Janine Stewart Baggett '73

What I did, by being the first Black student to graduate from Agnes Irwin, is often perceived by others as ‘trailblazing’ and ‘historical,’ but I was just doing what was laid out in front of me. My parents’ purpose of sending me to Agnes Irwin was to expose me to more advanced coursework. That goal was definitely achieved.

Engineer and Agnes Irwin’s First Black Graduate

Janine Stewart Baggett ’73 has led a remarkable life of courage, curiosity, and compassion. After entering AIS in 1965, she navigated uncharted territory with grace, becoming a trailblazer not by design, but by doing what came naturally: pursuing excellence. Janine went on to graduate from Cornell University’s College of Engineering, where she was only the second Black woman to do so. A devoted mother, engineer, dancer, ministry worker, and mentor, Janine has spent decades giving back to AIS and her community. Her journey continues to inspire generations of students to follow their path.