Samuel Black

Samuel Black is a proud South Bend, Indiana native whose life story reflects perseverance, service, and excellence in every chapter.

Born and raised in the LaSalle Park District—an area known as “the Lake,” characterized by segregated village housing living standards—Samuel’s early years were shaped by resilience and determination. He attended Harrison Elementary School, graduating in 1965, before continuing his education at Washington High School and after the first grading period attended Downtown Central High School, where he graduated in 1969 with majors in Math and Machine Shop. During his senior year, he was elected President of the Industrial Cooperative Training Class, showcasing his leadership and drive at an early age.

In March 1970, Samuel enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he trained and served as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (E-4). His time in the military was marked by discipline, technical excellence, and commitment to service. After an honorable discharge in 1974, he continued his pursuit of education and professional growth.

Samuel earned his associate degree in accounting and business from Michiana College of Commerce in 1976, followed by a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in Accounting and Financial Management, from Bethel College in 1978. He also pursued graduate studies at Indiana University South Bend, completing advanced coursework in Cost Accounting and Tax Accounting.

Professionally, Samuel built an outstanding career marked by integrity and innovation. As Chief Internal Auditor and Cost Price Analyst at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies (formerly Allied Signal Bendix Engine Controls Division), by implementing cost & price analysis of government contracts at an excess value of $25K he was instrumental in achieving over $5 million in cost avoidance. Later, as a Research and Sponsored Programs Accountant at the University of Notre Dame, he contributed significantly to the university’s financial accountability in Restricted Funds Accounting compliance and was instrumental in developing the institution’s Government Research and Sponsored Programs Accounting Policy and Procedural Manual, as well as reconciled a research and development contracts valued at over $100 million that expanded over a 25 years period.
Since his retirement in 2005, Samuel has continued to serve his community through volunteer work as an independent accounting and business advisor for nonprofit community development organizations. As a key contributor to Project Impact South Bend Inc., he played a vital role in securing a $3 million community development grant from the City of South Bend’s Neighborhood Division.

Today, through his book Black and Born to Succeed, Samuel Black shares a lifetime of perseverance, purpose, and achievement—a powerful testament to overcoming adversity and proving that success knows no boundaries.