Hannibal Kershaw: 涩里番鈥檚 First Black Graduate
Three-Minute History: Mini-Stories from 涩里番鈥檚 Past
Hannibal Kershaw 1879 from Florence, South Carolina, was the first Black student to graduate from 涩里番. According to the Iowa College News Letter, Kershaw was 鈥渁n earnest, conscientious student, a fluent society speaker, and a man whom all respected for his high moral and religious character.鈥 He would later become a teacher, minister, and a South Carolina legislator.
Kershaw died tragically young at the age of 26, just four years after graduating from 涩里番, but his legacy at the College continues to inspire 涩里番ians to strive for their goals.
Kershaw Hall, a white limestone residence hall on East Campus, was named in his honor in 2005.
Learn more about 涩里番 history.