The struggles of the African American community have been highlighted more this year than ever before. Despite these struggles, Black students at NIU push on to success, especially with support from groups like the NIU Alumni Association Black Alumni Council (BAC).
Founded in 1976, the BAC works to support Black students at NIU and to be a resource for NIU’s Black alumni. Each year, the BAC awards the Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship to celebrate Black Huskies’ perseverance and promise.
Fanny Ruth Patterson was the first African American student to graduate from NIU. When she completed her teaching degree in 1915, NIU President John W. Cook wrote a letter of recommendation for Patterson to the head of personnel for the St. Louis school system where she had applied for a position teaching English and history.
“She has had the entire confidence of everybody with whom she has worked,” he wrote.
For her place in history, Fanny Ruth Patterson has become an example of dignified determination and purpose for NIU African American students. A gift to support this scholarship will help continue this tradition for generations of Huskies.
Help Promising Huskies Like Kyle Johnson
Kyle Johnson, Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship Recipient
“As an African American male coming from a single-parent home, my mom bears all the responsibilities. It means a lot for me to see her work hard and for me to emulate that and be that type of hard worker that receives honors. 2020 was a hard year for people—I feel I have been blessed to receive this special award. When I get help, I like to see how I can pay it forward.”
