Meet Timeica E. Bethel, Director of the Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale ("The House") and Assistant Dean of Yale College. In this Black History Month Alumni Identity Spotlight, Bethel shares how her time with The House has come full circle.
This feature is part of a series focused on amplifying the voices of alumni who are making an impact today and illuminating how the identities we bring to Yale transform both our community and the world.
My most enduring memory of my time at Yale was watching the 2008 presidential election results live with hundreds of other students at The House. It was such a historic and emotional moment, and I'll never forget the tears of joy and cheers that erupted the moment the election was called in favor of former President Barack Obama.
My identities as a Black woman and FGLI student had a significant impact on my Yale experience. I spent most of my Yale days at The House, leading organizations like the Black Student Alliance at Yale and Black Church at Yale. The House is where I felt affirmed and found my voice.
My hope is that the Yale alumni community becomes more cohesive and inclusive in the years to come, and that more young alumni are encouraged to be leaders in the space. The cultural centers love to have alumni engaged with current students. If you want to mentor a student or if you want to help do mock interviews for students as they prepare for job and fellowship opportunities, there are so many ways to engage. If you want to be involved as an alum, find the pathways to do that. We're happy to engage with you and really continue to make Yale feel like your home even after you graduate.
My advice to current and future Yalies is to study and engage in things that you're passionate about, and don't be afraid when those passions take you away from the paths people tell you Yalies are “supposed to” pursue. You experiences SHOULD impact your goals.
Timeica E. Bethel-Macaire, also known as Dean Bethel, is Director of the Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale and Assistant Dean of Yale College. A first-generation, low-income student from Chicago, she earned a degree in Sociology from Yale in 2011. She has been an educator since joining Teach For America in 2011. After serving as an elementary school teacher, trainer and coach of teachers, and education nonprofit leader, Timeica returned to Yale in August of 2022 to lead The House.
Timeica lives by her high school’s slogan, “everything to help; nothing to hinder.” She is passionate about educational equity and providing people with the opportunities and resources necessary to be successful. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
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