African American Staff: Making a Difference

Over the years, a number of African-American staff members here at the College
became integral components of campus life and made lasting impressions on the students with whom they interacted.

Uncle Matt
"Jack-of-all-trades"
(Late 1800s - Early 1900s)

From the 1903 Tattler:
Of all the College characters there are none more conspicuous than the faithful old colored servant, "Uncle Matt." Uncle Matt is usually clad in a derby hat and an ancient swallow-tail coat, the tails of which sway gently to and fro as he goes about his many duties. For Many years, he has held the office of "jack-of-all-trades" at the College, and from his protracted residence here has become one of our landmarks." One of Uncle Matt's many tasks was going to town to pick up the College's mail. Coupled with his affable and easy-going manner, his delivery of much-anticipated mail to the College's young ladies earned him a spot in their hearts.

Roy & Katie Phillips
Cook & Housekeeper in the College Infirmary
(1920 - Early 1960s)

Roy and Katie Phillips were both known for more than their friendly personalities. Roy's extraordinary cooking, in particular his desserts, and Katie's compassion and willingness to listen to the concerns and problems of others endeared them to the young students here at the College. They are also fondly remembered for the informal devotions they held of a morning in the kitchen for the young ladies who worked in the kitchen and dining room. Over their long tenure here at the College, they became institutions within an institution.

Lena Koyers
Housekeeper in the College Infirmary
(Late 1960s)

"The infirmary was like a home away from home for the students. It wasn't unusual for students to come in, give both women there a hug, and head for the kitchen for a cup of Lena's special tea, a song, and some sound advice. The infirmary did far more than dispense pills and bandages." In those days, the infirmary cared for the student's spiritual aches as well as their physical aches.

To learn more about Lena, her spiritual side, and her time at the College
read Margaret T. Jensen's book entitled "Lena" (1985).

John Graves
"The Savior of Men's Dorm"
(Early 1970s)

John was the janitor in the men's dorm in the early 1970s. Due to a disagreement with the janitorial service that was contracted with the College, John was forced to quit his job for a time. John was distraught because he had enjoyed his job and had seen himself as a member of one big family. John was not the only one who was upset. The male students missed his slow methodical footsteps of a morning, his quiet morning greeting, and the good cleaning job that he had done for them. Fortunately for both John and the male students, the disagreement with the janitorial service was resolved, and he was able to return to his work, his family - the students of men's dorm.