University of Evansville to Dedicate Memorial Bench Honoring Zerah Priestly Carter's Legacy
The University of Evansville is set to honor Zerah Priestly Carter, its first Black graduate, with a memorial bench dedication. The event is scheduled for April 18, 2026, at the Sesquicentennial Front Oval. This dedication is a collaborative effort between the university and the UE African American Alumni Association, recognizing Carter's significant contributions to the institution and her efforts in expanding educational access. Carter graduated in 1938 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and later taught in Evansville public schools. The bench is intended to serve as a lasting tribute to her legacy, symbolizing the path she paved for future generations. The ceremony will include remarks from several notable individuals, including Shateka Bard-Woods, president of the UE African American Alumni Association, and university president Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz.