Xavier to unveil bronze statue of Dr. Norman C. Francis
February 23, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Xavier Spotlight)
Xavier unveiled a bronze statue of President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis on Saturday, Feb. 24. The unveiling ceremony was held on the second floor of the Convocation Center.
The ceremony is the culmination of various Black History Month activities at Xavier.
“This statue recognizes the significance of his work. Not only at Xavier, but outside of Xavier as well,” President Reynold C. Verret said. “Norman C. Francis was not just for Xavier, but also what he did for education in the nation. It’s recognizing his long-term work.”
Francis is one of the most prominent Xavier alumni. A member of the class of 1952, Francis served as his class president for four years. He completed his studies at Xavier graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree.
After Xavier, Francis set his sights on law school and gained notoriety for becoming the first Black graduate of Loyola University New Orleans. Francis graduated Loyola with a Juris Doctorate in 1955, but soon returned to Xavier to serve as its Dean of Men, which is a testament to his dedication to the university.
In an exclusive interview with the Xavier Spotlight, Francis shared encouraging words for the next generations of Xavierites.
“Nobody can say ‘oh, you don’t have it.’ You’ve got it, and you can show them that you can do it,” Francis said.
“Other friends are going to see you as one of those bright lights. Don’t put that out.”
While Dean of Men, Francis blossomed into a champion of social justice when he offered the Freedom Riders a safe haven in St. Michael’s Residence Hall.
In 1968, Francis made history once again by becoming the first Black and lay president of Xavier. He accepted the offer on the same day civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
Francis held the position for 47 years and became a leading voice in higher education. During his tenure, Xavier flourished; student enrollment numbers tripled, and vital expansion projects were completed across campus.
Also, Francis led Xavier through Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans. in 2005. In 2006, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Upon retiring in 2015, Francis was named President Emeritus of Xavier. He continued to serve the Xavier community and the nation on numerous boards, including the United Negro College Fund. Francis holds over 30 honorary degrees.
Ten years after his retirement, Francis is being honored by his alma mater with a bronze statue created by sculptor Russell Whiting.
The ceremony follows numerous events on campus celebrating Black History Month, including the annual Black History Month Convocation on Feb. 20.
According to Verret, the ceremony is the perfect way to cap off of month of celebrating the successes of Black people in America and how they have come.
“Norman C. Francis represents what Xavier graduates do. Being of service, a man of faith, a man of service. That’s what we’re called to be,” Verret said.
