The demonstrators in the quad were 250 strong. As at other colleges, Northeastern's campus was roiled over the issue of apartheid.

Students, faculty, and staff were demanding the university divest itself of all equities from companies doing business in South Africa, as a means of protesting that country's system of racial segregation.

Northeastern's first anti-apartheid protest had been mounted in 1978, with a rally in front of the Ell Center. By 1985, law students were presenting their concerns about the university's investments to the Board of Trustees. A South Africa Educational Week was being organized for the spring. And the push for divestment was providing fodder for Northeastern News editorial pages.

One thing was clear. Such interest and activism dismantled the myth that NU students viewed college solely as a means to a lucrative career.

Ultimately, President Ryder pressed for a financial policy that reflected the university's moral stance. By March 1986, the trustees had voted to sell the stocks in question. Trustee chairman Robert H. Willis lauded the students' passion: "They demonstrated deep concern, strong initiative, and quiet eloquence throughout our many discussions."

In time, the campus would welcome the struggle's frontline heroes. In 1988, the school held a convocation in honor of Desmond Tutu. And President Curry presented Nelson Mandela with an honorary degree during his visit to Boston in 1990. Sometimes, right makes might.