St. Cloud State renames building after 1st African American graduate
Ruby Cora Webster, Class of 1909, St. Cloud State University. Photo courtesy of St. Cloud State University.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (KMSP) - St. Cloud State University is renaming one of its academic buildings after the university’s first African American graduate, Ruby Cora Webster.
The decision was made after Christopher Lehman, a professor in the Department of Ethnic and Women’s Studies, started a petition last summer to rename 51 B, which houses his department as well as the English and political science departments. The petition garnered more than 2,500 signatures.
Webster became St. Cloud State’s first African American graduate in 1909, when it was known as the State Normal School at St. Cloud. She graduated with a degree in education.
Ruby Cora Webster Hall will be christened in a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. About 15 of Webster’s relatives are expected to attend.