23 September 2022 • Alums Vincent ’83 Commits $50K to IC Renovation By Andrew Wickenden '09

The renovation of the Intercultural Affairs Center received a boost from former HWS president and current Talladega College President Gregory J. Vincent ’83.

This summer, Talladega College President Gregory J. Vincent ’83 made a $50,000 gift in support of the Intercultural Affairs Center renovation project.

Vincent, who served as HWS president from 2017-18 and was previously a Trustee, wanted to “support diversity, which has been an institutional priority and key commitment throughout the administrations,” but the IC also holds a special place in his memory.

“Some of my best memories at the Colleges were made at the IC, whether at one of our legendary parties or just a casual gathering,” he says.

As both an alum and higher-ed leader, Vincent notes the academic and social value of campus spaces “that exemplify diversity and promote difference as a strength. As a welcoming space that really creates a sense of community, the IC is a central part of that effort for all students on campus, particularly students from diverse backgrounds.”

“I want to congratulate the leadership at HWS and applaud them for making the IC a priority,” says Vincent, noting the work of Board Chair Craig R. Stine ’81, P’17, former President Joyce P. Jacobsen and President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D. ’17, P’21 in bringing the project to fruition.

Construction will continue through Hobart’s Bicentennial year; the project is expected to be completed before the arrival of students for the spring 2023 semester.

In April 2022, Vincent was named the 21st President of Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest private and historically black liberal arts college. An acclaimed civil rights attorney, he is a national expert on civil rights, social justice and campus culture. His work explores issues of educational equity and access, as well as diversity in higher education and engagement between communities and universities.

Previously, Vincent served as the Executive Director of the University of Kentucky Civil Rights and Education Initiative in collaboration with the NAACP. He was also a professor at the UK Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation. Following his tenure as President of Hobart and William Smith, from 2018 to 2020, Vincent served as the 48th Grand Sire Archon (CEO and Chairman) of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boulé), the nation’s oldest, Black Greek-lettered organization.