Marcia Sutherland, a professor at the University at Albany, remembers the historic date of July 1, 1990.

It was the day Patrick Swygert became the college’s first Black president. It was a milestone in diversity.

Swygert accomplished a lot in his five years as president. One of his most notable achievements may be launching “The Campaign for Albany.” It was the first fundraising initiative of its kind for the university, which successfully raised $55.3 million.

Under his leadership, construction began on a two-pronged extension to the Campus Center, which would connect years later to the new science library.

Learn more about what Sutherland remembers most about Swygert, by watching video of Faith King’s story.