Dungy ’64 receives Distinguished Achievement Award
Madgetta Thornton Dungy ’64—whose resilience as Cornell’s first African American woman graduate inspired her leadership career supporting college students—received the 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award, the highest honor awarded by the Alumni Association and the college.
Dungy received a standing ovation when President Jonathan Brand read her citation during Homecoming Weekend Convocation. Her application and admission to Cornell College in 1960 came in an era of racial segregation in the United States. Dungy was attracted to Cornell because it was a small liberal arts college in a small town. To her parents, Cornell was geographically located above the Mason-Dixon Line, during a time of life-threatening racial upheaval and chaos in the country.
In her remarks, Dungy talked about the loneliness she experienced as the only Black woman on campus and in Mount Vernon. She shared that the lack of encouragement and support from faculty and the negative preconceptions of the academic abilities of women and people of color had a profound impact on her academic performance.
Listen to her Oct. 5, 2024, speech during Homecoming Convocation at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church:
In time, with resilience and perseverance, Dungy became a part of, and active in, campus life. She majored in political science and history and belonged to groups including Kappa Theta and Orchesis Dance group.
She stayed, she said, for three reasons. In addition to bringing her ancestor’s educational success model and her religious faith, she had a determination to prove she could persevere. Second, she met Mary Tesch Scobey ’63. Scobey was an open, affirming, heart-warming, theatre student from Osage, Iowa, and they formed a lifelong friendship so deep they considered each other sisters. Scobey’s children joined Dungy’s family at the award ceremony.
Her third reason for staying, she said, is that, despite her challenges, Cornell offered an extraordinary educational experience, and she developed an appreciation for the value of small liberal arts institutions.
“As a result of my experience at Cornell and the challenges I faced as a student, I devoted my life’s work and purpose to the encouragement, support, and promotion of student success,” she said. “This morning I feel especially privileged and honored. I am profoundly grateful to have received this recognition from my alma mater, Cornell College. Simply put, this award makes my heart sing.”
Following Cornell, Dungy earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Colorado and began her career in university administration in student services. In 1994 she came full circle to serve Cornell College as interim director of Multicultural Affairs and then as visiting professor of education for 1995-96, and served on the Cornell College Board of Trustees from 1996 to 2004.
Dungy earned a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Iowa and has over 50 years of experience in higher education. Throughout her roles in student academic advising, financial aid, and admission at various institutions, she has made an immeasurable impact on students and on the field of higher education. She retired as assistant dean for faculty affairs and development at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. As a professional and volunteer, she has been recognized for her work in national, state, and local community organizations and associations on behalf of students of color, women, the arts, and non-profit agencies.
In 2014, the college named its writing studio the Dungy Writing Studio to acknowledge the struggles she experienced as a student, as well as her commitment to supporting all students in their academic endeavors.
