ALUMNI NEWS Class Notes


Making Atlanta Healthier How the Sharper family leads by example


F


amily isn’t just an important thing—it’s the only thing. Tat’s


the mantra of Charles Sharper (BS00), executive director at Te Healthy Youth USA Foundation, a non-profit organization in Atlanta, Ga., that promotes youth and family development through sports, recreation and positive motivation. “Coach Sharper”


successfully delivers that vital message to the more than 100 children who participate in the foundation’s programs, thanks to his degree in communication from Eastern Michigan University. “Family influences how


we interact with each other and impact the world,” says Sharper. “Te benefits of a healthy family include character, spiritual strength and a strong legacy. My degree from Eastern gave me the skills to successfully and effectively communicate those benefits—in person and through multiple media.” Te Healthy Youth USA Foundation is


designed to provide a safe and affordable aſter-school program as well as summer camp. Tanks to a partnership with Torch Fitness and Nutrition, it also provides free weekly family fitness classes, adds the Detroit native. Charles’s wife, Andrea (Gipson)


Sharper (BBA01), shares his vision. “Charles has a special talent for motivating and inspiring people. It’s amazing to be a part of it,” says Andrea, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She also sits on the foundation’s


38 | SUMMER 2016 | EASTERN MAGAZINE


board of directors, is chair of its finance committee, and has a full-time job in the accounting department at the American College of Rheumatology in Atlanta. Te couple reside in Atlanta with their three children. But the Green and White will always


hold a special place in their hearts, they say. “We met in the EMU Convocation Center, where I worked in the ticket office,” says Andrea. “Charles played on the men’s basketball team. I’d be waiting for him to pass by my window on his way to practice, looking forward to his smile.” Te feeling was mutual. Sharper brings a wealth of experience


to his role. He served on the coaching staff of the Hampton University men’s basketball program and contributed to the team’s championship in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. He later worked as an elementary school teacher, then leſt


Charles and Andrea Sharper with children Caleb, 17; Olivia, 6; and Tyson, 7.


teaching to found Healthy Youth USA in 2004. He recently obtained his certification in


Nonprofit Organization Management from the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning also has certified him as a child care learning center director. “My future plans are to build on the


accomplishments of the foundation’s first 10 years. We hope to introduce new health and fitness products and add more aſter-school locations,” Sharper says, adding that he also plans to expand the foundation’s outreach through radio, television and social media. “When we travel to Michigan, we oſten


drive around on the EMU campus to show our children where we met and stayed,” says Andrea. “Much of our foundation was built at Eastern. It will always be special to us.” –Linda Hass


TRARELL TORRENCE


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48