Calvin Waller
Calvin H. Waller was the first colored student admitted to Penn State in 1899 and became the first colored graduate in 1905. The Georgia native earned his bachelor of science degree in agriculture.
Waller was associate editor of Penn State’s La Vie yearbook, a member of Alpha Zeta agricultural fraternity and the natural history club, and quarterback for the intramural football team. He was also an accomplished vocalist in the Cecelian Quartette and served as president of the Glee Club.
After graduation Waller joined the faculty at Haynes Institute in Augusta, Ga. He later became head of the agricultural department at Prairie State University in Texas (now Prairie View A&M University) and Texas State Leader of Negro Extension.
Waller established himself as a widely respected African American agriculturist. He died on April 15, 1941.
Video courtesy of C. Roy Parker
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