Hanover College is set to commemorate a pioneering figure in its history—Alma Gene Prince Saunders, the institution’s first Black graduate. On Friday, February 7, 2025, a special ceremony will take place at the J. Graham Brown Campus Center, where a portrait of Saunders will be unveiled. This event honors her groundbreaking achievements and lifelong contributions to education and civil rights.
A Portrait to Honor a Legacy
The portrait, an oil-on-canvas painting created by Houston artist Eddie Filer Jr., features Saunders dressed in a green dress with a pearl necklace, seated gracefully in a red leather chair beside a flower-filled vase. The commissioned painting was made possible by Lisa Fleming, a 1982 Hanover graduate and a retired attorney and Board of Trustees member. The portrait will be displayed permanently in the J. Graham Brown Campus Center to ensure that Saunders’ trailblazing legacy is remembered by all who visit.
The dedication ceremony will start at 5 p.m. and is expected to bring together students, faculty, and alumni. The painting will forever serve as a reminder of the important role Saunders played in shaping Hanover College’s history.
Alma Gene Prince Saunders: Hanover College’s First Black Graduate
Alma Gene Prince Saunders was born on December 13, 1928, in Carrollton, Kentucky, and grew up in rural Carroll County. She applied for admission to Hanover College in 1948 after transferring from Indiana University. Despite the challenges of racial segregation during that period, she found a welcoming environment on campus, particularly among the students and faculty. Saunders graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and political science, marking a historic achievement as the first Black graduate of the college.
Saunders’ time at Hanover was marked by her active involvement in campus life. She participated in the Social Science Club and the chorus, making lasting connections with peers and professors. After earning her degree, she went on to pursue further studies, receiving a master’s degree in education administration from Kent State University and another master’s in psychology from Akron University.
A Lifelong Career in Education
Following her time at Hanover College, Saunders built a remarkable career in education. She worked as a teacher in the Akron, Ohio, public school system from 1958 to 1981, teaching at various elementary schools and junior high schools. Saunders then moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where she continued her teaching career at Chugiak Elementary School until her retirement in 1997.
Throughout her career, Saunders was not only dedicated to her students but also to community service and civil rights. She was affiliated with several prominent organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Delta Kappa Gamma, and Phi Beta Kappa. Saunders was recognized in the Who’s Who in American Education from 1989-90 and remained deeply involved with local parishes and the Akron Catholic Commission.
Saunders’ Personal Legacy
Beyond her professional achievements, Alma Gene Prince Saunders was a woman of many talents and interests. She had a passion for playing the piano, reading, and writing poetry. She was also fascinated by modern art, science, and politics, and enjoyed activities like gardening, golf, and spending time with her family and friends.
Saunders passed away on March 19, 2009, at the age of 80, following complications from a stroke and diabetes. Her passing marked the end of a life filled with service, dedication, and commitment to making a difference. Yet, her legacy lives on through the portrait unveiling and the countless lives she touched throughout her long career in education and activism.