Devin Funderburke, Livingstone College- c/o 2015, Criminal Justice
Name : Devin Funderburke
HBCU : Livingstone College
Graduation Year : 2015
Major : Criminal Justice
Email : devyn.24@hotmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I AM A CITY GIRL!!! I was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was adopted at 6 months by a single woman who has been a single woman for my twenty-six years . My mother, grandmother, grandfather and sister have attended and graduated from an HBCU.
My grandmother attended and graduated from Livingstone in 1949 , my grandfather graduated in 1934, and my sister graduated in 1999. My mom attended and graduated from NC A&T State University in 1975. My mom is a Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc; which she pledged while in undergrad and my sister is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority INC; while at Livingstone.
I knew since I was about 4 years old that I wanted to attend an HBCU, and also knew I wanted to attend and become an Alumna of Livingstone College.
I am also a member of one of the most prominent church denomination in African American history, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church ( AME ZION ) . The AME ZION Church is also affiliated with Livingstone College. The church provides scholarships and numerous other student pantry incentives.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU, because I attended predominantly white schools all of my life from preschool until graduating high school. I wanted a change of scenery in the terms of being around MY PEOPLE! I did attend a predominantly black high school my freshman year but transferred once the year was over.
My guidance counselors always had HBCU’s coming to recruit students . Although I knew where my heart wanted to go , Livingstone's delivery still caught my attention. Yes I considered at one point UNC CHARLOTTE and even UNC - Chapel Hill. I knew I would not receive the experience of being in an family oriented environment, and as I say always “My teacher knew me by name “.
To be open and honest having ADHD I feel being in an HBCU environment is perfect for that academically.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
I was honorably chosen to be a part of an organization called TRIO.
TRIO is an organization that provides help to students with tutoring, organization workshops and various other financial aids . My mentor Mr. Cooper whom I still talk to became my campus dad.
I battle with Sickle Cell and when I needed to miss class he would gather all of my assignments. That’s how I knew I had a family away from home . I received that HBCU experience I was told over and over as a child.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My first experience actually started at 4 years old when I was a part of a homecoming show along with my sister while she was a student. Her professors also let me attend class with her.
I was even allowed to stay on campus for a weekend sometimes which was more than not, which I loved since my sisters L's had a daughter my age as well . As a student at Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC I would have to say being able to work with the LC Media Group throughout college. I made many friends whom I still talk to, I also was able to work with the great Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr., who was the advisor and is now the President at Wiley College.
He gave me hope and drive to push myself . This was the first collegiate group I joined and actually ENJOYED, and helped me break out of my shell.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
My Criminal Justice Advisor Dr. Ford was my professor for 95% of my classes. Throughtout his class he engaged with us not just through activities , but he related his life through telling us stories and letting us tell ours while tying the lesson in.
He was a teacher of chances , if you were slacking but he knew you had potential he gave you much extra credit , test -re do, make up homework etc. while giving you tough love and a one on one parent to child talk. His transparency in and out of the classroom made you want to do better .
Even if you were slacking and he knew you were not going to try he would push you until you wanted to make him proud, which taught me determination and perseverance.
Comments
Livingstone College
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Students: 1,200
- Athletics: Livingstone College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division II, and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Its intercollegiate sports programs include basketball, bowling, cross-country, football, softball, volleyball, tennis, golf, and track and field.
- Notable Alumni: James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey - Preacher, Pan-African thinker and educator** Solomon Carter Fuller - 1893 - psychiatrist who made significant contributions to the study of Alzheimer's disease** Ben Coates - 1990 - Former NFL All-Pro tight end for New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens** Rev. John Kinard - 1960 - Minister, community activist, and first director of the Anacostia Community Museum in Washington, D.C.** Philip A. Payton, Jr. - The "Father of Harlem"** George James - Professor was a South American historian and author, best known for his 1954 book Stolen Legacy, in which he argued that Greek philosophy originated in ancient Egypt**
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