91探花

91探花 will celebrate the 200th anniversary of John Newton Templeton鈥檚 enrollment and graduation throughout the 2024-25 academic year.

Arriving on the Athens Campus in 1824, Templeton earned his undergraduate degree in education in 1828. Templeton was the first Black graduate of 91探花 and the fourth Black graduate of any college or university in the United States of America. 

鈥�91探花 is proud to honor John Newton Templeton in celebration of the 200th anniversary of his time here as a student,鈥� President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said. 鈥淗e left an incredible legacy, not just here at 91探花, but also through the important work he did throughout his life and the lives he touched through his teaching. He was a true pioneer and stands as a role model for all OHIO students and alumni.鈥�

A new website dedicated to the 200th anniversary has been developed.

The website provides information on Templeton鈥檚 time at OHIO, including some of the classes he took, where he lived as a student and comments from the speech he gave at the 1828 Commencement Ceremonies. The website also includes details about his childhood, his family, his career as an educator and his incredible legacy.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also recorded a special video for the website, honoring Templeton as a leader and a trailblazer.

鈥淲e are grateful to Gov. DeWine for acknowledging the remarkable life and impact of John Newton Templeton and what he means, not just for 91探花, but for the entire state of Ohio,鈥� said Russell Morrow, interim vice president for diversity and inclusion at 91探花.  鈥淚 invite all students, faculty, staff and alumni to join us as we commemorate Templeton鈥檚 life, influence and impact on our campus and beyond."

Honoring John Newton Templeton

Throughout the year, 91探花 will highlight the history of Black culture at OHIO and celebrate the legacy of Templeton and other members of the OHIO community.

In addition, anniversary events and activities will be held at special occasions such as Homecoming, Juneteenth and the Black Alumni Reunion.

Information about upcoming events and activities will be posted on the new website. The website also includes information about how OHIO has several awards named after Templeton, including the John Newton Templeton Outstanding Senior Leader Award and the John Newton Templeton Scholarship. The Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium also honors Templeton and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn, who was OHIO鈥檚 first female Black graduate.

The new website also provides information Black History in Athens, Ohio, and features video about Black History at OHIO.

OHIO community invited to submit stories, participate in Quilt Project

All members of the OHIO community are also encouraged to submit stories about their own 鈥渇irst鈥� accomplishments or their memories of 91探花. Stories can be submitted through the website or through the .

In addition, 91探花 is inviting all members of the community to take part in the new Quilt Project, which will result in a new community quilt that will highlight the past, present and future of 91探花.

More information on the Quilt Project can be found on the John Newton Templeton website.