Aaron Green is a local Coe alumnus who graduated in the class of ‘86. Today he helps students of color with improving their collegiate experience. “You shouldn’t be ashamed to have grown up with meager beginnings,” said Green. “It’s not where you start; it’s where you end. What are you doing with what you got?” Mr. Green believes that despite the challenges that lie ahead for those in the minority population, Coe gives its students many opportunities.
“ Coe was hard.” said Green “It pushed me to get tougher. They were considerate of me but didn’t give me a break and that was what I needed’’ As a first generation student, the Coe alum definitely felt the difference in rigor during his undergraduate years. He was near the top of his class in high school but like any adjusting college student he struggled. Since he resonates with the learning gap many students enter college with, he wants to help provide tools for success whenever they are needed.
“He is a great resource” said Andy Cooley “His heart is for Coe students of color. He does whatever to help them reach their full potential”. Cooley is on staff in the Human Resources Department at Coe. She is also a long time friend of Green who has seen his generosity and resourcefulness towards Kohawks when it comes to networking.
“He sets an example of how alumni should be looking out for students of color, especially of one of color” said Coe junior Emani Brinkman “His presence is nice to have on campus. It’s nice to see people in the community participating in student events.” Last year Green gave a presentation at Coe’s Martin Luther King Celebration.
“I got stopped more in Cedar Rapids than I ever have in any place in my life by the police
I never had that happen . I know it’s just because of this [skin color]” As a minority at Coe, Green felt generally welcomed by students and staff. However, the Cedar Rapids community wasn’t always as inviting. He mentioned a friend disappearing, getting pulled over three times in a row by different cops, and being surrounded by police cars due to profiling him as a suspect in a nearby robbery. Although those are some traumatic experiences he now feels safe living in the community. He bought a house his junior year and has lived there ever since.
“ I got professors that I’m in class with, that whether I did great or I didn’t. If I called them on the phone they would recognize my voice.” said Green “You get something from a small private college . I got my masters at UNI and they were fine but they weren’t Coe.” That is why Aaron Green will never stop investing in this institution.
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