Q: What inspired you to attend Clark Atlanta University (CC, AU, or CAU, and how did your time there shape who you are today?
A:
LaTanja: Honestly, attending Clark Atlanta University was never part of my original plan. As a matter of fact, I initially came to Atlanta as a mother, accompanying my daughter as she prepared to attend one of her dream schools, Clark Atlanta University. What I didn't realize was that while I was helping her begin a new chapter in her life, God was quietly positioning me to begin one of my own.
While walking the campus, helping my daughter get settled into her new home, I had an opportunity encounter with the Graduate Admissions Counselor at the time, who is now Dr. Sarah Hall. I began asking questions about the graduate programs, and what started as a casual conversation quickly turned into an unexpected opportunity. She immediately connected me with the Department Chair, who happened to be on campus that day. After our conversation, I was enrolled in the process, and within a week, I received my acceptance letter!
And just like that, the rest became history!
But beyond my acceptance letter, there was something much deeper happening. From the moment I stepped onto that campus, I felt something I couldn't quite explain. I felt a sense of belonging, culture, community, pride, and purpose. I felt safe knowing my daughter was entering an environment where she could grow, discover herself, and thrive. I'll never forget my daughter asking me, "Mom, why don't you inquire about the master's program? You always talked about wanting to complete your master's degree."
Initially, I hesitated. I didn't want my educational journey to take away from her college experience. But she encouraged me to pursue that dream, too. Clark Atlanta University became so much more than the institution where I earned my graduate education. It became a place where I rediscovered myself, expanded my leadership, embraced new opportunities, and developed an even greater appreciation for the importance of legacy, education, and community.
I came to Clark Atlanta University to support my daughter's dream, but God had another dream waiting for me. And that is a part of my story I will forever cherish.
Juliauna: Clark Atlanta University represented excellence, leadership, and a rich legacy of producing impactful professionals, which strongly aligned with my personal and academic aspirations. I was inspired to become part of an institution that encourages students to pursue greatness while embracing culture, community, and service. During my time at CAU, I stepped outside of my comfort zone, became more involved on campus, and developed greater confidence in myself. Through networking events and professional development opportunities, I gained valuable exposure to entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the importance of pursuing my passions with purpose. My experience at Clark Atlanta University played a significant role in preparing me for the demands of a fast-paced world while instilling the confidence to embrace new opportunities.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or tradition from your time at CAU that still resonates with you?
A:
LaTanja: For me, the most memorable part of my Clark Atlanta University experience wasn't just one particular event or tradition; it was the feeling I experienced from the moment I stepped onto campus. It felt like home! I immediately connected with the culture, the people, the energy, and the rich legacy of an institution that represents so much more than higher education. I felt God's presence and believed there was a greater purpose behind my unexpected journey to Clark Atlanta University.
I embraced the opportunity to become involved in campus life, particularly through leadership and engagement opportunities. I wasn't simply there to earn a degree; I wanted to be part of the experience, contribute, build relationships, and make meaningful connections. But one of my greatest blessings was having a front-row seat to watch my daughter flourish. I watched a once very quiet young lady step outside her comfort zone, become involved on campus, develop her voice, embrace leadership, and evolve into the confident woman she is today. Watching her journey from a college student to the woman and wife she has become is something I will always treasure.
However, two experiences stand out as defining moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Both are deeply connected to history, motherhood, education, and generational legacy.
The first, and perhaps the most defining, was graduating alongside my daughter on May 15, 2021. My daughter and I were among the Mother-Daughter Duos who graduated from Clark Atlanta University on the same day, on the same stage, and during the same commencement ceremony in the midst of the pandemic. As a first-generation college graduate, I cannot adequately put into words what that moment meant to me. Earning my degree was already a tremendous accomplishment, but sharing that milestone with my daughter made it immeasurably more meaningful.
Think about it: I initially brought my daughter to Atlanta to pursue HER dream of attending Clark Atlanta University. Never in my wildest imagination did I think we would both walk across that stage together, receiving our degrees during the same ceremony! Our story was so special that Legacy and 11Alive News of Atlanta interviewed us during graduation. We still have a video capturing us celebrating that extraordinary day together, and it is something our family will cherish forever.
Mother, daughter graduate together at Clark Atlanta
I often think about the generations that will come after us. My grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even generations beyond them will have something tangible to look back on. They will have a blueprint and a living example that education, determination, and perseverance can create opportunities that extend far beyond one generation.
We didn't just earn degrees that day; we created a family legacy.
The second experience that left an indelible impression on me was an educational field trip organized by Clark Atlanta University to Selma, Alabama, on March 1, 2020, where we had the opportunity to walk across the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of the Bloody Sunday march. This experience was especially emotional and meaningful to me because I am a native of Alabama, born in Montgomery, Alabama, and this was my very first time walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge—and I had the privilege of experiencing it alongside my daughter.
I grew up hearing stories from my mother, who was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. She was a civil rights activist who marched and played her part in making a difference by driving people to the polls so they could exercise their right to vote. Her stories about the marches, the struggles, the sacrifices, and the courage of those who fought for equality and justice were woven into my upbringing. So, to finally stand in that historic place and walk across that bridge, knowing the history behind it and remembering the stories my mother shared with me, was an incredibly emotional experience. But what made it even more extraordinary was sharing that moment with my daughter.
Even more significant, we had the opportunity to witness and march alongside Congressman John Lewis during what would be the last time we would see him participate in the Bloody Sunday commemoration. I have a photograph of Congressman Lewis from that special day, which makes the memory even more priceless to me. Here I was, a daughter of Alabama, walking across a bridge where courageous individuals had once marched for the very freedoms and opportunities that generations like ours would eventually experience. I couldn't help but reflect on my mother's contributions, the sacrifices of those who came before us, and the significance of passing that history on to my daughter.
It was a full-circle moment. My mother was part of the generation that marched and helped pave the way. I grew up listening to her stories and learning the importance of standing for something greater than yourself. And now, I had the opportunity to walk that same historic ground with my daughter, ensuring that the next generation understands, appreciates, and carries that legacy forward. From walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to walking across the graduation stage together, both experiences represented something much bigger than the moment itself. They represented courage, sacrifice, opportunity, education, and the power of generational legacy.
I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to experience these extraordinary historical moments with my daughter. I didn't just hear my mother's stories about history; I had the opportunity to walk through a piece of that history with my daughter. And that is something neither of us will ever forget.
My mother marched, my daughter and I walked, and together we carry a legacy that must never be forgotten." 💙❤
Juliauna: Without a doubt, my most memorable experience at Clark Atlanta University was having the opportunity to attend college alongside my mother and graduate together. Around campus, we became known as the “Mother-Daughter Duo,” and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always cherish. Sharing my undergraduate journey with her made every milestone even more meaningful. We attended campus events, participated in student organizations, and supported one another throughout our academic journey. Graduating together was not only a personal achievement but also a powerful testament to perseverance, family, and the transformative impact of higher education. It remains one of the greatest blessings and proudest moments of my life.
Q: How has being part of the CAU alumni network, especially in the Carolinas, impacted your personal or professional journey?
A:
LaTanja: Being part of the Clark Atlanta University alumni network in the Carolinas has been incredibly rewarding. It has given me the opportunity to remain connected to an institution that has had such a meaningful impact on my life while continuing to serve, give back, and invest in the next generation.
What I appreciate most is that our alumni organization understands that being an alumnus is about more than wearing the school colors, attending events, or celebrating our accomplishments. It's about responsibility, representation, service, and ensuring that the legacy continues.
I am especially proud to serve as the Chair of Membership. In this role, I have the responsibility of encouraging alumni to remain engaged, renew their memberships, and recognize the importance of their continued investment in our organization.
Membership is about more than numbers. It's about building a stronger collective. When we strengthen our membership, we strengthen our ability to raise funds, provide resources, support scholarships, and create opportunities that directly benefit Clark Atlanta University and its students.
As an active board member of PACC (501(c)(3) organization), our commitment to giving back is something I take great pride in. Attending the Scholarship Brunch for the first time this year was particularly meaningful. It was wonderful to witness firsthand how our collective efforts translate into tangible support for students and the university.
Professionally and personally, this experience has reinforced something I strongly believe: Your degree opens doors, but your willingness to serve, lead, and reach back determines how many doors you can help open for someone else.
I am grateful to be part of an alumni community that recognizes that our responsibility to Clark Atlanta didn't end when we received our degrees. In many ways, that was just the beginning.
Juliauna: Being a member of the Clark Atlanta University alumni network has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with fellow Panthers while remaining connected to the university’s mission and legacy. Through the Carolinas alumni chapter, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at college fairs and engage with prospective students, giving back to the institution that has given so much to me. These experiences have strengthened my sense of community and reinforced the importance of mentorship, service, and lifelong connections.
Q: What advice would you give to current CAU students or recent graduates navigating life after college?
A:
LaTanja: My advice would be simple, but powerful: Don't just attend Clark Atlanta University. Experience it. Embrace it. Get involved. And make the most of every opportunity placed before you.
Get involved in campus life. Join leadership organizations. Build relationships with your classmates. Stay connected with your academic advisors, professors, department chairs, deans, faculty, and staff. These individuals are not simply there to help you complete your coursework; many of them can become lifelong mentors, advocates, and valuable connections as you navigate your professional journey.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, step outside your comfort zone, take advantage of opportunities, and allow yourself to grow. Your college experience should be about more than earning a degree. It should also be about discovering your gifts, developing your leadership abilities, building your network, and identifying the impact you want to make in the world.
And most importantly, trust the journey, trust the process, and trust God to order your steps. Every experience will not be perfect, every opportunity will not look the way you envisioned, and every door will not open when you expect it to. But don't allow temporary setbacks to distract you from your ultimate goal.
Remember, you are not just preparing to enter the workforce. You are preparing to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, and trailblazers.
We, as alumni, have a responsibility to reach back, create opportunities, and pass the baton. But we also expect you to take that baton and run further than we ever imagined possible.
Don't simply inherit the legacy. Expand it. Don't just follow in our footsteps. Create your own path, break barriers, challenge limitations, and make room for the generation coming behind you.
Clark Atlanta University has a rich history, an extraordinary legacy, and a powerful foundation. Now it's your responsibility to help determine its future.
And always remember: You may leave the campus, but the legacy of Clark Atlanta University should never leave you!
Juliauna: My advice is to avoid feeling pressured to have every aspect of your life figured out before or immediately after graduation. While setting goals is important, life often unfolds in unexpected ways that can lead to opportunities you never anticipated. Remain open to growth, continue learning, trust the process, and give yourself grace along the journey. Success is not defined by how quickly you reach your destination but by your resilience, adaptability, and willingness to keep moving forward.
My Quotes:
"I came to Clark Atlanta University as a mother supporting her daughter's dream. I left with a degree, a renewed sense of purpose, lifelong connections, and a legacy that I am now committed to helping build." Tan
"Sometimes, the greatest opportunities in life are the ones you never planned for. You just have to be willing to walk through the door when it opens." Tan
"Once a Panther, always a Panther. Our degrees represent what we accomplished, but our service represents the legacy we leave behind." Tan & Juliauna
