Golden legacy: Class of 1975 honors the past, strengthens the future at Central State University

Fifty years after crossing the stage at Central State University, the Class of 1975 returned to campus to celebrate their Golden Anniversary and reaffirm their enduring commitment to the mission, values, and future of Ohio’s only public Historically Black College and University. 

Held on May 8 as part of Commencement Weekend, the dinner brought together classmates, University leadership, and longtime supporters for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and renewed purpose. 

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“Fifty years is a long time,” said Keith Perkins, Director of Alumni Relations. “But I’m quite sure it feels like it was just yesterday that you were on campus. What makes Marauders and Centralians great is that we stay in touch on the heartbeat of our alma mater.” 

From the start, the event emphasized that Central State is more than a University — it’s a foundation for a lifetime. Vice President for Institutional Advancement Rebecca Kocher, who joined CSU in December, praised the passion and engagement of the returning alumni. 

“You can try to instill different characteristics in people, but what you can’t do is make your alumni proud of their institution,” Kocher said. “It is so impressive to me how passionate and committed our alumni are.”  

That pride was deeply felt as CSU President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, a graduate from the Class of 1985,  welcomed his predecessors back to campus with words of appreciation and admiration. 

“Without your resiliency and perseverance, there may not have been a Central State for those of us who came after you,” said Dr. Kuti, referring to the devastating tornado of April 3, 1974. “Last year, when we launched the Zero Balance initiative (requiring students to pay their balance in full before registering for the next semester’s courses), several of you stepped up. 

"Because of that generosity, students who might have otherwise left are graduating tomorrow.” 

The night’s stories reflected the transformative power of a Central State education and the unshakable community it creates. Phillip Seabrook of Indianapolis spoke about choosing Central State over a larger athletic scholarship, a decision encouraged by his mentor, Dr. Joseph Lewis. 

“I came to Central State, and I never regretted it,” Seabrook said. “The foundation I got here allowed me to become an assistant vice president at Indiana University and create a statewide scholarship program that’s helped over 100,000 students. That all started at Central.” 

That theme — Central State as a catalyst for leadership and service — carried throughout the evening. Linda Dukes Campbell, who served nine years on CSU’s Board of Trustees, credited her start at campus radio station WCSU for launching a prolific journalism career that would take her back home to Cleveland. 

“By the time I got to Central State, I knew exactly what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be,” she said. “And we had fabulous professors. Dr. Lewis was my professor — nobody else’s, just mine.” 

As alumni spoke, their stories sometimes circled back to the 1974 tornado — an event that nearly shuttered the University but instead revealed the strength and determination of its students. 

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Donna Dickerson Ragland recalled being in her dorm when the tornado struck. “That’s the day I felt like I walked through the shadow of death. It was like seeing God in action,” she said. “It just wasn’t our time. He still had something for us to do because we survived it. 

“They were talking about closing Central State. But our class got together — we had class outside, in trailers, on the yard. We kept the University going,” Dickerson Ragland added.  

Their efforts helped preserve the Institution for generations to come — a point National Alumni Association President Anthony Gardner emphasized. 

“You were there during the rebuilding process,” Gardner said. “You’re just as important as those who graduated just after the tornado. Your class helped carry the University forward.” 

Other alumni shared personal journeys of growth, leadership, and giving back. Sandra Alexander, who became a music teacher, credited CSU for providing her with a full scholarship and opportunity she never imagined growing up in public housing. 

“Central State opened the door for me,” Alexander said. “I am so grateful. I will never forget — and I’m repaying Central State for all it has done.” 

Dennis Wells of Chicago reflected on his transition from military service to college life, and how that decision echoed through his family. “My son graduated from Central State in 2004. My grandson is a (rising) junior,” he said. “We all went to HBCUs. Central State gave me the means to give back to my family.” 

In moments of solemnity and celebration, the alumni also took time to honor the 45 members of their class who have passed. 

“We’re here, so we have a duty to carry on,” Dale Harden said. “Give generously and give as much as you can, because you can’t take it with you.” 

Throughout the evening, the message was clear: Central State University not only prepares students for success — it inspires them to uplift others. The Class of 1975 embodies that spirit, not just in words, but in action. 

“Let’s not talk about being old,” said Amita Elmore Florence. “We’ve got more work to do. That’s why we’re here.” 

As Commencement Weekend continued, the Golden Class stood as living proof of Central State’s enduring impact and the power of alumni to shape the future. Whether through mentorship, philanthropy, or simply showing up, their presence reminded the next generation that they are not walking alone — but on the shoulders of those who came before.