Go Jags! I obtained my undergraduate degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in December of 2000. I have fond memories of being a Jaguar! The HBCU experience is like none other. Memorable moments for me included pledging in the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; my involvement with the Model United Nations Club; a study abroad trip to Orizaba, Mexico; countless hours spent in Higgins Hall; LaCumba; the Bayou Classic; learning the valuable lesson that patience is a virtue, and that patience should be exercised when dealing with the financial aid office! I graduated from Southern University in political science with honors, but what I took away from the “Bluff” was more than a degree; I left equipped with life tools that I’m still employing today; and lots of great friends too! – Tiffany Hill
Renee James reflects on her HBCU experience:
Although I grew up in the northeast side of Oklahoma City, I never considered attending Langston University. I was 23 years old at the time. I had a son already and I was pregnant with my second child. I had been adopted by my paternal grandmother and would be her first child to attend college. I wasn’t sure if it was even possible for me to obtain a college degree but I knew I wanted to make my mom proud because of all she had endured to ensure that my sister and I were not a part of the juvenile court system.
From the moment I stepped on the Langston University campus I felt empowered. However there was a transformation that had to take place. I came with my hair in big braids, unprofessional dress, oh- and pregnant! I have always been a talker so of course I arrived loudly voicing my opinion. Langston University shaped me by providing opportunities for me to build upon my strengths. I had a love for computers and was able to get a job in the computer lab on campus. This allowed me to interact with students while also learning more about my chosen field; I even earned extra money by typing papers for other students. Through my involvement with the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) I learned to write resumes, how to interview and other important aspects of professional development. I also had multiple opportunities to present and conduct meetings, which added to my confidence in public speaking.
When I reflect upon my college experience happy thoughts come to mind such as presenting at a computer science conference where I represented Langston in Puerto Rico; being recognized by my professors for my work ethic and academic excellence, etc. But my most memorable moment was when I earned my degree in Computer Science and my mom was there to witness me walk across the stage. Her baby girl graduated Magna Cum Laude! I made her proud and she finally had her college graduate, an opportunity that hadn’t yet been afforded to anyone else in our family. I was a part of history for our family, and Langston University made it possible for me.
One of the main reasons I am currently involved with the Alumni Association is because while I was a student on campus, the Alumni Affairs office explained the importance of alumni giving and its role in helping the University to move forward. As a graduating senior I recall thinking, “I want to do that. I want to give back to the place that helped me to find my way.”
Ms. Renee James currently resides in Dallas, TX. She is a devastating diva and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She serves as National Secretary of the Dallas chapter of the Langston University National Alumni Association and remains active with her alma mater by engaging in student recruitment. Renee says, “I love watching future Lions get their letters of acceptance to the University. I enjoy making it happen for them.”
Share a comment about your HBCU experience!
Greatest moment at LU outside of graduation and being initiated into the greatest fraternity known to man Kappa Alpha Psi.
My twin brother and I received a standing ovation at the LU Basketball game early spring semester ’89. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Parents had to make a decision. Putting 4 children through school at the same time was rough but GOD…..that’s a sermon in itself. Hooked up with a frat brother at church and he heard we weren’t going back to school for the Spring of ’89 the semester my sister graduated. Long story short he had us to call National Headquarters and lo & behold the frat hooked both of us up with a scholarship so that we could enroll for the spring. Earlier that school year we told everyone this was our last semester because of finances and that we would be back in the summer. LU family was like “Twins its not going to be the same without you guys here and etc”. Once we found out over the Christmas break that we were coming back……we with our sneaky selves didn’t inform anyone. Didn’t even tell our sister because we knew she couldn’t hold water. We actually called the Union…the phones by the water hydrant–everybody knew the number…so anyway we called up there… was talking to a few of the people that was in school already. They were saying it’s not the same..we miss y’all. We then asked them…isn’t there a game today. They were like yep. We was like dag we hate that we’re gonna miss it but holding in our laughs. We bought our plane ticket. Had a frat brother who already graduated pick us up from the airport. He was like I thought y’all weren’t coming back..we told him what happened while he drove us back to the Yard
Now tell me God ain’t good. Everybody was in the gym at the game except Donald Provo from Houston….he saw us walk up and was like “yo twins y’all back?” We were like yep. He was like Oh snap I gotta see this so he walked in with us. Just so happened it was a timeout—–I opened the door with hands in the air and everybody…I mean everybody including Ms Holly was giving us an ovation. EJ one of the greatest ballers LU had was like what in the hell is goin on. He said coach was designing a play and all they could see was the TWIN NUPES on the court. LOL
I was very confident in the decision I made to attend Langston University after high school. Following in the foot steps of my cousins I made the move from Aurora, Colorado to see what all of the hype was about in good ole country Oklahoma :). I didn’t know what to expect but it turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I receive the learning that prepared me for the professional life I currently live. It was a family affair. I remember freshman orientation dance battles, parties at the multi, eating at the “caf”, singing in the LU Concert Corral and LU choir….but most of all attending the annual LU homecoming celebrations and the best halftime shows ever!!!!! how can I forget dorm life….Young Hall, Gandy Hall, Breaux Hall, and Brown Hall.. that’s when dorms were in effect. I will never forget the greatest HBCU Furthest West…Langston University. I am very proud to be a two-time graduate of this prestigious institution of higher learning!!!!!