Clark Atlanta University this month is beginning a year-long celebration of its 30th anniversary.
The official plans include a $1.25 million scholarship fundraising campaign and a national tour by its president to discuss the university’s vision. Clark College and Atlanta University, which both started in the 19th century, merged in 1988 to become Clark Atlanta University.
Here are five things to know about the Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
It has all that jazz
CAU has Atlanta’s oldest jazz radio station, WCLK 91.9 FM.
It offers degrees on all levels
Clark Atlanta is the only HBCU in Atlanta to offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Student loan debt is a challenge
The average student loan debt for graduates is more than $40,000, which was the highest of any university in Georgia, according to a 2016 study published by the Project on Student Debt at the Institute for College Access and Success.
It has some famous graduates
The university's alumni includes civil rights pioneer Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, Kenya Barris, the creator of several television shows including "Black-ish," acclaimed author and playwright Pearl Cleage, James Weldon Johnson, who wrote "Lift Every Voice And Sing," and Tony award-winning director Kenny Leon.
You’ve probably seen the campus on film
CAU has been the backdrop for several movies and TV shows such as “Drumline,” “Stomp The Yard,” and “The Quad.”
Credit: Zade Rosenthal/Twentieth Century Fox
Credit: Zade Rosenthal/Twentieth Century Fox
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