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Spring/Summer 1998, Vol. 60, No. 3

M. Anita Hawthorne dies - 'mom' to Pan-Afrikan students

By Julie Hogan

M. Anita Gay Hawthorne came to Augsburg in June 1987 to serve as the liaison between the campus and the community for African American student involvement. During her time at the College, she stressed the motto "learning through involvement," and, through her energy and commitment, created a strong program that exemplifies those words. Activities and support services celebrating African culture emerged and grew under her direction, involving not only the students but also the surrounding community.

"Even the name, Pan-Afrikan, she brought to Augsburg," said Joe Young, interim director of the program. "She embraced students of Pan-Afrikanism, whether they were from Detroit or Tunisia. She showed them that they could contribute to the community. ... She was the mom; she raised a lot of children during her 10 years at Augsburg."

Hawthorne grew up in Baton Rouge, La., and attended Southern University there, where she received a B.S. in psychology. She continued her studies at Howard University, earning a master's degree in that same field. She served on many boards and committees. Among a few, she was the adviser to the Excelsior Chorale Ensemble, co-founder of Asili Institute for African Women in the Diaspora and an officer with the Association of Black Psychologists.

Hawthorne was also a poet. She was published in Guild Press and was a participant in Twin Cities area poetry readings, including those that she sponsored through Pan-Afrikan Student Services.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin; mother Josephine Leonard; in-laws James and Maurice Hawthorne; aunts Lela Johnson, Patricia Sheffield, Beatrice Leonard and Mae Leonard; great aunt Thressa Ward and many numerous friends and relatives.

To keep alive the memory and commitment of Hawthorne, the Pan-Afrikan Leadership Scholarship has been renamed in her honor.

Memorials to the scholarship endowment can be sent to the Augsburg College Development Office, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454.

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