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Donna Dingle ’73 Cheers for Diversity

The first black cheerleader of Millersville is still cheering!

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Donna Dingle in 1970 (2nd in line)

Back in 1970, Donna Victoria Dingle of Narbeth, Pa., made history when she became the first black cheerleader on Millersville’s junior varsity squad. The 1973 graduate with a degree in education, grew up in Ardmore, Pa., and decided on a whim to try out for the cheerleading squad, even though she had not been a cheerleader in high school.

“There were three black students trying out, and I thought, why not?” Dingle must have rocked those splits and cartwheels. She made the squad. “I felt accepted by the other girls, a part of the team,” says Dingle. “We had a great time together cheering at basketball and football games. We didn’t do some of the crazy acrobatic stuff they do today. And I still have my megaphone with my name on it.”

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Donna Dingle in 2016 – still cheering!

As Dingle recalls, “I felt like a ground-breaker because in the 60s and 70s, we were in the midst of the civil rights movement, looking for equality and respect for all people.  Being the first black cheerleader at The Ville made me feel proud and honored to be representing, not only Millersville State College, but my fellow students of color.”

 

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