Gerald L. Huges '54

Gerald L. Hughes '54 has spent his life working to educate the young and to teach all ages about diversity.

One of Goshen College's early African-American students from eastern Pennsylvania, Hughes graduated with a music education degree and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, for a voluntary service term. He stayed there, becoming a Cleveland Public Schools teacher and administrator and a charter member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. At one point, Hughes directed the Trainers of Teacher Trainers Program, sponsored by the school system and Cleveland State University, to prepare teachers for urban schools. He earned a master's degree in administration and supervision from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970.

A former vice president of the Mennonite Board of Education, Hughes also chaired the advisory committee for High Aim, a program that encouraged and provided financial help to minority students attending Mennonite high schools.

Hughes served as president of Goshen's Alumni Association from 1993 to 1997. Other memberships include the Mennonite Central Committee Bi-National Board, the Mennonite Church/General Conference Mennonite Church vision and goals committee, Mennonite General Assembly Nominating Committee and Urban Racial Council. Hughes also was minister of music at Lee Heights Community Church.

He and his wife, Annabelle Conrad Hughes '54 have four children.