Terry Lipford on Roots, Responsibility, and REACH

In Episode 22 of Season Two of The Late Start Show, we sit down with Mr. Terry Lipford ’98, University School alum, middle school teacher, basketball coach, and Director of the REACH Program. Growing up on Cleveland’s east side in a family of educators, Mr. Lipford reflects on the early influences that shaped his values, community, discipline, and pride in identity. He shares what it was like arriving at US in seventh grade, finding his footing through football and basketball, and forming lasting connections through teams, mentors, and the school’s Black student community. From high-stakes basketball moments to the teachers and coaches who pushed him to grow, he explains why US became a place that helped him see both who he was and who he could become.

From there, Mr. Lipford walks us through his path after graduation: choosing John Carroll University, studying business, spending time in the corporate world, and ultimately realizing his calling was in education. We dive deep into the REACH Program, its origins, mission, and impact as a three-summer academic and identity-affirming experience for African American middle school boys, and what sets it apart from traditional enrichment or admissions pipelines. Mr. Lipford breaks down how REACH measures success, why brotherhood and belonging matter as much as grades, and what it means to see alumni return as mentors and leaders. He closes by reflecting on legacy, service, and his “why”: family, responsibility, and giving back to the community that helped shape him.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.