University of Dayton dedicates building in honor of first African-American woman graduate

DAYTON — The University of Dayton is honoring the legacy of the very first black woman to graduate from UD.

Friday afternoon, the university dedicated their newly renovated computer science academic building to Jessie S. Hathcock, who made strides as an educator and humanitarian.

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Hathcock was a trailblazer at that University of Dayton and her work continues to be meaningful today.

Today’s dedication of Hathcock Hall is about recognizing an important part of the university’s history.

“We have placed, for several years now, a real emphasis on bringing greater diversity, equity and inclusion to our work here,” said Jason Pierce, Dean of College Arts and Sciences at UD.

Hathcock graduated from UD in 1930, and she was awarded an honorary degree from the university in 1978.

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“You think about where Dayton was back in the 1930s, and for her to graduate from UD and to have such a distinguished career is really outstanding,” Pierce said.

She taught in Dayton public schools for 34 years, and was Dean of Girls and an English teacher at Dunbar High School.

“When she was doing all these things, I was there. I was there and I was proud…” said Hathcock’s grandson, Lloyd Hathcock Jr.

Hathcock’s family at Today’s dedication told News Center 7 they couldn’t be more proud of her legacy.

“It’s a marvelous event for the family and for the future of the family and the ones that are growing up, set an example,” Hathcock Jr. said.

The former music/theatre building—now named Hathcock Hall, will house a laboratory, office and classroom spaces.

“Mrs. Hathcock was a global traveler as well…active…world affairs…and I think it’s really fitting that this building is going to carry her name…because our science department is very diverse,” Pierce said.

The renovations costs about 14 millions dollars, which went to new equipment and upgrades to the space.

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