Photo Credit: Cassim Jewsbury
Known widely on campus as “Juice,” alumni Cassim Jewsbury recounts his experiences at the university before his graduation in May 2023. He began his SUNY Old Westbury journey in 2016 and notes one of his earliest memories was his freshman orientation. There, he was approached by a student who noticed the spelling of his last name. She then declared, “I’m gonna call you Juice,” and the name has superseded him amongst the campus community since then.
Hailing from Far Rockaway, Jewsbury noted that he wasn’t entirely sure about his career path after high school, and considered business management upon his admittance to Old Westbury. Like many others, the ideal of entrepreneurship seemed enticing at first, though he later realized it wasn’t his designated path. He was later introduced to the idea of majoring in media and communications by one of his Iota Phi Theta line brothers.
Originally pondering on the idea of joining a Greek organization in high school, he had always been a fan of the television series, “A Different World.” Upon witnessing the representation of the Black fraternity, he says it “sparked something” in his adolescence. He was encouraged by a brother who saw him as a hopeful prospect and soon after an informational meeting, he quickly realized it was the opportunity for him. Shortly after becoming more acquainted with the fraternity, he soon saw himself as a brother of the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Iota Phi Theta in the fall of 2017.
Juice says that he doesn’t know if he would finish school if it wasn’t for the organization. “Iota gave me a reason to keep going and look forward to something else outside of school,” he adds, “Without a goal, what are you doing? You’re just there.” He feels his involvement kept him grounded, stating, “our first principle is scholarship” and credits his fraternity brothers for encouraging him to complete his degree.
Founded in 1963, the Historically Black fraternity also known as a “Divine 9” is under the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The fraternity is also home to 8 other organizations, known for promoting values of scholarship, service, and brother/sisterhood. He wants Old Westbury to continue the legacy of the “AlwayZ Arrogant” Alpha Zeta Chapter, citing that the brotherhood has presented him with opportunities and connections he couldn’t imagine, embracing the journey with no regrets. He believes that Black fraternities and sororities are not only important for the community, but for the “representation of Black excellence.”
During his Old Westbury career, he highlights the resources and assistance given to him by professors such as Özgür Akgün, Samara Smith, and Andrew Mattson, to name a few. Juice wasn’t present for the completion of the MIC, but he says that he has since gained interest in editing as well as behind the scenes camera work. He also adds that he doesn’t shy away from being in front of the camera.
With tangible knowledge he learned in the department, he hopes to be able to produce more lifestyle or sports related content in the future. He refers to Keith Lee, a TikTok food reviewer and mixed martial artist who has gained a popular following by reviewing and patronizing small businesses. He says that Lee gained more comfortability with public speaking as he published more content, overcoming his social anxiety. Jewsbury hopes to be able to present himself on the right platforms more over time, producing within his own niche.
His plans for the future are constantly evolving, but Jewsbury says that he would be open to accepting a production assistant position. He’s certain that the right pathway will be revealed throughout the next chapters of his life. He still frequents the campus for fraternity events and outreaches. Encapsulating the thoughts of both students and alumni alike, he says, “I just want to be able to work and enjoy what I’m doing, then go home and chill.”
