The 15th of 17 children born of former slaves grew up to become a college president?

Answer 1

Patrick F. Healy, S.J. - College President

Patrick F. Healy was born in a log cabin near Macon, Georgia, in 1834. He was the third of ten children of Michael Healy, an Irish planter, and his wife, Elisa, a former slave. An opponent of slavery, Healy had bought her freedom to marry her.

Three of their sons chose the priesthood and two daughters became nuns. One brother, James Augustine, became the first Negro priest and Catholic bishop in America (when he was named the second bishop of Portland, Maine). Another, Alexander Sherwood, was Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Boston. One sister, Emma, founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, an order dedicated to teaching black children.

In 1873 Father Healy became the first black president of a major university in the United States, Georgetown College, which had been founded in 1789. This was the nation's oldest Catholic College. Under his leadership the school expanded. The curriculum was extended to include advanced sciences

and medicine. The law school was revitalized. An extensive building program was undertaken, several permanent awards were established and the Georgetown College Journal appeared. Football and other sports were encouraged. Alumni associations were formed and the school's endowment increased. Most importantly, academic excellence was required and the school became a renowned university.

In 1882 Father Healy was forced to resign due to failing health. He was appointed spiritual father of St. Joseph's college in Philadelphia. Illness forced Father Healy to return to Georgetown's infirmary as a patient in 1908 and he died there two years later.

Answer 2

mary mcleod bethune

Answer 3

Mary McLeod Bethune

Answer 4

marybmcleod bethune

Answer 5

Barack Obama