Mary Hudson Onley was a graduate of the Class of 1912 at Bridgewater State Normal School. Born in 1889 in New Bedford, the daughter of Lavania F. Powell of Boston and William G. Onley of New Bedford, Ms. Hudson Onley graduated from New Bedford High School in 1908 and entered Bridgewater that September.

In 1987, the Hall of Black Achievement was established and the first formal inductions took place in February 1988. Each year, the hall presents the Mary Hudson Onley Achievement Award and Onley Medallion to a living individual who has made significant contributions to society or within his or her field.