Vivian D. Bennett, first coed AFROTC cadet | University of Illinois Archives

Photo of Air Force ROTC cadet Vivian D. Bennett and Col. A.T. Reid, professor of Air Force aerospace studies.

From the verso:

"Vivian D. Bennett, 1230 W. 74th St, Chicago, first coed cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, confers with Col. A.T. Reid, professor of Air Force aerospace studies.  Miss Bennett, a graduate of William Rainey Harper High School, Chicago, and a sports and music fan, is majoring in chemistry in the U. of I. and says she always has been interested in the armed services.  A brother is an Air Force airman, stationed in Springfield, Ohio, and two other brothers were in the Army.  She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Bennett.  Although a few other coeds have taken Air Force courses or been commissioned officers in the Air Force, Miss Bennett is the first to enroll at the U. of I. under a new program opening the ROTC to women cadets on the same basis as men."

Original photo found in 39/2/20, MIL-4

TIFF

Original photo is 8" x 10"