Atlanta, Georgia – The political leader of the Alternative National Congress Alexander B. Cummings has been honored with the prestigious Thomas W. Cole Jr. Presidential Award by Clark Atlanta University (CAU). The recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to business, philanthropy, and leadership.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The award, named after Clark Atlanta University’s founding president, is among the institution’s highest honors. Cummings, a proud CAU alumnus and former chair of its board, was the final honoree of the evening—a distinction that underscored the significance of his achievements.
“As an alum and former Chair of the Board of Clark Atlanta University, I am honored to be selected as a recipient of the 2025 Thomas Cole Jr. Legacy Award,” Cummings wrote on his Facebook page.
The Pathways to Excellence Awards were established in 2008 by the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association.
The purpose of the Pathways to Excellence Awards is to recognize outstanding alumni and/or friends of Clark Atlanta University for their individual
achievements, contributions to their industries or professions, service to their community and demonstrated loyalty to Clark Atlanta University
The award was presented at the 16th Annual Spirit of Greatness Gala on Saturday, March 22.
A night of honor and celebration
The ceremony, attended by Cummings’ family, friends, and supporters, was a powerful and emotional moment. His entrance, accompanied by the song Grateful by Deng, set the tone for an evening filled with admiration and respect.
Attendees described the event as a well-deserved recognition of Cummings’ lifelong commitment to excellence. Beyond his political aspirations in Liberia, Cummings has made a global impact through his corporate leadership, philanthropy, and investment in youth empowerment.
A legacy of leadership and service
Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Alexander Cummings is the Founder & Chairman of Cummings Investments Holdings, Ltd., and the Founder of the Cummings Africa Foundation, which focuses on health, education, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment in Liberia.
His professional career spans decades, including leadership roles at Pillsbury Company and The Coca-Cola Company, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer before retiring in 2016 to focus on Liberia’s development.
His humanitarian efforts earned him Liberia’s highest national honor in 2015, and he has remained actively involved in both business and social impact initiatives.
A moment of pride and reflection
Those in attendance at the CAU ceremony expressed immense pride in witnessing Cummings being recognized by an institution that helped shape his career. Many noted that while his contributions to Liberia are often overlooked or politicized, the night was a testament to his lasting impact on education, business, and global leadership.
“For those of us who were there, witnessing him in his element—his space, his roots, his private sector world—was powerful. We’ve always seen the love and support he receives from his political supporters, but this was different. This was the other side: the institution and professional world that shaped him, embracing and uplifting him in return… It was emotional, inspiring, and moving,” a Cummings’ supporter who attended the event said.
Clark Atlanta University’s decision to honor Cummings with the Thomas W. Cole Jr. Presidential Award serves as a powerful acknowledgment of his unwavering commitment to service. It was a moment of celebration not just for Cummings, but for Liberia and all who have been inspired by his work.
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