From the March 1, 2010 edition of The Centre Daily Times…
Penn State’s first black graduate was a member of Alpha Zeta.
A member of the Penn State Class of 1905, Calvin Waller is believed to be Penn State’s first black graduate, although there are no official school records from that time to indicate students’ racial identity.
A native of Macon, Ga., Waller earned his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture.
His arrival on campus in 1899 does not seem to have provoked any disturbances. Rather, he distinguished himself as associate editor of Penn State’s 1904 La Vie yearbook, a member of Alpha Zeta agricultural fraternity, the natural history club, association of athletics marshal for the football team and quarterback for the intramural football team, the Tumblers.
He also was an accomplished vocalist who served as president of the Glee Club and a member of the Cecelian Quartette.
His professional accomplishments include: head of the agricultural department at Prairie State University in Texas (now known as Prairie View A&M University), faculty member at Haynes Institute in Augusta, Ga., and Texas State Leader of Negro Extension work.
Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/2010/03/01/1824368/breaking-barriers-at-penn-state.html