For the first time in Princeton University history, they will name a residential college after Black alumna Mellody Hobson.
After removing Woodrow Wilson’s name from the residential college due to his "racist thinking and policies" and the 2015 protest from the students, the institute will be removing his name and replacing the residential college with Mellody Hobson.
Although the college has finalized the removal of Woodrow’s college, the Wilson Legacy Review Committee was not happy about the decision and the board reconsidered the decision in 2016. After the George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Rayshard Brooks incidents the institute made an effort to make a final decision to officially remove Woodrow Wilson’s name in 2020.
Mellody graduated Princeton in 1991 and wants all students who enter the new building to feel like they belong there.
"My hope is that my name will remind future generations of students — especially those who are Black and Brown and the 'firsts' in their families — that they too belong," she said.
Mellody has an astonishing career where she is the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, serves as chair of the board of trustees of the Ariel Investment Trust. She also serves on the boards of Starbucks and JPMorgan Chase. She was previously the director of Estée Lauder and board chair of DreamWorks Animation SKG.
Building Mellody’s residential college will take up to three years where it will be open Fall of 2026.
"Mellody Hobson is a wonderful role model for our students, and we are thrilled that her name will now grace our newest residential college," said Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber.
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