The school named a lounge in its campus center after her a few years ago. She continues work there, acting as a substitute teacher on Tuesday.Ĭollege officials invited her to events in recent years as a guest speaker. The Spanish major went on to a 28-year teaching career in the Atlanta Public Schools system, working at what’s now Maynard Jackson High School before retiring in 2005. She said she was disappointed the college didn’t recognize her role in its history when she graduated in 1971. Swift said she found support from Black employees on campus who were eager for her to succeed.
Hudson, said the college inadequately prepared to welcome Black students. Swift, though, said her decision not to live on campus was in part because she wasn’t sure how she’d fit in.Īlthough she was the only Black student on campus, Swift said in an interview she felt no overt pressure in that role nor did she experience some of the vicious verbal attacks and riot that occurred when the University of Georgia’s first Black students enrolled in 1961.Ī few speakers at Wednesday’s event, though, talked about some of the pressures Swift faced, such as being the lone Black voice in classroom discussions. She commuted from home, describing herself as a “mama’s baby” with a chuckle. She arrived on campus for the 1967 fall semester. She was offered a scholarship and enrolled. Washington High School student knew a classmate who briefly attended the college, which sparked her interest in the school. Swift was born and raised on Atlanta’s west side. The college placed a bench on its campus with a plaque commemorating Swift's role in its history. 17, 2021 to celebrate the 50th anniversary as the school's first Black graduate.
Edna Lowe Swift, dressed in red, is surrounded by Agnes Scott College students, graduates and officials after a ceremony on Nov.
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