Alumni Spotlight with Shawnee Pickney '01

A first team All-Ivy selection in her senior year, Shawnee finished her career with 1,180 points placing her fourth on the all-time scoring list. In addition, her 783 rebounds rank her second on the all-time list for the Lions.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major was and how you came to the Ivy League.

I was born in raised in Los Angeles, CA. Graduated Valedictorian of Washington High School, C/O 1997. My Undergraduate Major and Specialization was Urban Studies and Sociology (CC’01), and I have a Master of Public Administration Degree Specializing in Education Policy and Administration (SIPA ’02). Advocating and working with children is my calling and what I most enjoy doing.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

I always knew that I wanted to go to a university with a rich academic history, not limited to the Ivy League.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

That the Ivy League consisted of narrow minded upper-class people that probably had preconceived ideas of who I was based upon my background.

How did those perceptions met with reality?

I found for the most part that there were preconceived notions of who I was/am, but that the people at Columbia were more open minded than I originally gave them credit for. I had preconceived notions of my own that were dispelled. I learned many valuable lessons and fostered many unbreakable friendships.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

I was most drawn to the fact that as a student-athlete, I could go to an institution where the academic program is one of the most renowned in the world and the athletic programs are division one. As a scholar-athlete, I was getting the best of both worlds. Also, I was excited by the fact that I would be starting my life as an adult in the diverse and eclectic City of New York!

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

While Columbia is one of the most diverse Ivy League institutions, the most telling experiences of being an African American student adjusting to life in the Ivy League is that you don’t see too many other minority students on campus. It can be a bit of a culture shock when you have grown up and attended school in minority populated areas. Also, it takes thick skin and an open mind to have discussions about race relations, social service issues, etc. There are preconceived notions about particular groups of people, from every point of view, and to hear the opinions expressed, from groups of people not exposed to different environments, can be infuriating yet informative at the same time.

What were some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

In all honesty, it would have to be the lasting relationships that were created with my teammates. Had we not been on the same team, and spent so much of our college careers with one another, I don’t know that I would have hung out with the girls. And two, I don’t know that I would have taken time out to actually enjoy the fun that college has to offer. They taught me to loosen up a little and enjoy life a lot more.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

I most admire W.E.B. DuBois. Why I admire him can be summed up in one of his quotes from “The Souls of Black Folk” which states, “One hesitates, therefore, to criticize a life which, beginning with so little has done so much.” Looking at his life and his accomplishments, he encourages me to live a life not limited by unfortunate circumstances. My life mirrors this quote and his legacy inspires me to continually move forward and press my way.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

At each stage of my development, I had a teacher, coach or mentor in my life. It was comforting to know that when I was away from home, I still had people who I could confide in, and who were going to love me unconditionally. To this day, I can still call (and call and call and call J) and ask for advice and encouragement.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

An education is the best gift you can ever give yourself. It never goes out of style and can be used anywhere! Sports can make the learning experience fun, while teaching you valuable lessons about life and people.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

NEVER BE DENIED! Know that you have a voice, that your goals are attainable and that you, as well as anyone else, is allowed to leave your mark of success wherever you so desire!

How has your experience in the world of Ivy League athletics aided you in the day-to-day dealings in your career?

The benefits of being an Ivy League athlete is I am able to work with different groups of people, think on my feet, multi-task and organize my time.

What advice would you give to current African-American student-athletes of Ivy League institutions about what lies ahead after college?

Life does not get any easier after you walk the stage in your illustrious cap and gown. The strength, discipline, courage, and diligence you’ve exemplified over the past four years will be your saving grace for the remainder of your lifetime.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***