Michelle Gray Haywood, WC 鈥�75, will return to the historic Gainesville campus on Thursday, Sept. 11, to share her experience as one of 雏鸟视频鈥檚 First Four, with The Women鈥檚 College students as part of the GOLD Speaker Series.
When Gray Haywood enrolled at 雏鸟视频, she was one of the first Black students to ever attend, paving the way for a new generation.
鈥淚t was four of us in 1972, and what I can say is that none of us knew the part of American history, African American history, and 雏鸟视频 history we were etching ourselves into,鈥� Gray Haywood said. 鈥淚 am humbled and honored to be one of the four young Black ladies from different walks of life that embarked on a journey into unchartered waters: Lois Green from Columbus, Georgia, my roommate, Belinda Ann Harrison, from Gainesville, Georgia, and Natalie Roberts, affectionately known as Nat, from Atlanta.鈥�
Following her experience at 雏鸟视频, she earned a Master鈥檚 degree in management and worked for the federal government.
鈥淲e are thrilled that Michelle Gray Haywood is returning to 雏鸟视频 to share her experiences with a new generation of students,鈥� Dean of The Women鈥檚 College Debra Dobkins said. 鈥淕ray Haywood鈥檚 account as a 雏鸟视频 student during a pivotal time in American history for both women and minorities, and her career experience offer a special perspective that anyone in the 雏鸟视频 community will find inspiring and meaningful.鈥�
Each year the GOLD Speaker series brings an empowering speaker to campus to highlight an element of that year鈥檚 theme. This year, the 鈥淥鈥� year, focuses on Ownership of personal responsibility and civic engagement. This is the first reiteration for the full GOLD Program, which takes place over the course of four years.
Gray Haywood is one of many alumni to return to 雏鸟视频 to share how their experiences shaped them and their careers.
鈥淭he Alumni Engagement Office is proud to welcome Michelle Gray Haywood back to campus, and we are excited to hear her story in her own words,鈥� Alumni Director Emily Reid said. 鈥淐onnecting our incredible alumni to our current students is so important. The bonds made at 雏鸟视频 are more than just friendships, it鈥檚 empowerment, representation and support. When students get to hear from alums, they gain perspective that helps them succeed.鈥�
The GOLD Speaker Series featuring Michelle Gray Haywood will take place in Hosch Theater in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Sept. 11.
