18 march 1968 & federal city college's 1st student

#OTD 18 March 1968 Federal City College (now the University of the District of Columbia) held an admissions lottery to determine which of the 5,000+ students who applied would receive one of the 2,400+ spots for the school's first class. The 11am drawing was held at the College Entrance Examination Board (1717 Massachusetts Ave, NW). It was a highly anticipated event. Ms. Bennetta Washington, the mayor-commissioner's spouse, pulled the first name. 

And the winner is (virtual drum roll) Carroll R. Payne (above), a federal employee and 1960 Spingarn HS graduate. After hearing that he had won, he reportedly stated, "Luck is not a thing with me. It was just my turn. I've been making my own breaks." Payne had also served on a citizen advisory committee that was organized to give recommendations to FCC about their course and extracurricular offerings.

2nd named pulled: Joann Clark
3rd named pulled: Virginia Draper
4th named pulled: William H Henry

Please comment below. Were you part of FCC's first class? Did you attend the lottery? Did you know Carroll Harvey and the other persons selected? You may comment privately here.

Photo: Courtesy DC Public Library Special Collections, Photographer unknown.
"First Names to be Drawn for College's First Class," Evening Star 15 March 1968. 
"Lottery Begins: SE Man is College's 'First' Student," Evening Star 18 March 1968.