"I believe that a university is nothing without its students, and Fisk University proved that to me. I found the people very friendly. While I was not necessarily expecting them to be unfriendly, I found their level of kindness and affability extremely touching. Students would see us on campus, and they would smile and graciously say to us, "Hi, y'all-how y'all doing?" Their graciousness certainly added to the Fisk experience, and allowed us to settle in even more quickly. One of the students offered to take us on a tour of downtown Nashville, and she succeeded in hitting the high points of the town. She literally did so-she drove us to a hill where we could see all of Nashville sprawled out before our eyesight. It was a glorious sight to see. What was more splendid was the fact that she took the time to do that for us-and I am grateful for that.

"Another aspect of Fisk University that impressed me was not only the people, but also their culture. Please allow me to explain. During the outdoor Family Fun Fair, or the production of "Living Fat," or the selection ceremony of "Mr. Fisk," the vibrancy of the Fisk family stood out to me. This also impressed me, because I saw the university and its students coming together to celebrate as a family-a family that took us in, welcomed us, and entertained us to the best of their efforts. During these aforementioned events, I saw people socializing, singing, dancing-reveling in the culture they shared at Fisk. They were proud of themselves, their achievements, their history, and they were more than happy to show that to us."

Case undergraduate Chris Kolibaba

Case student Jessica Arteaga

Case student Jasmine Chandler

Case student Nsikakabasi W. Obotetukudo

Fisk University, B.A. '04
School of Graduate Studies, '06, nutrition
Birthplace: South Pittsburg, Tennessee
Current home: Wickliffe, Ohio

Biology major Rochanda Mitchell came to Fisk University with the goal of satisfying her prerequisites for medical school. The size, proximity, and reputation of the private, liberal arts, historically black college won her over.

She participated in several organizations to support her interest in science and children, including a tutoring program at Nashville's Mt. Zion Church, the Big Sisters Mentoring and Etiquette Program, and Feed the Children. She joined the Pre-Health Careers Club and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Ms. Mitchell also made time to be a resident assistant, providing leadership, oversight, and support to young women who lived in her residence hall.

Though involved in many activities, Ms. Mitchell maintained a high G.P.A. to continue to receive scholarship support. She graduated cum laude in 2004 and won the Beta Kappa Chi scientific honors club award.

Ms. Mitchell wanted to attend graduate school and decided to major in nutrition. "The field of nutrition is becoming more interesting due to the increase of preventable metabolic disorders that are associated with diet, and it complemented my undergraduate degree in biology."

Much like her decision to attend Fisk, Case Western Reserve University's emerging reputation in biomedical engineering captured her attention, as did the inviting atmosphere of the campus and faculty members she met during a visit. She received an academic scholarship and began her studies later that year.

She worked as a research assistant and focused on diabetes, neuropathy, pain, signal transduction and Schwann cells. She also worked with a research team to publish an abstract about diabetes.

Ms. Mitchell, the daughter of Willie James and Danita, completed her graduate coursework in May 2006, earning a Master of Science in nutrition. Tragically, her father died in late summer 2006.

"My experience at Fisk and Case Western Reserve has properly groomed me to advance in today's society. I have a better understanding of who I am by participating in Fisk University's rich legacy and history, and I have a greater appreciation of science and technology from Case Western Reserve University's exceptional training in scientific discovery. Both universities exemplify academia at its best."

Fisk University, B.A. '03
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, '05
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
Current home: Brooklyn, New York

Taron D. Williams transferred to Fisk University from Morris Brown College in Atlanta to complete his studies in sociology. He was motivated by the success rate of Fisk alumni, many of them moving on to earn advanced degrees. He followed in the academic footsteps of a Fisk alumnus whom he admired, the illustrious W.E.B. DuBois, who was among many things, a noted sociologist.

Mr. Williams participated in the Fisk University Choir, often performing traditional and sacred music at select university-wide programs and events. He also joined Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in sociology, he began to investigate graduate schools. Then 22, he believed it a prime opportunity to continue his education. Upon learning of his interest in social work, the Fisk provost told Mr. Williams about the exemplary social work program at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The program, Mr. Williams learned, is consistently ranked in the top 10 among schools of its size and is one of the oldest social work schools in the nation. He decided to apply to the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. "I chose social work because I wanted to assist and advocate for communities that are economically at a disadvantage and for people who, for whatever reason, cannot access the services they are entitled to receive."

At the Mandel School, Mr. Williams found opportunities to put his advocacy into practice. He was president of the Black Student Association, and vice president of development for the Mandel Council. He also was a member of the group CommUnity Voices.

A highlight of his time at the Mandel School was being invited, along with other Mandel School student leaders, to a discussion with the university president to share insights and issues relevant to the social work school. He says he appreciated learning in a diverse community. "I needed to engage with cultures that were different than mine and Case gave me that avenue. The experience will aid me in my career."

In May 2005, Mr. Williams earned his master's degree and begin work in the Cleveland community. His positions included career counselor at the Cleveland Job Corps, resident assistant for Upward Bound at Case, an intern for Cleveland Public Schools as well as the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation.

He recently returned to his native Brooklyn, New York, where is a social worker for Project Samaritan, Inc., an adult day health care program.

Fisk University, B.A. '95
Weatherhead School of Management, '01
Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio
Current home: Mount Vernon, New York

Steven L. Wolfe did not think twice about what he would study in college. He loves the French language. He also sought to learn more about social and human interactions, groups and group dynamics, which spoke to his interest in sociology.

Fisk University's reputation in both of these fields, along with its extensive list of accomplished alumni made Fisk an easy choice.

Apart from his academic life, he joined Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, the Fisk Modern Black Mass Choir, the Baptist Student Union, the Fisk track and field team, and the Student Government Association.

"One of my fond memories of Fisk is when I co-labored with several of my likeminded classmates, to revive the student newspaper, the Fisk Forum, and the university yearbook, the Fisk Oval. We had to justify to the university administration how important it was to maintain these media for chronicling our memories and campus life activities. I built a strong camaraderie with my classmates. We knew after this experience that we could make a difference in the things that we believed in."

He entered the banking and financial services industry, and worked for five years as a business consultant, providing development, financial, marketing, and business analysis. He also married. His family includes wife Desiree, and their children, Kira and Jadon.

As he began to consider ways to enhance his experience and leverage his skills with a graduate degree, he decided to attend a college fair. There he learned about the M.B.A. program at Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland. The school's reputation, its curriculum, scholarship opportunities, and small class sizes convinced him to apply.

His academic program focused on entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance. Along with his M.B.A. in 2005, he earned the Weatherhead Heart and Soul Award, presented to a student who has given his or her all to the ultimate success of the school through their involvement, dedication, and enthusiasm.

"I couldn't have come this far without the help and support of my family, friends, colleagues, and teachers who made it possible for me to matriculate to two outstanding institutions of learning. I am excited about how this partnership between Fisk and Case will encourage the growth of the relationship between the two schools."

In September 2006, he returned to banking. He joined Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. as an associate director in the Alternative Funds Services Group.

Fisk University, B.A. '89
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, '98
Birthplace: Far Rockaway, New York
Current home: Far Rockaway, New York

Inspired by her mother to attend a historically black college, and recommended by her high school English teacher, Lisa Pitts came to the Nashville campus from a private boarding school in Ohio. Wanting to become an attorney, she majored in political science, believing it would offer the best foundation for her eventual career in law.

She joined Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and served as vice president of student government. Of Fisk, she says, "It was a place where I was nurtured, intellectually stimulated, and a place where I soared. I enjoyed all my classes and my professors." She graduated magna cum laude in 1989 and was a member of the W.E.B. DuBois Honor's Club.

She began work in the U.S. attorney's office in New York City. A visit to Cleveland and to the Case School of Law to meet her supervisor's father, a law professor, led to serious thought about attending the law school. "I was working in the legal arena and I knew I wanted to practice criminal defense and rid injustice everywhere. Law school was challenging, but I was grateful to be a Case student because of the school's reputation, prestige, and resources."

With her juris doctorate in 1998, Ms. Pitts sought a position where she believed she could assist people who needed legal services the most. She recalled her involvement as a teen in the protest marches against Apartheid. "I was tired of being a foot soldier. Law was my way to get involved."

She is a staff attorney with the Legal aid Society in Brooklyn, New York. In her few years as an attorney, she has litigated ten cases, losing only one. She remains inspired in her quest to meet the challenge of injustice head-on.

Fisk University, B.A. '87
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, '90
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
Current home: Miami, Florida

Leslie Dixon-Meek says she loves everything about her Fisk experience, "from running down the stairs in Crosthwaite Hall to watching the Qs and Kappas step, to attending convocation in the Fisk Chapel to hear Miles Davis or Nikki Giovanni or Sweet Honey in the Rock. I especially love the wonderful history of the school." She also loved the courses taught by Prof. Leslie Collins, a well-regarded faculty member who published articles and books on Fisk lore, people, and history.

A political science and English major, she came to Fisk with the support of a Chicago Fisk Club Scholarship and a scholarship from the United Negro College Fund.

She involved herself in such activities as Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Fisk Modern Black Mass Choir, and student government. She was a student tour guide and was named Miss Sophomore 1984-85.

She took her B.A. and great memories of Fisk with her to her next phase in life—law school. She attended a college fair and met Maurice Schoby, then dean of students at the Case School of Law, who recruited her to the Cleveland school.

Mrs. Dixon-Meek attended the law school at the time when law schools across the county were being challenged under affirmative action policies. She relied on the support of classmates and friends when she came upon those who questioned the validity of her presence as a law student. She says her involvement as Midwest Region vice chair with the Black Law Students Association kept her busy and focused.

She completed her juris doctorate in 1990 and became general counsel for the United Teachers of Dade Teachers Union, the fourth-largest teachers' local in the country. She has her own business, L. Meek Consulting, and serves as an administrative law judge and lobbyist. She is married to Congressman Kendrick Meek, who represents the 17th congressional district of Florida. They have two children, daughter Lauren and son Kendrick Jr.

Fisk University, B.S. '86
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, '89
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current home: Dearborn, Michigan

Fisk University's tradition of excellence and its rich history of educating many of the country's foremost African American scholars, historians, physicians, lawyers, educators, and other professionals was reason enough for John Fitzgerald Harris to seek admission.

He also looked forward to the rigorous course of study and the many activities in which he could involve himself. A chemistry major, Mr. Fitzgerald joined the Chemistry Club, German Club, was president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and a member of the Panhellenic Council.

Although his graduation in 1986 is memorable, what really stands out about his Fisk years is the financial challenges many historically black colleges and universities faced in the late 1980s. Mr. Harris notes the students' love for the institution led to their involvement in fund raising and philanthropic endeavors to help the university survive a tough time. "These struggles brought us closer together as students and developed in me a sense of purpose and resilience in the face of adversity."

Classmate Caryn Hines, then a student at Case School of Law, encouraged him to consider applying. He liked what the law school offered—talented faculty, successful and socially committed alumni, a diverse student body, an outstanding national reputation, and job placement assistance.

During law school, the future drum major for justice received the Dean Dunmore Prize for first place in the Moot Court Competition, the John Wragg Kellogg Prize for academic achievement, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Award. He was president of the Black Law Students Association.

He began work with the Ford Motor Co. as an attorney in the Product Litigation Practice Group. He received a promotion to Consumer Litigation Practice Group and, in 1997, joined the company's Distribution Practice Group as senior attorney. His legal skills garnered another promotion to legal counsel for the company's Lincoln Mercury and Premier Automotive Group, where he worked for four years. In between, he completed the Duke University Fuqua School of Business Ford Executive Education Program for Strategic Marketing in 1999.

Mr. Harris is now the assistant general counsel for Distribution and Transactions, making him one of the youngest executives in Ford's history. He leads a group of attorneys and law professionals responsible for providing legal advice on matters of distribution such as general sales, marketing, and advertising involving all of Ford-owned brands such as Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Volvo, and Land Rover, plus the company's Customer Service Division. He also oversees a group of attorneys whose scope of responsibilities range from corporate transactions to real estate.

Mr. Harris lives with his wife, June Renee Allen Jones, and sons Allen and Joshua, in Dearborn, Michigan.

Harris honored as one of the most influential African Americans

Mr. Harris was included in the May 2008 issue (page 86) of Ebony magazine as one of the "150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States." John was recognized for his work as a Ford Motor Co. executive. Learn more.

Fisk University, B.S. '86
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, '90
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan
Current home: Farmington Hills, Michigan

Mark K. Jones knew early on that he wanted to go into the business field. The academic experiences of his older sister Darlene, a Fisk University graduate, led him to create his own path at Fisk.

While at Fisk, he played golf and served as class of 1986 vice president. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in management, he entered the business sector with this thought in mind: When preparation meets opportunity you get success.

When Mr. Jones decided to obtain a law degree, on the word of friends, along with a generous scholarship, he chose the Case School of Law. He received his juris doctorate in 1990 and believes his education at both institutions prepared him for his work today as a certified lobbyist for DTE Energy, an electric and natural gas company based in his native Detroit.

Mr. Jones is a lifetime member of the NAACP and serves of the board of directors for Ceciliaville, an athletic complex in Detroit.

Fisk University, B.A. '85
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, '88
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
Current home: Silver Spring, Maryland

With English as her chosen major, Caryn Lynn Hines decided to attend Fisk. The beauty of the campus and the university's rich traditions with an emphasis on black literature seemed the right combination for one who had always loved reading and writing.

At Fisk, she had a stint as a newscaster and served as public affairs director for the campus radio station. She also was secretary for the Student Government Association. She received an English award and graduated with honors in 1985.

English proved a good foundation for what Ms. Hines called her true aspiration: to be a lawyer. While visiting a friend in Cleveland, she learned about the Case School of Law. Her excellent record and a generous scholarship landed her a place with the class of 1988.

Like her days at Fisk, she also involved herself in several activities including the International Law Journal, the Black Law Students Association, and the Frederick Douglass Moot Court. Ms. Hines also appreciated the support she received from Maurice Schoby, the law school's then dean of students.

After receiving her juris doctorate in 1988, she earned an executive certificate in international finance in 2001 from Georgetown University. She has her own private law practice, specializing in intellectual property, federal grants, international trade and contracts law. She also adjudicates land use cases in her county.

For her efforts in this field, Ms. Hines received a Congressional Award and a fellowship from the International Career Advancement Program from the University of Denver. She maintains professional affiliations with the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association and the D.C. Bar Association, and is a member of the Democratic District Caucus.

Fisk University, B.A. '80
Weatherhead School of Management, '03
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Current home: Midland, Michigan

Kimberly R. Houston-Philpot received a University Scholarship to Fisk, enabling her to pursue her interests in economics, accounting, and business. She wanted to understand the psychology behind human behavior in organizations, as well as the issues that drive a business.

She immersed herself in campus activities and clubs: the Economics and Management Club, student government and class leadership, the Fisk Oval yearbook staff, Miss Freshman Class competition, and Miss Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. She also was a dormitory assistant.

While her own campus involvement generated many memories, upon deeper reflection Mrs. Houston-Philpot says her Fisk experience blessed her with a spirit of lifelong learning, an appreciation for diversity of expression, and the understanding of the importance of philanthropy and service to the community.

"Fisk graduates represent a proud legacy of African Americans who have helped to shape the history of America. Fisk focused on ensuring that African American students received a grounded liberal arts education coupled with an appreciation for the freedom of cultural expression," she says. "I fondly remember the ongoing flow of campus guests: Nikki Giovanni, Bill Cosby, Huey Newton and countless others who visited campus just for us."

She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in 1980, placing first in economics and management in her junior and senior years. She began her career in the finance, accounting, and auditing arena, where she worked for nine years. Eventually she began working in human resources and organizational development.

In 2001 at the age of 43, Mrs. Houston-Philpot, employed at Dow Chemical, married to Kent and the mother of daughters Shelby and Aja, decided to get a graduate degree. Case's Weatherhead School of Management offered a program she could complete in four semesters, allow her to remain employed, and confer a Master of Science in organizational behavior upon successful completion.

She received the Dean's Award for academic excellence (4.0 G.P.A.) over the four semesters. She credits in part the close relationships she developed with members of her study cohort group and the "wonderful professors who cared more about my personal growth and self-discovery than their very prestigious pedigree. I discovered more about myself because of the diversity of intellect, talent, experiences, and styles in the group."

At present, Mrs. Houston-Philpot, a certified human resource manager, is a diversity and compliance officer for Dow Chemical Corp. in Midland, Michigan. She uses her position and influence to mentor students and encourage them to consider careers in math and science.

She serves on the boards of Delta College and Dow Corning Corporation Foundation, and the executive board of Saginaw County Business Education Partnership. She is president of the Midland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Tri-City Chapter of the Links, Inc., and vice president of the Hadley School Foundation.

"Fisk prepared me to step into my place in the world so I could positively contribute to others and live out my dreams. I truly came of age at Fisk."

Fisk University, B.A. '74
Weatherhead School of Management, '04
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan
Current home: Moreland Hills, Ohio

Judy Roseburr Williams planned to go to Meharry Medical College. En route, she attended the University of Michigan for two years, then Fisk, where she majored in chemistry. Fisk's smaller more intimate and inclusive atmosphere felt like home to Ms. Williams.

Rather than medical school, she went directly into the workforce. She began with Proctor & Gamble as a product development brand manager. She also worked for IBM and moved up the administrative ranks to become an advisory relationship manager.

After many years with IBM, Mrs. Williams decided to return to school to get an M.B.A. A friend recommended the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. "Returning to school after 25 years was a great challenge. I made 42 new friends, learned how to ask for help, and worked closely with my study group."

Earning her M.B.A. in 2004 empowered her to become her own boss. Now an entrepreneur, she also is an executive search consultant for two major recruiting firms.

Mrs. Williams maintains affiliations with the Junior League of Cleveland, Jack and Jill of America, Girlfriends, Inc., United Church of Christ, United Way Allocation Committee, and the Black MBA Association. She is a past president the Black Data Processing Association. She is a trustee of the Center for Families and Children and Cleveland Pubic Theater.

Fisk University, B.A. '73
School of Graduate Studies, '89, organizational behavior
Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee
Current home: Antioch, Tennessee

Michelle Marie "Mickee" Dunn Carter is part of a legacy family that includes her parents, Lois and Sylvester (now deceased), sister Janice, brother S. Louis, and her aunt, Gloria Reeves Poe. Although she considered attending Vanderbilt University and Oberlin College, "the fact I grew up in a Fisk family and heard such culturally rich and affirming stories about it made me decide to be a part of this tradition," she says.

Her passion for reading and discussing literature led her to major in English literature. Not sure where it might lead her professionally, she felt it would be a good foundation for any career.

Just two months after her 17th birthday, she entered Fisk at the time of the social and political upheaval on college campuses during the late 60s and early 70s—the Civil Rights movement, feminist movement, students' rights, the Vietnam War, among other issues. "It was a volatile time requiring me to keep my focus on class work and make daily decisions based on my values about how I would—or would not—become involved in certain activities."

Among the activities she did involve herself were the theater program and an instrumental music ensemble where she played the clarinet. A highlight for her was taking a creative writing class with Arna Bontemps, a noted Harlem Renaissance writer and Fisk librarian. She received departmental honors in English literature upon graduation.

She began working in human resources and was employed at Hewlett-Packard in Houston for many years. In the 1990s, she decided that in order to increase her skills, business credibility, and improve her salary, she needed to obtain an advanced degree.

"I wanted a graduate degree that would build on my HR experience while at the same time, expose me to a more business way of thinking, without the financial component."

The organizational development program through the School of Graduate Studies and the Weatherhead School of Management at Case offered the most appropriate curriculum for her goals.

After she received her degree, she made another life-changing decision: to quit her full time corporate job and venture on her own. She is an independent training consultant and owner of Write On Time, which provides business writing programs, editing, and proofreading services to clients. "I knew I made the right decision when Hewlett Packard hired me back for several years as a consultant."

In addition, Ms. Carter teaches English as a Second Language at the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute and operates a second company, Bowdazzle Gift Wrapping, a professional gift-wrapping service and home party business.

She remains a member and public relations chair of CABLE, a women's business and civic organization, and a member of the American Society for Training and Development. She enjoys Latin dance and is secretary and board member of Tango Nashville, an Argentine Tango Dance Association.