CAU Alumni Newsletter Amplify Issue 9 June 2025

JUNE 2025 | Issue 9

On Juneteenth: Why We Celebrate

In keeping with our ongoing commitment to connect with and share the powerful stories of CAU alumni, in honor of Juneteenth, Dr. Lorri L. Saddler, Vice President, Chief Alumni Engagement Officer, spoke with Clark College alumnus (1988) and Professor of African American History, Dr. Daniel Black. In this excerpt from their conversation about the holiday's significance, the award-winning author and activist reflects on why we celebrate Juneteenth, its continued relevance, and the relationship to his critically acclaimed novel, The Coming.

Dear Panthers,

June is a time of reflection, connection, and celebration. As we recognize Juneteenth, we honor the people whose freedom marked a new beginning—those who searched for family, rebuilt communities, and helped shape the foundation and future of this country.

In this issue of Amplify, we’re sharing a short clip from a conversation with Dr. Daniel Black, Associate Professor of African American Studies and the unforgettable speaker from our 2024 Commencement. In his reflection on Juneteenth, Dr. Black challenges us to remember that the holiday is about so much more than freedom—it’s about wholeness, rebuilding, and reclaiming our humanity.

You’ll also find a spotlight on D Rushing, a proud member of the Class of 2023, now carving new paths in the fashion world. His work and his story—rooted in confidence, creativity, and community—are a reflection of the spirit that defines CAU.

And because summer is here and many of you are taking a well-deserved break, we’ve filled this issue with photo highlights from the 2025 Commencement—a joyful reminder of all the hope, energy, and excellence flowing from this year’s graduating class.

No matter where summer takes you, know that your Panther family is right here—celebrating you and proud to walk alongside you in legacy and purpose.

With Panther Pride,

Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D.

Vice President, Chief Alumni Engagement Officer

Clark Atlanta University

Panthers, We Need You!

Reconnect, reengage, and reignite your Panther Pride! There are three exciting ways to give back by sharing your time, talent, and treasure:

Join the Panther Legacy Collective – a dynamic group of alumni building a lasting impact. Click here to sign up.
Establish an Affiliate Group or become a Partner through our new engagement pathways.

D. Rushing, '23

Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist & Style Educator

Bachelor of Arts, Fashion Merchandising

>>Click to view a personal message from D. Rushing

Which historical figure inspires you the most?

My grandmother inspired me. Just from being a business savage down to her fashion. She’s extremely fly. That’s who does it for me is my grandmother.

What do you love most about your current occupation?

What I truly love most about my job is the outcome. When my clients come to me,, there’s a whole different confidence. The way they walk and how they stand. So that’s one thing I love about my career is that I have the power to have women feel amazing and look amazing.

What personal trait are you most proud of?

My fierce attitude and my willingness to get the job done. I really don’t take no for an answer. I started my career during my Freshman year at CAU. I just love that I’m fearless in a tough industry, because it’s so easy to get run over and tricked out of your spot in this industry.

What has been your greatest career achievement so far?

Teaching my wardrobe masterclass, The Rush Way Masterclass. I’ve taught over 500 aspiring wardrobe stylists who have now styled other celebrities, and they have their own clients or brands now. At least 200 of those students were CAU students. I can also say styling Young Thug for the BET Awards. But for people to learn from me and to be able to build a career from it is the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my eight years of styling.

What fashion trend do you wish would make a comeback, or disappear forever?

I love all the fashion trends that make a comeback. It's like a blast from the past. The only fashion trend that I wish would disappear is overalls. I don't care if they're oversized or if they're fitted. It's just not the look to me anymore!

If you could style anyone in the world who would it be and what would you put them in?

I'd probably style Teyana Taylor. I love how bold she is with her fashion choices, and her versatility with style has always been an inspiration. I know she is pretty open to anything, so we'd have a wide range of looks we could accomplish.

What advice would you give to current Clark Atlanta University students?

Just be yourself. My first year in college I was battling with who I am as a gay man. Not accepting myself held me back. Once I accepted myself everything just flourished.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I want to leave a legacy bigger than André Leon Tally. I want to have an estate when I pass away. I want people to be able to buy my clothes. I want to have a fashion school. So I really want my legacy to be bigger than Anna Wintour when it comes to fashion.

How did your time at Clark Atlanta University shape who you are today?

It shaped me to "Find a way or make one." I literally use that motto every day. It’s going to get done somehow. College is not just four or five years you are there. You really take everything you learned into your day to day life. If I hadn’t gone to CAU I feel like I wouldn’t have had the same support.

THE PANTHER SCENE

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