Jaguar Journeys: Jaguar Trailblazers Exhibition

By Julianna McGahee | Staff Writer

Students, staff and residents of the Summerville area painted pumpkins, enjoyed charcuterie food together, and gathered at the Guard House Museum on Oct. 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the opening reception of the Jaguar Trailblazers Exhibition. 

At this event, guest speaker Dr. Lillie Butler Johnson talked about her experiences at Augusta College, now known as Augusta University, and the struggles and successes that she faced throughout her time as a student and faculty member. 

“Lillie the 18-year-old did not know it, but she loved a worthwhile challenge. Doors magically opened, and she walked through unafraid and worked tirelessly to succeed. She did so with the help of smart, hardworking, generous, and compassionate people in her youth,” Dr. Johnson said while reflecting on her time as a college student.

She spoke on her experience entering college from high school, up to her becoming chair of the Department of Languages and Literature at Augusta College. In 1971, Dr. Johnson graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian of her class at Augusta College. She went on to receive a master’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and later earned her doctorate in English at the University of Georgia.

As Dr. Johnson closed out her talk, she mentioned how she hadn’t given it a title. “Here it is,” she said. “The university and I: A love story.”

After listening to her speech, attendees visited the new Jaguar Trailblazers Exhibition in the Guard House Museum. This exhibition focuses upon the students and faculty that lived through the integration of Augusta College in the 1960s.

Another trailblazer in attendance at this event was Lenny Carlson, the volunteer assistant coach of the Augusta University Men’s Basketball Team. Carlson has coached basketball at all levels for more than 40 years and is currently coaching alongside head coach Dip Metress.

“Not only did athletics change at a particular point in history as the country was changing, but academics were as well,” Carlson said.

Lenny Carlson reading his feature in the Jaguar Trailblazers Exhibition. (photo by Stacey Thompson)

Stacey Thompson, Lecturer of Museum Studies and Director of the Guard House Museum, helped put this exhibition and event together.

“I had such a great time hearing Dr. Johnson's story and getting to meet people such as Lenny,” said Thompson. “Seeing everyone get together to celebrate this story and history is really important to me.”

Admission to the museum is free and open to the public Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during university hours. The trailblazer exhibition will be on display in the museum through Oct. 1, 2024.

Contact Julianna McGahee at jumcgahee@augusta.edu.