by Frank Pritchett '88 '92
Most of us yearn for meaningful and purposeful lives, knowing that your contributions enrich the lives of others and make a difference. Working in higher ed, these opportunities abound yet nothing I have done in my 26 years at UWG compares to the satisfaction of being a part of planning and celebrating Lillian Williams during our recent Alumni Weekend.
UWG President Kyle Marrero, center, and the family of Lillian Williams, April 2014.
In 1963, when Mrs. Williams became West Georgia’s first enrolled student of color, the Civil Rights Movement – and the people behind it – was changing America and she was one of those contributors.
To put that year in perspective, as Mrs. Williams was beginning her educational experience at an all-white West Georgia, Medgar Evers was assassinated, Alabama Gov. George Wallace stood in the schoolhouse door, and three little girls were murdered in a Birmingham church later that year.
You see, her contributions go beyond just being our first African-American student. Her tenure at our great university was historic and took a great deal of courage. After all, Mrs. Williams had a family at home. Though horrific racial events didn’t occur at West Georgia, let’s not be blind to the reality. Her commitment to education is to be celebrated and held high. Here is the language from the granite marker at the site where we planted a tree to honor her roots at UWG:
“In 1963, Mrs. Lillian Williams became the first African-American student to enroll at the University of West Georgia – then West Georgia College. The steps she took that summer launched her storied career as a beloved Carroll County educator and left behind a legacy of strength, courage, and commitment for all future students. This stately oak commemorates Mrs. Williams as UWG's first enrolled student of color and its first African-American graduate, and represents UWG's commitment to diversity. May the roots she planted grow and thrive in the brightness of our future.”
What will be your commitment to transforming lives of others?
Frank Pritchett is the director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.
