CAU Alumni Newsletter Issue 2

NOVEMBER 2024 | Issue 2

A Look at Homecoming 2024

Clark Atlanta University’s Homecoming 2024 was unforgettable, with nearly 15,000 Panthers bringing the spirit and pride of CAU to Atlanta in October. Members of the class of 1975 (shown above) chose to jump start their upcoming 50th anniversary celebration at this year's sold-out festivities.

This year’s theme, “Here We Come,” captured the energy, unity, and pure joy that filled each day, making it a true celebration of the CAU legacy.

From the spirited 5k that routed participants from the "red carpet" stadium on a "memory lane" view of campus to the celebrity basketball game, every event was a chance to reconnect and celebrate what makes the Panther community so special.

The 40 Under 40 awards were an inspiring tribute to the strength and vision of our young alumni, President George T. French, Jr. acknowledged the honorees by saying, “CAU raised the bar when it comes to recognizing the achievements of our young alumni. I could not be prouder to lead this institution and the next generation of future leaders.”

FriDAY Night Live was Alumni Central. It was the place to be and be seen. Alumni of all graduation years enjoyed photo booths, sponsor giveaways, DJ's, Quinn and the Juke Box Band, alumni vendors, media row and more. Saturday’s tailgate brought thousands together, making it clear that Panther pride runs deep. It was a beautiful reminder of how important it is to take time out, reconnect, and rekindle our ties as a proud alumni network that lifts each other up and keeps CAU’s spirit and culture alive. Enjoy the photos below capturing a few of the moments that made Homecoming 2024 extraordinary.

We have received valuable feedback from many and are eager to hear from even more voices about Homecoming 2024. Please take this opportunity to share your perspective in our brief survey. Your feedback will provide guidance for future homecomings!

Dear Panthers,

I’m thrilled to connect with you in this issue of Amplify! As always, this newsletter is packed with features to keep you engaged and informed. This month, we’re highlighting some fascinating insights in our Did You Know section, sharing personal stories from across our Panther community in Alumni Voices, and introducing a new way to order CAU alumni apparel online with a university partner. Plus, be sure to update your information to stay connected!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting alumni chapters, and it’s been wonderful discussing our new model for alumni engagement with many of you. There’s been great curiosity, and I appreciate the thought-provoking questions raised. Here are some highlights:

One question has been "why now?" With the recent expansion of our alumni relations structure, some have wondered why we moved forward at this moment. My response is that the timing of this transformation aligns with the university’s strategic plan, Destination 2028. The strategic plan, released October 2023, identifies four strategic pillars through which the university’s goals will be actualized: student transformation, academic transformation, institutional transformation and financial transformation. Alumni engagement most closely impacts two pillars: student transformation (recruitment, matriculation support, professional/career development) and financial transformation (ambassadors, amplifying the university brand). The new model focuses on uniting us in our common purpose and positions alumni engagement in the path of the university’s blueprint for future sustainability and long-term health.

Some have asked about transparency. Transparency is a key cornerstone of this new structure; we’ll be consistent in providing updates on alumni activities and future initiatives to all Panthers. This newsletter is an example of our dedication to being transparent and connected with everyone.

I’ve also received questions about our 3–5-year goals, which include supporting student recruitment, fostering deeper alumni ties, and amplifying our brand as Panthers through strategic and meaningful programming and engagement. Our goals align directly with the university’s strategic pillars, especially in building a Panther legacy that benefits both current and future generations.

Another question centered around welcoming diverse voices. Our approach is inclusive: Once a Panther, always a Panther. Regardless of previous affiliations or the institution you attended, we’re committed to communicating consistently and inclusively with all Panthers.

These conversations are just the beginning. Thank you for your commitment, your pride, and for making this journey with us.

With Panther pride,

Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D.

Vice President and Chief Alumni Engagement Officer

Clark Atlanta University

Panther Alumni Community Pillars

The graphic below depicts our overall goal, Panther programming pillars and desired outcome. Intentional, deliberate, and continuous focus on our shared vision is central to our approach. We want every Panther, from our incoming students each year to our growing alumni base to feel connected and valued.

We'll be visiting with all 18 chapters in the country by early 2025. See you soon!

RAYMOND "TWEET" WILLIAMS:

CAU Made Me Who I Am.

"As I reflect on my 98 years on earth, I can honestly say that if not for CAU I would not be who I am today. My 87-year association with the institution gave me a wonderful family, lifelong friends, and an educational foundation that resulted in a phenomenal career."

Clark College, class of 1949,

Bachelor's in Psychology

Atlanta University, class of 1975,

Master of Business Administration

WATCH VIDEO

THE PANTHER SCENE

New CAU Alumni Apparel

The cooler fall temperatures mean you're going to need some hot new CAU alumni gear,

including the egg nog sweatshirt you saw at Homecoming.

SHOP HERE

Giving Tuesday is Coming!

December 3rd is Giving Tuesday. Join us in celebrating the spirit of “Always a Panther” by giving back to CAU. Your contribution today empowers students, advances academic programs, and strengthens our beloved university for the future. Every gift—no matter the size—helps create life-changing opportunities and sustains the legacy of excellence that defines CAU.

DONATE

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