In honor of Black History Month, we are excited to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of HBCU graduates in our AF community! Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a vital role in American education, having been established for African Americans when access to white institutions was denied. These institutions have transformed into powerful symbols of Black culture and excellence, fostering unique experiences and lifelong memories. We connected with Tiffany Bostic, LCSW, Chief of Support Services and proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University! Check out our Q&A with Tiffany to learn more about why she decided to attend CAU, how her experience and time there formed a sense of belonging for her and some cherished memories that continue to inspire her today. Let's honor the rich legacy and lasting impact HBCUs have on shaping leaders like Tiffany! What made you decide to attend an HBCU? What made you decide to attend Clark Atlanta University specifically? I chose to attend an HBCU because I come from a proud lineage of HBCU graduates. For generations, my family has exemplified the transformative power of these institutions. My maternal grandmother and her siblings began the legacy at Virginia Union University, and since then extended family members have graduated from Virginia State, Norfolk State, Tuskegee, Morehouse, Hampton, and Howard University where four of my immediate family members received their degrees. One of the most inspiring stories is that of my aunt Sheila, who graduated magna cum laude from Howard in 1984—the very day I was born! Her sister, my late aunt Cheryl, met her husband of 40 years at Howard, and their commemorative brick outside Howard’s School of Social Work became a daily reminder of our family’s history as I earned my master’s degree in social work. Choosing Clark Atlanta University was deeply influenced by my late mother Gail, despite my initial inclination to follow my high school friend to Temple University. I’ll never forget the day she called me, ecstatic, to share the news that I had been accepted to CAU and that “she had decided” I would attend. Her excitement was contagious—she saw in CAU the same potential for growth and connection that has defined our family’s HBCU experiences. My mom even enjoyed orientation more than I did at first! Over time, I grew to understand and embrace what she saw: CAU was the perfect environment for me to build on my family’s legacy while carving out my own path. The daughters of two of my mother’s first cousins would go on to join me in the CAU legacy, graduating in 2014 and 2024. How did Clark Atlanta University cultivate a sense of community and belonging for you? Clark Atlanta University cultivated a profound sense of community and belonging for me in ways I could never have imagined. It was at CAU that I discovered the richness of Black diversity and learned that there is no singular way to be Black. Growing up in Montgomery County, Maryland, a racially and ethnically diverse community, I often felt disconnected from my Black peers. I feared this struggle might follow me to CAU, but instead, I found a welcoming and affirming environment. From the very beginning, CAU felt like home. My freshman-year roommate—who remains my best friend to this day—instantly bonded with me over our shared high school experiences, and I quickly connected with many others who had similar and different interests. It was at CAU that I realized my unique perspective and way of being Black was not just acceptable but celebrated. My professors saw me for who I was and challenged me to reach my fullest potential. This sense of belonging has only deepened over the years, especially as an alum. One moment that stands out profoundly is how the CAU Panther community surrounded me with love and support during one of the most challenging seasons of my life. In 2023, I experienced immense personal loss, including the sudden passing of my maternal aunt, my mother, and, most recently, my sister. While homecoming at HBCUs is often synonymous with celebration, for me, it became a sanctuary of healing and connection. Stepping back onto the Georgia red-clay grounds of CAU during the past two years, I was embraced by peers I’ve known for more than two decades. They reminded me that I am loved, created space for my grief, and ensured I felt supported during an isolating and confusing time. The strength of this community has been life-giving, reaffirming that CAU is not just a school—it’s a family that uplifts and sustains its members, both in moments of joy and moments of profound sorrow. How has attending Clark Atlanta University impacted your life? What advice would you give to students who are considering an HBCU. Attending Clark Atlanta University has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The university’s mottos, “I’ll Find a Way or Make One” and “A Culture of Service,” have become guiding principles in my personal and professional journey. CAU cultivated in me a deeper sense of resilience and determination, equipping me with more tools to overcome challenges and create opportunities not just for myself, but for others. The connections I built at CAU have expanded my personal and professional network in ways I could have never imagined. Through those relationships, I’ve been able to introduce my former students to the richness of HBCU culture, diverse career opportunities, and even celebrated Black authors such as New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds who spoke at my school through my CAU friendships. The bonds forged at CAU have also been a source of collective strength. During the Palisades fires, my peers and I raised more than $100,000 to support a friend whose family lost their childhood home. That’s the kind of commUNITY CAU creates: one that shows up for each other in meaningful ways. Above all, CAU has brought immense joy and lifelong friendships. The experiences I had and the people I met continue to enrich my life to this day. To any student considering an HBCU, my advice is simple: give it a chance. Be prepared to work hard—nothing will be handed to you, but you will come out stronger, more capable, and ready to make a difference. As I often tell my goddaughter, who is currently a freshman at Virginia State: lean in, step outside your comfort zone, and soak up everything an HBCU has to offer. Attending an HBCU (or any university) is what you make it, so make it count. It has the power to change your life for the better in ways you can’t yet imagine. What is your favorite memory from your time as a student at Clark Atlanta University? The stories I could tell from my time at Clark Atlanta University are endless! From unforgettable road trips to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic and spring break adventures in Miami—five of us crammed into one hotel room—to giving back to the Atlanta community through mentoring, every moment was rich with connection and growth. I still laugh when I think about my freshman year coinciding with All-Star Weekend in Atlanta—oh, the memories! But one experience that truly stands out is my time on the Royal Court. HBCUs are renowned for their pageantry and traditions, and during my senior year, I had the honor of being elected Miss Senior, serving as part of the 2005–2006 Miss Clark Atlanta University Royal Court. Representing our illustrious university at campus and community events was a privilege that came with immense responsibility. One of the most rewarding aspects was creating a mentoring program for juniors and seniors at South Atlanta High School, where my passion for education and service began to take shape. Being on the “Court,” as we affectionately called it, was transformative. It pushed me to grow in confidence, strengthened my leadership skills, and forged friendships so deep that many of my fellow court members have become like sisters to me. Most importantly, it allowed me to leave my own legacy at CAU while contributing to the greater Atlanta community. My time on the Royal Court encapsulates everything I love about HBCU life: the tradition, the service, the sisterhood, and the opportunity to thrive while uplifting others.