Morgan Alumnae Celebrate Their Centenary

The Office of Alumni Relations was delighted to receive news from the Morgan family about two centenarian alumnae who celebrated birthdays this year.

Rosetta W. Graham, Ph.D., became 100 years wise on April 27 and celebrated the occasion with the staff of Integrity – Esther’s Place at The Park Assisted Living, in Baltimore City. A true trailblazer, and native of Baltimore, Dr. Graham earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Morgan in 1956 and went on to earn a doctorate in social work. She retired from The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1989 after working as a therapist for 22 years and two years later became the first Coordinating Counselor for the Baltimore City Family Bereavement Center. Throughout her life, she has supported numerous programs aimed at assisting and improving the lifestyles of the challenged and disadvantaged. She was the first African American to become a member of the Religious Society of Friends of Baltimore. The gifts presented to Dr. Graham at her birthday celebration included a quilt from Redonda Miller, M.D., President of The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Hilda E. Kelson, of Morgan’s Class of 1947, reached her milestone 100th year on June 27, celebrating in grand style with more than 75 guests at a pizza party in Pikesville, Maryland. Mrs. Kelson majored in Music at Morgan, where she first met Morgan Psychology major Thomas C. Kelson, Jr., in front of Holmes Hall, the first step toward their marriage of 72 years. Thomas, a mortician, passed away in 2020. Mrs. Kelson attributes her longevity to love and care of self, keeping stress to a minimum, giving back to the community and keeping God close to her heart, knowing that He will always direct her steps.