Discovering Clark Atlanta University: Top 11 Fun Facts You Never Knew!

1. Sax-Man Alum Ryan Kilgore

When the sax-man cometh, Clark Atlanta University dances to his tunes: Alumnus Ryan Kilgore, a fourth-generation saxophonist, became the first freshman to be both drum major and a member of the esteemed Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Inc., eventually jamming with the likes of Stevie Wonder and lending his melodious skills to blockbuster soundtracks such as "Drumline" and "Fighting Temptations."
Source => reunionblues.com

2. 45 Academic Ingredients

If you think picking toppings on your pizza is a dizzying choice, imagine constructing your university major with 45 possible ingredients: At Clark Atlanta University, you'll find a smorgasbord of academic options ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees in their School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Business Administration, and Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work, covering appetizing fields like psychology, biology, accounting, education, and social work.
Source => cau.edu

Did you know the oldest African American operated university in the nation has a history as rich as Aunt Jemima's syrup? Discover the fascinating story of Wilberforce University and how it survived a catastrophic fire and a Civil War closure! 🎓🔥

=> Fun Facts about Hbcus

3. Prostate Cancer Superheroes

Prostate cancer researchers or Marvel superheroes? You decide: Clark Atlanta University's Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development (CCRTD), one of the largest prostate cancer research centers in the US, is on a mission to save lives with their focus on the African-American community, state-of-the-art research techniques, and training of future cancer-fighting crusaders.
Source => cau.edu

4. Athlete Scholars Flexing

When Clark Atlanta University students aren't athletically flexing their muscles, they're flexing their mental prowess: 184 out of 226 athletes are recognized as scholars with six scoring a perfect 4.0 GPA in Spring 2017 and eight acing Fall 2017, across football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, baseball, softball, track and field, and cheerleading teams with All-SIAC and Preseason All-SIAC honors.
Source => clarkatlantasports.com

5. Sweet Musical and Event Hotspot

Did you hear about the university that moonlights as a theater and concert hotspot, staging an ongoing love affair with the smooth, silky tunes of a certain soulful icon? The answer is pretty sweet, musically speaking: Clark Atlanta University showcases productions such as Luther Re-Lives, celebrating the life and music of Luther Vandross, and hosts performances by renowned musicians like saxophonist Dino Soldo and guitarist Allen Hinds, as well as community events like the Family Food Fest and the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition Golf Tournament, with nearby events such as outdoor concerts at the Stockbridge Amphitheater and the Afro Street Markets at Piedmont Park adding to the lively atmosphere.
Source => wclk.com

6. Powerhouse Double Union

When two academic parties come together, they create a powerhouse: Clark Atlanta University was born in 1988 from the union of Atlanta University and Clark College, historically monumental institutions. Atlanta University was the first to grant graduate degrees to African Americans, while Clark College – the lively sister institution – was the first four-year liberal arts college to primarily serve African-American students.
Source => cau.edu

7. Hogwarts Who? Oldest HBCU

Step aside, Hogwarts! There's a prestigious institution that's been making magical strides in education since before Harry Potter was a twinkle in J.K. Rowling's eye: Clark Atlanta University, established as Atlanta University in 1865, holds the title of the oldest degree-granting institution specifically for African Americans, while its sister school, Clark College, became the first four-year liberal arts college primarily serving the black community.
Source => cau.edu

8. FOMOOAC: Service with Style

At Clark Atlanta University, they've got FOMOOAC (That's a Fear Of Missing Out On Amazing Causes, of course!): Students here proudly trade their books for shovels, pencils for paintbrushes, and lectures for lively community service, all in the name of giving back and making a difference! Jokes aside, though: Programs like Ghana Book Drive and Panthers in the Community offer students incredible opportunities to engage in service projects and contribute to impactful causes beyond their campus.
Source => clarkatlantapanther.wordpress.com

9. A Choir of Rhythm and Legends

If you ever wondered what you'd get if you crossed a world-class choir with a heart full of rhythm and blues, look no further: Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society is a choral powerhouse that specializes in African-American musical traditions, sharing the stage and serenading legends such as Nelson Mandela, Quincy Jones, and Roberta Flack, with their voices gracing esteemed venues and even adorning a CD produced by National Public Radio.
Source => cau.edu

10. Dynamic Duo of Historic Firsts

If Clark Atlanta University were a superhero, it would be called "The Dynamic Duo" – a powerful combination of the first-ever of its kind and the first-ever to serve its people: Clark Atlanta University as we know it today was forged by the mighty merger of two legendary institutions - Atlanta University, which was the first to ever grant graduate degrees to African-Americans, and Clark College, breaking grounds as the first four-year liberal arts college to predominantly cater to an African-American student body.
Source => aucenter.edu

11. Art and Drama Royalty

With a flair for the dramatic and a canvas of creativity, Clark Atlanta University has long been the place where culture vultures and artful thespians flock to flex their artistic muscles: The university boasts one of the oldest drama programs, helmed by actress and alumna Adrienne McNeil Herndon, and since 1942, has hosted a groundbreaking exhibition featuring works by over 900 black artists, including trailblazers like Harry Pace, founder of the first major black-owned recording company, Black Swan Records.
Source => cau.edu