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Lynn Cecilia Eusan’s (’70) struggle for social justice was hard fought—setting off a firestorm of change on the UH campus during the late ’60s. To those who knew her, she was a feisty, caring, bold, dynamic, humble catalyst. In her short life, she was a pacesetter, pioneer, activist, role model, and teacher with sights
set on changing her world. I acknowledge that I am one of the beneficiaries of her legacy. As a freshman in 1976, I remember proudly strolling through the green, tree-lined park as the Board of Regents named it in her honor—a perpetual testament of her personhood and contributions to the university. Until recently, Lynn Eusan Park was the only site on campus named for a student.
Over the years, the park—adjacent to the Hilton University of Houston Hotel—has been home to many university and community activities including concerts, picnics, rallies, Greek shows, parties, festivals, memorials, staff appreciation days, Easter egg hunts, and much more. Shasta II-V even called the park home, until 1989. Most recently, presidential hopeful John Kerry addressed a crowd under the big, water oak trees during an Earth Day celebration.
The Lynn Eusan Park, indeed, is a symbol of an enduring legacy that one person can make a difference.
— Jo Anne Davis-Jones (’79)
You Oughta Know |
Eusan was named UH’s first black Homecoming Queen on November 22, 1968. |
The journalism/teacher education major was a
UH band member, reporter, photojournalist, and charter member of UH’s first black sorority. |
Eusan was one of the founders of the African American Studies Program, now in its 39th
year at UH.
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Have a great UH memory for Then and Now?
We want to know at magazine@uh.edu.
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