Edward H. Oliver, 70, the founding principal of Julian High School who guided students to success throughout his 40 years as an educator, died Thursday, March 2, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chicago. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Mr. Oliver came to Chicago in 1951 and began his teaching career at Hyde Park High School. An outstanding chemistry teacher, he quickly impressed Chicago Public Schools administrators with his scholarship and leadership. In 1966, he accepted their offer to be among the first assistant principals at Kenwood Academy. He moved on to become principal of Ryder Elementary before school officials asked him to lead their efforts to create a new high school on the Far South Side. “It hadn’t even been built yet,” said his wife, Emma Jean. “But he set about his plans. He always wanted the school to be very special.” Mr. Oliver named the high school after a renowned black chemist, selected its first faculty and created a career-oriented curriculum that included auto shop, cosmetology and home economics classes. “He was very involved with the children,” his wife said of his 16-year tenure. “Students knew that they could come to him for any guidance they needed. And he didn’t tolerate not excelling; you had to excel to the best of your abilities.” A Korean War veteran, Mr. Oliver earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Alabama A&M University, a master’s degree in education at Chicago Teachers College, now Chicago State University, and a doctorate in education at Nova University in Florida. In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Sharon Hoard; a sister, Lois Braggs; and two brothers, Elijah and Roy. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Chatham Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 741 E. 84th St., Chicago.
