Dr. James H. Costen was Presbyterian minister and educator, and served as president of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) from 1983 to 1997. In 1969, he became the first Dean of the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary the only historically Black theological seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Costenss records tell the story of an active educator and administrator with the papers providing rich resources in the study of African American religion and education in the South. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu. 
Jun 13, 2019

James H. Costen Collection

Dr. James H. Costen was Presbyterian minister and educator, and served as president of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) from 1983 to 1997. In 1969, he became the first Dean of the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary the only historically Black theological seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Costenss records tell the story of an active educator and administrator with the papers providing rich resources in the study of African American religion and education in the South.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu. 
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  • Subjects = Commencement ceremonies
Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President, 1978
1978
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks at a graduation ceremony.
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks at a graduation ceremony.
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, 1978
1978
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays gives speech. Written on recto: Member of the Board Dr. Benjamin E. Mays.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays gives speech. Written on recto: Member of the Board Dr. Benjamin E. Mays.
Unidentified Man in Cap and Gown Smiling, 1978
1978
An unidentified man in his cap and gown smiles while holding his diploma.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man in his cap and gown smiles while holding his diploma.
Graduate Adjusts Mortarboard, 1978
1978
Unidentified graduate adjusts his mortarboard after receiving his diploma.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified graduate adjusts his mortarboard after receiving his diploma.
Class of 1978, 1978
1978
Graduates of the class of 1978 hold their diplomas. Written on recto: Class of 1978.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Graduates of the class of 1978 hold their diplomas. Written on recto: Class of 1978.
I.T.C. Center Chorus Directress Leads Chorus, 1978
1978
The I.T.C. chorus performs at graduation led by Melva Costen.
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The I.T.C. chorus performs at graduation led by Melva Costen.
Woman's Hood is Adjusted, 1978
1978
An unidentified woman gets her hood adjusted by a man.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified woman gets her hood adjusted by a man.
Attendees of 1978 Graduation Ceremony, 1978
1978
People attending the graduation ceremony of the I.T.C. class of 1978. Written on recto: Scenes of the graduation.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
People attending the graduation ceremony of the I.T.C. class of 1978. Written on recto: Scenes of the graduation.
Graduating Class of 1978, 1978
1978
The graduating class sits and listens to the current speaker. Written on recto: Graduating Class of 1978.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The graduating class sits and listens to the current speaker. Written on recto: Graduating Class of 1978.
Procession of Class of 1978, 1978
1978
Graduates enter a gymnasium for their graduation ceremony. Written on recto: Procession of Class of 1978.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Graduates enter a gymnasium for their graduation ceremony. Written on recto: Procession of Class of 1978.
Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President, 1978
1978
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks. Written on recto: Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President (1976-1979).
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks. Written on recto: Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President (1976-1979).
Unidentified Man Shakes Hands, 1978
1978
An unidentified man shakes hands with a faculty member as he receives his diploma.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man shakes hands with a faculty member as he receives his diploma.
Prayer Given by Dr. Quinland Gordon, 1978
1978
Dr. Quinland Gordon leads prayer. Written on recto: Prayer Dr. Quinland Gordon.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Quinland Gordon leads prayer. Written on recto: Prayer Dr. Quinland Gordon.
I.T.C. Center Chorus, 1978
1978
I.T.C. chorus singing led by Melva Costen.
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. chorus singing led by Melva Costen.
Dr. Grant Shockley at the President's Reception, 1978
1978
Dr. Grant Shockley talks to a man at the President's reception.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant Shockley talks to a man at the President's reception.
Unidentified Student Receives Red Hood, 1978
1978
An unidentified man receives a red hood with his diploma.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man receives a red hood with his diploma.
Two Men Receive Diplomas, 1978
1978
Two unidentified men smile after receiving their diplomas.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified men smile after receiving their diplomas.
Unidentified Man Smiles While Holding Diploma, 1978
1978
An unidentified man smiles as he holds his diploma. An unidentified faculty member stands behind him.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man smiles as he holds his diploma. An unidentified faculty member stands behind him.
Two Men Shake Hands, 1978
1978
An unidentified student and Dr. Grant Shockley shake hands during the graduation ceremony.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified student and Dr. Grant Shockley shake hands during the graduation ceremony.
Unidentified Graduate is Handed His Diploma, 1978
1978
An unidentified graduate walks across the stage as he receives his diploma from Dr. Grant Shockley as Charles Coper looks on. Written on recto: Conferring of Degrees 1978.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate walks across the stage as he receives his diploma from Dr. Grant Shockley as Charles Coper looks on. Written on recto: Conferring of Degrees 1978.