Ms. Joyce Harris, left, Mrs. Ernestine Bostic-Frazier, Melvin Bostic's sister, and SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl during the dedication of Bostic Hall on campus on August 19, 2025.Savannah State University (SSU) has renamed one of its residential facilities as the Bostic Hall Residence Hall, ensuring that the memory of Mr. Melvin Bostic will continue to be honored on campus through generations to come. The dedication ceremony was held on campus in the morning of August 19.
The former Bostic Hall, built in 1971 as an all-male facility with a 200-bed capacity, was shuttered in 2019 and underwent demolition earlier this year. The hall was named in memory of Mr. Bostic, an engineering technology freshman and army veteran who was slain in Savannah on October 7, 1972.
Born in Lakeland, Fla., on February 1, 1950, Bostic served honorably in the U.S. Army before beginning his academic journey at Savannah State College, now University, in 1972. An enthusiastic campus leader, he volunteered in the university’s annual scholarship drive, reflecting his commitment to supporting fellow Tigers and building a stronger student community.
On the morning of October 7, 1972, Bostic stood at the intersection of Abercorn Street and Victory Drive collecting donations when a passing car stopped. According to police and eyewitnesses, someone grabbed his donation cup, and the vehicle accelerated, dragging Bostic approximately 60 feet. He fell from the car, suffered a severe head injury, and tragically lost his life when the vehicle ran over him.
News of his untimely death shook the SSU family. Then President Prince Albert Jackson, Jr. and two buses of students traveled to Lakeland to join the family for the funeral services and mourn the fallen Tiger. During the eulogy, President Jackson shared that the male dormitory that Melvin occupied would be named in his honor, declaring, “as long as we say Melvin’s name, he will never die!”
“We wanted to rename Tiger Court to continue to honor the memory of Mr. Melvin Bostic,” said SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl. “If you look at all the buildings here at Savannah State, this is the only building on campus named after a student. We are here to celebrate the legacy more fully to ensure that the life of Mr. Bostic lives for many years to come.”
Bostic’s life, though tragically cut short, continues to resonate deeply across Savannah State University. Tributes have persisted in his honor to include the naming of Melvin Bostic Day on November 7 by the City of Savannah, candlelight vigils, wreath-laying ceremonies, memorial programs and the Melvin Bostic Legacy Awards. His selfless commitment to scholarship and community remains a living standard—encouraging students to unite, serve, and transcend every challenge.
