Remembering early students of color
Southwestern has enrolled White students since the beginning. Since the 1960s, the student body has slowly become more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity. In the early years, these students of color were expected to simply fold into the dominant culture here. Who were these students, what were their experiences, and how should they be remembered?
Who was Ernest L. Clark?
Harmony in adversity: Remembering Clark's enduring impact on Southwestern.
In the storied history of Southwestern University, Ernest Louis Clark, Sr. (July 4, 1947 – June 3, 2023) stands out as a significant figure whose legacy extends beyond his personal accomplishments. His journey as the University's first Black student and graduate exemplifies courage, talent,…
View Story Show on Map
Who is Ernesto Nieto?
A 1964 Southwestern alum who has inspired generations of young Latina/o/x leaders.
Ernesto Nieto was born October 6, 1940 in Houston, Texas. He attended Jefferson Davis High School in Houston, where racial discrimination was not uncommon. He experienced it from his peers and classmates firsthand. Nieto was a good athlete, which helped him in the social climate, but he saw how…
View Story Show on Map
Who was Nemo Herrera?
An alum and prominent Mexican-American in the history of sports in Texas who is not actively remembered today on campus
William Carson “Nemo” Herrera was a Mexican American athlete and Southwestern alum who spent his entire life immersed in sports. He was a man who not only made his mark on the court and field, but also impacted the lives of numerous young people through coaching, educating, and being a mentor. …
View Story Show on Map
Who was Frances Aoki?
The first Asian student to enter as a freshman and stay at the University until graduation.
Frances Aoki was the first Asian to enter as a freshman and stay at the University until graduation. According to The Megaphone, from September 28, 1951, Frances Aoki was a 17 year-old girl from Hawaii when she entered Southwestern (See Figure 1). At the time, Hawaii was not yet a state but a U.S.…
View Story Show on Map
Remembering the First Asian and Asian-American Students
Tracing the history of early Asian and Asian-American students at Southwestern
As an Asian-American student, I have noticed that there is no place on campus where Asian or Asian-American students from the past are commemorated, so I became curious about my predecessors.
Rummaging through the Sou’wester yearbooks for weeks, I noted down the Asian students that were the first…
View Story Show on Map