Crystal Chukwu, Coppin State University- c/o 2020, Biology
Name : Crystal Chukwu
HBCU : Coppin State University
Graduation Year : 2020
Major : Biology
Minor : Chemistry
Email : crystal.chukwu@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I’m from Baltimore, Maryland. I was first introduced to HBCUs from my cousin who attended Howard University. She would always tell me how amazing it was to experience a university that appreciates the ambitious black young adults that attend it.
Coppin State University’s SGA and SAPB at NASAP SLI 2019
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose to go to an HBCU over a PWI because I wanted to get the full college experience while being unapologetically black in a comfortable environment.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at Coppin State University has been out of this world. My school was named after Fanny Jackson Coppin and it was originally a school that taught African Americans on how to become teachers.
Fanny Jackson Coppin was a prestigious educator who loved what she did so much that she dedicated her life to showing other African Americans on the importance of an education. Her impact in the world still lives on to this day and it is in all those who choose to better themselves in their respective HBCUS.
I love going to classes and meeting people who are just as driven as me. We all want to succeed in the career paths we’ve chosen and it is always motivating to see my fellow peers who want to go above and beyond the norm.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
A first time experience for me at my HBCU was going to events like Welcome Week, Homecoming, Basketball games, etc. and seeing so many people from different walks of life. We all had very unique stories and it was always interesting to learn what brought them to Coppin State University.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Nesbitt and Mama Koko are two professors that come to mind. They were both very influential in my HBCU experience.
Dr. Nesbitt really strengthened my love for science while Mama Koko taught me to never be ashamed of my blackness and to always remember how powerful I really am in this world.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
That old gold and reflex blue, I’m rocking with my CSU, AYEEEEE COPPIN!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I’m the SGA President for the 2019-2020 academic school year. I am also involved in other organizations like the African Student Association and Bethel Campus Fellowship.
Name 1-2 Global Majority (“melanin-efficient”) people that have inspired you. And why? (e.g. Oprah, Malcom X, Marcus Garvey, etc.)
I am inspired by people like my parents, Malcolm X, and Maya Angelou because they always broke barriers and didn’t allow other people to tell them what they could or couldn’t do.
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Coppin State University
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Students: 3,000
- Athletics: Coppin State University competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and in the NCAA Division I. The school has men's teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, tennis and both track, and women's teams in basketball, bowling, cross country, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Ana Sebescen - 2010 - Associate Producer, Vice** Dorian Peña - Philippine Basketball Association Player, San Miguel Beermen** Verda Welcome - Maryland politician and educator** Raheem DeVaughn - R&B and Neo-Soul artist** Tywain McKee - professional basketball player in Australia for the Wollongong Hawks** Sean Corbin - 1990 - NBA referee** Damon Elliott - Music and film producer and independent record label CEO** Jean Hill - Actress in Desperate Living, Polyester, and A Dirty Shame** Bishop L. Robinson - First African American Police Commissioner of Baltimore City, 1984–1987** Stephanie Ready - 1998 - First female coach in professional men's basketball and sideline TV sports reporter**
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