Flags and Legacy Poster
The first 12 flags represent students who graduated from the Milwaukee Fellows during its early years.
Following these flags is the Legacy Poster, featuring notable figures.
“The Big O”
Oscar Robertson is a basketball legend best known for being the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season (1961-62). He played 14 seasons in the NBA, mainly with the Cincinnati Royals and later the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won a championship in 1971.
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Position: Point Guard
NBA Career: 1960-1974
MVP: 1964
12x All Star, 11x All-NBA Team
Olympic Gold Medalist: 1960
Hall of Fame Inductee: 1980
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Beyond basketball, Robertson was a strong advocate for players’ rights and help pave the way for modern free agency through a pivotal lawsuit against the NBA. He is remembered not just for his stats but for changing the game.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Competing in the heptathlon and long jump, she won 3 Olympic gold medals, 1 silver, and 2 bronze across four Olympic Games (1984-1996).
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Events: Heptathlon, Long Jump
World Record in Heptathlon (set in 1988 - still stands!)
Olympic Golds: 1988 (heptathlon & long jump), 1992 (heptathlon)
6 Olympics Medals total
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Named “Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century” by Sports Illustrated for Women
Beyond sports, Jackie is a passionate advocate for youth, education, and health. She founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to support underserved communities. Her legacy is one of excellence, determination, and giving back
Willie Davis
Willie Davis (1934-2020) was a legendary defensive end who starred for the Green Bay Packers during their 1960’s dynasty under coach Vine Lombardi. Known for his toughness, leadership, and relentless play, Davis helped anchor one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses.
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NFL Career: 1958-1969
Teams: Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers
5x NFL Champion (including the first 2 Super Bowls)
Elected to the Packers Hall of Fame
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Team Captain and vocal leader on and off the field
After football, Davis became a successful businessman and served on several corporate boards paving the way for athletes in the business world. He also known for his philanthropy and community leadership. Willi
Wayne Embry
Wayne Embry is a former NBA All Star and a groundbreaking basketball executive, known both for his performance on the court and his lasting influence off it.
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NBA Career: 1958-1969
Teams: Cincinnati Royals, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks
NBA All-Star: 5x Selection
NBA Champion: 1968 (with Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks)
College: Miami University (Ohio) - standout player and later trustee
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After retiring as a player, Embry made history in 1972 as the first African American general manager in major U.S. professional sports when he took the reins of the Milwaukee Bucks. He later served as President and GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers and later as Senior Advisor to the Toronto Raptors
A mentor, leader, and civil rights advocate, Wayne Embry helped shaped the modern NBA and opened doors for future generations.
Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron (1934-2021) was one of the greatest players in baseball history and a symbol of perseverance and dignity. Best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs, a record that stood for more than 30 years.
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MLB Career: 1954-1976
Teams: Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers
Hall of Fame Inductee: 1982
25x All Star (most in MLB history)
World Series Champion: 1957
Still ranks #1 in RBIs and total bases
Thelma A. Sias
Thelma A. Sias is a celebrated executive, public speaker, and community advocate known for her leadership, authenticity, and passion for social justice. A longtime Milwaukee resident, Sias served as a top executive at We Energies, where she became one of the most visible and respected Black women in corporate leadership in the Midwest.
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Former VP of Local Affairs, We Energies
Known for bridging business and community
Named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders
Inducted into the Black Women’s Network Hall of Fame
Advocate for education, equity, and leadership development
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Her journey from rural Mississippi to boardroom and national stages is a powerful example of what grit, vision, and heart can achieve. Today, Thelma continues to inspire through speaking engagements and mentorship, using her voice to lift others and drive change.
Bob Dandridge
Bob Dandridge was a key force on two NBA champion teams and one of the most underrated stars of his era. Known for his smooth scoring, tough defense, and clutch performances, Dandrige was a versatile forward who quietly made a major impact.
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NBA Career: 1969-1981
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Bullets
NBA Champion: 1971 (Bucks), 1978 (Bullets)
Scored more points in the NBA Finals during the 70s than any other player
Hall of Fame Inductee: 2021
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Dandridge played alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, and Elvin Hayes, but often delivered in the biggest moments. After his playing days, he worked in youth development and continued to support the game.
A quiet leader and champion, Bob Dandrige proved that greatness doesn’t have to shout it just shows when it matters.
Dr. John Carlos
Dr. John Carlos is best known for his courageous protest on the medal podium at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Alongside teammate Tommie Smith, Carlos raised a fist in a Black Power salute during the U.S national anthem - a moment that became one of the most iconic symbols of protest in sports history.
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1968 Olympic Bronze Medalist (200m Sprint)
Civil Rights Activist and voice for social justice
Raised global awareness of racial justice
Faced intense backlash but never backed down
Later worked as a coach, educator, and mentor
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Carlos’s stance came at a great personal cost, but his bravery helped inspire generations of athletes to speak out. Today, he is recognized as a pioneer of athlete activism and a symbol of dignity and resistance.
Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis is one of the most beloved and dominant running backs in NFL history, known for his bruising style and larger-than-life presence on and off the field. Nicknamed “The Bus” for ability to carry defenders with him, Bettis powered his way into football greatness.
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NFL Career: 1993-2005
Team: Los Angeles/St.Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl Champion: XL (2006 - in his hometown of Detroit)
6x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro
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Over 13,000 rushing yards (8th all-time when he retired)
Known for his humility and leadership, Bettis became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and beyond. After, football, he’s been active in broadcasting, philanthropy, and promoting education through the Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation. From a Detroit kid to a Super Bowl champion, Bettis’s story is about heart, power, and perseverance.
Jerome Bettis Notre Dame Jersey
Jerome Bettis College Career
University of Notre Dame (South Bend, Indiana)
Years Active: 1990 – 1992
Position: Fullback / Running Back
Nicknamed: "The Bus" (for his powerful running style)
Rushed for 1,912 yards and 32 total touchdowns over his 3-year career.
In 1991, he led the team in scoring with 20 total touchdowns — a Notre Dame record at the time.
Notably explosive as a short-yardage and goal-line runner, despite playing fullback in a more run-blocking role.
In the 1992 Sugar Bowl vs. Florida, Bettis scored 3 touchdowns in 6 minutes, helping Notre Dame secure a 39–28 victory.
Known for his size, speed, and ability to break tackles, making him one of the most dominant backs in college football during his time.
Bettis left college after his junior year to enter the 1993 NFL Draft.
He was selected 10th overall by the Los Angeles Rams.
He went on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career, including a Super Bowl win with the Pittsburgh Steelers and an enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.