June 17, 2008
Mary Atkins Bruce
Fisk University, B.A. '41
School of Information and Library Science, '42
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Current home: Washington, D.C.
Mary Atkins Bruce is a Fisk legacy. Her parents, Harvey and Barbara, are Fisk alumni, as are her paternal grandmother, three aunts, an uncle, and a cousin. Her husband of 57 years, William Bruce, M.D., and their daughter, Barbara Bruce Davis, also have degrees from Fisk.
A longtime interest in history prompted her to major in the subject at Fisk, where she also immersed herself in student activities: the Fisk Choir, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Stage Crafters, and the Tanner Art Club. She served as senior class secretary, was named Miss Fisk in 1940 and 1941, and earned a place on the dean's list.
The native Clevelander found it a challenge to attend college in the Jim Crow South but says her parents, relatives, teachers, and fellow classmates encouraged her to partake of all Fisk and Nashville had to offer.
"I loved attending the Fisk Jubilee Singers concerts," she says. "I studied under some of the most renowned black scholars. I developed incredible friendships, many of which have lasted over 60 years. I also relish having had the opportunity to listen to some of America's best jazz musicians."
When Mrs. Bruce completed her B.A., she returned to Cleveland to attend Western Reserve University's School of Information and Library Science. After earning her degree in 1942, she got her start as a staff librarian with the Cleveland Public Library, where she worked for 17 years. She and her family relocated to North Carolina, where she worked as head librarian of the Winston-Salem Teachers College and, later, the Forsythe County Public Library System, retiring in 1984.
She has held memberships with the American Library Association, the North Carolina Library Association, the Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the Urban League, and Old North State Medical Auxiliary.
Today Mrs. Bruce simply expresses gratitude. "My philosophy is to multiply your joys and count your blessings."
Posted by: Heidi Cool June 17, 2008 03:26 PM
Category: Alumni
, Legacy
, School of Information and Library Science