Nearly five decades ago, seven African American wome found each other at what was then a predominantly white Adelphi University. Forever the Adelphi 7 Sisters, they decided in 2012 to create a legacy at Adelphi, the place where their story began.
Endowing a scholarship at Adelphi is a way for what we have to live beyond us—so that even when we’re not here, the group will still be present.
Nearly five decades ago, seven African American women— Renaye (Brown) Cuyler ’70, Diane (Hunter) Hazel ’69, Lavida (Robinson) Allen ’72, Charlotte (Matthews) Harris ’69, Jacquelyn Lendsey ’71, Joyce (Barnett) Montague ’69 and Lorene Wilkerson ’69 (formerly Lawrene Street)—found each other at what was then a predominantly white Adelphi University.
Long before Facebook, Twitter and text messages, the students established a tight social network. They gathered in places like the dining hall—where they often stayed until closing—to share opinions and advice. Whether they were talking about issues surrounding civil rights, professors, parents, emotional support or boyfriends, they found comfort in each other.
The seven women decided to reunite every five years. They met in New York City in 1974 for their first reunion. For the next 20 some-odd years, they continued to reunite every five years, with an additional gathering in between. When the youngest of the group turned 50, it was unanimous: they would get together every year.
In 2012, they decided to establish a permanent legacy at Adelphi, the place where their story began. The Adelphi 7 Sisters Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide scholarship support for undergraduate students at Adelphi.