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 Reverend Roberto L. Gómez?
Navigating Identity in a White world: The Journey of Southwestern's sole Mexican American Graduate in 1969
Roberto L. Gómez, Southwestern University's only Mexican American graduate of 1969, embodied resilience and determination during a transformative era for minority students in higher education and at Southwestern. His story highlights the challenges of navigating cultural identity and systemic biases while laying the foundation for greater inclusivity on campus.
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Who is Dr. Sammie Robinson?
Amid the shifting racial landscape of Southwestern University in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. Sammie Robinson’ story stands out as a beacon of personal resilience and commitment to social change.
Dr. Sammie Robinson ‘73 arrived at Southwestern University at a time when the institution decided to expand its efforts to enroll more African-American students. Sammie came from Evan E. Worthing High School in Houston, Texas, an all-Black segregated school where her counselor, Ms. Freddie Gaines,…
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Who is Reverend Jose Palos?
Navigating Discrimination and Acculturation as a Hispanic Student in the 1960s.
Reverend Jose Palos' journey at Southwestern University in the early 1960s was marked by perseverance and resilience. As one of only six Hispanic students on campus, he faced financial hardship, racial discrimination, and the challenges of acculturation. His experience sheds light on the struggles of minority students in Predominantly White Institutions during that era.
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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,…
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Who is Dorita Hatchett?
Remembering one of the first African-American students to join a sorority and be a cheerleader at Southwestern, who went on to play a significant role in Student Life as an alum.
Dorita (or “Dede”) Hatchett, class of 1988, made significant strides in fostering inclusivity and breaking barriers during her time at Southwestern. Her influence extended across multiple facets of campus life for almost a decade, leaving an indelible impression on the University’s history. Her journey as one of the first two African-American women to pledge a sorority at Southwestern underscores…
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Who is Janine Pope Mays?
Janine Pope Mays, a 1983 graduate of Southwestern University, navigated the challenges of being one of the few and early African-American students on a predominantly white campus with resilience, courage, and a dedication to fostering inclusivity. Her experiences as a student not only shaped her personal growth but also left a legacy for future generations of Black students.
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Who is Ernesto Nieto?
A 1964 Southwestern alum who has inspired generations of young Latine 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…
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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. …
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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.…
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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…
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