UI dorm to be named after historic graduate
Updated: January 30, 2013
CHAMPAIGN -- A new UI dorm will honor the legacy of a graduate who broke racial boundaries.
The hall on the corner of Peabody and First Street will be named after Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield.
She was the first African-American woman to graduate from UI in 1906. Bousfield went on to become a math teacher and eventually the first black public school principal in Chicago.
Members of UI's Central Black Student Union say they're excited to hear her name will forever be linked to the university.
"It's both a great honor to the community, not only African-American community, but the African-American female community," said Keena Griffin. "It's a great connection to build a bond between the community members and the students at the university."
School officials hope naming the hall after Bousfield serves as an inspiration to students. The dorm opens this fall.
She was the first African-American woman to graduate from UI in 1906. Bousfield went on to become a math teacher and eventually the first black public school principal in Chicago.
Members of UI's Central Black Student Union say they're excited to hear her name will forever be linked to the university.
"It's both a great honor to the community, not only African-American community, but the African-American female community," said Keena Griffin. "It's a great connection to build a bond between the community members and the students at the university."
School officials hope naming the hall after Bousfield serves as an inspiration to students. The dorm opens this fall.
