A Legacy of Leadership and Giving Back with Valerie Wilson Reed

Our Roots Say That We're Sisters

Valerie Wilson Reed, class of 1979, shares her extraordinary journey from a fresh-faced student at Marquette to a trailblazer in alumni engagement and mentorship. As a proud African-American woman, Valerie reflects on her roots, the impact of her upbringing, and her enduring connection to Marquette.

Over 30 years, she has dedicated herself to fostering inclusivity and empowering others, founding the Ethnic Alumni Association (now Black Alumni Association), publishing Black Marquette, and paving the way for future generations. She also shares her passion for cooking, weaving her southern Creole influences into her cookbooks and YouTube channel, Valcooks Kitchen.

Valerie's story is a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of mentorship. Her hope for the future is simple yet profound: for alumni of color to return and support the next generation, ensuring that their contributions create lasting change. Listen to Valerie’s inspiring story today!

Episode Highlights

06:24 - We called it Black Marquette, and inside it were stories. I didn't write anything other than the foreword, etc. But I invited everyone to send in their stories regarding their experience at Marquette. Some people had a great time, others had a difficult time, and some found it very difficult to even write about. But at the end, they were very happy that they did, because it's kind of like a release. And I think it also helped students who were currently going through those issues to realize that you will get past this and come back and change it.

08:06 - Looking at the faces of all the women reminded me that we all came here from somewhere else—unless you're Native American, we all have different stories. One thing that felt strange to me was why it’s on the back of the building instead of the front on Wisconsin Avenue, where everyone could see it and think, “Wow, everybody’s represented here.”

16:44 - The impact that I would like to have, especially for Marquette women of color, is for them to come back and help the young African-American female students that are here. If they don’t come back, everything I’ve been doing for the last 30 years is pretty much lost. If someone has imparted knowledge to you, it’s important to pass it on—that’s what our ancestors would have wanted. That's one of the things that I'm most interested in. Come back and help. We can’t do it alone.

Interview:

What stories are you going to share with us today, Val?

01:25 - I have a lot of them.

So, what would you like to share with us today?

01:5 - Well, I guess the most important thing is I'm a native of Tampa, Florida and I came up to Marquette's site on scene and I did not know that Marquette was going to be not just 4 years, but most of my life.

How do you identify, Val?

01:5 - I identify as a very proud African-American female.

So how’s that informed the choices that you’ve made in your life?

02:02- There’s a lot of things that are reflected when you’re outwardly an African-American female; you really don’t have a choice. Sometimes people expect you to act a certain way. All I know how to be is myself.

Tell us about this path that you’ve taken to get here from a fresh-faced freshman to owner and author.

02:27 - I wanted to go far away for college. My parents said I could go as far as my brother. He ended up going to Notre Dame. And so I got a map and a ruler, and I measured from Tampa to South Bend because I’m kind of the defiant one, and ended up in Milwaukee. I knew they loved Jesuit institutions—my brother had attended Jesuit schools—so I thought, oh, Marquette sounds good. They had a dental program, and at the time, I made them believe I wanted to study dentistry. I mentioned their dental school and everything, so I ended up at Marquette. During my first semester, I met Dr. Shuter and took one of his interpersonal communications classes, and I was sold. That started not just a teacher-student relationship but a lifelong friendship. Years later, he and his wife became close friends with my husband and me, and we stayed connected until his passing a few years ago.

What are some of the ways in which you’ve given back to Marquette?

03:31 - It’s been 30 years—I initially thought 26, but it’s been longer. Father Raynor, a mentor of mine, stayed in contact with me after college. I often talked with him about Marquette, sharing my experiences and observations, including the lack of representation in the literature and newsletters sent to prospective students. One day, he told me, “Val, instead of telling me about it, how about you come back and volunteer and you tell them about it? They'll kinda listen to you just more than they will listen to me.” That led me to Dean Elliott, who encouraged me to join the College of Communications board. Around the same time, my classmate Douglas Kelly approached me about starting a Black Alumni Association, initially called the Ethnic Alumni Association. I became a founding member, served as president, and eventually joined the national board, becoming its first Black female president. I traveled nationwide, meeting alumni of all races and encouraging them to reconnect with campus. During this time, I realized many accomplishments of African-American students hadn’t been recognized in class notes. We called it Black Marquette, and inside it were stories. I didn't write anything other than the foreword, etc. But I invited everyone to send in their stories regarding their experience at Marquette. Some were great, some people had a great time, others had a difficult time, and some found it very difficult to even write about. But at the end, they were very happy that they did, because it's kind of like a release. And I think it also helped students who were currently going through those issues to realize that you will get past this and come back and change it.

The Ethnic Alumni Association, what was the charge there? What were you hoping to accomplish?

07:07- We aimed to engage more African-American alumni to return to the university. At many events, I noticed the lack of people of color and often asked, “Why weren't you at that event?” The response was usually, “Well, you know, I didn't think I was gonna be feel comfortable or feel welcome, etcetera.” My reply was, “You’ll never know unless you come.” Gradually, more alumni started attending. When we launched the alumni association, we organized galas that encouraged more participation. Once they came back, they saw all the differences that had been happening on campus. And some of them decided to come back and volunteer and do other things.

How has that mural resonated for you?

07:56 - I went past it again today. I wanted to take it all in and forgot how big it is on campus. Looking at the faces of all the women reminded me that we all came here from somewhere else—unless you're Native American, we all have different stories. One thing that felt strange to me was why it’s on the back of the building instead of the front on Wisconsin Avenue, where everyone could see it and think, “Wow, everybody’s represented here.” When I mentioned this podcast to someone, they asked, “Mural? What mural?” I told them it’s the one behind, near Schroeder, and they said, “I never saw it.” I’m glad this podcast is helping to promote it because it’s beautiful.

What has been Marquette’s impact on the lives of women of color, do you think or do you feel?

09:08 - I know it has had a great impact on me. I’ve recruited quite a few African-American women to campus. Some had great experiences, while others faced challenges, but they finished and made it through. As a Catholic Jesuit institution, I believe they’re proud to hold degrees from Marquette because it opens doors. People don’t always realize it’s not just about what you go through but how you finish. Having a Marquette University degree means something—not just to employers, but also to alumni when they see each other out in the world.

What other women of color have served as inspiration and models for you?

11:10 - My mother is 95. She always embodied strength to me. She’s always embodied strength to me—the kind of strength that never gives up. She taught me to fight for your children, your rights, and to stand up for what’s right. Both my parents were involved in the civil rights movement, and they believed in staying and fighting rather than leaving. That remarkable strength from my mother, along with my dad, has always been inspiring. As for women, my mother stands out the most. Believe it or not, my deceased mother-in-law was also very wise. I often reflect on things she told me—things even my husband doesn’t know about. My grandmother was equally wise, teaching me lessons I carry with me. So, the three women closest to me and who have influenced me deeply are my mother, my grandmother, and my late mother-in-law.

What have you passed on to your daughter, Francesca?

12:24 - She did go to Marquette. I instilled in her that go-getter spirit. While she was at Marquette, she served as the president—well, general manager—of the television station there and was very involved in the College of Communications. I’ve always taught her to stand up and fight for herself and that there’s nothing she can’t accomplish if she puts her mind to it. That’s just the backbone we have. I’m very proud of her, and she’s doing quite well for herself.

How do you understand and practice wellness?

13:10 - For me, I pretty much take that on my own. While people often say I’m very outgoing, I truly value taking time for myself to reflect on what I want to focus on. Prayer plays a big role for me; even if I’m not at church all the time, I’m a prayerful person, and I believe prayer always helps. I do try to meditate and just believe in taking good care of myself. I focus on eating right, enjoy spa days, and stay grounded in my religion.

Are you Catholic?

13:50 - Yes, I am. Several generations.

Valcooks, why don't you talk a little bit about that?

13:56 - Valcooks is an entertainment cooking platform I started years ago. A former Marquette classmate once said, "Oh, Val, you're always cooking—Valcooks," and I decided to embrace that as my moniker. Over the years, I’ve built on it, starting with hostess aprons that even made it to the Home Shopping Network. Later, I began creating cookbooks and just released my second one. I worked on it during COVID, at the same time I was writing The Black Marquette book, so I stayed very busy during that time. It has a Southern flair with a Creole spin, inspired by recipes I’ve collected from my travels around the world. I love all kinds of food and decided to put a collection together. To make the cookbook more interactive, I added a QR code—an idea I discussed with Dr. Shuter during our last conversation before he passed. He said, “Val, that’s a great idea. You’ve got to do it.” So I did, and now the cookbook works hand in hand with my YouTube channel, Valcook’s Kitchen.

What about some of the lessons that you’ve learned from women of color about self-care, wellness, and healing?

15:52 - I’ve had many strong Black women in my past, including my grandmother and other ancestors. I like to think I still draw strength from them, even those who are no longer here. I feel supported by their presence, as if they’re always with me. My mother is still here, and I’m able to draw on her wisdom while I have her. I always feel surrounded by the spirit of my ancestors. Even when I cook, I think of them. I ask myself, “Is that enough? Is that too much? How would you like this? You would love this meal.” When I'm cooking, I'm always thinking of them.

What impact do you hope to have on women of color?

16:42 - The impact I hope to have, especially for Marquette women of color, is to encourage them to come back and support the young African-American female students currently on campus. If they don’t come back, everything I’ve worked on for the past 30 years will be lost. When someone imparts knowledge to you, it’s important to pass it on—that’s what our ancestors would have wanted. This is something I feel strongly about: come back and help. We can’t do it alone. I’ve done my 30 years, and it’s time for the younger generation to step in. Some have come back, but it’s not enough. Regardless of whether your experience at Marquette was good or bad, come back and and help change it.

What are your hopes for the future?

17:41 - For my future, I plan to spend time with my grandson, Anthony, watching him grow into a wonderful young man—hopefully, one day attending Marquette when it’s time for college. As for me, I’m ready to step back and hand over the reins to others. It’s time for new people, new ideas, and fresh energy to come in and support African American students or just students in general. When you impact someone, it's going to affect everyone. If people come back and make a difference in the lives of those they want to impact, it can change the entire system at Marquette.

Is there a particular hope you have for Marquette's future?

18:26 - I think Marquette's future is bright. We have people at Marquette doing great things. Losing President Lovell was hard, but Dr. Ayun, the acting president, is doing a great job. The students love him, which is key since they’ll eventually become alumni. I hope to see increased enrollment of students of color from all backgrounds, just like the diversity represented in the mural. It’s important for students to see themselves reflected here. One story from the book really struck me—someone shared they went through four years at Marquette without making a single white friend. I was so puzzled that I started asking others, and some said the same. That points to an issue at Marquette. There needs to be more effort to ensure students meet and learn about each other. It has to go beyond programs or specific floors. When you leave Marquette, you’ll work with people from all walks of life, and you need to know how to communicate with everyone, whether you're black or white. That hit me kind of hard.

What would you like our community to know about you and your journey?

20:09 - It has been a wonderful journey—my whole life has been a wonderful journey. I was blessed with parents who instilled strong values in me, teaching me to stand up for myself and others. As I move into this new chapter, I realize Marquette has been my anchor for so much of my life. People even assumed I worked there! I’d tell them, “No, I don’t get paid.” Still, this journey has been one of the best I could have ever asked for. Over the past 30 years, I’ve met incredible people from all walks of life. I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything—not even a job. Marquette has been my nonpaying job. I believe I’ve influenced others' lives, and it has impacted mine in a positive way. I would love for others to be able to share in that experience.

Contact Information:

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)