Christopher McCall, Tuskegee University- c/o 2014, History
Name : Christopher McCall
HBCU : Tuskegee University
Graduation Year : 2014
Major : History
Email : mccallchristopher@ymail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Montgomery, Alabama.
Christopher proudly representing the legendary and world-renowned Tuskegee University | Image Credit: Christopher McCall
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
An HBCU was the first place to accept me.
Ebony magazines, learning about them in history, and going to spring open house.
Felt Like Home - Feel free to elaborate…: When I went there during open house, the atmosphere was just like that of a family atmosphere.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
I started school at Tuskegee University in the fall of 2008. I was a shy kid from Montgomery, Alabama. I met a lot of different people from all across the nation. I broke out of my shell a little bit during the 2008-2009 school year. I really broke out of my shell during the 2009-2010 school year. I gained close to 90 pounds my freshman year.
I lost a lot of that weight during the summer but I gained it back in my sophomore year. I have had a struggle with weight during my time in college. I joined the track team in the spring of 2010. I ran for the senator-at-large during the 2010-2011 school year and won. I held this position during the 2011-2012 school year.
I am also a member of Rave Revue Modeling Troupe and the Alabama Club. I had to sit out the 2012-2013 school year due to some financial issues but I am coming back to finish my degree. For the most part, I have loved my time at Tuskegee.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I went to a nightclub for the first time. I also went to my first concert, my first forum, and modeled in my first fashion show. I also went to my first track meet.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
I can’t really say, because they all have left some type of impression on both my academic and personal life. They teach me about stuff that is essential in life.
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
The best restaurants on campus are located in Margaret Murray Washington Hall. They just recently changed the names of the two restaurants, but their original names were WoW and Jazmine’s. Liked the tenders at WoW.
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
There are no ghost stories that I know of that involve these two buildings.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
My major is history. I chose it because I love it.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I am a member of the Track Team, the Alabama Club, and Rave Revue Modeling Troupe. I was also once a member of Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC and SGA.
In high school I was a part of the Junior ROTC program and a member of the Kitty Hawk Air Society.
Where is the “yard” located?
The yard is located right next to the University Avenue.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
The museum and the Chapel.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
It prepares me by teaching me how to work with different kinds of people.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
Make sure it is the school you want to go to.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Make sure you sign up for classes you know that you are going to attend.
Also, make sure you prepare for stuff in advance and not at the last minute.
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
It helps me by making sure I do things and turn them in on time.
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Tuskegee University
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Students: 3,118
- Athletics: Tuskegee University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and competes within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Tuskegee University offers Baseball, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Softball, Tennis, Football, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: William A. Campbell - 1937 - Member of the Tuskegee Airmen who rose to the rank of Colonel** Ralph Ellison - Scholar, author of Invisible Man** The Commodores - 70s R&B band whose members met while attending Tuskegee** Tom Joyner - 1971 - Radio host whose daily program, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, is syndicated across the United States and heard by over 10 million radio listeners.** General Daniel "Chappie" James - 1942 - US Air Force Fighter pilot, in 1975 became the first African American to reach the rank of four-star General** Lonnie Johnson (inventor) - Inventor of the Super Soaker, former NASA aerospace engineer** John A. Lankford - 20th century architect** Danielle Spencer - Television actress best known as Dee from the 1970s TV show What's Happening!!** Dr. Ptolemy A. Reid 1955 - Prime Minister of Guyana (1980–1984)** Rich Boy - Rapper** Lionel Richie - R&B singer, Grammy Award winner** Herman J. Russell - 1953 - Founder and former president and CEO of H. J. Russell Construction Co., the largest minority owned construction company in the US** Betty Shabazz - Wife of Malcolm X** Jake Simmons Jr. - 1919 - Oil broker and civil rights advocate** Keenen Ivory Wayans - Actor, comedian, and television producer** Elizabeth Evelyn Wright - Educator and humanitarian, founder of Voorhees College*
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