Centralians share knowledge and build bonds with students at Visiting Alumni Day

Above: John C. Jones, Floyd Howell, Kyesha James, and Lisa Sims were among the alums who returned to their alma mater for Visiting Alumni Day.

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On Oct. 10, Central State University celebrated its 17th annual Visiting Alumni Day, a significant part of the Homecoming festivities designed to foster connections between alumni and students. Alumni from various industries shared their personal stories, career paths, and advice, offering students invaluable lessons that go beyond the classroom. 

Angela Davis, the event's chairperson, highlighted the importance of creating bridges between generations and enhancing opportunities for mentorship, internships, and scholarships. Below are some key moments from the day. 

Carl Smith, Class of '84 

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Carl Smith, ’84, a first-generation college graduate, earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1984. He described himself as an average student who faced formidable challenges. After his time at Central State, Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army and worked over 32 years as a locomotive engineer for Union Pacific before retiring. One of his most poignant memories was being passed over for a promotion. However, Smith did not back down and eventually won his case with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 

Reflecting on his motivation to speak at Visiting Alumni Day, Smith compared it to a relay race, where each generation hands the baton to the next. His message to students was clear: first, respect yourself, then respect others. “You’re going to run into knuckleheads,” Smith said. “Don’t let them dictate to you who you’ll be.” 

He emphasized the importance of giving back and bringing others along as they advance in life. “Life is a cycle. I’m here today, and one day, you’re going to stand here. If you don’t reach back and grab someone to bring them where you are, shame on you.” 

Recalling his experiences growing up during the Civil Rights Era, Smith urged students to exercise their right to vote. 

“Your ancestors were tortured and killed for trying to vote, trying to get basic rights. Think about the ones who came before you.” 

He also encouraged students to actively engage with their education. “What do you want from Central? I want you to challenge your professors in a positive way. What they have is going to help you succeed.” 

Janay McClai-Kelly, Class of '11 

Janay McClai-Kelly, ’11, reflected on her own time at Central when alumni would return to share their experiences. “I am who I am today because of Central,” she said, reminiscing about her involvement in the Student Government Association (SGA), Student Activities Board, and tennis and serving as a student ambassador. 

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Her advice to students was simple: stay safe, build connections, and enjoy the moment. “These four years are going to go by so fast,” she noted. 

Now a program manager with Playworks Wisconsin, a nonprofit that builds positive playground cultures across the state, McClai-Kelly’s journey exemplifies how her Central State experience shaped her career. 

Brandon Johnson, Class of '11 

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Brandon Johnson, ’11, has forged a diverse and successful career path, working as a music producer, senior customer success trainer with Microsoft, and currently as a business systems engineer with the Dallas Cowboys. Addressing a group of young men, Johnson encouraged them to develop problem-solving skills, think critically, and embrace failure as part of the learning process. 

Johnson shared how he overcame adversity, including being laid off from Microsoft. “Take a step back and problem-solve,” he advised. “I had hard times, but now I live a great life.” 

He also emphasized the lasting impact of the Central State community. “Never underestimate the power of relationships. They may not know your name, but if you call for help, you will get it from anyone who attended CSU.” 

Davis Ross, Class of ’14, and Latoya Turner, Class of ’09 

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Alums Davis Ross and Latoya Turner shared their insights into the world of education during Visiting Alumni Day. Ross, the principal and founder of LINC Academy in Columbus, Ohio, shared his inspiring journey to launch a tuition-free community school for grades K-2. Ross is the youngest founding principal of any school in Columbus.  

He encouraged Marauders to keep good relationships with their professors. “Throughout my career, I have consistently championed the cause of students, striving to create an environment that fosters learning, growth, and success,” Ross wrote in a letter to the students and families of LINC Academy. 

As an HBCU graduate, Ross brings a focus on diversity and representation to his educational leadership roles.  

Turner is the founder and executive director of Brown Hands Literacy, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and empower youth and families about HBCUs while building a love for literacy. She also served as the first speaker in the revamped Convocation Series for freshmen at CSU and brought the red-carpet premiere of her movie, “Brown Hands, Black Schools: HBCUs,” to Central.  

This day of shared wisdom and inspiration left a lasting impression on students, reminding them of the strength of the Central State family and the importance of giving back.