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Alumni Newsletter
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“ ”
ATLANTA – FROM CORNER TO CORNER, ALL OVER THE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY campus the economy is the top subject in and out of the classrooms. As students line up to start class, many will be shocked by the new sticker price. According to the Board of Regents, the Georgia State 2009 fees are scheduled to go up once again from $600 to $700 as the university attempts to offset inflation and meet demands to provide quality education for its students.
MESSAGE FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, I have been privileged to view Georgia State University from three very different, yet interrelated perspectives – as a student, alumna, and employee. Through each of these lenses, I have been able to see the wealth of opportunity afforded to each of these entities. GSU epitomizes a world-class research institution, yet outside of the state of Georgia its storied history remains virtually unknown. Even more obscure are the contributions of those of African descent. Did you know that GSU graduates more students of African descent than any other non-historically Black university in this country? Many notable African-American alumni, staff, and faculty have made tremendous contributions to the GSU community and beyond. Part of the mission of the African-American Alumni Club is to bring these types of stories to the forefront. Welcome to The Blackboard!
Kimberly G. Walker President, African-American Alumni Club
Georgia State University
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the African-American Alumni Club is to serve as a forum of professional and social
networking for Georgia State University students, alumni, faculty, and staff who are African-
American or those of African descent. We strive to foster student scholarship and mentorship and
promote issues that specifically impact African-Americans by offering various community-oriented,
cultural, and professional activities.
NEWS
From Wall Street to Your Street How the Economic Crisis is affecting Georgia State University By Judy McCullough
Monday, August 17, 2009
blackboard REACHING THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
the
ECONOMIC IMPACT ON GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY 1 LEARNING HOW TO WORK
YOUR NETWORK 2 MONIQUE MARSHALL’S DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH 3
TO LEARN MORE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI | 1 FALL 2009
FALL 2009
PRESENTED BY: THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ALUMNI CLUB (AAAC) ISSUE 1 | VOL 1
Students are definitely spending less money…
Walter’s Shop Worker
The rising education costs are causing some students to question whether they can afford to return to school. “Buying books for class is very expensive when there are other things you need for school,” said one sophomore. “The costs for books are up everywhere you go, even the used ones.” The rising cost of
education is just one fear students wrestle with. Many GSU students are concerned with how the economy is affecting their chance for employment. “It is scary to think about graduating…” said a group of GSU seniors. “What are the chances of being hired in your field of study verses taking a job until you can do better because of the many cutbacks and layoffs?” Discretionary buying has slowed down recently as students consider rising costs. Walter’s, a local apparel shop across the street from the GSU campus, has seen a drop in sales. One employee notes, “Students are definitely spending less money because of the economy.”
Continue on page 2
HIGHLIGHTS
Year in Review By Kimberly G. Walker
Monday, August 17, 2009
IN MY FIRST YEAR AS PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009, I led the club’s reorganization into a two-tier structure consisting of an executive team of officers with more clearly defined roles and a board of directors which manage standing committees. Last year, the club held two social networking events at Michon’s in August and Barley’s in December. Members also participated in a holiday toy sorting project. The highlight of the year was unquestionably our Annual Black History Month Program which paid homage to Georgia State’s black pioneers, who were represented by their families. This year, the AAAC collaborated with the Office of African-American Student Services and Programs (OAASS&P) and its Asst. Director, Dr. David Smith, Jr., who facilitated the event. Dr. Smith, a GSU alumnus, researched the first black students, faculty, and staff in his book, Georgia State University: 1913-2002. None of this could be accomplished without the dynamic members of the AAAC and the dedicated staff of the Alumni Association.
ON THE AGENDA
Alumni Night @ the Braves Game
Sept 4, 2009 – 7:30PM
Braves v. Cincinnati Reds
Turner Field - Atlanta, GA
African-American Dance Review
Sept 10-20, 2009 – 3:30P or 7:30P
The Rialto Theater
www.rialtocenter.org
Kaiser Permanente Run/Walk 5K
Sept 10, 2009 – 7:00PM
Turner Field - Atlanta, GA
Can't, Don't, Won't, Stop
Theater Festival
Oct 2-3, 2009 – 8:00PM
The Rialto Theater
www.rialtocenter.org
BUSINESS
Networking that Works Building connections that build your career By Nadeerah Franklin
Monday, August 17, 2009
TODAY, MORE THAN EVER BEFORE IN RECENT MEMORY, PEOPLE
from all walks of life are in the same boat: unemployed and looking
for work. First, it is important to remain positive knowing that this
slump is only for the short term. Second, it is equally important that
you do what you can to stand out from the sea of job seekers out
there. The following are tips to help you navigate this uncertain job
market and also polish up your presentation.
Take full advantage of your human resources: Network, talk to
your friends, family, old coworkers, temp agents, church members
and your fellow alumni. Try running your ideas by them, have them
critique your resume and interviewing skills. It is not just what you
know; it is who you know that counts.
Build an online presence: Be resourceful. One of the trendiest ways
to network is to utilize the social networking sites like Georgia
State’s own GSU Circle or Facebook. Get your face out there and
talk to those in your shoes or in your industry.
Market yourself with Google: Google has an application called
Google Sites that you can use to create your own website with all
the latest features and functionality. You can upload your digital
portfolio, documents, photos, videos, etc. to your website and link
it to Facebook, for example, to broaden your audience and market
TO LEARN MORE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI | 2 FALL 2009
“From Wall Street to Your Street…” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
In spite of the uncertain economy, new and returning students still favor Georgia State University. According to a recent article in the Signal newspaper, enrollment is up 25% from last year. Urbanacke, Murry.
“Registration at Georgia State up 25% in 2009.” The Signal 9 June 2009: News. There’s a bright side. The latest information from Jeff over at Walter’s is, “business has picked up since the new and returning students are back for the summer semester, business is better.”
yourself to would be employers.
Build your knowledge base: There are
other resources out there to include your
local library or Dept. of Labor. Stay current
by enrolling in a class or volunteering for
an organization. Volunteering is like
interning: you can learn a great deal and
help your community, while building your
reference list. So consider it, as today
many employers seek more than just what
you’ve done in the office or class; they
want to see how well-rounded you are. So
consider volunteering even in your alumni
club. But, remember to stay encouraged.
You are everything you need. Good luck!
aaaa
PEOPLE
ALUMNI TRAILBLAZERS
Toni Driskell: A Pioneer By Nadeerah Franklin
Monday, August 17, 2009
EDUCATOR, ACTIVIST AND HUMANITARIAN, TONI DRISKELL STARTED HER
lifelong practice of serving her community while enrolled at Georgia State
University. Driskell (B.S. Criminal Justice ’78) was part of a community of
African-American students who saw the urgency to build an organization where
students could unite to build friendships, teach, network and rally together as
one community, thus giving birth to GSU’s African-American Alumni Club.
Driskell later went on to become the first African-American Miss Georgia State
University.
Driskell’s resume also includes a M.A. in Public Administration (’80) from
Central Michigan University and a long, active history working for the public.
Her work includes: serving the NAACP, Destiny Family and Children Services,
Georgia State University Alumni Association and serving as Dir. Membership &
Recruitment for the African-American Alumni club, just to name a few. When
asked why it is important to give back, she answered “We are here to help…We
are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. “
The African-American Alumni Club recognizes Ms. Driskell and thanks her for
her outstanding achievements in community service and encourages all our
readers to consider giving back to our community.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Young, Black & Gifted By Kimberly G. Walker
Monday, August 17, 2009
EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR GIFTS TO GEORGIA STATE University? Your generosity helps bright and talented future alumni like Torrence McIllwain and Dionne J. Corn. McIllwain and Corn are the recipients of the African-American Alumni Club Scholarship Book Awards for 2009. The AAAC honored these students at its annual Black History Month Program this past February. McIllwain, a graduating senior in December, will earn his bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He is a student member of the National Assoc. of Black Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Georgia Society of CPAs, and Tau Alpha Chi – Honorary Tax Assoc., GSU Chapter. In addition to maintaining a heavy course load, McIllwain is employed as a Student Assistant for the GSU Foundation. McIllwain plans to continue his education at GSU by pursuing a Master of Taxation at the Robinson College of Business.
Corn, a rising senior in the Honors Program, also majors in Accounting. This scholar is a tutor at Parklane Elementary School in East Point and secretary of her church youth group. She is a member of the Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity and Recognition Director for the Golden Key International Honor Society. She
maintains excellent grades while being employed with the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society.
AAAC SNAPSHOT
Club Chartered: Aug, 1994
Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Member Network: 10,000 Primary Activities: Business
and social networking
TO LEARN MORE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI | 3 FALL 2009
BOOK REVIEW
A Diamond in the Rough “Diamondz Are Forever” By Stephanie Abram Monday, August 17, 2009 AN INSPIRING URBAN TALE OF TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS, Diamondz Are Forever, is definitely a diamond in the rough. Written by GSU Alumni Monique Marshall (BA ’04, Sociology) this book explores a young lady’s ability to excel in school and love despite being surrounded by drugs and poverty. Diamond, the main character, is able to rise above it all to become her own woman. In our interview, when asked where she found the inspiration for her characters, Marshall replied, “I wanted to send a message to the young girls to follow their dreams and that it’s ok to fall in love, but stay focused on their dreams.” Marshall further explains, “I also wanted to create realistic characters that my students could relate to.” Writing since the age of 14 in journals and diaries as a way to express herself, Marshall’s own inspiration includes authors such as Sister Souljah, KeKe Swinson and Iyanla Vanzant.
Monique Marshall ‘04
Toni Driskell ‘78
ADVERTISE IN THE BLACKBOARD
Grow your business by marketing your company in The BlackBoard! Become an AAAC sponsor today!
Contact: Kimberly G. Walker
Today, Marshall lives in Washington, D.C., where she teaches science and math and enjoys spending time with her two young daughters. She is working on projects too that include an urban book of poetry and a sequel to Diamondz Are Forever. Marshall is a great inspiration. I highly recommend reading Diamondz Are Forever, one, because it is an excellent read and two, because Marshall represents the GSU Alumni Family. Congratulations Monique Marshall! We wish you continued success with your writing.
” “ It’s ok to fall in love, but stay focused… – Monique Marshall
“The least of these need help… we are here to help.” –TONI DRISKELL
PERSPECTIVES
An AAAC Experience By Judy McCullough
Monday, August 17, 2009
THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ALUMNI CLUB IS ONE OF THE BEST CLUBS that I’ve joined and proudly represent it as a member. The AAAC is active on campus and in the community. Our activities include: Packing toys for tots during the holiday season, honoring students and hosting events in black history as well as other cultural affairs. Our president, Ms. Kim G. Walker and other officers are the best example of good team work. We all know that the only way a club can stay alive is by hard work and dedication. In our own way, we all make a difference in the AAAC. The club has a diversity of ideas and if the AAAC is the history then we are the pages with a story to tell.
Come see what we have to offer. Everyone is welcomed.
TALK TO US!
BackTalk We welcome your feedback. Please submit your
ideas, comments and suggestions to:
NADEERAH FRANKLIN Director of Communications [email protected]
CONTACT US
Kimberly G. Walker President, Contributing Writer [email protected] Nadeerah Franklin Director of Communications [email protected] Judy McCullough Staff Writer [email protected] Stephanie Abrams Staff Writer [email protected] Tel: (404) 413-2190 or (800) GSU-ALUM
TO LEARN MORE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI | 4 FALL 2009
WE’RE ONLINE!
CALL TO ACTION
Opportunity Knocks Volunteering in your club community
THE DOORS OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ALUMNI CLUB ARE ALWAYS open to all Georgia State University Alumni and its affiliates. We invite all visitors to join in the fun by participating in public, club events and ongoing club meetings. Without the support of people like you to help drive the club, it would be impossible to reach our objectives. We encourage all those who desire to make an impact to join in any volunteer efforts and get involved in our monthly meetings. The AAAC is seeking committed volunteers to serve on its executive board and assist with The Blackboard newsletter. If you’re interested in making a mark in the AAAC, please contact Kim Walker, AAAC President, email: [email protected]. Thank you for your support!
“The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts.”
- Booker T. Washington
GGGIIIVVVEEE YYYOOOUUURRR HHHEEELLLPPPIIINNNGGG HHHAAANNNDDD... JJOOIINN AAAAAACC TTOODDAAYY!!
The BlackBoard
Georgia State University Alumni Association P.O. Box 3999 Atlanta, GA 30302-3999
For meetings dates, events, and much more, visit us online: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI
FACEBOOK: GSU AFRICAN
AMERICAN ALUMNI GROUP
Because you
gave, I can
give it my all.
GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON
GIVING, GIVE TO THE
AAAC SCHOLARSHIP FUND!
VISIT WWW.GSU.EDU/GIVING