UNT celebrates 50th anniversary of desegregation with gala, online scrapbook

In the summer of 1954, doctoral student A. Tennyson Miller became the first African American to attend North Texas. A few years later, a lawsuit filed by Joseph L. Atkins paved the way for African American undergraduates to enroll.

In 2004, the university will commemorate these milestones with a yearlong observance, 50 Years of Progress and Opportunity, 1954-2004, to recognize UNT's pioneers of desegregation and to honor the results of their efforts.

"As we honor those who have played such an integral role in our history, we hope their stories will inspire the university community of today to confront and better understand our past," says UNT President Norval Pohl.

A web site dedicated to the yearlong celebration has been set up at www.unt.edu/50yearsofprogress. Cassandra Berry, associate vice president for equity and diversity and one of the co-chairs of the planning committee for the commemoration, says alumni, faculty, staff and students of all races and generations are encouraged to visit the site. Those who experienced desegregation in its beginnings and those who have been associated with the university in the last 50 years can share memories of desegregation and life at UNT. Submissions will be made into an online scrapbook of photos and memories.

Berry says throughout the year the university will host recognition ceremonies, alumni gatherings, lectures and other special events related to the anniversary observance.

Visitors to the web site may also sign up to receive e-mail updates about events for the commemoration, which are still in the planning stages.

The first event planned for the yearlong observance is a 50th Anniversary Gala and Reception Feb. 14, open to the public. A musical gala will be held in the Murchison Performing Arts Center and will be followed by a reception in the Gateway Center Ballroom.

The gala will feature music spanning the 50-year period of UNT's integration and growth. African American alumni who were the first to break various barriers will be honored and other alumni who participated in the same activities will be recognized.

For more information, contact Berry at (940) 565-2456.

BY RUFUS COLEMAN rcoleman@unt.edu

Other web references

• 50 Years of Progress and Opportunity web site

Other featured articles in this issue

• Governor names Rice M. Tilley Jr. new regent, reappoints Strange and Nickell
• UNT raises almost $6,000 in heart walk
• Awards presented at Staff Sack Lunch
• Faculty Senate hears from new engineering dean
• Willis Library offers appraisals at Roadshow
• UNT implementing new Enterprise Information System
• UNT professor creates new curriculum for WIC parents

homepage