{"id":135,"featured":0,"modified":"2025-07-15 19:18:24","latitude":30.635162102132962758105350076220929622650146484375,"longitude":-97.665076113261648060870356857776641845703125,"title":"Who is Cheryl Hughes Haynes?","subtitle":"Amplifying Voices: Cheryl Hughes Haynes&#039; Legacy of Leadership and Service","fullsize":"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/fullsize/b82f642e609beb15c0d4ef3516605432.jpg","address":"","all_locations":[],"zoom":16,"creator":["Bettina Castillo '24"],"description":"The story of Cheryl Hughes Haynes, a graduate of the class of 1973, stands as a testament to the power of community and activism within the educational sphere. Her time at Southwestern University was marked not only by academic rigor, as evidenced by her double major in psychology and sociology, but also by a profound engagement with campus life that would leave a lasting imprint on the university&#039;s culture.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nOriginally from Navasota, Texas, Cheryl’s arrival at Southwestern coincided with a period of significant social change. The Civil Rights Movement had recently swept across the nation, leaving in its wake a heightened awareness of racial and gender inequalities and motivation especially among young people to work towards social justice. This context provided a backdrop for Cheryl’s activism and her efforts to forge connections with like-minded peers. <br />\r\n<br />\r\nThe bond she formed with the &quot;7 of us,&quot; the cohort of Black students enrolled during her time, was a source of strength and solidarity for her as  she managed to extend her friendships into the wider (and whiter) community through her interests in activism and the theater. <br />\r\n<br />\r\nHer involvement in theater and political activism on and off campus was not only a personal interest but a means of fostering dialogue and understanding among the student body. As a member of B.O.S.S. (Black Organization for Social Survival) and other groups, Cheryl was at the forefront of advocating for social issues that were reshaping the nation and were starting to reshape Southwestern.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nThe December 1972 edition of the Megaphone highlights her multifaceted role on campus. As a Resident Assistant, she was a figure of support and guidance for her fellow students, characterized by her “friendly smile and a willingness to counsel the students on her wing and in her freshman orientation group.” Her leadership extended to various spheres, including serving as the AWS (Association of Women Students) Publicity Chairman, Captain of the Independent Bowling Team, and historian for Cardinal Key. Her academic achievements were equally impressive, with recognition on the Dean&#039;s list and as a recipient of the President&#039;s Scholarship.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nHaynes&#039; practical experiences, such as her internships and volunteer work at a local mental hospital, underscored her commitment to applying her education in service to others. These experiences, coupled with the close relationships she developed with professors, were what she considered the most valuable aspect of her time at Southwestern.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nCheryl and her husband, Larry Haynes, also a Southwestern alumnus, have maintained a deep and enduring connection with their alma mater. Their post-graduate lives have been marked by a shared dedication to the institution that played a pivotal role in their personal and professional development. Larry&#039;s role as a member of the Board of Trustees further cements their commitment to the university&#039;s growth and success.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nCheryl Hughes Haynes&#039; story at Southwestern University is one of active participation and leadership. Her involvement in interest groups played a crucial role in her integration into the university&#039;s predominantly White environment, showcasing the importance of such platforms in facilitating the success of Black students in higher education. Her legacy is a reminder of the impact that a dedicated individual working together with other individuals can have on fostering a more inclusive and dynamic university culture.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nDespite Cheryl&#039;s dynamic involvement during her student years and the couple&#039;s continued engagement as alumni—evident in their presence at alumni events and their financial contributions—their contributions have not been formally recognized on campus. The lack of formal, tangible acknowledgment on campus is a stark contrast to the significant imprint they have left on the University community. <br />\r\n<br />\r\nThe Haynes&#039; story is woven into the fabric of Southwestern&#039;s history, highlighting the essential yet often overlooked contributions of its Black alumni. The Haynes’ narrative is a compelling testament to the many unsung heroes whose influence extends far beyond the physical commemorations of plaques and building names. It emphasizes the critical need for institutions to fully recognize and celebrate the diverse and rich contributions of all its graduates, ensuring that the impactful legacy of leaders like Cheryl and Larry Haynes is not just remembered but also visibly honored in a prominent way.","sponsor":null,"accessinfo":"","lede":"Cheryl Hughes Haynes&#039; story at Southwestern University is a vivid chronicle of commitment, leadership, and scholarly pursuit. Arriving in the fall of 1969, as one of the very few Black students enrolled at the time, Cheryl embraced the era&#039;s call for change with vigor. She delved into theater, political activism, and the emerging women&#039;s movement, all while skillfully managing the academic rigors of a double major. Her journey not only exemplifies personal tenacity but also mirrors the collective aspirations of her generation amidst a landscape of social transformation.","website":"","related_resources":[],"factoids":[],"files":{"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/fullsize/b82f642e609beb15c0d4ef3516605432.jpg":{"id":663,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"“Who’s Who” Recognition Portrait, 1973 Sou’Wester Yearbook","description":"1973 Sou’Wester Yearbook | 1973 | Sou’Wester staff","thumbnail":"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/square_thumbnails/b82f642e609beb15c0d4ef3516605432.jpg"},"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/fullsize/db7fc6ccbe94ab64397d9c2b5e620110.jpg":{"id":664,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Cheryl Hughes Haynes’ Senior Photo","description":"1973 Sou’Wester Yearbook | 1973 | Sou’Wester staff","thumbnail":"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/square_thumbnails/db7fc6ccbe94ab64397d9c2b5e620110.jpg"},"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/fullsize/b482ceb3a6e03f1edd2c661fb1b12e63.jpg":{"id":665,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Mask &amp; Wig Group Yearbook Photo, Cheryl Pictured Top Row","description":"1973 Sou’Wester Yearbook | 1973 | Sou’Wester staff","thumbnail":"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/square_thumbnails/b482ceb3a6e03f1edd2c661fb1b12e63.jpg"},"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/fullsize/09f853f62ff2dd47ac63fcab1edbbf21.jpg":{"id":666,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Cheryl and Her Fellow Association of Women Studies (AWS) Members","description":"1973 Sou’Wester Yearbook | 1973 | Sou’Wester staff","thumbnail":"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/square_thumbnails/09f853f62ff2dd47ac63fcab1edbbf21.jpg"},"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/fullsize/5ec961cdfd65a46242f1450a72184b30.jpg":{"id":667,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Cheryl &amp; future husband, Larry Haynes, pictured in Mask &amp; Wig Group Yearbook Photo","description":"1970 Sou’Wester Yearbook  | 1970 |  Sou’Wester staff","thumbnail":"https://placingmemory.southwestern.edu/files/square_thumbnails/5ec961cdfd65a46242f1450a72184b30.jpg"}}}