Two Cooks And Two Sisters, A Talladega Legacy
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on May 21, 2013 Mother’s Day 2013 was a proud day that included multiple additions to the Talladega legacy. Approximately 78 graduates obtained bachelor’s degrees from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. Among those graduates are two gentlemen with two things in common. Their last names are Cook, and although unrelated, both of them come from a family of Dear Ole ‘Dega graduates. William Cook is from Decatur, Georgia. William received a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. He is making plans to open his own business. He says of his college experience, “It’s what you make of it. Talladega is full of good people and was full of good times for me. It was an incredible experience that will impact me for the rest of my life.” His parents, William and Agnes Snider Cook graduated from Talladega College in 1972. His father majored in Economics and his mother was a Biology major. Their daughter Karen Cook graduated with a degree in Social Work in 1997; sister Cassietta graduated with a degree in Public Administration in 1999; and sister Vivian received a degree in Social Work in 2002. William’s path was paved with 5 ‘Degans before his arrival. Carl Cook is from Talladega, Alabama. His mother, Delois Beck Cook graduated with a degree in English in 1979 and is currently an English professor at Talladega College. His twin brother, Gerald, graduated with a degree in History/Pre-Law in 2012. When asked how it feels to come from a family of ‘Degans, Carl remarks, “It’s something that you look back on every day and cherish for the rest of your life.” Prior to his twin, Carl’s sister, Kynetra graduated with a degree in Social Work in 2011; and their sister, Deloi graduated with a degree in English in 2010. She currently works as a Library Assistant in Savery Library. Carl graduated with a degree in Public Administration on Sunday, May 12. The Childress family hails from Indianapolis, Indiana. Four sisters have been in school simultaneously at Talladega College. Two of them graduated together during this 138th Commencement Ceremony. They are not twins, but separated by just one year. Deirdre Childress, the SGA President for 2012-2013, obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Older sister, DeAndrea, the SGA Chief Justice for 2012-2013, obtained a degree in Biology on the same day. DeAndrea states that, “The college’s mission is to provides academic programs and experiences for students, that among other outcomes, produce graduates who: think analytically and strategically, speak effectively and read critically, write with precision and clarity, exhibit competency in their academic discipline, and assume leadership roles in society. For me, Talladega College has done just that.” Deirdre states, “Talladega College created and developed me as a whole individual. I’ve realized that it’s no longer Talladega College, but I am Talladega College. I have a duty to my institution here on out.” These four students comprise just a portion of the Talladega College legacy that now has 138 classes strong of graduates. The stories are still being written with each passing each year. ABOUT TALLADEGA COLLEGE Talladega College, founded in 1867, is Alabama's oldest historically black private college and among the oldest liberal arts colleges in the nation. Located in the historic district of the city of Talladega, Alabama, the college offers a range of degrees in four divisions: Business and Administration, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences and Education. Talladega College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award baccalaureate degrees; and the school holds several institutional memberships. For more information visit www.talladega.edu. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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