Photos through the Decades at Meredith College: 1970s

1970   “May Queen” festival renamed “Spring Queen.” The name would change a few more times before this festival was discontinued late in the decade.

1970    Mandatory attendance at chapel ends.

1971    Students allowed to wear pants to class.

1971    First demonstration by the synchronized swimming class. The performance group is later named "Aqua Angels."

1971   The first African-American student, Gwendolyn Matthews Hilliard, graduates. (She enrolled in 1968.) 

1972   President Weems speaks at the North Carolina legislature in support of the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) to the U.S. Constitution. 

1972   Black Voices in Unity formed.

1972   Shirley Chisholm, representative from New York and presidential candidate, is keynote speaker to the  “Urban Life and the Political Process” symposium held on campus. 

1972   Margaret Bright Gallery for class dolls dedicated.

1974   Cate Student Center dedicated.

1974   Sandra Thomas named first female vice-president of Meredith College.

1976   “Hut” demolished to make room for new music building/addition (Wainwright Building.)

1978   First Lillian Parker Wallace Lecture delivered by former British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. The lecture was created and funded by the Class of 1971.

1979    SGA (Student Government Association) adopts Angel as Meredith College mascot.