Gloria Ray Karlmark, one of Little Rock Nine, receives an honorary degree from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)


Gloria Ray Karlmark, one of Little Rock Nine, receives an honorary degree from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Gloria Ray Karlmark, who was one of 9 African American students who ignited controversy when they enrolled at the all-white Central High School in 1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas, received an honorary degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) during its May commencement ceremony held recently.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1965, Karlmark worked as a school teacher, laboratory assistant, programmer, and mathematician. She later moved to Sweden and joined IBM’s Nordic Laboratory. Karlmark worked for IBM’s International Patent Operations for 11 years and received an honorary doctor of science, honoris causa at IIT for outstanding contributions to the development of a more inclusive society.

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