Name: Dano Norceide
Job Title: Physical Therapist/Assistant Athletic Trainer
How long have you been with the Cardinals? Three seasons
Did you attend an HBCU? Yes
Can you share the name of the HBCU you attended and its founding date? The Lincoln University, PA
What motivated your decision to choose your particular HBCU? I wanted to have an authentic HBCU experience to balance out my experience from my college preparatory all-boys catholic high school.
In 2024, how do you perceive the significance of HBCUs, not only for the black community but also on a global scale? HBCUs serve a vital function because they continue to benefit the black community by providing them an outlet to gain education and personal develop without the sense of being a minority for a crucial 4 years in their lives. HBCUs then create powerful confident leaders that help change the trajectory of our society.
Reflecting on your time at your HBCU, what would you say is the most impactful lesson you learned? The strength of family and support. During my time at Lincoln University, I met variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds, one common theme I noticed was that they had some sort of support and family depending on them and driving them to excellence. Through that common theme while at an HBCU we all can relate, and it allows us to then support each other during our time at the university and beyond.
If you could go back to your first day at your alma mater, what advice would you give to your younger self? Film every second and savor the moment, because this is the best time of your life, kid.
What piece of advice would you offer to individuals considering attending an HBCU? Go for it and participate in everything you possibly can. For example, Greek life, student-athlete, student government etc. HBCU's most valuable aspect is the experience and student body the more engage the more you will get out of it. Embrace the struggle within the four years it will prepare you best for the real professional realm.
How did your experience at your HBCU play a role in your journey to get you where you are today? HBCU experience fueled my ability persevere and gave me a different level of pride. Throughout my journey and now, I consider myself as a representation for my HBCU and all HBCU graduates.
How do you feel the Cardinals continue to share those same values/experiences? The Cardinals have hired a good amount of HBCU graduates in different departments. It allows quick an easy rapport amongst coworkers as well as better teamwork. OUR DREAM IS DIVINE, AND WE ARE ALL HUNGRY FOR IT!
Are you a part of the Divine 9? Yes
Can you share the name of the organization you are in? Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc
In what year did you cross? Fall 2013
What inspired your decision to join your specific organization within the Divine 9? I wanted to leave a legacy at my university. THE NUPES best represented what I stand for! "ACHIEVEMENT." My older frat brothers were great examples of what I wanted to strive for.
In what ways has being a part of this organization positively impacted your life? Networking, lifetime bonds, and prepared me for leadership roles.
Could you share insights about your organization's mission and what you'd like others to know? This fraternity strives to unite college men of culture, patriotism, and honor in a bond of fraternity; to encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor; to promote the spiritual, social, intellectual, and moral welfare of its members; to assist the aims of colleges and universities; and to inspire.
How would you describe the experience of being part of an organization with a legacy of over a century of black excellence? It keeps you rooted. Gives you a positive chip on your shoulder. Your brothers or sisters have been through what you been through, and you can lean on them for advice/mentorship, or you can pioneer and blaze a trail just like founders did so that the many to come after you will have something to look back on.
What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in becoming members of the Divine 9? Do your research, ask questions and reach out to older members as well as recent members to get the best perspective.
