Event honors first African-American student body president

A memorial was held Sunday to commemorate Thomas Atkins, who became IU’s first African-American student body president in 1960 and who was also the first African-American student body president in the Big Ten.

“Atkins wasn’t a superhero, but he’s a hero that had incredible strength in person to persevere. He believed in himself, and he did incredible things for himself,” said Tom Martz, President of the IU Alumni Association to students.

Atkins graduated from IU in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and went on to become a nationally recognized civil rights attorney.

The Atkins Living Learning Center, located in Forest residence hall, opened 15 years ago.

“Atkins LLC is a vital part of the Residential Programs and Services system,” said Pat Connor, executive director of Residential Programs and Services. “For the past 15 years, students can come together in an environment to connect to other students, faculty and leave IU with a degree and confidence.”

The Atkins students were able to reflect on their past experiences.

“Atkins changed my life to be able to see that I can make change, so stay focused, have fun, get involved and respect and honor your teachers,” Shalisa Smith, Residence Halls Association chief of staff, said.

By celebrating the past 15 years, IU students and faculty look forward to continuing the success of the Atkins LLC to help make it a “home away from home,” Groups program director Janice Wiggins said.

“The students that live in the LLC are mostly students that are first in their family to attend college,” Wiggins said. “Our primary concern is not only to help academically, but also to provide a positive first-year transition to IU.”