Chris Holdip, Savannah State University- c/o 1992, Biology
Name : Chris Holdip
HBCU : Savannah State University
Graduation Year : 1992
Major : Biology
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I’m from Atlanta Ga… And I first heard about HBCU as a young boy watching TV and saw Grambling on a TV commercial
Adams Hall at Savannah State University | Image Credit: soulofamerica.com
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
The size of the school and the 1 on 1 attention that’s available during class and after class.
[How did you decide to become a student at Savannah State University?]
Location… 4 hours away from home, weather, campus surrounding. Wasn’t directly in the city like the AU center but wasn’t isolated… close to city and beach… on top of that it was located in GA and no out of state fee.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
SSC known now as SSU has given me the experience to handle multiple obstacles at the same time.
It takes tremendous focus to manage school work load, extra curricular activities such as band, sports, Greek life and personal issues.
Professors quickly give you the lecture of the pioneers that paved the street for us to be here and the responsibility we had to open the door for students to follow.
HBCUs such as SSU gives us the opportunity to learn in a controlled environment created for blacks. Failure is not an option at a HBCU, 4 -8 years in a HBCU doesn’t matter as long as you graduate.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Had a 1st love we worked together at Little Caesar, same major…1st road trip to Jacksonville for football game…
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. James was my Chemistry teacher and he helped me realize that you can enjoy college and still get a good education. He made me realize it’s a time for enjoyment and it’s a time for work.
Dr. Hunter showed me that the “Train” doesn’t stop for nobody.
Today as a Quality manager I teach my employees that’s it’s okay to have fun at work but we’re here for a purpose just like Dr. James taught me.
Chris Holdip, a proud HBCU Graduate of Savannah State University and as you can see a big Atlanta Falcons fan | Image Credit: Chris Holdip
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
During the late 80’s the BLUE NOTE was the spot… 2 white chicken snack with fries and toast $2.35…
College crush?
No Comment…lol They are married now – no need to start issues…lol
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
Basketball, Beta Beta Beta and marching band.
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
None I know about…
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Biology was my major. I picked Biology because it’s a subject that was easy to me in High School, it involved everyday life… I didn’t pick it because I saw a future in being a Biology teacher or scientist.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
One day my high school friends and I were sitting in a room bored and we made a bet. One friend was a good baseball player in high school, another friend was a good track star in high school and I was a basketball player and in the marching band.
We made a bet to all join a team or group. I joined the band and the other 2 forfeited. ..
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
At SSC/SSU it was a quick 15 minute ride to the beach at night.. Listen to the ocean and just relax.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
Tiger Roll Call (freshman, sophomore, junior etc….) Section Roll Call (1,2,3,4 etc..)
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Marching band..
Where is the “yard” located?
Lol… Top part of campus. ..
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Hill Hall, Bostic Hall, Adams hall
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
The day I graduated. .. it’s like getting kicked out… What’s next in life…. No more free rent, light bills, water bills…etc…
[What did you pledge? And why? And if not, why not?]
Didn’t pledge… not the type that could take orders from someone… better yet wasn’t going to take a beat down to join a group
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman/manhood?
Wouldn’t say that I’ve arrived into man hood because it’s ongoing your always learning…
How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?
I try to brush it off and walk away.
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
When my grandmother died… She helped me understand who I was and what I needed to survive in this world.
What's your take on life (in the philosophical sense)?
Life gives you nothing for free. You either earn it through knowledge or finance. We’re still living in a white world*, we have to find away to take care of our family. We have to find a way to take our family to the next Level.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
Well it was 9 of my high school friends going to the same school. My roommate was my elementary and high school best friend so it made it easy for transition.
If you could speak to those family members that have risen but that live forever through you, what words would you speak?
I would say that the journey isn’t complete, pay it forward and teach that the struggle continues everyday and we must stand together to rise up as one.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
Personally that’s the down fall. You have to learn really quick to handle diversity when it comes to race. You’re very reluctant to open up to another race which can be a plus.
An HBCU doesn’t prepare you for the political downside in the workplace. I struggled for years until I realized how to play the game without lowering my standards or self morale.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
Make sure your family can afford the school, is the social environment something you can handle (ethnic ratio);class size…
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
An HBCU didn’t help, I became successful because ANOTHER HBCU alumnus helped me play the political game in the workplace.
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Savannah State University
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Students: 4,280
- Athletics: Savannah State University holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and participates in the following sports: football, baseball, basketball (men and women), cross-country (men and women), tennis (men and women), track and field (men and women), volleyball (women only), golf (men), and softball (women). In April of 2017 Savannah State University President Cheryl Dozier announced the school intends to reclassify all athletic programs to Division II . The move back to Division II is expected to occur for the 2019-20 academic year. The Georgia school would end its membership in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which it joined in 2010.
- Notable Alumni: Curtis Cooper - Notable Savannah-area civil rights leader** W. W. Law - 1948 - A nationally-known civil rights leader and preservationist** James E. Wright - Flight instructor for the World War II Tuskegee Airmen** Jerome Miller - 1975 - Toyota Motor Sales Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.** George E. Kent - 1941 - Professor of literature (with a specialism in Afro-American literature)** Dr.Charles Elmore - African-American scholar and jazz historian** JaQuitta Williams - 1993 - Former anchor/reporter for WSB-TV, ABC affiliate in Atlanta, Georgia** Roy Ellison - 1987 - National Football League official and umpire during Super Bowl XLIII** Shannon Sharpe - 1991 - Former National Football League player; three-time Super Bowl champion, and is second to Tony Gonzalez for most receptions (815), receiving yards (10,060), and TD receptions (62) by a tight end in an NFL career**
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