DePaul University Athletics
Behind the Bricks - Linda Coleman Cleveland
10/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | D CLUB
Oct. 15, 2010
Behind the Bricks
Our new weekly feature "Behind the Bricks" allows DePaul letterwinners a chance to tell the DePaul community a little bit about themselves, a brief reflection on their time as a Blue Demon student-athlete and where they have gone since stepping off the court, field or diamond.
This feature was renamed "Beyond the Bricks" to coincide with the dedication of the John and Dale Melbourne Herklotz Letterwinners Plaza and Champions Courtyard. With the plaza filled with 3,800 bricks representing DePaul's student-athletes since 1926, each brick has a story. "Beyond the Bricks" will allow letterwinners to tell their "DePaul Story".
Name: Linda Coleman Cleveland
Sport(s): Cheerleading, 1979-1982
1. What does being a DePaul Letterwinner mean to you?
I'm very proud to be a DePaul Letterwinner. Not only did I receive a top-notch college education, but also I was very fortunate to be a Blue Demons cheerleader when our basketball team was ranked #1 in the country.
2. Why did you choose DePaul?
I chose DePaul because it offered challenging studies in the school of commerce, the opportunity to study and work in downtown Chicago, and independence while also being close to home.
3. What was your favorite memory while at DePaul?
All of my favorite memories are when I cheered for our basketball team. I fondly remember my parents attending every single home game and being very supportive and proud of me. I also enjoyed the experience of traveling around the country with the team. During one nationally televised game, the cameras focused on me and I said "Hi Mom". All of my mom's friends saw it and called her; of course my dad asked, "What about me!"
4. What was your funniest memory at DePaul?
My funniest memory at DePaul was doing cheerleading stunts with the Blue Demon mascot. In fact, I think he dropped me once or twice!
5. Brief Summary of your life from graduation till now:
After DePaul, I went on to receive my MBA and work in the HR field. I've worked for several large companies including Baxter International, A. C. Nielsen Company, and UBS Investment Bank. At UBS, I was a senior HR executive with global responsibility. On the personal side, I am married with 3 children, ages 6 and 3 (twins). Currently, I own an HR consulting firm and work mostly with companies in financial services and technology.
6. What advice would you give to a current or future student-athlete?
The only advice they need is to always strive to do your best work as a student and athlete and remember you are representing DePaul in everything you do.
Favorites:
Travel destination: Paris, Maui
Books: Self-help books, cook books
Movie: Bridget Jones' Diary
Sports movie: Love and Basketball
Quote: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" Bible - Matthew 7:12
"Previous "Behind the Bricks." Features: