Dr. Loretta C. Manggrum

At the age of 57, Dr. Loretta C. Manggrum became the first African American woman graduate of CCM’s predecessor, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, when she earned a Master’s degree in 1953. Dr. Manggrum’s musical career began during her teenage years when she played piano to help support her family. Manggrum initially sought secondary education but later dropped out of high school to care for her bed-ridden mother. After her mother passed away in 1918, she married, took care of her children, and helped run the drug store owned by her pharmacist husband. Once her children enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, Manggrum decided to finish her education. Despite facing resistance and discrimination due to her age and the color of her skin, Manggrum was determined to pursue her passion. She graduated from Hughes High School in 1945, received her Bachelor's degree from Ohio State in 1951, and her Masters from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 1953 for music. After working as a music teacher in the Cincinnati Public Schools, Manggum earned her Ph.D. from CCM in 1985 at the age of 88.