The Atlanta University Center's "Profile of the Week" initiative was established with the purpose of celebrating individual academic achievement as well as recognizing students who model exemplary character and leadership This week I had a chance to sit down and interview Morehouse College student, Lonnie Washington.
Hey Lonnie, I'm glad you found the time to partake in this interview.
Lonnie: No, thank you. It's truly an honor.
Alright, so let us get started. Tell me a little something about yourself.
Lonnie: Well, my name is Lonnie Washington and I am a junior history major minoring in economics at Morehouse College. I'm from Birmingham, Alabama, and I enjoy watching history documentaries (particularly on war). Oh yeah, and Alabama football.
Alright, Roll Tide! What or who influenced you to pursue an undergraduate career at Morehouse College?
Lonnie: Initially, I wasn't entirely sure about Morehouse College. My father had mentioned it but I was more interested in Georgetown. Luckily, I happened to meet some pretty impressive alums. Randall Woodfin '03, John Cox '04, Eain Chappell '11, and Chuck Price '99, were all able to provide me better perspectives on the school while taking me to the campus... I was sold after my first visit.
Those are some prominent figures. Now, what organizations/activities on campus are you involved in? And, what are some of your duties within them?
Lonnie: It's a pretty extensive list: Army ROTC, SGA, Spring Symposium Planning Committee, and the E-Board for the upcoming College Charity Run. With ROTC, I'm undergoing specialized leadership training to take on a commission as officer upon my graduation. While with SGA, I served as the Secretary of Student Development. That office afforded me a team that met with Vice President Tim Sams to discuss issues critical to student development and the student experience at the college. Most enjoyably, I'm on the E-Board for the college's first ever run for charity, planning it has been a tremendous amount of fun.
Interesting. You mentioned working with Vice President Sams. What initiatives have you been able to push or assist?
Lonnie: In attempting to really focus on issues, we've been able to begin work on a religious accommodation plan for the college, offer more engaging crown forum opportunities, and even get the college's approval for the upcoming charity run.
So, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment in your 3 years here at Morehouse?
Lonnie: My biggest accomplishment in my 3 years at Morehouse College would have to be the MLK Day of Service that I helped plan my freshmen year. Being able to brighten someone's day and give back is the best experience one could ask for.
Okay. Now Mr. Washington, what is an important aspect of Morehouse that you would like to see changed before you graduate?
Lonnie: I'd like to see more funding go towards student organizations. Morehouse is filled with brilliance and I fully believe that the college should do more to give her sons the ability to broadcast their ideas and shine.
Being that this is now your junior year, what is the one thing that you wish you would have known before starting college?
Lonnie: Stop rushing, slow down, and enjoy your college experience-- it passes so quickly.
Thank you Lonnie for this in-depth interview. How can people find you on social media?
Lonnie: I can be found on Instagram and Twitter under the username @lawash95.
