The University of Georgia's College of Education is now officially the Mary Frances Early College of Education. President Jere Morehead led the formal naming ceremony. Attendees included Governor and First Lady Kemp, state regents, and the widow and son of Hamilton Holmes, one of the first two students to integrate UGA.
Early, who graduated in 1962 with a master’s degree in music education, said she came to Georgia after watching Holmes and Charlayne Hunter on the news.
“I can’t march on the picket lines, didn’t want to anyway, but I had to make a contribution to help make our nation better, our state better, according to Early.
The honoree seemed a bit overwhelmed by the proceedings.
“I guess I really wasn’t prepared for the all of the things that have and are happening…and it warms my heart to hear people say thanks for paving the way. That is the best thing anyone can say to me, it’s worth more than gold in Fort Knox.”
As befitting a music educator, 12th grade student Zoe Willingham performed a violin piece by Bach.
Music
Albany State President Marion Ross Fedrick delivered the keynote address.
“Congratulations Miss Early. Thank you for being a trailblazer.”
Chancellor Steve Wrigley, the college’s dean, Denise Spangler and Vice Provost Michelle Cook also addressed the crowd.
