Preserving Wilberforce University (HBCU) Legacy

By Michelle DeMarcia Davis

Wilberforce University Professors did a good job advising of the importance of being an Alumni continuously evolving to help others evolve their education. De-Ajura (Dee) Mathenia (Dee) our Cincinnati Chapter President of Wilberforce University Alumni Association shared great insight about being an active Alumni aka Wilberforcean.

Meet De-Ajura (Dee) Mathenia Dee is a visionary who believes that vision and purpose are intertwined. She knows there has to be a plan, that is both strategic and tactical in order to achieve any goals associated with the purpose Dee’s actions show, she believes through dedication and hard work goals are obtainable and achieved.

The Cincinnati Chapter, like Wilberforce University, is small and mighty. It’s comprised of twenty-five dedicated alumni who are focused on engaging with the Cincinnati community to share the great opportunities and rich history of Wilberforce University. It was right here in Cincinnati, the Queen City, that the Methodist Episcopal Church and the African American Methodist Episcopal Church collaborated to purchase the land that would serve as the initial location for Wilberforce University. The Cincinnati community and our school-age students, also need to know that Wilberforce University is the nation’s first Historically Black University (HBCU) privately owned by African Americans, founded in 1856.

The Cincinnati Chapter's goals, mission, vision, and values align with the National Alumni Association; which is to promote the welfare of Wilberforce University, its Alumni, and society at large with funding, student referrals, and overall support for the good of the continuing existence of the University. Our alumni association is organized for the mutual benefit and prosperity of Wilberforce University, graduates, former students, and ot dedication will strengthen and sup memories of our student experienc

The preparation of current and future leadership of the chapter ensures the local chapter remains vibrant and active. The steadfast chapter leaders and members like Rev. Kenneth Bibb, Gloria Jenkins, Walter Vaughn, and Milton Wiggins, have worked to mentor and prepare, Dee and all other chapter members, to ensure that our local chapter history is preserved and proper operation and procedures are incorporated

The Wilberforce University Alumni Association will hold its 54th National Alumni Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio This is a major celebration to commemorate excellence, kindness, and innovation. The conference theme is “Preserving Our Legacy and Future by Sowing Our Treasures”. The conference journey has been a joint effort between the local Cincinnati Chapter and the National Alumni Conference Committee The main focus of the local chapter has been to showcase all the great things that the City of Cincinnati has to offer to the 250-plus alumni who are expected to travel here for the conference

In partnership with great locations such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The Summit Hotel, Queen City Riverboats, and Visit Cincy a wonderful conference experience and visit to the Queen City is anticipated

Doing this interview with Chapter President Dee has now taken me back down memory lane. I can recall when I attended Wilberforce University, it was a wonderful decision in my life. My education angel, coworker, and friend Covette presented Wilberforce University for our B S. and then I.W.U for our M.B.As. As an adult learner with a lot of responsibilities, the WU C.L.I.M.B satellite program set us up for success Being in one location, creating cohorts of dynamic individuals to grow with, and providing great professors assisted me in elevating critical thinking and thought processes; not only in education but life. I was fortunate to walk away with lifelong friendships, lessons, and blessings.

Dee provided all these great details of why they call Wilberforce University the WU (Woo). As Membership and Recruitment for our Cincinnati Chapter and member of the Wilberforce University Alumni Association, this is so exciting to learn new things through this interview that I didn’t know and be able to share them with you Hopefully, you will be inspired and/or inspire someone else to evolve and register at Wilberforce University or become an active Alumni member.