Browse the Collection

1966 Color Guard. (Front Row) Joe Vaughn, Cavenaugh, Ethrige, Taylor. (Back Row, Left to Right) Banks, Funderburk, File.

1966 Color Guard wearing their winter greens. Joe Vaughn is featured in the foreground

Photograph of the Furman Chapter of the Southern Student Organizing Committee, an organization of students committed to peace, racial equity, and participatory democracy. From the 1968 Furman yearbook: 'SSOC is convinced that society is in need of radical reform on every level, including the university level. It is our purpose to work for these reforms, both through education and direct action. Ready to organize are the members of the Southern Student Organizing Committee.

Joseph Vaughn '68 performing in the Furman Concert Choir. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Photograph of the 1967-68 Furman University Program Board. The Program Board was an organization that sponsored the majority of activities provided by the Watkins Student Center. The Collegiate Education Service Corps, CESC, also functioned under the Program Board. It was one of the most worthwile and unique organizations in which Furman students could participate. From left to right in photo are Ms. Betty Alverson, Julie Burts, Karen Metcalfe, Joe Vaughn, Jan Clark, Harriet Hamrick, Chris Turner, and Ms. Juanita Copleland.

An article appearing in Furman's student newspaper, The Paladin, dated February 8, 1985. In the article Joseph Vaughn '68, Furman University's first African American student, and Lillian Brock Flemming '71, one of the first two African American females to graduate Furman, reflect on their time at Furman, and offer advice to current African American students.

Joseph Vaughn '68 and Linda Friddle '69 acting in the Furman Theater Guild's production of Max Frisch's comedy, 'The Firebugs.' Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Joseph Vaughn '68, as part of the Cheer Squad, leading fans in a cheer at one of the Furman football games. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Joseph Vaughn '68 and classmates having fun during a musical performance. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Photograph from the 1966 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Joseph Vaughn '68 surrounded by balloons. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Photograph of Joseph Vaughn '68, holding a white azalea blossom in his teeth. Photo taken during his senior year at Furman. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Photograph from the 1965 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Joseph Vaughn '68 standing on the stairs in front of the James B. Duke Library, on the campus of Furman University. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Joseph Vaughn '68 and Lillian Brock Flemming '71 share a laugh during a Religion in Life lecture titled 'Racial Integration at Furman: 21 Years Later' given in 1986.

Class portrait from the 1966 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Joseph Vaughn '68. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Class portrait from the 1967 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Joseph Vaughn '68. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Senior Class portrait from the 1968 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Joseph Vaughn '68. Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Freshman Class portrait from the 1968 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Lillian Brock Flemming '71. Lillian Brock enrolled at Furman in 1967 as one of the university's first African American women.

Sophomore Class portrait from the 1969 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Lillian Brock Flemming '71. Lillian Brock enrolled at Furman in 1967 as one of the university's first African American women.

An article appearing in Furman's student newspaper, The Paladin, dated February 19, 1965. The article is about Joe Vaughn '68, his reception on campus, and his opinion of Furman after his first weeks there. Joseph Vaughn became the university's first African American student on Jan. 29, 1965.

Freshman Class portrait from the 1968 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Sarah Reese '71. Reese enrolled at Furman in 1967 as one of the university's first African American women.

An article appearing in Furman's student newspaper, The Paladin, dated December 15, 1961. The article includes the results of a recent opinion poll given to the students and faculty seeking their thoughts on the idea of admitting into Furman 'all properly qualified applicants regardless of race or color.'

An article appearing in Furman's student newspaper, The Paladin, dated November 9, 1963, showing the results of a poll given to Furman students, seeking their opinions on the Furman Trustees' resolution authorizing Furman to admit all qualified applicants regardless of race or color.

Photograph from the 1966 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of the French Club, 'Le Salon Francias.' This society was composed of students recommended by their professors for their superior work in the intermediate or advanced levels of French. Joseph Vaughn, the university's first African American student, is seen standing at far left in photo.