Strengthening the Panther Family: Alumni Engagement Strategies at Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) recognizes its alumni as its largest, most loyal, and permanent constituency. Mutually, working collaboratively, both the Alumni Relations and Engagement and Alumni Association provide a beneficial and rewarding opportunity to the University and its alumni by strengthening their commitment to each other and to keep the Clark Atlanta University family strong and connected. Shoring up alumni relations is important to the “long-term stability of our institution,” according to George T. French Jr., president of Clark Atlanta. To that end, CAU has implemented a variety of strategies to foster alumni engagement, from recognizing young alumni achievements to creating platforms for networking and mentorship.

Recognizing Alumni Achievements

In 2022, Clark Atlanta University proudly introduced the inaugural class of its 40 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Awards. Hosted at The Bank, a premier venue led by CAU alumni, the celebration was a spectacular debut-complete with entertainment, inspiring remarks from President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., photo opportunities with him, and heartfelt words of wisdom from honorees. The energy in the room was matched only by the cheers and applause from all who attended. Since then, the event has grown each year, becoming even more dynamic and star-studded.

Honorees are selected through a rigorous process that begins with nominations from faculty, staff, alumni, and university supporters. Nominees then complete a detailed application, which is reviewed and scored by a steering committee. Final selections highlight each honoree’s exceptional accomplishments, meaningful impact, and steadfast commitment to their alma mater. We deeply appreciate the work of the committee in curating this outstanding list of honorees.

For Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D., chief alumni engagement officer, the awards reflect her office’s mission to ensure all alumni feel included and valued as members of the Panther family. Recognizing that alumni under the age of 40 are a vital part of the university’s legacy, along with the team in alumni relations and engagement, she spearheaded the creation of the 40 Under 40 Young Alumni Achievement Awards. “Our charge is amplifying our legacy, and these awards do exactly that,” says Dr. Saddler. LaGloria Wheatfall (CAU ’09), one of the 2024 recipients, describes the honor with deep gratitude. “There are many lessons you leave with when you attend an HBCU, and pride is at the top of that list. We warmly invite all members of the Panther family to share in this special celebration.

Fostering a Culture of Giving Back

Clark Atlanta University emphasizes the importance of alumni giving back to their institution. As one alumna stated, “To whom much is given, much is required, and I live by that.” She encourages other alumni to recognize the critical need to support their own institutions and demonstrate to future generations the responsibility of giving and contributing. She stresses that alumni cannot rely on others for support but should make giving back part of their DNA.

Strengthening Alumni Connections

The start of a new academic year is always an electrifying season at Clark Atlanta University. Welcoming our newest Panthers-with their bright eyes, limitless dreams, and hopes for the future-reminds us of the spirit that makes our alma mater so special. For me, both as an alumna and a staff member, this time of year is a source of renewed energy. It deepens my commitment to strengthening alumni connections and to encouraging our students to build lifelong bonds with each other and with CAU. And no one was better at that than one of our most devoted alumni, Raymond “Tweet” Williams (Clark College ’49; Atlanta University ’74), who passed away on August 11 at the age of 99.

Alumnus Williams truly embodied the spirit of Panther Pride. From his days as a student-athlete and Hall of Famer to his service as athletic director, mentor, and loyal alumnus, he gave of himself generously to CAU and to our students-especially our scholar-athletes. On a personal note, I hope that you will indulge me for a moment as I share that Alumnus Williams embraced me when I stepped into this role and that there were few people more supportive than him. His presence, wisdom, and unwavering support will be greatly missed; however, his example will continue to inspire me-and hopefully all of us-to strive to do more and be better for Clark Atlanta University. I am pleased to share this WSB video from November 2024, which captures his spirit so beautifully. Lorri L.

Welcoming New Students with Alumni Support

On Tuesday, August 19, the Clark Atlanta University Class of 2029 was officially welcomed during a special induction ceremony in the L. S. Epps Gymnasium at the Vivian W. Henderson Health Center, named in honor of Clark College’s eighth president. Among the alumni participants was Rita Howey (Clark College ’75), attending the induction ceremony for the first time. “It was a beautiful celebration of new beginnings, filled with hope, excitement, and the promise of new possibilities,” she shared. “Together, we welcomed a diverse tapestry of talent and aspirations. The Office of Alumni Relations and Engagement extends heartfelt thanks to the alumni community for answering the call with enthusiasm and support. More than 150 RSVPs were received; however, when the day arrived, even more showed up. Geri P.

The Role of the Pre-Alumni Council

The Clark Atlanta University Pre-Alumni Council is one of 38 councils of the National Pre-Alumni (NPAC) which is the undergraduate arm of the National Alumni Council. The NPAC was created to stimulate interest and participation of students in the programs of the United Negro College Fund, to preserve and to encourage loyalty and fellowship between the member colleges and universities, assist in raising funds during the annual campaign and help them become better alumni while in school and upon graduation.

The UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council (NPAC) is more than a student organization-it’s a legacy-building engine that prepares HBCU students to become the next generation of alumni leaders, fundraisers, and advocates. The UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council (NPAC) is an umbrella organization for student alumni councils across UNCF’s 37 member institutions. Each campus can have its own Pre-Alumni Council (PAC), a student organization dedicated to leadership development, fundraising, and alumni connections. PACs at participating member institutions are councils of individuals who gain leadership and social mobility skills to become effective alumni who give back to their institutions after graduation.

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The process of joining varies by campus-some require dues, others have application processes, or hold club recruitment fairs. PAC serves as a crucial leadership pipeline for HBCU students. Unlike more visible student organizations, such as SGA or royal court, PAC provides foundational leadership tools away from the front stage. Brittney Daniel, Miss National UNCF, explains that “PAC helps students get introduced into leadership. The personal and professional growth is significant. Students develop advocacy skills, that extend beyond maintaining professional networks and establishing connections that extend beyond the campus. Bah credits PAC with connecting her “with many people, in rooms I never been or thought I would be. This experience translates into real impact. “PAC is a family at every institute-my one takeaway.

Approximately one-third of campus PAC chapters are currently inactive. Student-led activation is the most effective solution. Students can connect with alumni for support and guidance when they are committed to reactivating their chapter. NPAC cultivates a culture of giving through various programs that combine financial literacy with philanthropic engagement. Campus chapters engage in hands-on fundraising through alum outreach during homecoming, raffles, and donor events. These efforts are crucial for private institutions that depend heavily on their board of trustees and alumni support.

The annual UNITE Summit provides NPAC with a platform to showcase student leadership and strengthen intergenerational connections. Daniel, who will speak at UNITE 2025, views the conference as an advocacy opportunity and a chance to practice her public speaking skills. NPAC represents a strategic investment in HBCU sustainability. The organization creates a pipeline alumni advocates and donors. When we activate NPAC, we’re not just starting a chapter but securing the future of HBCU giving, leadership, and community.

Students interested in joining PAC should contact their campus student affairs office to learn about their institution’s specific chapter and enrollment process. Many campuses have simple processes-some require payment of dues, while others have brief applications. For campuses without an active chapter, the national team offers comprehensive toolkits, mentorship, and strategic support for reactivation efforts. As Bah notes, “It’s a village behind it. Administrators and advisors play a crucial role by recognizing PAC as a core leadership incubator and providing institutional support to ensure chapters thrive. This unique opportunity to participate in NPAC is a distinctive privilege that sets these students apart in their leadership development journey. All of us can invest in students now to form the alum leaders of tomorrow, ensuring the HBCU legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.

Supporting Black Entrepreneurship through Alumni Engagement

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) announced a groundbreaking partnership as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to officially partner with Operation HOPE’s national One Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB). CAU’s commitment includes impacting the creation of 1000 Black entrepreneurs and business owners by 2030. Through 1MBB, CAU will engage students, alumni, faculty and staff to ensure they have access to resources and capital to successfully start and sustain their entrepreneurial endeavors.

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CAU’s 1MBB partnership with Operation HOPE is a natural extension of the entrepreneurial spirit being cultivated among Black students. The Atlanta-based HBCU was among the first to establish an entrepreneurial-driven curriculum and boasts a distinguished list of alumni across multiple industries. “CAU students-and alumni- are ambitious, creative and filled with innovative ideas. It is the CAU way,” said president George T. French Jr., Ph.D. “We are proud to be the first university to join in this partnership formed to make a difference in the world of business for African-American entrepreneurs.” French added, “Joining this effort to create one million black businesses while helping entrepreneurs in the CAU community aligns with our business school’s mission to produce alumni and entrepreneurs who are competitive in the business world.

According to the US Census Bureau, there are over 2.6 Million Black-owned businesses in the US, with Atlanta landing in the top 5 cities for Black entrepreneurs. This initiative will continue to amplify the work of aspiring Black business-owners, providing them with top-of-the-line coaching and educational resources and a 120-day free trial, courtesy of Shopify. “HBCU’s matter and the future of Black entrepreneurship matters. This is why we started 1MBB,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder and CEO of Operation HOPE. “Through this partnership with CAU, we are accelerating the success of our future leaders. CAU is encouraging students, alumni, faculty and staff to take advantage of the program.

Alumni Advisory Council and New Roles

The historically Black university in Atlanta announced the creation of a new alumni advisory council and added two new roles to support alumni relations. The university also promoted Lorri Saddler, its vice president of alumni affairs, to vice president and chief alumni engagement officer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The changes took effect Oct.

Addressing Challenges in Alumni Relations

Clark Atlanta alumni told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the association was prone to divisions and infighting, including over how the association should be run. They pointed to tensions between alumni who graduated before Clark College and Atlanta University merged in 1988 and those who graduated after, as well as a broader generational divide.

Community Service as a Core Value

At Clark Atlanta University pursuing community service is no small task, nor is it an activity that is separate from our teaching, learning, research, and service mission. CAU defines Community Service engagement as actions that motivates and seeks to address human need and assists in improving the physical, psychological, spiritual, and/or economic conditions of others. The University continually seeks to respond to real need within its regional communities, through provision of intellectual leadership in areas of community interest and concern, offering university resources and facilities for community use, and working with communities for mutually productive outcomes.

The University, through a variety of community service projects and events, is engaged to generate and apply knowledge that promotes economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social and cultural development. Clark Atlanta University Community Service Program provides information and opportunities to all CAU students in support of service learning requirements and in conjunction with student co-curricular and student organization activities including an annual Community Service Fair, “A Day of Service.” The Program also afford students to contribute to their communities, learn civic responsibility, and enhance their overall learning experience through volunteerism in community service agencies, school-based programs and special civic events. Bishop Cornelius L.

The vision of the Office of Community Services is to enable students to become more socially responsible and accountable by providing their services to impact the well-being of others through collaboration with agencies within the Atlanta University Center and the community. The Office of Community Service promotes the spirit of public service at Clark Atlanta University by offering opportunities to students, faculty, staff to participate in volunteer work, providing support for student-sponsored social action that address the educational, social, cultural, and recreational needs of disadvantaged residents in the Atlanta metropolitan area. By organizing programs, which involve Clark Atlanta University students, faculty, and staff in partnership with community organizations, government agencies, businesses, and schools, the Office of Community Service impacts the educational, social, and recreational issues of the citizens of Atlanta.

Enriching Campus Life Through Cultural and Intellectual Activities

Clark Atlanta University makes available to its students a wide range of cultural and intellectually enriching activities. Presentations by distinguished actors and speakers, theatrical productions, concerts, and other events are coordinated through the Office of Student Activities, the SGA and other University departments. Several major lecture series are sponsored by various departments, including the C. Eric Lincoln Lectureship in Social Ethics, sponsored annually by the Department of Religion and Philosophy, and the Julius C. Daugherty Endowed Lecture in Law and Government, which under the auspices of the School of Arts and Sciences honors the memory of a distinguished alumnus and brings to the campus lecturers of national and international import. Other academic departments also contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of the University.

The Art Department annually sponsors visiting artists and exhibitions. Past exhibits and exhibitors have included such notables as: Richard Hunt, Gordon Parks, "Blacks in America: A Photographic Record" from the George Eastman House, and the Printmaking Workshop of New York with workshop director Robert Blackburn. The Department of English sponsors several events that enhance the cultural and academic climate of Clark Atlanta University and the Atlanta community. Foremost among them is the Annual Writers Workshop Conference, winner of the 1995 Governor's Award in the Humanities.

Clark Atlanta University students are encouraged to join one of the University's performing arts groups. Among these groups are the Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society, which has performed in the Caribbean, New York City, at major universities, and at the inaugural ceremony of former President Jimmy Carter; the Clark Atlanta University Jazz Orchestra, which has achieved international recognition, having been invited to perform at major jazz festivals in the United States, Europe, and Africa; and the Clark Atlanta University Players, one of the outstanding theater groups in the region, consistently maintaining excellence in its productions. Additionally, Clark Atlanta University has a hand bell choir, symphony orchestra and both a concert and a marching band.

Communication and Engagement

Ensuring adequate means of communication among students, faculty, staff, and administrators further enhances the campus environment. Through various lecture series, annual convocations, and presentations by distinguished scholars, activists, political figures and international leaders, an effective campus wide communication system is achieved. The President and the Offices of Academic and Student Affairs conduct regular Town Hall meetings with students and faculty, which provide the opportunity for direct dialogue on issues of concern between these groups and the administration. Students are also provided the opportunity to interact with professionals and subject matter experts in classrooms or in informal settings. Another important form of communication is through print media.

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