Althea Gibson

One quote from the famous Venus Williams sums up what Ms. Gibson did for this world, “For players like myself and a lot of other African American players on the tour, Althea Gibson paved the way for us”. Ms. Gibson was the first African American woman to win the Wimbledon and U.S. Championships in 1957, and the French Open and three double titles at Wimbledon in 1958. She worked as the Athletic Director at Lincoln University and, after retiring from tennis, toured with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Ouida Sprye Tolbert

Ouida Tolbert began her career at Lincoln University in 1950 as a Supervisory teacher of English, French, Speech, and Drama in the Laboratory High School and as an Associate Professor in the Department of Education. She retired from Lincoln as an Associate Professor of English in 1993. Tolbert was a mentor, role model, and life-long educator. Her dedication to pedagogy and passionate attitude touched many of her students’ and colleagues’ lives. She still contributes to the educating community today.