Bailey Lewis
Dexter A Bailey, Jr., '92, honors Dexter E. Bailey, Joan V. N. Bailey, Jannice M. Bailey, Kathy M. Bailey
Neal B Baker, '80, honors Robert Baker, Dorethia Baker
Huey L Ball, Jr., '67
Edwina Banks, '58
Lahugh Bankston, '69, ‘71, honors Leila B. Bankston, William Bankston, Sr.
Shawntreece Bankston DeLaney, 1993
Huley A Barnette, Jr., '74
Romaine B Bayless, '67
Sheila R Beale Jenkins, '70
Patricia Beavers, '68 CHSP
Patricia A Beavers, '68 BSHEc, "Thank you, Mother"
Charles S Beckwith, Jr., '71, honors C. Sterling Beckwith, Sr., Thelma Lee Beckwith
Alicia T Bell, '85
Johnny Benn, '65
Benita Bennett
Mrs. Janet K Benson
Linda R Bethel, '77
Valerie Biggs-Hill '78
Edwina Blackwell Clark, '84, in honor of Edwin Blackwell and Joanne Blackwell
Rev. William J Blake, '75
Leslie K Blakemore, '70, honors Edward J. Blakemore, Anne H. Blakemore
Adonis J Bolden, 2001, 2005
Dr. Shawn A Bonner, '89
Aaron C Bonner, '90
Shane A. Bonner
Kecia S Bonner-Reeves, '89
Gary J. Booker
William E Bowers, '85
Sandra J Boyd, '66
Renee Boykin, '87, honors The Ernst Boykin Sr. Family
Ms. Marsha L Bragg
Mr. Vincent L Briley
Stacey K Brinkley, '87, ‘92, honors Anthony "Tony" Singleton
Stacey K Brinkley, '87, ‘92, honors Daisey C. Brinkley, Donald Brinkley, Mildred Nixon, William Nixon
Laraunde N Brinkley, 2005 honors deceased parents: Michael L. Brinkley, Sherry L. Brinkley
Candice Camille Brooks Higgins, '04
Roberta Brown Rhodes, '67
Althea Brown, '75
John R Browne, '65, honors Helen C. Browne, William A. Browne
Dr. Milbert O. Brown, Jr.
Vicki L Brown-Turner
Brenda Brown Williams
Stephanie H Bryant, '75
Mrs. Claudette A Butcher
Mr. Alijah L Butcher, Jr.
Leon D Butler, '82
Cynthia C Calhoun, '88, Bertha Rasberry Calhoun
Vanessa B Calloway, '79
Monica Y Cannon, '90
Dana Lovelace Capers
Deborah S Carroll, '68
Tracy L. Carter
Kendra M. Cato
Charles P. Chambers, '66
Miles D Chapman, '87
Burell T Charity, '77
Honoring Alfred and Louise Charles
Lynn Charles
Tony Charles
Dr. Francine C Childs, '97
Jerald Christian, '60
Angela Moore Christopher, '89
Naima R. Clarke
Lt. Col. Charles H Clarke, Jr., '33, honors Alpha Phi Alpha, Cassandra Hill, Dean Edwin C. Chubb, President Elmer Burritt Bryan
Gregory F Clifford, '71
Myra Coates Snipes
Alan S Coleman, '72
Janice Marie Collins, Ph.D.
Virgil E Collins, '70
Jacqueline Morris Colvard
Lillard Combs Jr.
Kimberly D. Connell
David R Conway, '76
David W Cousins, '90
David W Cousins, '90
James M Crawford, '68
Michele J. Crawford
Garron L Croston, '94
Sara L. (Sally) Cunningham
Dr. Michele Curtis Penick
Dr. Daryl Malarry Davidson, '96, '97 & '20
Kelly N. Davidson '92, In honor of Jewell J. Davidson & Jacqueline L. Tufts
Angela D. Davis
Dr. Sylvester E Davis
Joseph E Davis, '89, honors Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sykes, Harold & Leah Davis
Lee Davis Willis
Chrystal D Denmark, '96
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Iota Chapter, Chartered October 5, 1963
Robert E Diez, '68
Linda J Dobbs, '70
Lori E Donaldson, '95
Honorable Theresa Doss, '61
Dr. Gifford B Doxsee
Mrs. Mary C Doxsee
Heather M Dulaney, '96
Keith P Early, '77
Valerie Kaye Eason
The 91ԭ�� Ebony Bobcat Network, Honors its founders, members, officers, and affiliates, Spring 2025
Imani Edwards
Lori Edwards Peterson
Lt. Col., Jr. Albert G Elam, '77, honors
Linda Fay Erwin
Mr., II John W. Euill
Ronda L Evans, '79
Sybil Olivia Felton & Mary Edwards
Dawn Akua Ferdinand
Ashley Aya Ferguson
Jacqueline Ann Grace Fields, '74
Ed Fitzpatrick, '64
Donita (Barnes) Fleming
Reynell J Frazier, BSED '74
Terrence L Frazier, '99
Ania Fuller, BFA '23 (Dance); MBA '24
Gregory S George
Amiso M George, '83
Mildred L Gilham Burns, '62
In honor of Andrew Harris Gilham
In honor of Geraldine Gilham
Faith F Gillon, '88
Pamela C Gipson, '74
Mrs. Ayanna A Glanton
Pamela Glason Thornton, '87, honors Anna Ely Glason, Earnie Glason, Sr., Herman Raymond Thornton, Jr.
Mr. Joseph B Gothard, II
Mr. Kevin W Grahn
Mrs. Carmella L Grahn
Dr. Naiyana Gravely
Sue C Greene-Buckner, '76
Rosilyn Gregory
Mr. Eddie Gunn, III
Melinda A. Gyi, '91, honors Patricia Gyi, Maung Gyi
Ricardo D Hall, '91, ‘92
Andrea R Hall, '92, 94
Honoring Hairston, Allen, Robinson Family, Dr. John & Mrs. Rebecca Hairston
Timothy Lee Hamilton
Patricia Hamilton Gyi, '89
Kitwana Mwamini Eshe Hankins, '97
Cheryl Love Hanks, '69
Arthur Ian Hardin
Kateri Hargrove-Montgomery; * Zeta Phi Beta Sorority * Spring 1990
Adrian Harpool
Clarence Harris III
Leon M Harris, Jr., '83
Dawn T Harris, '83
Karyn Harris, '85, honors Nicole Harris, Janielle Harris
Jamaria A Harris-Frederick, '92
Cathern R. Harris Miller, M.Ed. '62 (Elementary Education)
Natalie M Hatcher James, '99
Donald B Henley, Jr., '79, honors Donald B. Henley Sr., Joan T. Henley, Rosie Henley, William L. Martin
Isaac Ray Higgins, '03
Cierra Hill, BFA '20 (Dance)
George Hill Jr. '76
Gregory Hill, D.O., '86
Dr. Gregory and Judi C. Hill
Althea K Hill, '89
T Glenn Hill, '70
Mr. James H Hill, Jr.
Whitney Hill '07
Barbara E Hines-Smith, Ph.D., '92
Leon R Hogg, Sr., '68
Erin A. Holbert
Lawrence W Holbert, '75
Sherrill E Holbert, '78
Margaret P Hooker, '85, honors Odessa W. Hooker
Schylbea J Hopkins, '66
Roberta L Hopkins, Jr., '93
Ralph J Hopper, Jr., '63
Cornelius L Hopper, M.D., '56
Miss Faye A Houston
James H. Houston, B.S. '66, Howard University, D.D.S., '69
Camarie Victoria Howell
Paul L Hubbard, '65
Sharon Hubbard-McKinsey, '69
Linnette J. Huff-Booker
Amy E. Hull, M.Ed. '01
Christopher D Hunt, '84
Ms. Serena J Hunter
Samuel B Hunter, Jr., '98
Cleo Patricia I Jackson, '65
Jerry L Jackson, '85
Mr. Jerry Jackson, Mrs. Lenora Jackson, Dr. Anita Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur and Doris Grant
Terri L James, '80
The JB's, '75-'80, The Jefferson Brothers
Rashid Jelani, '79
Richard E Jenkins, '70
Marilyn L. Johnson
Mrs. Patricia Johnson Wainwright
Joyce C Johnson-Anderson, '89
Renette Johnson-Jobst, '89
Brian A Johnson-Jobst, '77, honors Portia L. Johnson
Anthony J Jones, '90
April Jones
Cecil Jones, Executive Masters, Business Administration
Delbert W Jones, '68
Erika C Jones, '98
Kenyetta Jones, BFA '25 (Dance)
Melinda Jones
Monica S Jones, '91
Shelly L Jones, M.D., '84
Twyla L. Jones, '86 and '89
Elizabeth C. Jones-Blackman, Ph.D.
Alice Jones Rush, '57
Michael Keels, '94, honors Rosetta Keels, Paul Keels
Edwin Kelly, '70
Alice F Kennedy, '70 BSE
Evelyn L Kirby, '65
Robert L Knox, '79, honors Mr. & Mrs. Valma T. Knox
Kellie LaRae Armstead, '98
Grant F Latimore D.M.D, '59
Meritt M Latimore, '99
Grant F Latimore M.D., '59
Kevin Lawrence Donaldson, 2000
Theodore F Laws, Jr., '71
Wil B. Laws
Constance Lawson-Davis, '67, honors Dr. J. Ranaldo Lawson '65, James R. Lawson, Cora P. Lawson
Dameka (Nickerson) Lee '00
Sherman D Lee, '98
Michelle Lenear Jones
Michael E Leonard, '73, ‘75
Ms. Denise Lester
Audrey Lewis
Howard L Lewis, '77
Jillian Lewis, BFA '20 (Dance)
Valerie A Linson, '86
Mrs. Deborah C Long
David F Lowe, M.D., '93, honors C. Nina Lowe, John D. Lowe
William L. Lowery, 1977
Terry E Mann, '80, honors Marie Holt Robinson, Arthur L Manns
Darren H. Marlow
Doreen Martin Banks, '74, honors Presley Martin, Dorothy M Martin
Clifton E. Mason
Eustace P Matthews, '87, 90
Corie A. Richards McCallum
Adrienne Y McCray, D.O., '92
Alfonso McCullough, '84
Ruth McDade-Walker, '78
Dr. Roderick J McDavis, '70, Deborah McDavis
Yvette McGee Brown, '82
Lois P. McGuire
Brian C McIntyre, '91, honors Genevieve H. McIntyre
Mrs. LaWanna S McKinley White
Shirley McWorter Moss, '57
Armana Milbry
Alisha Milbry
Mr. Paul Miller
Marilyn Miller, Jake Miller & Bessie Miller
Robert H. Miller, Jr., Ph.D. '65; Miller was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. at 91ԭ��
Grace Miller Bergeron, '82, honors Juanita S. Miller
Grace Miller Bergeron, '82
Alvin G Mims, '75
Ms. Tanya M Mitchell, '91 B.B.A, honors Jerry J. and Myrtle L. Mitchell
Ms. Andrea M Montgomery
Dr. Lyman A. Montgomery III; *Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity*
Genetta H Moore, '81
Cynthia R Moore, '86
Jennifer A Moore, 2007 BSJ
Makayla Moore, BFA '25 (Dance)
Victor R Moore, 2015 BSA
Dr. Donna Moore Ramsey
Lynn F Morgan, '69 BSE
Warren S Morris, '76
Lisa E Morris, '76
Russell Morrow, '12 & '14
Pastor Walter S Moss, '77
Michelle Munn Bivins, '80, honors Janice Munn
Maurice Murrell, '89
Russel C Neal, Jr., '84
Paula T Newman, '94, honors The Boyd/ Moore Families
Moses Kolawole Olofin
Everett L Overstreet, '67, honors Jo Ann Gregory Overstreet, Lorie Danielle Overstreet, Piper Sabrina Overstreet
Bea G Parker, '73
Willis L. Parker
Darlene Patterson Spencer, '69
Paul N Patton, '80
Charles L Patton, Jr., '72, honors Lillian Ward-Ramos
Dr. Cherron Payne
Darryl A Peal, '91
Connie Perdreau, '72
Erek Perry, '95, honors Ay Perry
Norma L Pierson, '97
Sharon D Pittman Groves
Tinalouise Polite, '84
Ebony L. Porter
Cheryl Pressman, '69, '70; honors Bette A. Conn; Thomas H. Conn
Michael D Price, '80
Amelia B Prillerman Phillips, '78, honors Roland L. Phillips
Marlon Primes, ‘86 & Kathi Howard-Primes, '86
Karen T Pruitt, '77, honors John Taylor, Arletha H. Taylor, Michael V. Taylor
Roland D Pruitt, '80
Norman A. Pugh-Newby
Dr. Regina Randall Peal, '88, ‘90, ‘98
Dr. Regina Randall Peal, '88, ‘90, ‘98, honors Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Phi Chapter- Chartered 1965
Lieutenant Randle, II, '76
Dr. Christina Randolph, '17, '19; honoring Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Randolph
Deborah L Rather, '73
Jarrell T. Reeves
Mr. Johnny M Reid, Jr.
Danette A Render, '77, honors Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Render
Brian V Rhodes, '75 BSEE
Dana P Richard, D.O., '84, 1st African American Graduate, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Antoinette M. Richardson
Lorraine Richardson, '68
Mrs. Sharon S Richardson
Dr. Georgenna Riley
John and Pensacola Roach
Timothy Roberts
Dr. Shirley T Robinson
Dr. Darlene L Robinson Haymon Currie, '72
Dr. Vattel T Rose
Veanise R Ruffin Moore, '79 BSJ
Yolanda Salter, '89, Yvonne Salter honors father, Mr. Elliot Salter
Mr. Michael E Samuels
Mr. Lee A Saunders
Damon Scott, B.S. ’89; Howard University School of Law, '96; In honor of Edward Scott, Gladys Robinson-Scott, and Kim Robinson
William C Shaffer, '82
William I Shelton, Jr., '82
Taraja K Shephard, 2006
Brenda A Shepherd, '76
Richard K Shields, '96
Marilyn L Shropshire-Seward, '74, honors Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shropshire, Jr.
Sigma Gamma Rhomeo Club
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Eta Psi Chapter
Mrs. Erica L Silas
Misty D Singer, '94, honors Enos L. Singer
Anthony J Singleton, '86
Stanley Sinkford and Family
Joyce (Cookie) Sizemore James, '74, honors William and Dorothy Sizemore
Branden G. Smith, '83
Carl R. Smith III '92
Gerald K Smith, '66, Ed.D.
Gilbert Smith, '85, honors Era Smith
Colonel, USA Ret. John W Smith, '56
Marc V Smith, '80, honors Mrs. Berta L. Smith, Mr. Richard "Red Boy" Smith
Nicole Antoinette Smith, '92
Ronald E Smith, M.D., '67
Wayman R Smith, '77
Lillian Spears-Hall, '61
Donna R Stafford, '67
Mack C. Stephens In Honor Of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Phi Chapter
Daniella M Stevens, '73
Jennifer L Stevens, '97
Shelley D. Stokes
Anne Stover Brabson, '61
Michael A Strickland, '80
Wilfred Stubbs, Jr., '71
Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., '83 B.S. Interpersonal Communication
Michael B Swain, '87, honors The Sigma Gamma Rhomeo Club, "To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required"
Dr. Vernon Sykes
Andre R Tang, '84
Thomas N Tang, Jr., '80
Stann Tate
Dr. Gwendolyn C Taylor, '89, ‘97, honors Dollie Taylor, Standard Bearer; Daniel Taylor, Provider; Agnes Galbreath, Way Maker; Constance R. Taylor, Visionary
Gail D Taylor, '89
Michael E Taylor
Dr. Temujin TJ Taylor, '91
Thomas J. Teague Jr. '91 & '93
Shannon D. Teague '92 & '94
Jazmine J. Tero
David A Terry, '90
Shelley E Tims, '91, honors Madeline J. Tims-Harris, Joe D. Tims
Gene Christy Thomas Harris, Ph.D.
Lola Tubi, '97
Hélène V. Tyler, '75, Mariama Y. Tyler ‘96
Dr. Martin T Tyler, '64
Dr. Jeffrey Tyus, '93, '95 & '99, in honor of my parents, Fred and Gloria Tyus
Col. Frank E Underwood, '54
Cecile Vaughters-Johnson, '75, honors Alans H. Vaughters, '50, Vivian Stevens Vaughters, '50
Ann Wagner Hill, '68
Gail C Walker, '77
Gwendolyn M Walker, '74
Lon G Walls, '72, honors Luna M. Walls
Brian D Walton, '82
Frederick S Walton, '73, ‘78
Elizabeth Ouida Ward
Derek C Warner
Susan Watson Turner, '79
Barbara L Watson Turner, '74
Phyllis D Weaver Cummings, '71
Anthony Webb, '76 & Johnny Webb, ’80 honors James Rushin
Johnny S Webb, '80, honors Anthony Webb
Lara Trujillo Webb, Esq.
West Palm Beach Family Doctors
Dr. Jason B. White, '01, '02 & '11
Linda P White, '80
Melinda White, '91 & Clarence White
Charles Whitman Jones, '42, honors Jesse Milton Jones
Andre M Williams, '98
Brittney Williams
Kathy Williams Thompson
Kenneth G Williams, '78
Dr. Lillian D. Williams
Maurice Williams
Melvin F Williams, '80
Sheila Y Williams, '78, honors Daniel Williams
Miss Thelma D Williams
Melissa R Wilson, '96
Mrs. Jacqueline Wyant Harris
William Young, Jr., '90, honors William Young, Sr., Silda Young
Ryan Zymler

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