
Cydni Brown, Central State University- c/o 2016, Business Administration

Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. My grandma was a strong advocate about me attending a HBCU. But a lot of my family members played a role in me attending an HBCU.

Mercer Cafe – Home to delicious food | Image Credit: Central State University Dining Services Facebook Page
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
At an HBCU, I earn a higher education and gain a sense of identity and heritage, and experience a nurturing atmosphere. It is such a historical significance, importance, and value that HBCU’s carry.
And I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to be a part of succeeding with my peers. That is why I choose an HBCU!
I have been coming up to Central State University since I was a little girl. My granddaddy, who is a Centralian and the President of the Cincinnati Alumni Chapter, took me to Centrals track meets.
My aunt, who is also a Centralian, took me to the football and basketball games when she was a cheerleader.
I spent my summers at Central States basketball camps. It was no doubt that I was destined to attend Central State due to my family legacy.
I also received a academic scholarship. And most importantly Central just felt like home.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
The story of my experience at my HBCU is leadership, transformation, and growth. I am constantly growing and transforming into the best CSU woman I know how to be.
Central State constantly reminds me that I am a student first and to step out of my comfort zone and try new things.
It has definitely been a learning experience of not only who I am but who I am becoming as a woman, and how Central is preparing me for my future as a successful business woman.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I have a few first experiences. I had my first Dean’s list ceremony. I received my first scholarship. I received my first SGA position. I went to my first off campus party.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Hassan was my English professor who continues to push me in everything I do. He always assigns me a different topic from my other classmates.
But the challenge is to logically express my points, use a quote in each paragraph, use all aspects in a given situation in a twenty page paper. He says the reason he is so hard on me is because I am going to be somebody whether I like it or not.
And I am his “homie” from Cincinnati so he expects nothing but the best from me. He continues to try and convince me to change my major to English. He even talked to my academic advisor about changing my major.
But I cannot help but love Dr. Hassan, he left the most impression upon me as a person and as a student.
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
I enjoy the stuffed shells at the Mercer Café on campus.
College crush?
Oh gosh, I do not have a college crush now, but my college crush was a senior football player when I was a freshmen.
I know what you are thinking he was about to graduate, but he was still handsome with a nice smile. He graduated and I was too shy to tell him even though it was probably obvious. (embarrassed.)
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
None that I am aware of.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I am a Business Administrations major. I chose this major because I always wanted something I can call my own.
At first I wanted to open up my own restaurant. But now as I start to get into my main courses, I have been exploring all of the aspects of my major.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
My proudest moment at my HBCU has been making the Dean’s list, which I plan to continue doing. So far so good!
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
The spots to go if you wanted to cuddle with your boyfriend or girlfriend would be at the movie nights or at the stadium.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
OOOOOOOHHHHH OOOOOOOHHH OOOOOOOOOHHH OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH IT’S MARAUDER LAND (IT’S MARAUDER LAAAAND) IT’S MARAUDER LAAAAND (IT’S MARAUDER LAND) IT’S MARAUDER LAND (IT’S MARAUDER LAAAAAAND) IT’S MARAUDER LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNND!!!!!!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I am positively active on campus by getting involved in organizations. I am the Multicultural Affairs Senator of the Student Government Association 2013-2014 academic school year. I am a member of the Student Activities Committee. I am also a member of Destined for Greatness.
Where is the “yard” located?
The yard is located at Wilberforce, Ohio.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
One historical place on campus is the Galloway/Alumni Tower. But the students call it the clock tower. In 1974 we had a massive Tornado that wiped out a lot of our buildings.
But what I love about the Galloway Tower the most is every hour “The National Negro Hymn” and “Our Alma Mater” is played. And there are not many institutions with a clock tower. That’s what makes my HBCU unique.
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
I have not had a sad moment at my HBCU.
What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?
When I am going through a hardship that I have never faced before, my process most likely starts with calling my grandma. Grandma gives the best advice. Then I pray on it and read a inspirational quote.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I was never really nervous. I was more excited to start a new chapter in my life.
Are you a member of a sorority?
If I choose to pledge then you will just have to wait and see
Describe a situation from your life where this proverb came to life or occurred “The person who grew up without correction will find his mouth slipping instead of his foot.”
I have not had a situation in my life that this proverb occurred, thank God, and I hope it stays that way. I for the most part try to think before I speak to avoid those situations.
Category : Alumni
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Central State University

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Students: 2,116
- Athletics: The university competes as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. The university fields teams in twelve sports: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's college tennis, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, and women's volleyball. Central State is a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) in most sports,[10] while the football team competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). CSU's main athletic rival is Kentucky State University.
- Notable Alumni: Elizabeth Eckford - One of Little Rock Nine** MacArthur DeShazer, Sr. - 1971 - Former White House Fellow (1984-85); Former Director, African Affairs, White House National Security Council (1993-96); Former Associate Deputy Secretary for International Labor Affairs - Department of Labor(1998 - 2001)** Hastings Kamuzu Banda - Former President of Malawi** Wayne A. Cauthen - First African American appointed as City Manager of Kansas City, MO** Clay Dixon - Former City Commissioner and Mayor of Dayton, Ohio** Arsenio Hall - 1992 - Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree** James T. Henry, Sr. - First Black mayor and City Commissioner of Xenia, Ohio** Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth - 1996 - Actress** Kedar Massenberg - Record label executive and producer** Leontyne Price - Opera singer** Teddy Seymour - First African American to sail around the world solo** Dayvon Ross - NFL Player** Jason Thomas - 9/11 Hero** Abram Wilson - California politician, former mayor of San Ramon, California** Nancy Wilson - Jazz Singer** Roland Winburn - Member of Ohio House of Representatives**
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Website: http://www.centralstate.edu/
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