Michelle Gray Haywood, WC ’75, will return to the historic Gainesville campus on Thursday, Sept. 11, to share her experience as one of Brenau’s First Four, with The Women’s College students as part of the GOLD Speaker Series.
When Gray Haywood enrolled at Brenau, she was one of the first Black students to ever attend, paving the way for a new generation.
“It was four of us in 1972, and what I can say is that none of us knew the part of American history, African American history, and Brenau history we were etching ourselves into,” Gray Haywood said. “I am humbled and honored to be one of the four young Black ladies from different walks of life that embarked on a journey into unchartered waters: Lois Green from Columbus, Georgia, my roommate, Belinda Ann Harrison, from Gainesville, Georgia, and Natalie Roberts, affectionately known as Nat, from Atlanta.”
Following her experience at Brenau, she earned a Master’s degree in management and worked for the federal government.
“We are thrilled that Michelle Gray Haywood is returning to Brenau to share her experiences with a new generation of students,” Dean of The Women’s College Debra Dobkins said. “Gray Haywood’s account as a Brenau student during a pivotal time in American history for both women and minorities, and her career experience offer a special perspective that anyone in the Brenau community will find inspiring and meaningful.”
Each year the GOLD Speaker series brings an empowering speaker to campus to highlight an element of that year’s theme. This year, the “O” year, focuses on Ownership of personal responsibility and civic engagement. This is the first reiteration for the full GOLD Program, which takes place over the course of four years.
Gray Haywood is one of many alumni to return to Brenau to share how their experiences shaped them and their careers.
“The Alumni Engagement Office is proud to welcome Michelle Gray Haywood back to campus, and we are excited to hear her story in her own words,” Alumni Director Emily Reid said. “Connecting our incredible alumni to our current students is so important. The bonds made at Brenau are more than just friendships, it’s empowerment, representation and support. When students get to hear from alums, they gain perspective that helps them succeed.”
The GOLD Speaker Series featuring Michelle Gray Haywood will take place in Hosch Theater in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Sept. 11.
