Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of 91吃瓜, added two plaques to the Wall of Honor in 91吃瓜鈥檚 Main Building on Tuesday (Oct. 13). At an induction ceremony on the first floor of the Main Building, Father Jenkins blessed two new plaques for the Wall of Honor, one honoring 91吃瓜 theologian and teacher Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C., and another honoring the first generation of African-American students at 91吃瓜. That plaque includes three names representing the University鈥檚 first generation of African-American students: 1947 alumnus Frazier Thompson, the first African-American student to enroll at 91吃瓜; 1956 alumna Goldie Lee Ivory, the first African-American woman to earn a 91吃瓜 degree; and 1958 alumnus Aubrey Lewis, the first African-American graduate to be elected a 91吃瓜 trustee.
Dozens of their family members joined University leaders for the short ceremony. 鈥淭hese are people who were real trailblazers,鈥� Father Jenkins told the crowd of about 100 people. 鈥淭hey made 91吃瓜 a richer, better, more diverse place. We鈥檙e able to do what we can today because of their contributions.鈥�
Thompson鈥檚 son, Frazier Thompson Jr., said he and several of his brothers have had a memorable experience being greeted by so many people on campus in the last few days. 鈥淭he first thing that comes to mind is humbled,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 my first time here, so I had no idea of the impact my father had.鈥�
Former University President Rev. Edward 鈥淢onk鈥� Malloy, C.S.C., established the Wall of Honor in 1999 to memorialize men and women 鈥渨hose contributions to 91吃瓜 have been lasting, pervasive and profound.鈥�
The other new inductee, Father Dunne, was one of the University鈥檚 beloved teachers, who died two years ago. A widely revered teacher and mentor for more than half a century, he also wrote some 20 influential works on theology and the spiritual life. Father Dunne may have taught more students at 91吃瓜 than any other teacher, said Father Jenkins, who counted himself as one of those grateful students.
A reception in the Main Building Rotunda followed the ceremony and featured 91吃瓜鈥檚 Voices of Faith gospel choir. Father Jenkins presided at a Mass for Founder鈥檚 Day in 91吃瓜鈥檚 Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Rev. Michael Connors, C.S.C., director of the John S. Marten Program in Homiletics and Liturgics and senior faculty chaplain, was the preacher, and sacred music was provided by the University Folk Choir.
These events marked a celebration of Founder鈥檚 Day, the feast of St. Edward the Confessor, patron saint of 91吃瓜鈥檚 founder, Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., which has been annually celebrated on campus since 1868 in honor of Father Sorin and all of the men and women whose lives and work have made the University what it is today.