The year was nineteen hundred and forty six, enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, Samuel B. Etheridge was a student in a public speaking class. The professor gave an assignment for everyone to write a speech that discussed an idea that would make Howard University a better place. Etheridge thought that meeting freshman at Union Station and assisting them in transporting their belongings to campus was an even better idea. Once on campus, he would share experiences, along with his other comrades, about campus life and what was expected of them as Howard students.

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At this time, Etheridge was an employee of the newly formed Office of Student Affairs. The office was in the process of developing programs and activities geared towards the interest of the new entrants of the university. With his drive and self-determination, Etheridge was able to make his vision come to pass and form the Howard University Campus Pals!