HUNTINGDON COLLEGE

News Release

November 11, 2024
For more information, contact:
Laura Brelsford | laura.brelsford@hawks.huntingdon.edu | 334-833-4563

Huntingdon Celebrates Patricia Guy at Annual Birthday Luncheon

Montgomery, AL – On Monday, November 11, students, faculty, and staff gathered in Stallworth Dining Room to participate in the fourth annual Patricia Guy Birthday Luncheon.

The event began in 2020 to remember and pay tribute to Huntingdon’s first black student and graduate, Patricia Guy ’69. Every year on or near November 8, Patricia’s birthday, Huntingdon is invited to share in a journey of reflection by a mistress of ceremonies, a junior speaker, and a senior speaker at lunchtime gathering. In addition to the speeches, this year, mistress of ceremonies, Mrs. Bria Rochelle-Stephens ‘18, unveiled a framed image of Ms. Guy in her senior drape, that will be hung in the dining room.

After welcoming guests, Mrs. Rochelle-Stephens introduced the junior speaker, Charity Shaw ’26. Charity shared a brief biography about Patricia’s life and an account of her first few years at Huntingdon from the book, Journeys that Opened up the World: Women, Student Christian Movements, and Social Justice 1955-1975, written by Huntingdon alumna, Shelia McCurdy ’66.

After Charity gave an account of Patricia’s time at Huntingdon, senior Ariel Dixon ’25, gave her reflections on Patricia and the annual event. The text of her speech is below:

Good afternoon, everyone.

I am so honored to stand before you today to speak about such a remarkable woman. Patricia Guy was the first black student to attend and graduate from Huntingdon College. Even though I grew up in Mobile, Alabama, I did not know about Patricia, a fellow Mobilian who was the first black graduate from Huntingdon College. In fact, I only found out about her when I was awarded the inaugural Patricia Guy Scholarship. As a senior in high school, I quickly decided to learn more about this historical figure in my future college’s history. As Charity just noted in the history of Patricia Guy, she was an ordinary student just as we are. Unlike us, Patricia felt a sense of loneliness. Coming into a new place where no one looks like you, thinks like you, or shares common experiences with you can be a hard thing to adapt to. Yet Patricia did just that and because of her students are able to sit together and enjoy moments like these in a shared space.

As I begin, let us all take a minute to look at the tables that we are sitting at now and the people that you are sitting beside. Imagine not having not having a seat at the table both figuratively and physically. In terms of physically, not having a seat at the table can mean not having a seat with others at a table in class, dining hall, or other places. Figuratively it means not feeling as though you are able to be in a space based on your physical appearance such as the color of your skin that would have been a determining factor during the 1960’s when Patricia was a student. Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine walking into a new space where you don’t know anyone and no one knows who you are. When Patricia first walked in 1500 East Fairview, she knew the hardships it would take to be the first, but she did it anyway. Patricia was a trailblazer who paved the way for students who look like me. Her legacy is the exact reason I stand before you today being able to speak to you.

Being the first comes with great responsibility as well as hardships. Along with Patricia Guy, I think about black women in Huntingdon’s history that broke barriers. In 2017 we had Bria Rochelle Stephens become Huntingdon’s first black Homecoming Queen, and in 2024 I became the first black Miss Huntingdon. Being the first is not an easy thing to do, being a woman is another factor but adding a black woman to that can be a tougher challenge in trying to make your mark and leave a legacy as Patricia did. She entered an unfamiliar place to ensure others like her could do the same. She is the epitome of what it means to be resilient, tough, and to be a leader. She formed friendships and connections at the home we love so well by not letting her circumstances define what was possible for her. She made the most out of her time here at Huntingdon, which is what we all should strive to do as students. She entered spaces where no one like her had ever entered. She opened doors for those who do so now, and it is a regular aspect of our lives here at the College, like sitting here together eating lunch on a regular day.

As you enter spaces, ensure others have a seat at the table whether they look like you or not, whether they think like you or not, or even if they don’t have similar experiences as you. Promote inclusivity throughout this campus and in your community once you leave this place. Our college’s motto is, “enter to grow in wisdom, go forth and apply wisdom in service’. A motto that Patricia embodied in her personal life. As the first black student, she entered this place to grow her wisdom and went forth and applied it through her servant heart until her death. She earned her seat at the table and did the tough job for others who came after her. We as students can do the same and embody the quote our college gives us and be more like Patricia. Be more like Patricia and do the hard things. Make history, be the first, and encourage others to do so. Joshua 1:9 reads: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”.

As my time at Huntingdon comes to an end, I often think about the ones who came before me to make these opportunities possible. These past four years have been nothing short of amazing but there are times where I wondered if I had a seat at the table. I think back to the women who went outside of their comfort zone to ensure we always had a seat at the table. Women like Patricia are the reason we have the opportunity to be in these spaces. We should take away the mindset of Patricia Guy in being a leader even though it comes with trials and tribulations. Her legacy is one we will never forget and continue to remember in our history. I hope you all will take Patricia’s strength during her time as a student at Huntingdon as an example of how to live your life. Even when you don’t think you can, be courageous and always find your seat at the table. Thank you for coming into an unfamiliar place and making your place at the table. Happy birthday, Patricia, we celebrate you today and will always remember your dedication to Huntingdon and the legacy that you have left us.

Thank you all!

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