Browse the Collection

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

Column, entitled 'Candidly,' written by student, Chuck Graham '62, appearing in Furman's student newspaper, The Paladin, dated May 19, 1962. Graham is ending his column as he is graduating soon, but writes that the struggle for power over Furman, which 'straddles the two worlds of a narrow, denominational school and a leading educational institution,' will continue to be fought.

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.

The 1969-1970 Furman University Concert Choir. A member of the choir, Sarah Reese '71, can be seen at the far right in photo, third row. Reese enrolled at Furman in 1967 as one of the university's first African American women. Sarah Reese would later become a world-famous opera singer.

The 1970-1971 Furman University Concert Choir. Members of the choir include: Sarah Reese '71, in the third row, far right, and Ronald (Rawn) Harbor '71, in the fourth row, far left. Reese and Harbor were some of Furman's first African American students.

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.

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 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.

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.

Junior Class portrait from the 1970 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.

Sarah Reese, in her Junior year at Furman, singing from the musical 'Porgy and Bess' as entertainment for the annual Knight's Night, during Homecoming week festivities. Reese enrolled at Furman in 1967 as one of the university's first African American women. Sarah Reese would later become a world-famous opera singer.

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.

Junior Class portrait from the 1970 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook) of Sarah Reese '71. Reese enrolled at Furman in 1967 as one of the university's first African American women.

Portrait of Sarah Reese '71 from the 'Who's Who' section of the 1971 Bonhomie (Furman Yearbook). Reese enrolled at Furman in 1967 as one of the university's first African American women.

A statement from the faculty of Furman University in support of integration, presented to the university's Board of Trustees on October 8, 1963.

An article written by Furman president, Gordon Blackwell, published in Furman Magazine, v. 14 (no. 3), Winter 1966. President Blackwell writes about the history of social change on college campuses thoughout the generations, as well as the current state of student unrest and social revolution at Furman in the 1960's.

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.