Nominees 2025

Fundraiser. Communicator. Student Advocate. Organizational Backbone.

Adrienne is a cornerstone of WTAC’s operations and programming. She currently serves as Recording Secretary, Chair of the Fundraising Committee, and Acting Chair of the Recruitment Committee, in addition to active roles on the Membership, Scholarship, Technology, and Executive Committees. Adrienne played a pivotal role in organizing the WTAC 85th Anniversary Gala, demonstrating both vision and execution.

Her commitment extends to student engagement, where she leads efforts to create care packages, host meet-and-greet events, and support Tuskegee students from the DMV. She also manages WTAC's communications - crafting email messages, promotional materials, and event outreach with clarity and professionalism.

Adrienne’s impact is both visible and immeasurable. She wears many hats, balances numerous responsibilities, and does it all with humility and grace. Her leadership strengthens every part of WTAC.

Treasurer. Steward. Champion of Financial Transparency and Belonging. 

Al Harrison has served as WTAC Treasurer for nearly a decade, managing the club’s finances with integrity, diligence, and precision. His stewardship ensures that WTAC remains financially healthy and accountable, with accurate reporting and timely recordkeeping. 

Beyond the numbers, Al is known for his welcoming spirit. He brings humor and joy to every meeting, greeting attendees with enthusiasm and making everyone feel like family. He even designed a creative “Harvest Report” to showcase the impact of donor giving—a financial recap that celebrates our supporters while demonstrating transparency and progress. 

When Al is missing from an event, his absence is felt. His presence brings stability, insight, and warmth to everything WTAC does.

Connector. Consistent Volunteer. Alumni-Student Bridge Builder. 

Gayle Rankine is a devoted WTAC member whose quiet leadership and active service define what it means to be a difference-maker. She keeps members informed by consistently sharing updates from Tuskegee University and the DMV community. But her most meaningful contributions are hands-on—attending nearly every WTAC event and stepping up for whatever needs to be done. 

Whether it’s setting up tables, serving food, or staying to clean up after events, Gayle brings reliability and warmth wherever she goes. During Founders’ Day Weekend, she encouraged her classmates to attend WTAC’s Student Movie Night instead of focusing solely on their reunion—and she led by example, serving throughout the event. 

Gayle doesn’t seek the spotlight, but her actions are impossible to overlook. She shows up, lifts others, and brings a true sense of community to WTAC. 

Payton is a dynamic student leader who exemplifies service and academic success. As President of the SkegeeDMV Club and a Tuskegee University

Ambassador, she has taken proactive steps to strengthen the student-alumni connection. Whether she’s introducing freshmen to campus life or leading

club initiatives, Payton is focused, dependable, and driven. Her work ensures that current and future students feel welcomed, supported, and inspired.

Remington represents the quiet strength of a true Golden Tiger. Known for his generosity—often sharing snacks or care packages with classmates. He’s also played critical roles as a Tuskegee Student Recruiter and Student Counselor for the Freshman Accelerated Start-up and Training for Retention in Engineering Curricula (FASTREC) program, an eight-week long summer program offered to high school graduates. Remington’s willingness to serve, show up, and engage with both alumni and fellow students speaks to his maturity and commitment to Tuskegee’s legacy of excellence. 

Christopher has been a consistent and humble force of support since his freshman year. Whether attending events, organizing students, delivering baked goods, or helping with set-up and clean-up, Christopher always shows up with a servant’s heart. As Mr. SkegeeDMV and a Merit Scholar, his leadership spans both the academic and student life arenas. His thoughtful acts—like escorting alumni guests across campus or offering help without being asked—have left a lasting impression on WTAC and the students he leads.

Camille has been an active and generous WTAC supporter for over six years. As a member of both the Scholarship and Fundraising Committees, she’s played a hands-on role in shaping impactful programming for students—including assembling care packages and graduation boxes, volunteering at events, and rallying her own family to support WTAC’s mission. Camille has worked tirelessly behind the scenes at Homecoming, local cookouts, and student meetups, always willing to step in without being asked. Though not a Tuskegee alumna herself, her deep commitment to our legacy and her positive spirit have made her an irreplaceable member of the WTAC family. 

Vince brings energy, dependability, and generosity to every WTAC event he attends. Whether assisting with Homecoming setup, cooking for a tailgate, serving as the WTAC photographer, or building community partnerships like the Morehouse-Tuskegee NBA HBCU Watch Party, Vince continuously shows up to serve with excellence. His hands-on support during every phase of major events—from unloading supplies to packing up tents—exemplifies a parent who doesn’t just attend, but actively strengthens the club’s operations. Vince’s financial support and positive promotion of WTAC’s value to other parents further amplifies his impact.

Jackie embodies the quiet leadership that often makes the biggest difference. As a parent, advocate, and generous donor, Jackie’s contributions are both practical and heartfelt. This year, she helped local students by sharing job opportunities for the summer—connecting them to real resources for success. She is also known for sending sincere messages of encouragement to WTAC leaders, uplifting spirits at times when service work can feel unseen. Her belief in WTAC’s mission, paired with her generosity and positive communication, reflects the kind of community-centered support that helps our organization thrive. 

Capital City, LLC, the makers of Capital City Mambo Sauce, has proven itself to be more than a beloved DMV-based brand—they are a true community partner. When the Washington Tuskegee Alumni Club (WTAC) reached out for support, Capital City responded without hesitation, generously donating dozens of mini bottles of their signature Mambo Sauce for our student care packages. This flavorful touch of home brought smiles and pride to Tuskegee students from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area—reminding them that their community still supports them from afar. Capital City’s swift, wholehearted generosity reflects the kind of corporate leadership that strengthens communities, uplifts students, and preserves culture. Their commitment to service, responsiveness, and cultural pride make them a proud finalist for WTAC’s Company/Organization of the Year.

As President of the Alabama State University DC Alumni Club, Brian Howard has been a powerful advocate for HBCU unity and student success. Brian is a cornerstone of the Alabama Big 3 partnership, helping ensure the annual cookout remains a vibrant celebration of legacy and camaraderie among Alabama A&M, Alabama State, and Tuskegee alumni. He actively shares college fair opportunities with WTAC—especially those targeting students at urban high schools—ensuring that Tuskegee is always represented. In a true act of servant leadership, Brian regularly refers students to Tuskegee when its programs align with their goals, demonstrating that his first priority is student success, regardless of school affiliation. His efforts

embody collaboration, selflessness, and HBCU excellence.

Veteran news anchor Wisdom Martin, a proud alumnus of Jackson State University and father of a Tuskegee student-athlete, uses his platform to amplify HBCU excellence. Whether he’s sharing highlights from his daughter’s track and field meets in Tuskegee gear or stopping by WTAC recruitment tables at events, Wisdom brings visibility and pride to our institution. He

consistently encourages students and families in the D.C. area to explore Tuskegee—especially when their interests aren’t met by his own alma mater—and serves as a powerful connector between HBCUs and the next generation. With authenticity and humility, Wisdom champions the legacy of HBCUs while fostering pride in Tuskegee’s mission and students.

Cassandra White is the dynamic founder and leader of Boxing Not Bullets, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit transforming the lives of youth through

mentorship, structure, and the discipline of boxing. Her vision extends beyond the ring—empowering young people with life skills, emotional resilience,

and a path away from violence. Under her leadership, the organization has launched impactful initiatives like the 2025 Back-to-School Empowerment

Event, which provided students with supplies, families with financial literacy resources, and the community with hope. Cassandra’s commitment to healing 

and strengthening her community makes her a true grassroots leader and a proud finalist for WTAC’s Community Leader of the Year.