Heart of Gold award goes to Central State University alum at 60th-anniversary celebration

March 27, 2023 — Central State University alum Phyllis Bolds was posthumously recognized at the recent Eta Phi Beta Sorority Lambda Chapter’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Heart of Gold scholarship celebration for her professional, spiritual, and mentoring contributions to the Dayton community. 

As a member of the High School National Honor Society and valedictorian of her 1950 graduation class at Dunbar High School, she was a recipient of the first Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Debutante scholarship. She graduated magna cum laude from Central State University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, and she furthered her education by earning a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Dayton and a Middle Management Program Master’s degree from Simmons Women’s College in Boston. 

Bolds was internationally known in the field of aircraft dynamics. She began her career as a physicist with the United States Air Force in November 1955. She worked at Wright-Patterson’s flight dynamic laboratory from 1957 until her retirement in 1987. While at Wright-Patterson, she published over 30 technical documents and contributed to the design and development of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. 

Bolds succeeded in a field that, at that time, was predominately male. “That did not deter her from achieving her aspirations and empowering others to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Today, we salute and honor her for her many contributions and legacy which continue to inspire others,” said Dr. Karen Mathews, Central State University executive director, health and psychological services.