Bernard Oliver

West Philadelphia "Born and Raised". . . , Bernard Oliver Jr. was amongst the first group of African American boys to desegregate Girard College, the Private 1st to 12th grade Boarding School, which was established by Stephen Girard.

Stephen Girard was the 3rd richest American of his time, and one of the people who has established the blueprint and gold standard of philanthropy. The desegregation of this historic Boarding School was born from advocacy of NAACP President and former City Council Member, Cecil B Moore, and later supported by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. [ much of the desegregation success, was predicated on the Famous Brown v Board of Education ruling that was won by Thurgood Marshall ].

Upon Graduation from Girard College in 1978, Bernard applied for admissions to Howard University. Bernard was accepted to the 4 Universities that he applied to, but decided to attend Howard University after taking a visit to DC and had an opportunity to meet some of the current students at Meridian Hill Hall. Bernard was sought out by the Directors of a soon to start, very well organized program within the School of Business.   Bernard became one of the Inagural members of The Insurance Scholar Program. Bernard's interest in science and computers lead him to completing the curriculum for both a degree with a major  in Computers and securing the course requirements for a degree major in Insurance.

While enrolled at the University. . , Bernard continued his athletic pursuits, and successfully "Walked on" to Howard University's Track & Field team under the late Coach William P. Moultrie.

Bernard had a considerable amount of success as a 4 year "Walk-on" becoming a Div1 All American,  as a member of Howard University Mile Relay team. Bernard served as the alternate of Howard University NCAA Div 1 record setting 4 x 400 Relay team [ the only HBCU to break that Div 1 Relay record ].

After training for the 1988 USA Olympic Trials, Bernard bought a house near the  University campus. Over the years, Bernard has taken great pride in serving both as the glue and conduit, connecting multiple generations of HU Track & Field Alumni, and advocating for Track  Field Alumni getting their just due and recognition over the years.

The proximity of Bernard's home near Campus enabled Bernard to continue to support HU Bison both inside, and outside of the Track & Field Family.

Being acknowledged in this manner is more than appreciated on so many different levels, and is beyond humbling.