Name: Fleur Kirksey
Class Of: 2005
Major: Criminal Justice
Tell us your feelings about the current financial struggles CSU is currently going through.
There has been word that CSU was suffering from financial woes, but upon hearing it in a less matter of fact and definite; has made me stand to attention. I know that something can be done. It must be done to save this University.
What do you think could be done to save CSU at this time?
It seems like whenever there is pressure on CPS schools then there is talk about CSU closing. What can be done? Take funds that are used for UIC, Depaul, Roosevelt, Columbia. How are these schools not mentioned when it comes to finances. Bring in a Financial Director that cares. This is not to increase tuition but to iron out whatever creases are wrinkled. There are major events held at other universities; that should be the same for CSU. Filter funds used for Non- Minority Majority schools to save our beloved Chicago State University!
What does CSU mean to the Black community?
Chicago State, the name says it all. This 4 Year University represents a pillar of success in our community and abroad. The school stands as an Academic Icon in the neighborhood and it’s well respected. CSU is the embodiment of Black art, Black culture, diversity as CSU isn’t all Black just predominately Black. It represents a hierarchy of stability in the community.
What does CSU mean to you?
CSU mean everything to me. I am a proud graduate of Chicago State University. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, CSU enabled me to complete one of my personal tasks and that was obtaining my degree. I first enrolled into CSU in 1995. Three years after H.S. graduation and after attending for one year Harold Washington and another at CSU- Central State University. Within that time I stopped attending Chicago State to raise my family. After working full-time and raising a young child I re-enrolled in 2000. The location, class schedules, the academic rigor; along with the caring , motivated, talented and intellectually challenging staff, pushed learning, lectures, and living life as lessons inside the classroom. I would not be the woman, mother, career or goal orientated person that I am without CSU. It was my goal, that my son see his mother strive for higher learning and achieve what I’d set out to do and CSU granted me that. When I walked across the stage in Dec of 2005 with Honors in my major!
What would you say is the best life lesson you learned at CSU?
Perseverance, along with working full -time in corporate america, traveling to school, studying late night, up early mornings, day after, day, year after year until completion. I had a Great- Aunt say to me “If you don’t ever go back…you’ll never finish” and I went back to Chicago State University.
