CAU Alumni Newsletter

The Clark Atlanta University Alumni Newsletter

OCTOBER 2024 | Issue 1

Dear Clark Atlanta University Alumni,

I am excited to welcome you to the inaugural issue of Amplify, the official monthly CAU Alumni newsletter! This is a new beginning to engage, communicate, and connect with our ever-growing alumni community. As a proud CAU alumna, I understand the importance of keeping our alumni family close, no matter where life may take us.

Over the past several months, we listened to your feedback and reimagined our approach to alumni engagement. With our new structure, we’re better prepared to serve all 40,000 of us and the projected future alumni community of some 71,000 by 2075. As part of this transformation, we will form an Alumni Advisory Council in early 2025, introduce new leadership roles, and develop new programs to foster deeper connections. Whether through local chapters or virtual forums, we aim to meet you where you are and provide meaningful opportunities for you to stay involved with each other and CAU.

Explore the rest of this issue to learn more about what's happening next and please take a moment to read more about these exciting changes....

We had an incredible Homecoming in Atlanta last week, it was great to see all who were able to attend! For those who were unable, don’t worry—we’re developing more ways for you to stay connected with CAU and fellow alumni through future programs and engagement opportunities.

Yours in Service,

Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D.

Vice President and Chief Alumni Engagement Officer

Clark Atlanta University

In an effort to connect directly with the alumni community we will be touring all of the current alumni chapters beginning with the DeKalb Chapter on October 26, Atlanta Chapter November 2, and the Music Affiliate on December 7. Our goal is to complete visits within Georgia by the end of December. We will announce visits outside of Georgia in the new year. Stay tuned!

Here we grow again!

As part of our continued transformation, we're excited to announce two key positions within the CAU Alumni Relations and Engagement Division. We're looking for motivated individuals who can help us elevate alumni engagement and build stronger connections, and we invite you to apply!

The first role is focused on alumni programming and will be responsible for organizing signature and networking events.

We're also recruiting for a constituent relations professional to lead programs that can cultivate deeper relationships with alumni around the world and serve as the primary liaison between our office and all 40,000 of us.

CAU alumni are highly encouraged to apply for these roles and bring their unique perspectives to our team. Be part of shaping the future of alumni relations at Clark Atlanta University!

These roles are coming soon to the Human Resources page on the university web site.

Welcome to the Alumni Network

While our chapters remain an essential part of our engagement with alumni, we recognize that there are parts of the country and world where a critical mass has not yet been reached, but engagement and networking are nonetheless important. So, we’re introducing the alumni network to complement our chapters!

What’s the Difference Between an Alumni Network and a Chapter?

While alumni networks and chapters connect you to Clark Atlanta University, they serve slightly different purposes.

An alumni network is a broad, university-wide platform that connects all CAU graduates, regardless of where they live or work. You can access career resources, mentorship opportunities, and professional development events through the network. It’s a way to stay engaged with fellow alumni across the globe and participate in events or initiatives that benefit the entire alumni community.

On the other hand, chapters are more localized or specialized groups within that larger network. They might be based on your geographic location (like a local market chapter) or shared interests (such as an industry-specific group). Chapters provide a more personal, close-knit community where alumni can attend local events, meet-ups, and social gatherings. Think of chapters as a way to stay connected with CAU on a more focused level, while the alumni network ties you to the broader Panther family.

Both work together to keep you engaged, whether you’re looking for professional connections or simply want to catch up with fellow alumni in your area!

CANDACE RODNEY:

Moving Black Forward

“As a proud Panther and graduate of Clark Atlanta University, shepherding EBONY’s October HBCU issue was more than just a project — it was a declaration,” said Candace Rodney ‘03, Executive Vice President, Content and President, Studios at EBONY. “HBCUs have always stood as the foundation of Black excellence and leadership, and this issue unapologetically put that power on a national platform. Elevating the impact of HBCUs, their students, and their alumni was both an honor and a responsibility. At EBONY, our mission to Move Black Forward is about striking the balance between honoring our legacy and actively shaping the future. I am proud to lead our Content divisions — Editorial, Social, Creative, Talent, Platforms, and Studios — the driving force behind this iconic brand and the direct connection to our audience.”

Check out EBONY's October HBCU issue here.

Candace Rodney

Class of 2003, Bachelor of Arts

Major: Mass Media Arts

Concentration: Radio/Television/Film

Scenes from Homecoming 2024!

Alumni Apparel As Seen At Homecoming

Coming Soon!

You may have seen these custom sweatshirts on campus last week and wondered how to get one. We'll share information on how to order these CAU sweatshirts in the November issue of Amplify.