A $2 million gift from Kenneth I. Chenault ’73, H’96 and his wife, Kathryn C. Chenault, has made possible the creation of the new Herman S. Dreer Leadership Fellowship. Named in honor of Herman S. Dreer, Class of 1910, the fellowship will bring leaders from various professional fields to the College for long-term community engagement projects.

Dreer was the second Black graduate in the College’s history and led a rich life of education and activism. He taught at numerous schools throughout his career, focusing on growing opportunities for students to learn about Black history. He was also a significant contributor to civil rights discourse by way of his writing.

By spending time on campus, delivering lectures and collaborating with the campus community, Dreer Fellows will work to inspire students from marginalized backgrounds. For Chenault, Dreer’s legacy represents the innovative and tenacious spirit he hopes to cultivate in students.

“I stand on the shoulders of people like Herman Dreer who, despite being denied the opportunities they deserved, paved the way and valiantly forged ahead,” Chenault wrote in a statement to the College. “Kathy and I are privileged to honor Herman Dreer and give him the long overdue recognition that he so justly deserves. The Herman S. Dreer Leadership Fellowship will ensure that Herman’s legacy lives on to inspire future generations of trailblazers.”