African American Alumni Association

Who we are

The African American Alumni Association (AAAA) of Case Western Reserve University was officially established in October 2009. The Association elected its officers and board of directors, as well as began populating their committees during Alumni Weekend 2010.

Its purpose is to provide support and networking opportunities to African American alumni of Case Western Reserve University. The Association shall provide a forum for the University to recruit students and foster friendship among persons who have been connected with Case Western Reserve University.


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Stephanie Tubbs Jones Leadership Award

Recipients of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Leadership Award are African American Case Western Reserve graduates who provide service to the broader community and demonstrate loyalty to the university through participation and/or financial support. They demonstrate strong effective leadership and resilience in the face of adversity.

Previous Winners

2010 Robert Madison (ARC ’48)
2012 May Wykle (NUR ’62, ’69, ’81)
2014 Harold McCrae (ADL ’65)
2016 Vincent Holland (GRS ’79)
2018 Debra Lewis-Curlee (WRC ’74)

2020 Teresa Dews (MED ’88)

2022 Justin M. Bibb (LAW ’18, MGT ’18)

Ella Mae Johnson Service Award

Recipients of the Ella Mae Johnson Service Award are African American Case Western Reserve graduates who have made a difference in the lives of others. They have provided direct service to the university and the community through volunteerism and civic engagement.

Previous Winners

2010 Fred Gray (LAW ’54)
2012 Hon. Annette Butler (FSM ’66)
2014 Joan Southgate (SAS ’54)
2016 Donald Freeman (ADL ’61)
2018 G. Dean Patterson (WRC ’75; GRS ’82)                                 

2020 Francis Curd (DEN ’77)

2022 Constance Hill-Johnson (WRC ’80)

Rising Star Award

Recipients of the Rising Star Award have graduated within the past 15 years and demonstrated the potential for long-term distinction.

Previous Winners

2010 Alicia Graves (CWR ’05)
2012 Paul D. Adams, PhD (GRS ’00)
2014 Gayle Williams-Byers (CWR ’96, LAW ’00, MNO ’00)
2016 Kari Cunningham (DEN ’10, ’12)
2018 Alesha Washington (MNO ’07)                              

2020 Brian Webster (CWR’11)

2022 Tobili Hatcher (CWR ’20)

Distinguished Academic Award

Recipients of the Distinguished Academic Award are current or former faculty or department heads who have made significant contributions to the university and their professional areas of expertise

Previous Winners

2018 John A. McCluskey                                               

2020  Joy R. Bostic

2022 Heather E. Burton

President’s Award

Recipients of the President’s Award are honored for long-term invaluable service and contributions to the African. American Alumni Association.  

Previous Winners

2020 Sharon Jenise Brown (CWR ’97, MNO ’00)

2022 Linda Berry Wheatt (FSM ’72; GRS ’77)


AAAA Newsletter Archives

Officers and Board of Directors

President: Tiarra Thomas (CWR '12)

Vice President: Brian Webster (CWR '11)

Secretary: Makela Hayford ( CWR '18, LAW '22) 

Treasurer: Vincent Holland (GRS '79, sociology)

Communications: Linda Berry-Wheatt (FSM ‘72; GRS ‘77, Education)

Directors-at-large:

Alan Mitchell (WRC '76)

Arik Smith (CWR '20)

Gabrielle Jones ( CWR '21) 

Jeannette Lightfoot (FSM '71)

JoAnna Rusely (CAS '94, SAS '95)

Marilyn Maultsby (WRC '75)