Introduction
LeMoyne-Owen College is a historically black institution of higher learning located in Memphis, Tennessee. The college was founded in 1862 by the American Missionary Association and has a rich history of providing education to African Americans. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about LeMoyne-Owen College that you may not have known before. From its notable alumni to its unique campus features, LeMoyne-Owen College is truly a special place.
Fun facts about LeMoyne-Owen College
Notable Alumni
LeMoyne-Owen College has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields. One of the most famous alumni of the college is Benjamin Hooks, who graduated in 1944. Hooks went on to become a civil rights activist and served as the executive director of the NAACP from 1977 to 1992. Another notable alumnus is Judge Russell Sugarmon, who graduated in 1957. Sugarmon became the first African American to serve on the Tennessee Court of Appeals in 1974.
In addition to these two trailblazers, LeMoyne-Owen College has also produced many successful businesspeople, including Robert Lipscomb, who graduated in 1982. Lipscomb is a real estate developer who has worked on several high-profile projects in Memphis. Another successful businessperson is E. Hunter Harrison, who graduated in 1966. Harrison was the CEO of several major railroad companies and is credited with revolutionizing the industry. These are just a few examples of the many accomplished alumni of LeMoyne-Owen College.
Unique Campus Features
LeMoyne-Owen College is situated on a beautiful 23-acre campus in South Memphis. The campus has several unique features that set it apart from other colleges and universities. One of these features is the Alma C. Hanson Memorial Library. The library was built in 1965 and named in honor of a longtime professor at the college. It features a collection of over 80,000 books and is open to students, faculty, and the community.
Another unique feature of the LeMoyne-Owen College campus is the Chapel of Christian Brothers. The chapel was built in 1924 and is one of the oldest buildings on campus. It was originally used as a place of worship for the Christian Brothers, who founded the college. Today, the chapel is still used for religious services and is also a popular venue for weddings and other events.
The campus also features the Marcus Orr Center for the Humanities, which was established in 2014. The center is named in honor of Marcus Orr, a former professor of English at the college. It hosts a variety of lectures, discussions, and other events focused on the humanities.
Conclusion
LeMoyne-Owen College is a unique and special institution of higher learning. Its rich history, accomplished alumni, and beautiful campus all contribute to its distinct character. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or member of the community, there is much to appreciate about LeMoyne-Owen College.
