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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Okyeame Haley ‘95, a proud Xavier University of Louisiana alumnus. An attorney  whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, justice, and mentorship. With more than two decades of experience in the legal field, Okyeame has built a career grounded in advocacy, integrity, and community impact.

A New Orleans native, Okyeame earned his undergraduate degree from Xavier before going on to receive his Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law and an LL.M. in Taxation from Washington University School of Law. He has practiced law in Louisiana focusing on tax and business matters and has served in roles that support judicial integrity and civic responsibility. From 2010-2013, he served as Director of Planned Giving and faculty in the Division of Business at Xavier, where he merged his legal expertise with mentorship and institutional leadership.

Okyeame’s passion for empowering others and honoring Xavier’s mission shines through as he reflects on the role education plays in shaping purpose-driven leaders. His story embodies the Xavier tradition—using knowledge, faith, and service to create lasting change and uplift communities.

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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Quo Vadis “QV” Webster, a double Xavier alumna, licensed professional counselor, and longtime Director of the Premedical Program at Xavier University of Louisiana. For over twenty-five years, QV has played a pivotal role in shaping the journey of Xavier’s pre-health students, guiding them through the academic, personal, and professional demands of preparing for careers in medicine and other health fields.

A New Orleans native with degrees in chemistry and counseling from Xavier, QV leads the Premedical Office, one of the University’s most important student support units, providing structured advising, application preparation, and mentorship that begin as early as freshman year. Her leadership continues a legacy dating back to the foundational work of Dr. JW Carmichael, Jr., helping Xavier remain a national leader in producing Black medical school applicants and graduates.

QV’s dedication, clarity, and unwavering belief in Xavier students shine through as she shares insights from decades of service. Her story reflects mentorship, mission, and the Xavier tradition of preparing leaders committed to service and justice.

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In this special episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Dr. Clarence A. Becknell, Sr., a distinguished Xavier alumnus of the Classes of 1976, 1981, and 2023. A lifelong educator, military leader, historian, and dedicated servant of the Xavier community, Dr. Becknell’s journey reflects decades of commitment to learning, leadership, and uplifting others.

From his early beginnings at Xavier University Preparatory High School to earning multiple degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Becknell has served as a teacher, principal, education program manager, and national guard officer, ultimately retiring with 40 years of military service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has also held a powerful role in the cultural life of New Orleans, serving as a historian and community leader, most notably through the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, where he is recognized as Historian Emeritus.

Dr. Becknell shares what it means to serve with purpose, lead with integrity, and remain steadfast in deep Xavier values across every chapter of life. His story is one of consistency, faith, discipline, and legacy—an example of what it truly means to be a Xavierite for life.

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On this episode of the Xavier Gold Live podcast, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Xavier alumnus Dr. Michael Young ’94, a dedicated anesthesiologist and healthcare leader whose work reflects excellence, faith, and service. He shares his journey from Xavier student to medical professional, highlighting how the lessons learned on campus continue to guide him in the operating room and beyond. Through his story, Dr. Young offers insight into the discipline, compassion, and purpose that define both his career and his character—reminding us that the Xavier mission lives on through every life he touches. 

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On this episode of the Xavier Gold Live podcast, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with powerhouse Xavier alumna Dr. Lauren A. Day-Page ’09, a clinical pharmacist, public health leader, and proud Xavierite whose work embodies service and compassion. She reflects on her journey from pharmacy student to national award-winning practitioner and community trailblazer; helping charter the Jackson Metro Alumni Chapter and championing initiatives that uplift youth, families, and underserved communities. Through her story, Dr. Day-Page reminds us what it means to live the Xavier mission with purpose, heart, and excellence, proving that true leadership begins with service.

Register for the The Great GiveBack
Visit the Homecoming Website

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On this episode of the Xavier Gold Live podcast, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with powerhouse Xavier alumnus Randall McHenry ‘86, former President of Xavier’s National Alumni Association. In this exciting episode, Randall shares how his unique Xavier experience laid the foundation for his journey as a significant community leader, entrepreneur, and devoted alumnus. He opens up about the lasting impact of Xavier on his life and blending personal advancement with service, always reflecting Xavier’s spirit in his work.

Secure a ticket or sponsorship to the 2025 40 Under Forty Awards Gala

Learn more about homecoming sponsorships

Become an alumni-small business sponsor at Centennial Homecoming

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On this episode, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with powerhouse Xavier alumna Teal Holden ’02, President of Xavier’s National Alumni Association and Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Services, Post-Acute Care, and Community Health. In this dynamic episode, Teal shares how her Xavier experience laid the foundation for her rise as a transformational healthcare leader and committed alumni advocate. She opens up about leading with integrity, the power of alumni unity, and what it means to give back while moving forward—carrying the Xavier mission into every space she enters.

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In this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Dwayne Aikens Jr. ‘04, a proud Xavier alumnus and state award–winning nonprofit leader. As Co-founder and Executive Director of We Lead Ours, Dwayne shares how his time at Xavier University of Louisiana laid the foundation for a life rooted in service, strategy, and social impact. Through community-driven action and visionary leadership, Dwayne continues to empower the next generation while staying grounded in the Xavier values that first inspired his journey.

Find your city or region’s Freshman Send Off here! 

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In this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Dr. Sharlene Sinegal-DeCuir ’99, a proud Xavier alumna and the Professor of History and Department Chair of African American & Diaspora Studies. Dr. Sinegal-DeCuir reflects on her journey from student to educator, sharing how Xavier University of Louisiana nurtured her passion for history and social justice. She discusses what it means to teach with purpose, lead with legacy, and stay grounded in the values that have shaped her as both a scholar and a servant leader. 

Register for the Alumni Leadership Conference here!

Joins us for Xavier on the Vineyard, learn more. 

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In this episode of Xavier Gold Live, host TaShia Hogue, a proud member of the Class of 2024, interviews Reverend Dr. Mitchell J. Stevens ’92, ’24, a double alumnus of Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Stevens shares his journey as a servant leader in both ministry and music, reflecting on how Xavier shaped his sense of purpose and community. He explores the power of mentorship, the value of giving back, and the importance of cultivating strong alumni connections.

This episode also marks a special transition: as TaShia graduates and Ja’lyn Jones moves on to new opportunities, we welcome a new generation of Xavier Gold Live hosts—Jamya Stewart, a Psychology major with a Mass Communication minor from Chicago, IL, and Amaya Sanford, a Mass Communication major from Atlanta, GA. These dynamic student leaders will continue sharing impactful alumni stories and carrying forward the Xavier legacy through meaningful conversations.

Register here for the 2025 XU Alumni Leadership Conference

Learn more about the Institute of Black Catholic Studies

Interested in joining the Veterans Affinity Group? Email Dr. Clarence Becknell at [email protected] 

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