Change-Makers
Driven by purpose, these alumni are shaping policy, championing justice, and transforming lives in communities around the world.
Academic, Activist, and Author
Civil Rights Leader; Organizer of the 1963 March on Washington
Civil Rights Attorney; First Black Woman Federal Judge; Supreme Court Litigator
Former President of El Salvador
Apollo 13 Astronaut; Congressman-Elect
U.S. House of Representatives (MA); Former Chair of House Ways & Means
U.S. House of Representatives (UT); First Black Republican Woman in Congress
Co-founder, Higher Heights; 2018 Anchor Award Recipient
Founder, The Ana Grace Project; 2020 Distinguished Alumna Award Recipient
Innovators
From breakthrough technologies to life-saving discoveries, these alumni are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Chairman and CEO of Cigna; led company's transformation into a global health service leader.
Former CEO and Chairman of International Paper; oversaw major acquisitions.
President and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker; previously CFO.
Former CEO of Hubbell Incorporated; led company in utility and electrical products sector.
Executive Vice President at Oracle Corporation; influential in tech industry.
Retired Chairman, President, and CEO of Hartford Steam Boiler; held senior roles at AIG.
Former EVP and CTO of ESPN; pivotal in technological advancements.
Inventor of QuikClot; founder of On Site Gas Systems; significant contributions to medical field.
Owner of Domaine Jean-Louis Chave winery; renowned in viticulture.
Artists
With creativity that moves and inspires, these alumni are redefining art in every form, leaving their mark on the world.
The first African American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.
World-renowned poet.
The first African American singer to perform at the White House and the Metropolitan Opera
American jazz and rock drummer.
Founder of The LAB Media Empire LLC, a recording studio and rehearsal space; 2019 Anchor Award Recipient
Assistant conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra; conductor of the Memphis Youth Symphony.
Broadway actor
Composer, orchestrator, and conductor, whose Grammy-nominated work Ellis Island: The Dream of America was featured on PBS's Great Performances series
American bass-baritone, Broadway, opera, film, and stage actor
Creators
Crafting unforgettable experiences, these alumni are bringing passion, flavor, and entertainment to the forefront of culture.
Grammy-Award winning singer, actress, and television show host
Singer and songwriter who won NBC's reality singing competition The Voice
Founder and band member of the musical group Postmodern Jukebox
Radio personality and television host of CNN's Showbiz Tonight
Host of National Public Radio's Weekend Edition Sunday
Television industry pioneer, produced numerous successful series for television and film
Award-winning film director and screenwriter
Founder, Legend3D; entrepreneur and digital imaging and visual effects pioneer
First African-American ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Trailblazers
Through determination and excellence, these alumni are breaking records and setting the standards in sports.
Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985; first black player selected for the U.S. Davis Cup and only black man to win Wimbledon, the US Open, and Australian Open
National Baseball Hall of Fame member, former all-star for the Houston Astros
Former NBA All-Star
Director of player development for the St. Louis Cardinals
President of Social Responsibility and Player Programs for the National Basketball Association
First UHart athlete to be drafted to the WNBA in 2008
PGA Senior Tour professional
UHart's only recipient of the NCAA Division 1 Sportswoman of the Year Award
PGA professional
More Success Stories
Explore more inspiring stories of UHart alumni. See how their time on campus provided the support to turn aspirations into achievements, and how their experiences continue to impact the world.