Black alums reflect on best 'Berg times, offer wisdom

The Heidelberg experience is all about the people – the relationships – created during days on campus that endure to this day. It’s also about embracing opportunities to get involved and “enjoying the little moments.”

In observance of Black History Month, 12 black ’Berg alumni shared their best memories of their time on campus. The highlights primarily featured people and relationships, fun events, studying with classmates, athletic successes and other campus involvements.

The alumni – spanning 45 graduation years from 1975-2020 – also gave their best advice for current students not only to get the most out of their ’Berg experiences but to set themselves up for success in their professional and personal lives post-graduation.

Some of our favorite advice:

“Be comfortable being uncomfortable.”

“Stay strong. Keep your identity. Know who you are. Love who you are. Celebrate who you are.”

“Expand beyond who you believe yourself to be.”

“Apply yourself. You can always do more, always be better.”

You get the idea. The messages are uplifting, fun, inspirational and motivating.

Many thanks to Alexia Boyd ’20, Roger Bradley ’90, Ron Campbell ’75, Greg Green ’92, Pete Green ’78, Adam Hine, ’13, Jemar Lewis ’11 and master’s in education ’13, Lashon Long ’13, Michael Preston '19, Larry Roper ’75, Janessa Scott ’17 and Justin Suddeth ’13 and master’s in counseling ’16 for their contributions to the video project.

Shaun Gunnell and the offices of Multicultural Student Engagement collaborated with Ashley Helmstetter and the Alumni Engagement Office on this video project. ’Berg staff member Ben Bodart compiled and edited the individual videos. The campus community viewed the video during a screening Friday.

View the video.

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