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Ribbon cutting for the renaming of Student Diversity & Inclusion to They Hilyard Center, named after UND's first student and graduate of Color as identified through the "Empowered by Our Past" work
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Pictured, Edna Yuki Tetsuka, part of the Noble Nine
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Invitation to the "Empowered by Our Past" event
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Dr. Azzie Tucker, UND's first medicine graduate of Color
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This is UND's 1897 Cadet Battalion photo. Hilyard James Duty, UND's first student of Color is pictured.
Empowered by Our Past: Linking Students of Color to Legacy
Category
Special Events > Special Events: In-Person (Single-Day)
Description
Best of CASE District VI Award
Institution: University of North Dakota
Title of entry: Empowered by Our Past: Linking Students of Color to Legacy
About this entry: "Empowered By Our Past" is a historic campaign created to honor the first students of Color to attend and graduate from the University of North Dakota (UND). Developed through extensive research, the campaign aimed to recognize the resilience and contributions of these trailblazers while inspiring current and future generations.
The campaign launched with a special event that featured remarks from university leaders and the unveiling of a commemorative display. This initiative targeted students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, especially those from historically excluded groups, fostering a greater sense of belonging and pride.
The project sought to deepen awareness of UND’s diverse history, celebrate the legacy of alumni of Color, and strengthen the university's commitment to equity and inclusion. It addressed the critical need to ensure that all facets of UND’s history are represented and valued.
Alumni of Color were reconnected with the university through targeted outreach, fostering meaningful relationships and celebrating their contributions to UND’s legacy. We conducted thorough research by collaborating with university archives, alumni networks, and local historians to uncover the stories of UND’s first students of Color. These findings informed the event content and shaped the campaign’s messaging.
The event attracted 300 attendees, and was featured in the University's alumni magazine, significantly amplifying its reach. Participants and readers expressed overwhelming appreciation for the effort, with many noting a renewed sense of connection to UND’s history. "Empowered By Our Past" successfully initiated conversations around diversity, inspired follow-up initiatives, and set a standard for celebrating inclusion at UND.