What started as a three-month project for Linda Berry Wheatt turned into a lasting commitment to the next generation of African American alumni at Case Western Reserve. After reconnecting with classmates in 2008 to plan homecoming events, Wheatt became closer to other alumni and played an important role in officially establishing the African American Alumni Association the following year. (The group had existed informally since the 1970s.) Since 2010, she has been chairperson of its communication committee.
Not knowing anyone when she first came to campus, Wheatt expected to be lonely. But several Black students, most in their second year, quickly reached out and they formed what became lifelong friendships. She wants students and other alumni to experience the same sense of family and said her CWRU relationships fuel her motivation to give back.
Wheatt is also passionate about preserving and sharing CWRU's Black history and has contributed to multiple exhibits across campus. "Current students love knowing about who came before and what [the Black experience on campus] was like ‘back in the day,'" Wheatt said.
This piece, written by Lauren Dangel, originally appeared in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of Think Magazine.