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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…
Jeremy Calhoun
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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…
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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…
Alexia Young
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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,…
BERTHA ROGERS LOONEY
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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…
Best Valentine's Day Gift
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The Best Valentine’s Day Gift

15 years ago I got my first actual Valentine's Day gift. It was an engagement ring. That was preceded by a short dating relationship, 11 years as a single mother and a strong desire to have a companion and a father figure for…
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Can You Be Happy Being Last on the List?

On January 20th, I sat like most of America watching history being made. Regardless of one's political views, the fact remains that a woman and of color was in the position of Vice President of the United States. Something my mother and certainly…
2020 Milestones
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Before we leave 2020…

Before we leave 2020, a year full of devastation for so many I want to share a message I think is important. People I love lost people they love, and I even witnessed my aunt take her last breath and can't get that image out of my head. I've…
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A Focus on the Future After a Year of Loss and Lessons

2020 represents a lot of loss for me, as it does for many others. It also represents a year where I was reminded of just how creative, flexible, compassionate, and resourceful I can be and how the lessons from my past can help me focus on the…