John b ervin biography

In 1986, only 36 African-Americans were part of Washington University’s freshmen class. Recognizing the need for a more diverse student body, Chancellor William Danforth asked his special assistant, James McLeod, to address the challenge of minority recruitment.

Just one year later, the newly-instituted John B.

Ervin Scholars Program for Black Americans, named in honor of the university’s first African-American dean, welcomed 11 Ervin Scholars.

Thirty years on, more than 600 Ervin Scholars have graduated from Washington University in St.

Louis. The program’s success can be attributed to its emphasis on guiding each individual throughout the four years, and fostering core values of scholarship, leadership, service, and diversity.

To mark its 30th anniversary, Ervin alumni and their families will gather on campus for a weekend celebration which will begin with “Measuring the Impact and Influence of Ervin Scholars,” a panel discussion featuring four graduat