In recognition of our 50th Anniversary, Roxbury Community College (RCC) has named 50 Pioneers who have significantly contributed to the College’s success. The list includes 49 individuals nominated by the greater community, with the 50th Pioneer representing the collective contributions of the Greater Roxbury Community.
Each of the living Pioneers is having their portrait taken by renowned Boston photographer Lou Jones. The resulting Pioneer Portrait exhibit will be unveiled at the College on February 23, 2023. The 50th pioneer representing the collective contributions of the Greater Roxbury Community will be honored through commissioned artwork by a renowned locally-based artist. The artist will be announced at the Pioneer Portrait unveiling.
Pioneers were nominated and selected based on their leadership, academic contributions, excellence in student support, community influence and impact, innovation and achievement, and deep commitment to RCC’s values.
“The Pioneers are trailblazers who embody the values of RCC and played a leadership role in establishing and growing RCC,” says Jackie Jenkins-Scott, Interim President of RCC. “I am honored to recognize the legacy of each pioneer as we celebrate 50 years of success while positioning the College for another 50+ years of excellence.”
The pioneers include notable alumni, faculty, staff members, educators, politicians, artists, community activists, journalists, and architects who have continually supported the growth and mission of RCC.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be part of this incredible group of people who have made RCC a place where leaders are created and dreams can thrive for students of all backgrounds,” says Pioneer Reverend Dr. Ray Hammond, RCC Foundation Board Chair and 50th Anniversary Committee Co-Chair. Rev. Hammond formally joined the RCC community in 2019 as chair of the RCCF; under Rev. Hammond’s leadership, the RCCF has raised over $1.75 million in funding for RCC.
RCC’s 50 Pioneers
Royal Lee Bolling, Sr.
Willie Booker
Dr. Peggy Brown
Atty. Wayne Budd
Lisa Carter
Elizabeth Clark
Jane Cloutterbuck
Dr. Angela Paige Cook & Reverend Joe Cook
Rep. James Craven, Jr.
Michael Dukakis
Judge Harry J. Elam, Sr. & Family
Faculty Founders - RCC Social Sciences Department
Gloria Fox
George {Chip} Greenidge, Jr.
Reverend Dr. Ray Hammond
Alfreda Harris
Donna Harris-Lewis
Judge Leslie Harris
Sherman Hart
Haynes Family
Ruth Hines
Michelle Howard-Harrell
Napoleon Jones-Henderson
James Jennings
Hubie Jones
Lou Jones
Sadiki Kambon
Sharif Abdal Khallaq
Joyce King
Melvin H. King
David Lee and Don Stull
Pablo Llanos
Keith McDermott
Jean McGuire
Dr. J. Keith Motley
Melvin Miller
John D. O'Bryant
Dr. Everest Onuoha
William "Bill" Owens
Justin Petty
Kyrsis Rodriguez
Byron Rushing
Sarah-Ann Shaw
John Curtis Thomas
Charlie Titus
Steve Tompkins
Charles "Chuck" Turner
Dianne Wilkerson
Atty. Nunotte Zama
The Collective Contributions of the Greater Roxbury Community – to be honored through commissioned artwork
We thank each pioneer for their contributions to Roxbury Community College. We look forward to unveiling each pioneer portrait on February 23, 2023! Additional details and RSVP information will be available soon.
