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Mr. Lee was born June 26, 1874 on a farm near Champaign,
the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Lee. He was graduated from
Champaign High School in 1893 and besides his year of study
at the University of Illinois, he also learned shorthand
and studied privately for four years. Mr. Lee married Miss
Maud McCurdy, November 23, 1898. They had two sons and a
daughter.
Albert R. Lee was a member of the University of Illinois
staff from 1895-1947. He served the U of I for 52 years
through seven administrations. From a messenger boy in a
university of 800 students, he advanced through the ranks
of Assistant Clerk, Clerk, and retired as Chief Clerk in
the office of the University president. Mr. Lee watched
the U of I grow to a school serving 18,000 students.
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Mr. Lee, a north Champaign resident, matched African American
students up with families in north Champaign that were willing
to rent out rooms. Sometimes he took students in to live
with his own family. Mr. Lee was called the "unofficial
Dean of Colored Students." When he retired, it was
noted that he had been the first African American employee
hired at the University of Illinois and the employee with
the most service.
In addition to his work at the U of I, Mr. Lee was a prominent
member of the African American community. He was president
of the Bethel A.M.E. Choir and sang in the choir himself.
He was also Sunday School District Superintendent. His fraternal
affiliations included past master of Lone Star Lodge No.
18; assistant grand patron, Eureka Grand Chapter O.E. S.;
past grand high priest Royal Arch Masons; and past grand
commander of Prince Grand Commandery, Knights Templar. Mr.
Lee was a member of the Twin City branch of the NAACP, a
member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and the Scottish Rite
and Shriner orders.
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