CAU Alumni Newsletter Issue 7 April 2025

APRIL 2025 | Issue 7

Dr. Thomas W. Cole, Jr. legacy award honoree Alex B. Cummings accompanied by his wife and family as well as Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D., Judge Brenda Hill Cole and President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D.

The Esteemed Tradition of the Spirit of Greatness:

A Landmark Year for the Signature Event

Jamal Coleman (BA, Mass Media Arts, Clark Atlanta University, 1995) envisioned a signature fundraising event for Clark Atlanta University that would be both grand and visually stunning—and he delivered. As a three-time chair of the Spirit of Greatness Gala and Vice President of Advertising and Marketing for Urban One-iOne Digital, Coleman saw his aspirations realized at the 16th annual gala on March 22. The event became the most attended in its history, drawing over 800 guests and raising more than half a million dollars—a record-breaking achievement.

The 2025 Spirit of Greatness Gala, benefiting student scholarships—CAU’s greatest need—was organized under the leadership of Dr. Lorri L. Saddler, Vice President and Chief Alumni Engagement Officer. An energetic team of more than 30 volunteers, led by Coleman and Co-Chair Sondra Brooks (BS, Business Administration, 1981, Clark College; MA, Quantitative Economics, 1985, Atlanta University), worked tirelessly to bring the evening to life.

Coleman credits this dedication to the deep love and appreciation that students and alumni have for their alma mater. “The Spirit of Greatness is expanding and has the potential to become one of the most impactful fundraising events across all HBCUs,” he said. “When we come together, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”

The night was a celebration of achievement, with special honors awarded to distinguished alumni. Alex B. Cummings, Founder and Chairman of Cummings Investment Holdings, LTD., received the prestigious Dr. Thomas W. Cole, Jr. Legacy Award. Pathways to Excellence Award recipients included Gay-Linn E. Gatewood-Jasho, Executive Director, CAU Office of University History, Traditions and Ceremonials; Charmaine Ward Millner, Managing Partner, Coaching Catalyst, LLC; Wendy Short Bartie, Senior Vice President, Oncology Commercialization, Bristol Myers Squibb; Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, Executive Vice President and Chief Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves; and Thomas O. Cordy, retired member of the Cox Enterprises Board of Directors.

Hosted by Channel 2 Action News anchor Karyn Greer, the event featured a soulful performance by Chantè Moore and high-energy music from DJ Bryan Michael-Cox and Tayari McIntosh/DJ Trauma. Previous headliners have included Carl Thomas and, in 2014, Angie Stone—the last female headliner until now. With a strong planning committee and influential honorary co-chairs, the event has evolved to appeal to a broad and diverse alumni base. “We brought in the under-40 alumni, and I’m pushing hard to include the under-30 crowd,” said Brooks. “The different generations, with their unique perspectives and experiences, brought a new level of engagement and exposure to the gala.”

Planning began in November with a call for nominations to the CAU community. A dedicated subcommittee carefully reviewed submissions to ensure honorees reflected the legacy of Atlanta University, Clark College, and Clark Atlanta University. The Pathways to Excellence Award recognizes alumni for outstanding achievements in their careers, community involvement, and service to the university. The Dr. Thomas W. Cole, Jr. Legacy Award honors an esteemed alumnus whose contributions mirror the legacy of CAU’s first president. Cummings traveled from Africa to receive this prestigious distinction.

Echoing the words of Dr. James P. Brawley, President Emeritus of Clark College, “The spirit of greatness for the individual is a spirit of ever becoming; for the institution, it is a spirit of being the best.” With each passing year, the Spirit of Greatness Gala rises to meet that ideal—and the best is yet to come.

With heartfelt appreciation, we extend our deepest thanks to the volunteers, honorees, guests, and generous sponsors whose presence and support made the Spirit of Greatness an unforgettable celebration of excellence and purpose.

Dear Panthers,

The April issue of Amplify celebrates the power of community, legacy, and leadership that defines Clark Atlanta University.

We begin with a look back at an unforgettable night—the 16th annual Spirit of Greatness Gala. Thanks to the leadership of Jamal Coleman, ’95, and Sondra Brooks ’81, ’85 along with the tireless efforts of more than 30 volunteers, this year’s gala was the most well-attended and most successful in our history, raising over half a million dollars for student scholarships. It was more than a celebration—it was a signal of what happens when the Panther family unites with purpose.

You’ll also meet Will Watkins, ’10, Global Director of Sales at Salesforce, whose journey from CAU to the tech world’s bleeding edge is guided by faith, purpose, and a deep commitment to impact. In a candid reflection, Will shares what motivates him, what legacy he hopes to leave, and why he still considers Clark Atlanta one of the best decisions he has ever made.

And looking ahead—we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our official alumni podcast, debuting this Spring. Expect real conversations with bold voices across the CAU family—stories of growth, grit, and greatness. The goal is to keep you in touch with the pulse of our community.

With Panther Pride,

Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D.

Vice President and Chief Alumni Engagement Officer

Clark Atlanta University

Will Watkins, '10

Global Director of Sales, Salesforce

Bachelor of Arts, Marketing

Will Watkins didn’t plan to attend Clark Atlanta University. In fact, he had a baseball scholarship offer from another institution. But his parents had other ideas. Today, Watkins—a Global Director of Sales at Salesforce with a focus on healthcare innovation—considers that decision one of the best things that ever happened to him. He’s as grounded as he is driven, motivated by impact over accolades, and deeply centered in faith, family, and service. An active member of the Emerging 100 of Atlanta, Watkins continues to give back to Atlanta’s youth while leading with purpose in his professional life. In this candid reflection, he shares what guides him, what inspires him, and what he hopes to leave behind.

Which historical figure inspires you the most?

Booker T. Washington. He challenged the Black community to see ourselves as more than we thought possible—pushing us to build careers with our minds and our hands. He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves, but his work shaped how we think about labor, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Even as someone in tech, I pull from his blueprint of using intellect and action to make real change.

What do you love most about your occupation?

The impact. I’ve worked for multi-billion-dollar companies that touch people’s lives in healthcare, and what I love most is that I’m not just selling a product—I’m helping solve real-life problems. Whether it’s getting critical treatments into doctors’ hands faster or enabling collaboration in research and development, I know the work I do has purpose.

What personal trait are you most proud of?

I’m extremely optimistic. I always see the good in things. Even when I make mistakes—and I make a few every day—I believe things will get better. I trust in God and in the power of learning from failure.

What do you value most in your friendships?

Reliability. Loyalty is important, but reliability is what I lean on. My closest friends know if I ask for help, I really need it—and I’d do the same for them. That mutual trust is everything.

What has been your greatest career achievement so far?

I don't think it's happened yet. I’m always pushing myself to do more, to do better. That drive comes from being an athlete—always striving for the next level, never fully satisfied. Sure, I’ve managed billion-dollar books of business and helped hire and promote people who look like me into leadership roles in tech. Those things matter.

But if you ask about the coolest thing? That would be working with the Atlanta Falcons while I was at Gartner, helping them choose the tech infrastructure for the new stadium. As a lifelong fan and season ticket holder, that hit differently. That moment reminded me that what I do can intersect with what I love.

What does happiness look like for you?

Spending time with my kids and watching them be happy—laughing, playing, just being themselves. That’s it. That’s the joy. And okay, a few quiet hours on the golf course comes in a close second.

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

For freshmen: enjoy your freedom.

Sophomores: lock in and find your rhythm.

Juniors: build your network—you’ll need it.

Seniors: enjoy the last few months of not paying bills.

Overall: figure out who you are and what kind of impact you want to have in the world. Then go all in. Share that journey with friends who challenge and support you.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Japan. It’s probably the coolest place I’ve ever visited, and I’d love to be fully immersed in the culture. San Diego would be a strong second.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I want to create something that supports single mothers and children who are homeless or displaced—safe places to live and opportunities for meaningful, sustainable work. That’s what I feel called to do: help protect families from the ills of the world and help them build a better future. And of course, my four children are part of that legacy too. They are the reason for everything I do.

How has your time at Clark Atlanta University shaped who you are today?

Clark Atlanta literally changed my life. I didn’t want to go, but my parents made that call, and I thank them for it every day. CAU allowed me to fail, fail, fail—with love. And in every one of those failures, I learned something. I built friendships, partnerships, and the ability to bring people together to solve problems. That’s what I do now in my career—and that’s what Clark gave me the space to discover.

THE PANTHER SCENE

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