Joseph Vaughn plaque now hanging in Lakeview Hall

When Furman University’s Center for Interpersonal Connections relocated from the Trone Student Center office space it held for years to the new Lakeview Hall, they made sure to take an important fixture with them: a plaque in memory of Joseph Allen Vaughn, who enrolled on Jan. 29, 1965 as the first Black undergraduate student at Furman. The plaque was installed in Lakeview on Jan. 14.

“The plaque serves as a reminder of not just the memory of Joseph Vaughn but what he represented: radical change in the face of adversity,” said Franklin Ellis, associate dean, director of the CIC and special assistant to the president for diversity and belonging.

“Joseph Vaughn represents growth and change for the better of not only Furman but of our society. When visitors see the plaque I want them to see how small acts of courage can have a large positive impact on the future.”

The annual Joseph Vaughn Day commemorates the man’s courage and legacy, and reminds everyone of the power of belonging.

This year’s celebration is Friday, Jan. 31, starting at 12:15 on the Joseph Vaughn Plaza. In case of inclement weather, the event will begin at 12:30 in Daniel Chapel.