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ECONOMIC IMPACT ON GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
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LEARNING HOW TO WORK YOUR NETWORK
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FALL 2009
MONIQUE MARSHALL’S DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
blackboard REACHING THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
ISSUE 1
PRESENTED BY: THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ALUMNI CLUB (AAAC)
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NEWS MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, I have been privileged to view Georgia State University from three very different, yet interrelated perspectives – as a student, alumna, and employee. Through each of these lenses, I have been able to see the wealth of opportunity afforded to each of these entities. GSU epitomizes a world-class research institution, yet outside of the state of Georgia its storied history remains virtually unknown. Even more obscure are the contributions of those of African descent. Did you know that GSU graduates more students of African descent than any other non-historically Black university in this country? Many notable African-American alumni, staff, and faculty have made tremendous contributions to the GSU community and beyond. Part of the mission of the African-American Alumni Club is to bring these types of stories to the forefront. Welcome to The Blackboard!
Kimberly G. Walker President, African-American Alumni Club Georgia State University
From Wall Street to Your Street How the Economic Crisis is affecting Georgia State University By Judy McCullough Monday, August 17, 2009
ATLANTA – FROM CORNER TO CORNER, ALL OVER THE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY campus the economy is the top subject in and out of the classrooms. As students line up to start class, many will be shocked by the new sticker price. According to the Board of Regents, the Georgia State 2009 fees are scheduled to go up once again from $600 to $700 as the university attempts to offset inflation and meet demands to provide quality education for its students.
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The rising education costs are causing some students to question whether they can afford to return to school. Students are definitely “Buying books for class is very expensive when there spending less money… are other things you need for school,” said one Walter’s Shop Worker sophomore. “The costs for books are up everywhere you go, even the used ones.” The rising cost of education is just one fear students wrestle with. Many GSU students are concerned with how the economy is affecting their chance for employment. “It is scary to think about graduating…” said a group of GSU seniors. “What are the chances of being hired in your field of study verses taking a job until you can do better because of the many cutbacks and layoffs?”
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Discretionary buying has slowed down recently as students consider rising costs. Walter’s, a local apparel shop across the street from the GSU campus, has seen a drop in sales. One employee notes, “Students are definitely spending less money because of the economy.” Continue on page 2
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the African-American Alumni Club is to serve as a forum of professional and social networking for Georgia State University students, alumni, faculty, and staff who are AfricanAmerican or those of African descent. We strive to foster student scholarship and mentorship and promote issues that specifically impact African-Americans by offering various community-oriented, cultural, and professional activities.
FALL 2009
TO LEARN MORE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI
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ON THE AGENDA Alumni Night @ the Braves Game Sept 4, 2009 – 7:30PM Braves v. Cincinnati Reds Turner Field - Atlanta, GA African-American Dance Review Sept 10-20, 2009 – 3:30P or 7:30P The Rialto Theater www.rialtocenter.org Kaiser Permanente Run/Walk 5K Sept 10, 2009 – 7:00PM Turner Field - Atlanta, GA Can't, Don't, Won't, Stop Theater Festival Oct 2-3, 2009 – 8:00PM The Rialto Theater www.rialtocenter.org
BUSINESS
Networking that Works Building connections that build your career By Nadeerah Franklin Monday, August 17, 2009 TODAY, MORE THAN EVER BEFORE IN RECENT MEMORY, PEOPLE from all walks of life are in the same boat: unemployed and looking for work. First, it is important to remain positive knowing that this slump is only for the short term. Second, it is equally important that you do what you can to stand out from the sea of job seekers out there. The following are tips to help you navigate this uncertain job market and also polish up your presentation. Take full advantage of your human resources: Network, talk to your friends, family, old coworkers, temp agents, church members and your fellow alumni. Try running your ideas by them, have them critique your resume and interviewing skills. It is not just what you know; it is who you know that counts. Build an online presence: Be resourceful. One of the trendiest ways to network is to utilize the social networking sites like Georgia State’s own GSU Circle or Facebook. Get your face out there and talk to those in your shoes or in your industry. Market yourself with Google: Google has an application called Google Sites that you can use to create your own website with all the latest features and functionality. You can upload your digital portfolio, documents, photos, videos, etc. to your website and link it to Facebook, for example, to broaden your audience and market
yourself to would be employers. Build your knowledge base: There are other resources out there to include your local library or Dept. of Labor. Stay current by enrolling in a class or volunteering for an organization. Volunteering is like interning: you can learn a great deal and help your community, while building your reference list. So consider it, as today many employers seek more than just what you’ve done in the office or class; they want to see how well-rounded you are. So consider volunteering even in your alumni club. But, remember to stay encouraged. You are everything you need. Good luck!
HIGHLIGHTS
Year in Review By Kimberly G. Walker Monday, August 17, 2009
IN MY FIRST YEAR AS PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 20082009, I led the club’s reorganization into a two-tier structure consisting of an executive team of officers with more clearly defined roles and a board of directors which manage standing committees. Last year, the club held two social networking events at Michon’s in August and Barley’s in December. Members also participated in a holiday toy sorting project.
“From Wall Street to Your Street…” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
In spite of the uncertain economy, new and returning students still favor Georgia State University. According to a recent article in the Signal newspaper, enrollment is up 25% from last year. Urbanacke, Murry.
FALL 2009
“Registration at Georgia State up 25% in 2009.” The Signal 9 June 2009: News. There’s a bright side. The latest information from Jeff over at Walter’s is, “business has picked up since the new and returning students are back for the summer semester, business is better.”
The highlight of the year was unquestionably our Annual Black History Month Program which paid homage to Georgia State’s black pioneers, who were represented by their families. This year, the AAAC collaborated with the Office of AfricanAmerican Student Services and Programs (OAASS&P) and its Asst. Director, Dr. David Smith, Jr., who facilitated the event. Dr. Smith, a GSU alumnus, researched the first black students, faculty, and staff in his book, Georgia State University: 19132002. None of this could be accomplished without the dynamic members of the AAAC and the dedicated staff of the Alumni Association.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI
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AAAC SNAPSHOT aaaa Club Chartered: Aug, 1994
BOOK REVIEW
A Diamond in the Rough
Headquarters: Atlanta, GA
“Diamondz Are Forever”
Member Network: 10,000
By Stephanie Abram Monday, August 17, 2009
Primary Activities: Business and social networking
AN INSPIRING URBAN TALE OF TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS, Diamondz Are Forever, is definitely a diamond in the rough. Monique Marshall ‘04
ADVERTISE IN THE BLACKBOARD Grow your business by marketing your company in The BlackBoard! Become an AAAC sponsor today!
Contact: Kimberly G. Walker kwalker13@gsu.edu
Written by GSU Alumni Monique Marshall (BA ’04, Sociology) this book explores a young lady’s ability to excel in school and love despite being surrounded by drugs and poverty. Diamond, the main character, is able to rise above it all to become her own woman.
It’s ok to fall in love, but stay focused… – Monique Marshall
Today, Marshall lives in Washington, D.C., where she teaches science and math and enjoys spending time with her two young daughters. She is working on projects too that include an urban book of poetry and a sequel to Diamondz Are Forever.
In our interview, when asked where she found the inspiration for her characters, Marshall replied, “I wanted to send a message to the young girls to follow their dreams and that it’s ok to fall in love, but stay focused on their dreams.” Marshall further explains, “I also wanted to create realistic characters that my students could relate to.”
Marshall is a great inspiration. I highly recommend reading Diamondz Are Forever, one, because it is an excellent read and two, because Marshall represents the GSU Alumni Family.
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Writing since the age of 14 in journals and diaries as a way to express herself, Marshall’s own inspiration includes authors such as Sister Souljah, KeKe Swinson and Iyanla Vanzant.
Congratulations Monique Marshall! We wish you continued success with your writing.
PEOPLE ALUMNI TRAILBLAZERS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Toni Driskell: A Pioneer
Young, Black & Gifted
By Nadeerah Franklin Monday, August 17, 2009
By Kimberly G. Walker Monday, August 17, 2009
Toni Driskell ‘78
EDUCATOR, ACTIVIST AND HUMANITARIAN, TONI DRISKELL STARTED HER lifelong practice of serving her community while enrolled at Georgia State University. Driskell (B.S. Criminal Justice ’78) was part of a community of African-American students who saw the urgency to build an organization where students could unite to build friendships, teach, network and rally together as one community, thus giving birth to GSU’s African-American Alumni Club. Driskell later went on to become the first African-American Miss Georgia State University.
“The least of these need help… we are here to help.” –TONI DRISKELL
Driskell’s resume also includes a M.A. in Public Administration (’80) from Central Michigan University and a long, active history working for the public. Her work includes: serving the NAACP, Destiny Family and Children Services, Georgia State University Alumni Association and serving as Dir. Membership & Recruitment for the African-American Alumni club, just to name a few. When asked why it is important to give back, she answered “We are here to help…We are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. “ The African-American Alumni Club recognizes Ms. Driskell and thanks her for her outstanding achievements in community service and encourages all our readers to consider giving back to our community.
FALL 2009
EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR GIFTS TO GEORGIA STATE University? Your generosity helps bright and talented future alumni like Torrence McIllwain and Dionne J. Corn. McIllwain and Corn are the recipients of the African-American Alumni Club Scholarship Book Awards for 2009. The AAAC honored these students at its annual Black History Month Program this past February. McIllwain, a graduating senior in December, will earn his bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He is a student member of the National Assoc. of Black Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Georgia Society of CPAs, and Tau Alpha Chi – Honorary Tax Assoc., GSU Chapter. In addition to maintaining a heavy course load, McIllwain is employed as a Student Assistant for the GSU Foundation. McIllwain plans to continue his education at GSU by pursuing a Master of Taxation at the Robinson College of Business. Corn, a rising senior in the Honors Program, also majors in Accounting. This scholar is a tutor at Parklane Elementary School in East Point and secretary of her church youth group. She is a member of the Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity and Recognition Director for the Golden Key International Honor Society. She maintains excellent grades while being employed with the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI
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CONTACT US Kimberly G. Walker President, Contributing Writer kwalker13@gsu.edu
CALL TO ACTION
Opportunity Knocks Volunteering in your club community
Nadeerah Franklin Director of Communications Nadeerah.franklin@live.com
“The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts.” Booker T. Washington
Judy McCullough Staff Writer jmack30310@hotmail.com
THE DOORS OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ALUMNI CLUB ARE ALWAYS open to all Georgia State University Alumni and its affiliates. We invite all visitors to join in the fun by participating in public, club events and ongoing club meetings. Without the support of people like you to help drive the club, it would be impossible to reach our objectives.
Stephanie Abrams Staff Writer Sabrams1@student.gsu.edu Tel: (404) 413-2190 or (800) GSU-ALUM
WE’RE ONLINE!
We encourage all those who desire to make an impact to join in any volunteer efforts and get involved in our monthly meetings. The AAAC is seeking committed volunteers to serve on its executive board and assist with The Blackboard newsletter. If you’re interested in making a mark in the AAAC, please contact Kim Walker, AAAC President, email: kwalker13@gsu.edu. Thank you for your support!
For meetings dates, events, and much more, visit us online:
WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI
FACEBOOK: GSU AFRICAN AMERICAN ALUMNI GROUP
Because you gave, I can give it my all. GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING, GIVE TO THE AAAC SCHOLARSHIP FUND! VISIT WWW.GSU.EDU/GIVING
G GIIV VEE YYO OU UR RH HEELLPPIIN NG GH HA AN ND D.. JOIN AAAC TODAY!
PERSPECTIVES TALK TO US!
An AAAC Experience
BackTalk
By Judy McCullough Monday, August 17, 2009
THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ALUMNI CLUB IS ONE OF THE BEST CLUBS that I’ve joined and proudly represent it as a member. The AAAC is active on campus and in the community. Our activities include: Packing toys for tots during the holiday season, honoring students and hosting events in black history as well as other cultural affairs.
We welcome your feedback. Please submit your ideas, comments and suggestions to:
Our president, Ms. Kim G. Walker and other officers are the best example of good team work. We all know that the only way a club can stay alive is by hard work and dedication. In our own way, we all make a difference in the AAAC. The club has a diversity of ideas and if the AAAC is the history then we are the pages with a story to tell.
NADEERAH FRANKLIN Director of Communications nadeerah.franklin@live.com
Come see what we have to offer. Everyone is welcomed.
The BlackBoard Georgia State University Alumni Association P.O. Box 3999 Atlanta, GA 30302-3999
FALL 2009
TO LEARN MORE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.GSU.EDU/ALUMNI
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