Love Takes Center Stage

Elizabeth Collins Moore was part of the fabric of Minneapolis College, serving as director of Black Student Support in the 1980s, where she engaged in its mission to develop and create pathways for the educational success of students of color. Through intentional programming, she supported students in developing their leadership capacity through mentoring and increased involvement in the college community, society, nation and the world.  

When Elizabeth Collins Moore passed away at 82 years-old, her family wanted to honor her legacy and the dedication and passion she held for the projects and people she loved. They accomplished this by gathering friends and family, ultimately making a monetary gift of more than $2,000 to the Minneapolis College Foundation in her honor.

Moore was born in Newton, Mississippi and moved to Gary, Indiana as a small child, graduating from Tolleston High School in 1961. She moved to Minneapolis to attend business school, which launched her professional career at Control Data. In partnership with her husband Louis, whom she married in 1963 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the two became entrepreneurs, opening a successful retail store called the Athletic Attic. Moore continued her education at Metropolitan State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communications.  

The Moore’s settled their family in the Field Regina community in South Minneapolis, becoming the first black family to purchase a home on their block.  Similar experiences to their own were highlighted in Jim Crow of the North, A Twin Cities PBS Original documentary. “We weren’t supposed to be there,” said Louis Moore, who noted the racial covenants that red lined people out of neighborhoods. The couple persisted, established their home, and with great determination, raised their three children, Valerie William, Pamela Moore, and Jason Moore, to be strong, independent, and confident so they could successfully navigate the challenging world.

“Love has always taken center stage in our family and it started with Elizabeth,” said Louis Moore who takes great pride in the accomplishments of all three of their children, noting they work hard, are committed to the communities in which they live, and own their own homes. Jason and Pamela even began their college careers at Minneapolis College.

Minneapolis College President Earl Bowman, Jr., recruited Moore to the College in the 1980s and she spent 10 years supporting students prior to retiring.  Throughout her life and during her time at Minneapolis College, Moore was well known for being a strong mentor and advisor. “People felt comfortable around her and as a result, gravitated to her,” said her daughter Pamela Moore who fondly remembers her mother as authentic, committed, and filled with integrity. “In fact, our house was considered home by friends, former students, and family members who stayed for hours, days, months, even years. Everyone was welcome.”

Moore enjoyed spending time with her friends and her women’s group, “Diamonds in the Rough,” playing cards, sewing, having dinner, engaging in crafts, serving as her family’s historian, and traveling to places including Florida, Tanzania, and Scotland. Moore never missed an opportunity to capture a moment with her camera. Her favorite subjects were her children, grandchildren, friends, and sunsets.

“Our family has always been close,” said Valerie William, who recalls traveling the country as a child in the family camper van. “We saw every state!”

Jason emphasized the strength of their family, stating, “that’s mom.”

The Minneapolis College Foundation’s goal is to provide an adequate amount of private funding to the College each year to help ensure every student who needs a private scholarship and/or wrap-student support services receives what they need to be successful. A student who receives an annual scholarship of $2,500 or more, consistently throughout their time at Minneapolis College, is more likely to stay in school, complete their degree, and either transfer to a four-year institution and/or secure a job in their field.

If you would like to learn more about giving opportunities to help ensure the academic success of students, contact Beverly Wadsworth, Director of Advancement and the Minneapolis College Foundation, beverly.wadsworth@minneapolis.edu or 612.659.6820.