QUESTION: Who was the first student of African ancestry to attend Northern Normal School (now NMU)?

A. Albert Gaines

B. Bessie Preston

C. Charlotte Preston

D. Asa Jeffrey

Answer: C, Charlotte was a member of the first graduating class but died of tuberculosis shortly before graduation. She was followed two years later by her sister, Bessie, who was the first student of African ancestry to graduate from Northern Normal in 1903.