Beyond the Yard- Hilltop Highlights

Jacqueline D. Neal Gives to Leave a Legacy 

Jaqueline D. Neal (’85 HUSB) is the president and founder of J. Neal Consulting and serves as the director of client services at Impact Communications Inc. in Washington, D.C. Neal has designated a planned gift to Howard. She spoke to Lauren Ivey of Beyond the Yard about her experiences at the University. 

Q: Why did you choose an HBCU? 

A: “It was chosen for me and was the best decision made for me. I grew up in a Black neighborhood in D.C., and initially did not want to go to an HBCU, but my dad told me that I am going to Howard. I wanted to go away to school. When I got to Howard for registration, I had such a ball meeting so many people and knew I was in the right place!” 

Q: What was your biggest takeaway graduating from Howard? 

A: “For the first time in my life I wasn’t the first Black smart person in my class. People at Howard want to see you do well, and you always felt that. It permeates throughout the culture. The atmosphere was always one of support. Howard gives you the confidence to know that you are impactful, and they build confidence. My biggest takeaway was the confidence, learning more about Black history and the network that you will always have.” 

Q: Why is it important to give back to your alma mater? 

A: “It is important to leave a legacy. I give because it is important to have a high alumni giving rate. Just give something. You have to leave the house standing on a firmer foundation than when you left it. ‘Each one, reach one, teach one’ is always my motto. If we don’t do that, who else will?” 

Sade Falana: Communication Is Crucial for Patients 

Sade Falana (CHSOC ’11; HUGS ’13) is a highly skilled clinician who is trained in working with patients in several intensive care units – medical surgical, cardiovascular, neuroscience and neonatal. She is competent in MBSS (Modified Barium Swallow Studies) and FEES (Fiber Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing), studies that speech language pathologists use to assess a patient’s ability to swallow. She also evaluates and treats patients with tracheostomies to implement the use of speaking valves to promote their ability to communicate verbally and rehabilitate their swallow function. 

Falana majored in Communications Sciences and Disorders for her undergraduate and graduate studies, graduating cum laude from the Cathy Hughes School of Communications in 2011 and from Howard University Graduate School in 2013. 

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Falana has pledged to make monthly donations to the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. She spoke to Kelvin Childs at Beyond the Yard about her experiences at the University. 

Q: Why did you choose to go to an HBCU? And why was Howard the one you chose? 

A: “I chose to attend Howard University for the opportunity to immerse myself in our culture and to develop knowledge and skills that would allow me to succeed in any industry.” 

Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 

A: “Women’s History Month is a time to recognize some of the many ways women have positively impacted the world. It is an opportunity to inspire young girls and women to use their power to make a difference in their communities.”  

Q: How are you making history? 

A: “I am making history by striving to make a positive difference in every life I touch.”