Discovering a Trailblazer: Henrietta Goodwin, SDSU’s First Black Graduate

The Goodwin family, with Henrietta seated at the far right. Photo courtesy San Diego History Center.

By Michael Klitzing

About a decade ago, Beverly Goodwin received a message from a college friend that kept a significant part of her family history — and San Diego State University history — from being lost forever. 

At the time, SDSU librarian Robert Fikes, Jr. was working on the book “The Black in Crimson and Black: History and Profiles of African Americans at SDSU.” In his research, Fikes had named 1913 alumna Henrietta Goodwin as the university’s first Black graduate. 

Wanda Clay Majors, a counselor in SDSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), saw the last name. She saw a photo of Henrietta that bore striking resemblance to her friend. And she knew Beverly had family roots in San Diego. So she reached out. 

It was a lucky break. 

Mark Tucker Named NCRE Rehabilitation Researcher of the Year

By Michael Klitzing

For Mark Tucker, working in the field of rehabilitation counseling is its own reward. Through his research and training of vocational rehabilitation counselors, the associate professor in San Diego State University’s Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) helps people with disabilities find employment, independence and identity. 

“The field is one where we're really focused on helping to level the playing field for the disadvantages that folks with disabilities experience,” Tucker said. “In our case, that’s particularly things like employment, participating in the community or education achievement. It's pretty rewarding to be able to devote your life to something like that.” 

His research has now garnered national acclaim.