Judith Allen-Shaw, the first African American Senior Class President, and Nancy Hughes, the first African American Student Government Association President, share memories of friendship, leadership, and giving back 50 years after graduation.
One of the most significant ways Georgian Court’s history remains alive is through its alumni, who carry the institution’s special mission and the spirit of its community forward in their lives. Georgian Court College Class of 1975 alumna Judith Allen-Shaw and Nancy Hughes have done just that.
Now celebrating 50 years since their graduation, Judith and Nancy fondly remember their college years at Georgian Court. They first met when they arrived on campus and moved into St. Joseph Hall. Looking back, they recall the bittersweet mix of emotions as their mothers shed tears during drop-off, while they themselves were excited to begin their college journey.
Judith initially majored in Education before switching to History, earning her certification in U.S. History to teach. Nancy majored in Sociology with minors in Political Science and Theology, taking numerous English courses throughout her time at Georgian Court. Both went on to advance their education after college and described how the institution prepared them for graduate school.
“At Georgian Court, I had some of the most distinguished professors who were both teachers and scholars. They genuinely knew how to teach,” Nancy said. “They opened our minds to so many new ideas,” Judith agreed.
Their professors not only taught them, but supported them every step of the way. “I came to Georgian Court with skills, but I didn’t yet know how to use them,” Nancy said. “I left knowing how to write, research, analyze, and think critically.” Those skills carried them both through life.
On Commencement Day, their Commencement Speaker was Academy Award-winning actress Loretta Young. According to Nancy, Miss Young came as a personal favor to her mother. “My mother’s very first private duty patient was Miss Young, something I only discovered later, as my mother was always careful never to divulge information about those in her care,” Nancy described. “It was my father who finally shared the story, telling me about the deep and enduring bond that grew between them, a connection that touched both of their lives in ways my mother never spoke of but clearly carried with her.”
“My grandmother heard that Loretta Young was coming to the graduation, and she became in charge of getting everyone there,” Judith explained, laughing. “She made everybody get there early enough so that she could sit in the front row for graduation, which she did. The whole front row was my family. Then at the end, she went over and shook Miss Young’s hand.”
During the ceremony, Nancy, the first African American Student Government Association President, walked across the stage to receive her diploma first. She then waited for Judith, the first African American Senior Class President, to descend from the stage and walk to their seats together. “It was symbolic,” Judith stated. “A moment that acknowledged the African American presence at Georgian Court after so much student leadership and hard work.”
Georgian Court filled them with the power to create change. “We had a voice at Georgian Court. We were anything but silent,” Nancy expressed. As members of the Black Student Union, they advocated that the first Black Studies class be offered. After their request was accepted by President Maria Cordis Richey, they later joined the class.
“It was life-changing for me. It was the first time I was exposed to African American literature and history in a formal academic setting,” Nancy stated. “In our earlier education, we learned little about the contributions of Black Americans,” Judith added. “We wanted to know and needed to know. That course helped shape my understanding of Reconstruction and guided my senior thesis.”
Georgian Court also inspired them to give back. “It’s where we became strong women who believe in contributing to our communities and to the world,” Nancy explained.
With many service opportunities available on campus, both were able to get involved, which became stepping stones to lifelong commitments to social justice, leadership, and community-building.
“We had a vision to change the world. I left Georgian Court feeling that way,” Nancy said. “I didn’t arrive that way. But Georgian Court helped me find my voice by opening up possibilities,” Judith added.
They will forever cherish the memories of their time at Georgian Court, from Nancy opening the first pub on campus and Judith working there for her senior-year job, to spending time with friends in the lounges and at the Tower of Power concert on campus, which they helped fundraise for.
During this year’s Reunion and Homecoming, they reunited with classmates and visited with Sister Barbara Williams, a cherished presence during their time at Georgian Court. Then they traveled together to Mount Saint Mary’s to visit Sister Maria Cordis Richey, Ph.D. ’50, an alumna and former president of Georgian Court College from 1974 to 1980, who helped shape the foundations of their lives. Now the Sister Maria Cordis Richey Center for the Humanities and Creative Arts is named in her honor.
“It’s hard to believe you can return after 50 years and still find someone who shared those same years with you. Sister Maria always had this presence about her that was almost ethereal. I felt that way when we went to see her again,” Judith said.
“In her presence, I was instantly reminded of the love, compassion, beauty, brilliance, and most of all her extraordinary sense of humor that have always defined her as a Sister of Mercy,” Nancy added. “She taught me that my mind is not simply an instrument, but a sacred gift from God, one to be used with purpose, courage, and humility. Being with her again felt like returning to the source of a light that has guided me for half a century.”
After visiting Sister Maria Cordis, they returned to Reunion and Homecoming. They spoke at the podium about their experiences at the Golden Lions Anniversary Dinner, one after another, walking back to their seats together, just as they had done on their Commencement Day 50 years ago.
Reflecting on what they would want current Georgian Court University students to know, they each offered their advice. “Don’t limit yourself. College is where you try things on,” Judith advised. “Ask for what you need. Try new things. And if something isn’t working, it’s okay to change course. Keep growing. Don’t be afraid of change,” Judith added.
“One of the greatest experiences of my life was traveling through Europe and West Africa after graduate school,” Nancy expressed. “Put on a backpack and go! Learn about other cultures and people, because people are infinitely interesting. Live with kindness and respect for yourself and others. When life gets tough, and it will, stand back up with purpose, with courage, and with the belief that you are stronger than the moment trying to break you. Be grateful for family, friendship, and love. And above all, work for peace and justice,” Nancy concluded.
