Ruby Cora Webster, the first documented African American graduate of St. Cloud State University (SCSU), left a legacy of resilience and determination. Born in 1889 to former slaves, Webster earned her elementary education degree in 1909, breaking barriers during a time of widespread racial discrimination. Her story continues to inspire students and faculty, with SCSU honoring her by renaming a campus building in her memory.
A Trailblazer in Education
Webster’s journey began in Delphos, Ohio, where she was born into the first free generation of African Americans. Her family moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota, in the early 1890s. Despite the challenges of growing up in a predominantly white community, Webster excelled academically. She graduated from St. Cloud High School in 1908 and enrolled at SCSU, then known as St. Cloud State Normal School, that same year.
“For Ruby Webster to graduate from an institute of higher learning in 1909, during a time of widespread racial violence, is remarkable,” said Christopher Lehman, an SCSU professor who led efforts to honor Webster. She completed her one-year program in elementary education, becoming the university’s first Black graduate.
Overcoming Barriers in a Divided Nation
The early 20th century was a tumultuous time for African Americans. Despite the abolition of slavery, segregation and racial violence were rampant. Webster’s achievement came just as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909 to combat racial injustice.
After graduation, Webster faced significant challenges in finding work as a teacher. Records show she moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she taught at the Phillips School and later at the Yates School. She married Hardy Watts in 1912 and had two children, though tragedy struck when her son passed away in infancy. Despite these hardships, Webster remained resilient, eventually remarrying and building a life with her family.
A Lasting Legacy
In 2018, SCSU renamed its former business building Ruby Cora Webster Hall, thanks to a grassroots movement led by Lehman and supported by over 2,000 students and faculty. The renaming ceremony was attended by Webster’s surviving family, cementing her place in the university’s history.
“Ruby Webster’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance can overcome adversity,” Lehman said. “She is an inspiration to anyone who feels different or faces challenges because of who they are.”
Webster’s legacy extends beyond her academic achievements. She was posthumously inducted into SCSU’s School of Education Hall of Fame in 2016. Her life serves as a testament to the power of education and the importance of representation.
Honoring a Pioneer
Webster spent her later years in Canada, where she lived with her daughter and grandchildren. She pursued her passions for painting and pottery, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy. She passed away on December 20, 1974, just days before her 85th birthday.
Today, Ruby Cora Webster Hall stands as a symbol of her enduring impact. “It’s a powerful feeling knowing that a grassroots movement made this happen,” Lehman said. “Her story reminds us that one person’s courage can inspire generations.”
For more information about Ruby Cora Webster and her contributions to SCSU, visit the university’s archives or explore the exhibits in Ruby Cora Webster Hall.
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