COE marking 50 years of integration with Sept. 4 celebration
Posted Aug. 14, 2009
The year was 1959 when Daphne Duval-Williams enrolled in the Ph.D. program at the University of Florida’s College of Education, becoming the college’s first black student. Now, a half-century later, the college is marking its 50th anniversary of integration with a special celebration at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, at the UF President’s House.
The anniversary social, carrying the theme of “50 Years and Counting: Race, Education and the Florida Gator,” will feature a reception, heavy hors d’ouvres, music and dancing, and a program recognizing the impact that the College of Education’s African-American alumni have made to the field of education as teachers, researchers and leaders.
The free social is open to the public, but reservations are required and limited. Please RSVP by Aug. 26 by contacting Daniel Rogers via email at drogers@coe.ufl.edu, or by calling (352) 273-4368.
Simon O. Johnson, a UF professor emeritus in education and former head of the college’s office of recruitment, retention and multicultural affairs (RRMA), will lead a small slate of guests offering remarks and reflections about the experiences and contributions of African American faculty members and students at the College of Education.
Johnson currently is administrator of the Caring and Sharing Learning Center, a public charter elementary school in east Gainesville. He served on the College of Education faculty from 1971 until his retirement in 1998, and is a former teacher of the year selection. Much of his scholarly work and writing focused on the improvement of educational programs and opportunities for minorities.
Michael Bowie, the college’s current RRMA director and also the president of the Alachua County chapter of NAACP, is coordinating and emceeing the event. Education Dean Catherine Emihovich will welcome guests.
The event coincides with UF Black Alumni Weekend and the Florida Gators’ home-opening football game that Saturday, Sept. 5, against Charleston Southern. The UF President’s House is located at 2151 W. University Avenue in Gainesville.
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WRITER: Larry Lansford, Director, COE News & Communications; llansford@coe.ufl.edu
