Reviving the legacy: Central State University Akron/Canton Alumni Chapter reactivates

Central State University has a rich history of empowering generations of African American, first-generation, and other underrepresented students, nurturing their talents and fostering a strong sense of community. Now, the University's legacy is being revived in the Akron/Canton, Ohio region through the reactivation of its alumni chapter, led by the passionate and visionary Dominique Waters, '11.

Image

For Waters, CSU isn't just an alma mater — it's a beacon of hope and opportunity. Raised in Akron, his journey to CSU wasn't conventional. After missing college deadlines, fate intervened when he found himself on CSU's campus, captivated by its history and culture. His enrollment marked the beginning of a transformative experience that would shape his future.  

"I had a very non-traditional experience as I did not apply to any colleges during my senior year of high school," Waters said. "I lacked the support and guidance despite being an honors student and heavily involved in extracurricular activities. By the time I went to apply for colleges, I had missed all the deadlines.   

"My best friend's dad, who is an Alpha, had a fraternity brother who worked in CSU Admissions. I drove down to campus during the summer after graduating to take a tour. I was captivated by the history and culture and truly loved how attentive the faculty and staff were to me. I was offered a scholarship that day due to my GPA ... and the rest was history."

"I realize now that CSU was the only choice for me."  

Waters developed his voice as a baritone and was awarded the top singer title at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).   

Image

"I was a soloist in the choir and had the privilege of singing with the Cleveland Orchestra during our annual MLK Celebration concert. I was also the first student to study abroad in Music, spending three months in Italy during my junior year."  

After graduating with a degree in Music Performance, Waters' path diverged from his major, leading him to a successful career in the luxury business sector. But his heart never strayed far from CSU.   

Today, Central State means the world to Waters.  

"Central State allowed me to discover myself, to learn more about my history as an African American, and to also see Black success, which is sometimes not seen in the communities where I am from,” he said. 

Returning to Akron in 2020, he embarked on a mission to give back to his community, inspired by the mentorship he received at CSU under former President John Garland.  

Waters' return coincided with a realization: the Akron/Canton Alumni Chapter had lain dormant for over 15 years. During that time, active members of the National Alumni Association joined the Cleveland Alumni Chapter. Seeing an opportunity to reignite the flame of alum pride and connection, Waters stepped up to lead the charge.  

Horace Highland, '77, is the chair of the National Alumni Association (NAA) chapter presidents and a member of the NAA Board of Directors. In that role, he meets with all chapter presidents across the nation once a month to share University updates, best practices in terms of engaging members and growing their chapters, fundraising and scholarships, and more. 

Image

He said this is the first time the chapter has combined the cities of Akron and nearby Canton into a single chapter. After many trials and tribulations, Highland said he is excited that the chapter is reforming.   

When he semi-retired in 2023, Highland began working with CSU Alumni Director Keith Aaron Perkins to identify alum who could build out the chapter. Today, he serves as chapter vice president.  

"Dominique Waters stepped up and indicated he would be the chapter president if we completed the paperwork to restart the chapter," Highland said.  

The reactivation of the Akron/Canton Alumni Chapter is not only about bringing alums together; it's about building a bridge between past, present, and future Centralians. Waters’ vision extends beyond mere membership drives — it's about fostering a deep sense of community, inclusivity, and support.  

With monthly virtual meetings, collaboration with neighboring chapters, and partnerships with local educational institutions, Waters aims to create a vibrant hub for alum engagement and student outreach. The chapter seeks to guide the next generation of Centralians toward success through initiatives like a College Fair partnership and student mentoring programs.  

But Waters understands that success isn't achieved alone. Alumni involvement is essential to the chapter's vitality. With roughly 70 alums in the area yet to be engaged, he invites all to contribute their skills, ideas, and passion. Whether through feedback, suggestions, or simply spreading the word, every Centralian has a role in shaping the chapter's future.  

"It's great to have the Akron/Canton chapter back up and running," Highland said. "We were one of the prominent chapters back when we were fully engaged. Our hope is to regain that status."  

Central State University's Akron/Canton Alumni Chapter is not a relic of the past but a beacon of hope for the future. Led by Waters and fueled by the collective spirit of its alums, it's poised to ignite a new era of pride, connection, and opportunity for Centralians in the Akron/Canton region. As the chapter rises from dormancy to dynamism, it carries forward Central State University's legacy — one of resilience, excellence, and community.