
Graduating Against the Odds: How I Made it to My 20 Year College Graduation Anniversary
It's graduation season, and many students are graduating against the odds.
Financial challenges, lack of support, illnesses, competing priorities, too many responsibilities and so many other obstacles keep many people from completing college.
But…

Meet Jeremy Calhoun, a First-Gen S.O. What! Success Story
When I worked in marketing at FedEx, my VP, Len Hostetter invited me to speak on Creativity as part of the University of Memphis’s 4 C’s program to the class he taught as an adjunct professor. As I walked back to my car that evening after…

Do you know the FIRST black graduate of the University of Memphis? – Luther McClellan
Luther McClellan is a blessing to our younger generation!
Luther McClellan was one of the Memphis State Eight, who were the first African-American students admitted to Memphis State University in 1959.
He became the first African-American…

Meet Reginald and Ebony Clark, S.O. What! Success Stories
As a college freshman, I made a decision to pledge an amazing sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
That decision opened my world up and introduced me to an entire Greek family with incredible brothers sisters who would go on to do incredible…

Meet Andrew Bailey, an inspiring S.O. What! Success Story
Andrew Bailey was one of the most incredible people I met during my time as a student at the University of Memphis.
We were both teen parents and student leaders with tremendous challenges. And less than ideal backgrounds that most people…

Toni Boland-Evans: From Difficult Chapter into Success Story!
Toni Boland-Evans is a proud Memphian and University of Memphis alumni. She is a very passionate and determined woman. Toni has worked for NIKE as part of the Social and Community Impact Team for over 25 years.
She was named Memphis Business…

Alexia Young Shows Us How to Turn a Disformity into Mission!
A Birth Defect that Birthed Purpose
Born with a birth defect, cleft lip, and palate, Alexia Young is a woman with a brave mind and heart, she chooses to stand beyond challenges and helps others embrace their struggles. Through her organization,…

Dr. Christina T. Rosenthal: The Ideal Dentist
Dr. Christina Rosenthal, the Ideal Dentist, is also the owner and CEO of Paradigm Dental Center in Memphis.
One of those wonderful women I have met, a multi-tasker, loving wife, supportive mother, a determined entrepreneur, and an inspiring…

Do you know Bertha Rogers Looney of the Memphis State Eight?
Bertha Rogers Looney is a history-maker and trailblazer who made my time at the University of Memphis possible, peaceful, and progressive.
Imagine being at a place where no one wants you there. Hateful words are yelled at you daily and you…

