[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING HIRAM ARCHER, THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN GRADUATE OF OLIVET 
                                COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2023

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor one of the first 
African American college athletes and scholars who paved the way for 
students of color across the state of Michigan and this Nation.
  Hiram Archer was the first student of color to be officially 
documented as a graduate of Olivet College, located in Eaton County, in 
Michigan's 7th Congressional District. He attended Olivet from 1888 
through 1904, and played on the school's varsity baseball team, making 
him one of the first ten Black athletes in the nation to play 
intercollegiate sports. While a student at Olivet, Archer was active in 
music and other creative endeavors. A gifted public speaker, Archer won 
several oratory and debate contests, and spoke at prominent events 
including the inauguration of College President William G. Sperry in 
1893. The school considers him to be a model representative of both the 
history and the future goals for students of color at Olivet College.
  Archer remained at Olivet to complete his Master's degree in science, 
and went on to earn a doctorate. He went on to serve in leadership 
positions at several academic institutions, including Director of 
Science and Assistant Principal in the Agricultural and Mechanical 
College in Normal, Alabama, which is today known as Alabama A & M 
University. He finished his career with the Smithsonian Institution in 
Washington, D.C. as a nationally-recognized scientist. Archer passed 
away in 1945 having made Olivet College and the state of Michigan 
proud. His alma mater says Archer's life's work is a testament to 
Olivet College' academic vision: Education for Individual and Social 
Responsibility.
  According to Olivet's current President, Dr. Steven M. Corey, 
Archer's successes were extraordinary for anyone, but for an African 
American in the late 1800s, they were truly groundbreaking and added 
much to the rich Black history that has shaped the college and this 
country. Dr. Corey says he is proud that Hiram Archer is an Olivet 
College alumnus and left such an incredible legacy.
  Today, his legacy lives on at Olivet College, with the Hiram Archer 
Student Success Academy, a mentorship and support group for students of 
color on campus. I ask that he be forever remembered for his pioneering 
contributions to the great state of Michigan.

                          ____________________