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EDITORIAL CREDITS
6 Hampton During COVID “As we work to get through these tough times together, everyone in the country has been affected by this crisis.”
President Dr. William R. Harvey 2018-2020 NHAA, INC. Board President Ms. Gena Pemberton (‘98) First Vice President Atty. Lani Shaw (‘02) Vice President Eastern Regions Atty. Yvonne Saxon (‘85) Vice President Western Regions Atty. Velda Faulkner (‘84) Recording Secretary Mrs. Carol Bell Drew (‘07) Corresponding Secretary Ms. Victoria Cotter (‘10) Treasurer Mr. Chris Norwood (‘95) Immediate Past President Mrs. Dorothy M. Lee-Murray (‘80) Chaplain Ms. Stephanie Grigg (‘09) Editors Ms. Brint Martin (’99), Director of Alumni Affairs Mrs. Lapraya Patterson (‘10), Annual Fund Manager Contributing Editors Dr. Joyce M. Jarrett, University Editor Matthew A. White (’10), Senior Multimedia Specialist Jessica Zimmerman, Manager of Multimedia Relations Art Direction and Design Jay’s Creations Contributors Craig Stanley (’11) Stephanie Walters (‘08) Rochelle Burnley (’10) Terrence Hamm (’12)
28 Legacy Park Campus Addition “Thirteen exquisitely sculpted figures, from all walks of life have brought new life to the scenic waterfront of the historic campus of Hampton University.”
10 A lumni Giving Reaches New
Heights in 2020 & Donor Honors “The generosity of our Alumni towards their alma mater, and the great affection and loyalty they show, is always the defining mark of the true impact of an institution.”
38 Because of You, ROME We Can! “The students are talented, smart, and they deserve the support that this fundraising campaign will deliver.”
52 Hampton’s own, DJ Envy, Joins Radio Royalty
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“I used my marketing tools and everything I learned from Hampton to put towards life, and it seems to have worked out pretty well.”
THE PRESIDENT
Hampton University President, William R. Harvey
Greetings,
Hampton University is pleased to share with you the new alumni publication, The Standard. In this inaugural
issue and those that follow, the Office of Alumni Affairs will share important information concerning your alma mater and feature stories about the outstanding accomplishments of your fellow alumni. These stories will reinvigorate your pride in Hampton and the wonderful education and opportunities it provides.
Life as we once knew it has changed drastically. As the world navigates these unprecedented times brought
on by the unexpected onset of the virus and social unrest, this magazine is a reminder of the many good things happening around us and in the lives of those who are dear to us. As you review this magazine, it is my hope that you will continue to feel connected to your ‘Home by the Sea’ and commit to supporting the good work being done to educate the next generation of Hamptonians.
With all good wishes,
William R. Harvey President and CEO, Hampton University
COVID-19 UPDATES | THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE | RESEARCH AND GRANTS | FACULTY & STAFF | STUDENTS | ATHLETICS | ART & HISTORY | CAMPUS EDITIONS
news University
A message from
COVID-19 UPDATES
Hampton University Celebrates the Class of 2020 Virtually
Out of an abundance of concern for the health and safety of Hampton University students and their family members, faculty, staff and friends, Commencement exercises for the Class of 2020 were postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. On May 19, 2020, the University released a statement acknowledging the class and several of its standout members, including the class valedictorian and salutatorian, and other special awardees. The statement also included a letter from Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey to graduating seniors wishing them continued success and a life filled with joy. The valedictorian and salutatorian for the graduating class of 2020 were announced as Filip Stevanovic and Arayana Harris, respectively. Stevanovic, originally from Rovinj Croatia, was a psychology major with a marketing minor and graduated with a 4.0542 GPA. He was a fouryear letter winner on the sailing team and was a key contributor in two Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association Co-Ed National Championship qualifying teams. In the spring of 2020, he was also inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a nonprofit organization that recognizes college studentathletes who excel both on and off the field of competition.
Hampton University Launches the Hampton Cares Student Emergency Fund
Arayana Harris, originally from Richmond, Va., was a psychology major and graduated with a 4.0511 GPA. She aspires to be a school psychologist and is continuing her education at James Madison University, enrolling in their M.A./Ed.S. School Psychology program.
In April 2020, Hampton University announced the creation of the Hampton Cares Student Emergency Fund, which is designed to relieve barriers for students to continue their attendance at Hampton University. Because many Hampton University students faced severe financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, there was a critical need for emergency aid. “As we work to get through these tough times together, everyone in the country has been affected by this crisis. By setting up this emergency fund, we want to ensure our students are able to get the financial support they need, so their only concern will be excelling in the classroom,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Gifts to the fund assist students with expenses such as transportation, technology for remote learning and basic care needs. Hampton University needs help from the community, alumni and the public to contribute to the Hampton Cares Student Emergency Fund. “We are so pleased to launch this fund to help our students. We know that our students are hurting, along with so many others. And we are launching this fund now as we want to do all that we can to help them,” said Hampton University Vice President for Development, Evelyn Graham. “We are calling on our friends of Hampton, our alum, our corporate and foundation partners to give. The benefit will go so far.” In addition to the Hampton Cares Student Emergency Fund, Hampton also has launched two new Hampton Cares scholarship funds. The first is the Hampton Cares Endowed Scholarship Fund, a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding. Once the funding reaches $25,000, the fund can permanently provide funding for the scholarship. In addition, Hampton University has developed the Hampton Cares Current Use Scholarship Fund, which is intended for students to receive funds near immediately. Criteria for both funds include only currently enrolled undergraduate students are eligible; students who apply must have a financial hardship resulting from the 2020 pandemic or another natural/ man-made disaster occurring since 2020; and each student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Other special honors included the 2020 President’s Cup Awardees – James Griffin, Morgan Martin, LeShai McCullough, Rachel Sutton and Briana Wills. Additionally, Ms. Ashanti Sallee received the W. Adrian Freeman Award – an honor administered since the 1962-63 academic year that is designated for a graduating senior who has applied for advanced study at an accredited graduate school, with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. In a letter to the class of 2020, President Harvey said, “As you depart Hampton University, I challenge you, each in your own way, to allow your academic experiences at Hampton to serve as the foundation upon which you build productive careers. Allow your social interactions with faculty, staff, administrators, and your fellow students to guide you as you interact with individuals in the workplace and in society, and allow the University’s commitment to you to be a model for your commitment back to yourself, your family, your community, and your alma mater.” In addition to the Hampton’s virtual acknowledgement of the Class of 2020, the University also participated in several nationwide commencement celebrations, including the National HBCU Commencement Celebration, ESPN’s Undefeated HBCU DAY, and “Virginia Graduates Together” presented by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam. In the National HBCU Commencement Celebration, Hampton University joined a coalition of HBCU leaders, advocacy organizations and corporate partners that have come together to host the event. Streaming live May 16 on various social media sites, the celebration featured a video message from Dr. Harvey and other HBCU Presidents, celebrity hosts, motivational speakers, musical performances, and the profiles of HBCU valedictorians and other graduates. Special guests included President Barack Obama, Kevin Hart, Thasundra Brown Duckett, Wyclef Jean, Mellody Hobson and Omari Hardwick, among others. In addition to highlighting this year’s graduates and their institutions, the event raised funds for participating HBCUs and their students. On May 23, 2020, as part of ESPN’s Undefeated HBCU DAY which celebrated the Class of 2020 graduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hampton was featured prominently throughout the event. In addition to Hampton alumna Kay C. James’ congratulatory message, fellow HU alumna and CIAA Commissioner
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Filip Stevanovic
Arayana Harris
Jacqui Williams served as a panelist for the HBCU Day: Together We Go Further discussion. Jonathan Mack, a 2020 HU graduate and the 74th HU Student Government Association President was one of 20 valedictorians or ambassadors that shared an inspirational and encouraging message to their fellow graduates. Whitney Bronson and Randall Williams, Hampton 2020 graduates and members of the Rhoden Fellowship Class of 2020, penned graduation-themed essays. The Hampton University Class of 2020 was also recognized in a statewide virtual celebration May 29, as part of the “Virginia Graduates Together” event honoring the remarkable achievements of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s graduates. The live-streamed event featured a special address from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam, along with special guests and recognition of the accomplishments of the graduates. The program also included videos from Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey and HU Student Government Association President, Jonathan Mack. Hampton University will honor the 2020 class achievements during a virtual commencement ceremony on May 9, 2021.
Hampton University Partners with Community Groups to Provide Free COVID-19 Testing, Food and More during Juneteenth Health Event Hampton University, along with Sentara Healthcare, the Virginia Department of Health, the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc., Hampton Branch NAACP and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank held a successful Juneteenth COVID-19 coronavirus Community Testing event on Friday, June 19. The event, titled “Your Health is Your Wealth,” took place in June at the historic Emancipation Oak and honored Juneteenth, the day that marked the official end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865. “We started setting up at 8:00 and by 8:30, we already had over 40 cars that were congregating on the street to take advantage of the free COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, Associate Professor for the Hampton University School of Nursing, Director of the Center for Gerontology Excellence, and co-chair for Hampton’s COVID-19 Task Force. “Juneteenth is an important day for African Americans and certainly the faculty, staff and students of Hampton University. We are teaching our students that health inequity is another form of slavery and racism. We stand as an institution for our students and we arm our community with education and information from the testing results. The community trusts Hampton University and this increases their likelihood to come out for testing.” Sentara Healthcare donated the testing kits and staffing for the event, and will inform clients of their results. They also distributed information from the CDC on signs, symptoms and prevention measures about COVID-19.
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In an effort to provide financial relief to individual students who have needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, in May 2020, Dr. and Mrs. William R. Harvey made a donation of $100,000 to their “Home by the Sea.” Hampton‘s first couple is no stranger to giving and giving back to the university they have led for 42 years. This latest gift matches the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s gift of $100,000 to the University in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hampton University will use the $200,000 to provide each on-campus student $100 to assist with travel costs to retrieve their belongings or return to school in the fall. “The financial impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on our Hampton students causes me great concern. Mrs. Harvey and I wanted to personally be of help to the students during this unprecedented situation. It is truly important for us to be supportive during the greatest health and economic crisis in our lifetime,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
Dr. Harvey has introduced innovations which have solidified Hampton University’s stellar position among the nation’s colleges and universities. Ninety-two new academic programs, an endowment that has increased 866%, satellites on active missions in space and the largest freestanding proton therapy cancer treatment center in the world speaks to his desire to leave the world better than he found it.
This offering truly displays Dr. and Mrs. Harvey’s heartfelt commitment to giving back to the university community they serve. There is no question that in the four decades of service, the Harvey’s have upheld Dr. Harvey has THE Standard of Excellence that is Hampton introduced innovations, University. The Harvey’s are more than which have solidified President and First Lady of Hampton University, they are truly admired for being the heart and Hampton University’s soul of this prestigious institution. Half of those stellar position among the funds are to support students and the funds will be allocated according to the federal nation’s colleges and guidelines. Hampton also received $4.2 million universities from the CARES Act. As a visionary, Dr. Harvey has embraced HU founder General Samuel Chapman Armstrong’s mission to have every aspect at Hampton University excel. And excel it has under Dr. Harvey’s leadership. The William R. Harvey years, 42 and counting, will grace the record books as an unparalleled accounting of mega success, not just for the HU students, faculty and staff whose lives give testimony to the results of his labor, but for the global community of stakeholders who will continually reap the benefits of his astute leadership for generations to come.
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The Brewton, Alabama native is a servant leader who faces each day determined to enrich the lives of others. His blessed path led him from a small town to the coveted classrooms of Harvard University. With his Ivy League degree in hand, Dr. Harvey could have taken any one of so many prestigious university offers. However, he, the true educator, chose to lead at an HBCU where he could make a real difference in the academic worlds of young people who yearned for better lives. Dr. Harvey, the businessman, put his acumen to work placing Hampton on the fast track for growth and development as a world-class university.
Dr. and Mrs. Harvey continue to support Hampton University’s institutional vision and mission by ensuring high quality faculty and staff continue to thrive, to build character, and to help prepare promising students for successful futures. Hampton University truly thanks Dr. and Mrs. Harvey for their kindness, their faithful support and their selfless generosity.
e t a n o D y e v r a H . R m a i l l i W . s r M d 0 0 n 0 , a 0 . $10 Dr for Hampton
Pandemic. g n ri u d ts n e d University Stu 11
The Standard of Excellence
HU Recognized in Prestigious College Ranking Lists, Becomes Preferred Online Education Partner with AT&T Hampton University continues to be recognized by wellrespected publications across the world including U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, MONEY Magazine and many others.
Schools as having one of the best affordable online bachelor’s in religious studies degree programs in their recent ranking. The ranking considered average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation rate.
In the newest Princeton Review annual list of the country’s best colleges, Hampton University has once again been named a “Best College” in the 2021 Edition. The Princeton Review also named Hampton as a Best Southeastern college, and considered academically outstanding. The Princeton Review has been a trusted resource for parents and students in choosing the best college for over 25 years. The Best 384 Colleges rankings are based on ratings from real students.
Intelligent.com awarded Hampton University as top ranking status for multiple degree programs. Hampton University was recognized for the Human Resources Certification Program, Counseling Degree Programs, Criminal Justice Degree Programs, Doctorate Degree Programs and Most Affordable Online Colleges. The student-focused comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,604 accredited colleges and universities. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2021 Best Colleges report and Hampton University was ranked as a top school in several categories. As a historically black college and university, the publication ranked Hampton University in the top five. Hampton University was also ranked as one of the Best National Universities, one of the best undergraduate computer science programs, best engineering programs, and a Top Performer in Social Mobility. U.S. News & World Report provides nearly 50 different types of numerical rankings and lists to help students narrow their college search. Hampton University was once again named one of the “Best Colleges” by MONEY Magazine – a longtime trusted leader in financial preparedness. MONEY Magazine spends months evaluating data on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes to come up with the Best Colleges rankings. Hampton University has been identified by Affordable
Hampton University has been identified as having one of the top online doctorate in elementary education degree programs by College Values Online. The ranking considered accreditation, cost of attendance, rankings, and raw affordability. College Values Online’s mission is to provide assistance in selecting the best college for each individual situation by offering rankings of schools and various degree programs, in addition to information on numerous career options from a value perspective. Psych Degrees ranked Hampton University as #2 most Affordable Master’s in Counseling in their latest ranking. Psych Degrees understands that the projected job growth for psychologists between 2014 and 2024 is 19%, much faster than the average for all occupations. Graduating from Hampton’s degree program can position students for a
At Hampton, students receive an ‘Education for Life. Be a part of rich history while shaping the future...
H A M P T O N U N I V E R S I T Y Experience TRADITION. Expect SUCCESS! number of financially rewarding career paths. Psych Degrees strives to provide clear, credible guidance to help students find the best college for them. Additionally, AT&T Inc., a diversified, global leader in telecommunications, media and entertainment, and technology, has partnered with Hampton University’s Hampton U Online in the provision of online learning for its more than 250,000 employees. The key program, which secured this new relationship, is Hampton’s Master of Science in Information Assurance (Cyber Security) Program. The Master of Science in Information Assurance (Cyber Security) focuses on providing a broad interdisciplinary information assurance education that prepares graduates to successfully defend, protect, design, implement and maintain secure information and information systems. Further, due to its excellence in this area, Hampton University’s Department of Computer Science is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) through 2021.
Research and Grants
Hampton University Awarded $1,554,390 to Prepare Students for Biomedical Research Careers
Hampton University’s Cancer Research Center Receives $446,000 Grant for Breast Cancer Research The Hampton University Cancer Research Center (HUCRC) has received a $446,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health. The new grant focuses on improving the characterization of the genetic changes that could potentially be causing breast cancer in African-American women. “Cancer research and prevention is so incredibly important, especially for African Americans, who have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial and ethnic group in the United States for most cancers. Congratulations to Dr. Luisel Ricks-Santi and Dr. John McDonald for securing this important grant. Their efforts do not go unnoticed,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Dr. Ricks-Santi, a Hampton University alumna and cancer geneticist, was formally trained at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. After her PhD, Dr. RicksSanti was recruited into the Howard University-Johns Hopkins University Cancer Centers Program where she did research on cancer genomics, cancer genetic epidemiology, public health genomics, and in the clinicaltranslational sciences. While at Howard, Dr. Ricks-Santi received a grant to engage women in research regarding breast cancer and
family health history. After she came back to Hampton University to work professionally, Dr. Ricks-Santi was able to bring her research to the HUCRC and continue her work. From there, Dr. RicksSanti and Dr. John McDonald, assistant professor of physics, wrote this new grant and received the funds to continue the retrospective study. They will recruit women from the Hampton Roads area for a new prospective cohort to look at regional differences and the mutational spectrum by region. This study looks at family health history of women with breast cancer. If a woman has a family health history of breast cancer or any type of cancer, a doctor may recommend or prescribe a genetic test. The most common test for breast cancer is BRCA 1 and 2. There are also panel tests, which include BRCA 1 and 2, and up to 80 genes. “We’ve found additional genes that have been associated with breast cancer. However, because those tests are informed by people who don’t look like us, they will generally benefit those who don’t look like us,” said Ricks-Santi, who serves as director of the HUCRC. “So what happens with African Americans, is a lot of times, the tests come back inconclusive. What the grant aims to do is to improve the characterization of those inconclusive results.”
The HUCRC’s case includes DNA from 300 breast cancer cases, some of which have family history and some that don’t have family history of cancer. There are also 300 control cases. “What we’re doing is looking for genetic mutations that we only find in those with the family history and those that don’t have family history, and hopefully there won’t be an overlap with those in the population. That gives us a better indication of what the genetic variants might mean,” said Ricks-Santi. The second part of the grant will be to take those genetic mutations, which the researchers believe are causing the disease, and use in vitro models, or cells in petri dishes, to mutate them to reflect that genetic change and observe what happens to the characteristic or behavior of the cell. Dr. John McDonald will conduct the in vitro studies. Conclusions from the study could help doctors make a more informed decision as far as treatment goes for these women. “It means the difference between getting a lumpectomy and radiation versus getting a total mastectomy, so the treatment recommendations are different for someone who doesn’t have a family history to someone who does have family history,” Ricks-Santi stated.
Hampton University has been awarded a five-year $1,554,390 grant from the National Institutes of Health – National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH-NIGMS). This funding comes from the Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE), which requires recipients to train and develop a diverse pool of undergraduate students in biomedical research to transition to research-focused higher degree programs. “Hampton University continues to evolve, to make new strides in research, and to be at the forefront of innovation. Thank you to the NIH for continuing to invest in the success of our students. We know that the Hamptonians who complete this program will go on to be leaders in the biomedical field, and will truly change the world,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Through this funding opportunity, NIGMS expects that the proposed research training programs will incorporate didactic, research, mentoring, and career development elements to prepare trainees for the completion of research-focused higher degree programs in biomedical fields. Drs. Michelle Penn-Marshall, Luisel Ricks-Santi, and Oluwatoyin Ajibola Asojo all serve as Principal Investigators for the grant. To make things run smoothly, the PI’s split up the responsibilities of the grant. Dr. Ricks-Santi communicates with NIH and is in charge of the students, Dr. Asojo communicates with the faculty and mentors, and Dr. Penn-Marshall facilitates with administration. Dr. Cecile Androas-Selim, retired Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, received a grant award from NIH to fund the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program in 2014. That grant was a five-year $1.5 million award, which was a program that addresses the need to reduce the disparity in the number of people from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical research careers. Because the funding ended in 2019, the PI’s needed to reapply for the grant. “We originally had a MARC grant and about two years ago, because there was so much overlap between MARC and URISE, NIH decided to streamline the program. When we went back to apply again for the grant, we had to apply for the URISE. It took about a year from when we finished writing it, for it to be awarded to us,” said Dr. Ricks-Santi, Director of the Hampton University Cancer Research Center. There are two parts of the URISE program that Hampton University students can be eligible for depending on student classification, GPA and other factors. The Pre-URISE program prepares students for the URISE scholarship program. URISE students receive tuition scholarship, monthly stipend, travel to scientific conferences, mentor and research opportunities, career development and much more. The MARC program was designated for only biology, biochemistry and chemical engineering majors, but the new URISE program includes additional majors because biomedical research has become interdisciplinary and it takes an interdisciplinary team to solve biomedical problems. “Biomedical research is a very dynamic and all-encompassing field. You can be a behavioral scientist and study the social aspects of why people get cancer. You can be a physicist and study how cancer moves in the body. You can be a chemist and study drugs. We wanted to increase the interdisciplinary nature of the URISE program and in the future, we hope to include even more majors,” said Dr. Ricks-Santi.
Research and Grants
Department of Defense Awards $4 Million Grant for Hampton University STEM Students
Dr. Zhao Sun Part of Team to Receive $8 Million from NASA to Advance Aviation Technology
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ampton University assistant professor for the School of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Zhao (Joy) Sun, is part of a team of faculty and students, which has been awarded $8 million from NASA. The team will seek to develop tools involving machine learning in autonomous systems for unmanned aircrafts, over the next four years. The award is part of the University Leadership Initiative (ULI), a collaborative effort between NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) and the U.S. university community, where universities take the lead, build their own teams, and set their own research paths. “Congratulations to our own Dr. Zhao Sun for this amazing appointment,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “Dr. Sun is a great example of the excellent faculty we have here at Hampton University. She is sure to be a great role model to the students working on this project and will represent our illustrious University, while supporting NASA’s aeronautics research goals.” There are five teams that were chosen for the ULI, with a total of $32.8 million that will go towards each team’s goals. “Each of these teams is working on important problems that definitely will help break down barriers in ways that will benefit the U.S. aviation industry,” said John Cavolowsky, director of NASA’s Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program in Washington, D.C. Dr. Sun is part of the Stanford University team, which also has representatives from MIT, UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech. During the collaboration, Dr. Sun will spend four 8-week summer sessions at Stanford University. Their team is seeking to develop tools that ensure machine learning in autonomous systems used by
unmanned Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft work as expected in real-time, as well as to employ fault detection and recovery methods if they do not, particularly in situations involving taxiing, landing and collision avoidance. Dr. Sun will serve as co-lead for the adaptation and robust performance part of the project as well as helping with other aspects. “I really appreciate all the support and help from our Department, School and University,” Dr. Sun said. “I am very excited about the upcoming opportunity to work with the experts in air transportation, robotics, and decision making under uncertainty and probabilistic modeling with Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley, and Georgia Tech. The tight interdisciplinary collaboration definitely will leverage and extend our research in unmanned systems, which will allow for Hampton University to aim to lead the USRTC at Hampton Roads.” Dr. Sun earned a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in 2006 from North Carolina A&T State University, where she was involved in the development of a series of robust and adaptive control algorithms for a group of unmanned aerial/ground vehicles. She worked as a research scientist at the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), working on intelligent methods of path planning and formation control of unmanned aerie vehicles, and adaptive fault tolerant control strategies. She has also successfully developed reinforcement learning methods for power minimization and adaptive control of portable video devices to maximize their operational lifetime. Dr. Sun also has a Master of Science in Control Science and Engineering from Southeast University in Nanjing, China and a Bachelor of Science in system engineering from Nanjing University of Science and Technology in Nanjing, China.
Dr. Sun is a great example of the excellent faculty we have here at Hampton University. She is sure to be a great role model to the students working on this project and will represent our illustrious University, while supporting NASA’s aeronautics research goals.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded the Hampton University School of Science with a $4 million grant, specifically aimed to enhance research capabilities and strengthen educational programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Stem Scholars Program (SSP) has already chosen the cohort, 17 Hampton University students who are also Merit Scholars, and began this past summer when they took English 102 Honors and other courses. The program supplements the Merit Scholarships and ensures the full cost of tuition and fees, and room and board are fully paid for four years. Students in the program can be in any of the following majors: biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, chemical engineering or computer engineering. “The SSP program is a unique program that benefits the students and the university. This program provides students with full scholarships and the university gains more students in the trajectory towards STEM careers. So far, it has been a privilege to work with such eager and intellectually, budding
scientists as we explore the academic, research and STEM education aspects of this program,” said Dr. Isi Ero-Tolliver, assistant professor for the Hampton University School of Science and Co-PI for the Stem Scholars Program. “We have an elite program, but we’re not trying to grow elitists. I think if we can use SSP to help others find their way, then we’ve accomplished a tremendous thing,” said Dr. Vallen Emery, Jr., program manager, HBCU/MI outreach, U.S. Army Research Laboratory. Stem Scholars are required to spend the summers after their sophomore and junior years conducting research in a DoD laboratory, as interns. The DoD chooses which lab the student will serve their internship. Students must also maintain a 3.30 GPA their entire four years as undergraduate students, which is the same requirement for the Merit Scholarship program. “This is a great opportunity for a group of high performing undergraduates. I’m excited and am looking forward to them doing great things,” said Dr. Calvin Lowe, School of Science.
Hampton University Led AIM Satellite Mission Observes First Week of the Arctic Noctilucent Cloud Season Hampton University leads NASA’s Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) satellite mission, which observed the first week of the Arctic noctilucent cloud season that began in early May. AIM spotted the night-shining clouds about 50 miles overhead in a layer of the atmosphere called the mesosphere. The May 17th detection marks the second earliest start in the 14-year history of the mission. The cloud season is expected to run through mid-August. AIM was launched in 2007 via a Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The purpose of AIM is determine why noctilucent, or nightshining, clouds form and why they vary. These clouds are called “night-shining” because their high altitude allows them to continue reflecting sunlight after the sun has set below the horizon. AIM is NASA’s first mission dedicated to exploring these unique and mysterious clouds, and Hampton University is the first and only HBCU to have total 100% responsibility for a NASA satellite mission. Hampton University has a total of four satellites/ instruments currently in orbit.
“Every year, twice a year, the start of the season is a big event for us,” said Dr. James Russell, AIM principal investigator and co-director of Hampton University’s Center for Atmospheric Sciences. “The reason we’re excited is we’re trying to find out what the causes of the season’s starting are and what does it really mean with regard to the larger picture in the atmosphere.” Noctilucent clouds, also known as polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs), are being seen at lower latitudes than ever before, and have recently grown brighter and more frequent, suggesting a connection to global change. These clouds help scientists better understand how the mesosphere is connected to the rest of the atmosphere, weather and climate. Scientists are excited to see what the cloud season will show. By measuring PMCs and the thermal, chemical and dynamical environment in which they form, the connection between these clouds and the meteorology of the polar mesosphere will be better understood. Last year, these clouds were spotted as far south as southern California and Oklahoma, which according to Dr. Russell, is the lowest latitudes they have ever been seen before. “With every year, we get new data to help us put together a picture of the atmosphere,” Dr. Russell said.
Faculty & Staff
Hampton University Announces Two New Interim Dean Appointments
Hampton University is pleased to announce two new Interim Dean Positions. Dr. Isi Ero-Tolliver is the new Interim Dean of the School of Science, and Dr. Sylvia Rose is the new Interim Dean of the James T. George School of Business. Both appointments begin immediately. Dr. Isi Ero-Tolliver Dr. Ero-Tolliver earned a B.S. in Biology at Jackson State University. She completed her M.S. at Jackson State University and her thesis research in the Life Sciences Division at
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She attained her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological Sciences and Science Education at Vanderbilt University, where she stayed to complete her post-doctoral training in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Ero-Tolliver was an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Hampton University before taking on this new position. Dr. Sylvia W. Rose Esq. Dr. Rose earned a B.S. in Finance from Hampton University, class of 1981. She has a Juris Doctor of Law from Georgetown University with Business and Corporate Law as minor fields of study. Dr. Rose was a Certified and Licensed Financial Advisor and an Attorney at Law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dr. Rose was the Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor of Finance in the School of Business at
Hampton University before taking on this new position. She is also a former General Counsel for Hampton University and a member of the Virginia State Bar. “We are very excited to announce the appointments of Drs. Isi Ero-Tolliver and Sylvia Rose as Interim Deans of their respective schools. They both have stepped into their new roles with great energy and the drive to uphold THE Standard of Excellence by promoting learning, the building of character and preparing students to be leaders,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
Hampton University Welcomes Dr. Valora Richardson as the Director of Hampton U Online Hampton University is excited to announce the hire of Valora Richardson, Ph.D. as the Director of Hampton University Online (Hampton U Online). Dr. Richardson came to Hampton from Georgia State University where she worked as the assistant director of Technology Enhanced Teaching and Learning. Hampton University Online expands the reach of the University’s stellar undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs to serve the needs of a diverse community of learners who would otherwise be unable to access a high quality Hampton University education in any other manner. Hampton U Online combines top-notch instruction with nurturing learner support services to ensure academic success and personal achievement.
Dr. Rupak Dua Awarded $300,000 Research Initiation Award to Develop Anti-bacterial Surfaces Hampton University Assistant Professor, Dr. Rupak Dua, was recently awarded a Research Initiation Award for $300,000 by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The results of the research that Dr. Dua will be conducting with this award can have a wide-ranging impact in the biomedical, chemical, and food industries where bacterial contamination is of concern. “Our faculty continue to make important contributions to society. Their research is not only being recognized nationally, but is impacting the entire world,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. The award will also provide a great opportunity to selected undergraduate students enrolled at Hampton University from all STEM departments in their sophomore or junior years who exhibit a keen interest in the material, additive manufacturing, and biomedical research. Dr. Dua will mentor two (2) undergraduate students/year who can be funded from this proposal. However, he welcomes other interested students to get involved and receive first-hand exposure in cutting-edge research. In addition, the award will support collaborative efforts in the surrounding community by providing opportunities to the high school students from The Governor’s School for
Hampton University Welcomes Dr. Kristie Norwood as the Director of Student Counseling Center Hampton University is excited to announce the hire of Dr. Kristie Norwood as the Director of the Student Counseling Center (SCC). Dr. Norwood is a licensed clinical psychologist and recently worked at the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center as the Assistant Chief of Psychology, working primarily with veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Student Counseling Center offers individualized counseling for students who need assistance with personal concerns, emotional distress and much more. “We provide mental health care to students for any issue they have going on which is impacting their mental wellness. Typical issues that we see include adjustment to college, identity issues, depression, managing anxiety, and dealing with trauma. We also see students who are coping with elevated levels of stress, especially during mid-terms and finals,” Dr. Norwood said. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Kristie Norwood as the Director of the Student Counseling Center. Her background working with veterans, along with her exceptional training ensures that she will excel in this position and uphold our Standard of Excellence,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
“I am very grateful for the support of my Department, School, and University in receiving this award. Without the proper guidance and encouragement from my peers, it would have been a difficult task to achieve this milestone in my career,” said Dr. Dua. In 2019, Dr. Dua was awarded a HU Faculty Research award. He also became the Leading Emerging and Diverse Scientists to Success (LEADS) Scholar in Translational Research awarded by the Institute for Clinical Research Education, University of Pittsburg. Recently, Dr. Dua was highlighted as the “Virginia Scientist in Spotlight” by the Virginia Academy of Science in their spring issue of 2020. Dr. Dua has also won several international and national awards. He has been an active leader in promoting STEM fields and has chaired several sessions on scientific ethics at national conferences. Dr. Dua is a reviewer for many scientific journals and a member of many professional societies, including Sigma Xi, Virginia Academy of Science, Orthopedic Research Society, Biomedical Engineering Society, and Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society.
Pharmacy School Professor Receives Grant for Pulmonary Fibrosis
“We are elated to welcome Dr. Valora Richardson as the Director of Hampton U Online. Dr. Richardson’s exceptional technical knowledge and her ability to understand the needs of today’s online student will advance our already prestigious online program to the next level,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
Dr. Norwood has always been a mental health advocate, program developer and wants to help decrease the stigma of mental health. “I’ve always wanted to work with marginalized populations, including populations of people who were suffering and struggling. Working with ethnic minority populations was important to me as well and I was able to do that with veterans and now able to do that with students too,” Dr. Norwood said.
Science and Technology to be involved in the research and leveraging the partnership with the Biomedical Engineering Department at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Neelam Azad, Chairperson and Associate Professor for the Hampton University Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, received her second independent investigator award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The grant is titled, “Targeting Lipogenic and Angiogenic Mediators in Pulmonary Fibrosis,” and is a follow up to her previous grant in 2011. The period of funding is from July 2018 through May 2022, with a first-year funding amount of
$343,000, and for a total funding amount of $1,269,500 over the next four years. “Congratulations to Dr. Azad on her very deserving grant award,” said Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey. “We are very proud of her and are excited to see our professors receiving awards, and serving as great mentors for our hardworking Hampton University students.” Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and usually fatal disease of the lung. Approximately, 130,000 people in the United States and five million people worldwide suffer from this disease, and the mortality rate among African Americans is twice as that of Caucasians. This grant proposes to use a combination of traditional molecular biological techniques and high-throughput Lipidomics and Proteomics approaches to identify novel protein and lipid biomarkers, while investigating their contribution to pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, Dr. Azad will test the potential of
provisionally patented drugs developed by her group in mitigating disease progression. “Due to major challenges in both diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in pulmonary fibrosis, it is important to continue investigating novel drug targets that may help achieve viable therapeutic outcomes against this incurable disease,” said Dr. Azad. Dr. Anand Iyer, Dean of the Hampton University School of Pharmacy who also serves as a collaborator on the grant commends Dr. Azad on her success and leadership. “The Hampton University School of Pharmacy has a strong biomedical research infrastructure with multiple funded research grants,” said Iyer. The Dean further added that “Dr. Azad is an outstanding scientist, and her leadership in research has contributed significantly to our fundraising efforts, which is a major priority for the School and the University.”
Journalism Student Sara Avery Wins Pulitzer Center Fellowship
Student Highlights
Hampton University Student Ka’ena Farmer Shares her Experience Interning at the Super Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine
Ka’ena “Sissy” Farmer, Hampton University 5-year MBA student, recently interned at the Super Bowl and attended the Women’s Careers in Football Forum during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. She also spent last summer interning for the National Football League (NFL). During her internship at the Super Bowl, Farmer was part of the Football Operations team, specifically for the youth football department. “It was a great experience. I was able to help put on different camps for kids. Since girls flag football is a sport in Florida, Nike gave them uniforms and we were able to help organize that. There was also a production that I helped with because this is the 100th year of football,” Farmer said. “During my internship, I got to work with Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Marcus Allen and Ray Lewis. It was amazing being able to work with the legends.” Farmer also had the chance to attend the 3rd annual Women’s Careers in Football Forum prior to the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Forty female participants currently working in college football connected with executives and industry experts representing the NFL, NCAA, Canadian
Football League, and Women’s Leaders in College Sports. Farmer was the only HBCU student in attendance. “This experience was really exciting. I got to meet team owners, head coaches and hear from amazing women in sports like Callie Brownson, the first full-time female coach and now Chief of Staff for the Cleveland Browns; Salli Clavelle, the first woman to coach in the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers; and Jennifer King, the first African American female coach in the NFL,” Farmer said. “The forum allowed us to be part of the combine experience, where we got to meet coaches and general managers. It gives women a foot in the door because if there are teams looking to integrate women on their staff, the
forum is a great place to look.” Farmer is a 5-year MBA student in the James T. George School of Business. She graduated in May 2020 with her bachelor’s degree and will complete her master’s degree in 2021. She has two goals for her future career. “I’d like to work at a league office in Football Operations for the NFL and work on initiatives like HBCUs and social justice initiatives. Secondly, I’d like to work on the club side of things and work with salary cap and eventually become a general manager,” Farmer said. President, Dr. William R. Harvey offered Ms. Farmer a special congratulations on such an amazing opportunity and thanked her for continuing to illustrate THE Standard of Excellence that our students exude on a daily basis. “We know that Ms. Farmer was a great ambassador for her ‘Home by the Sea’ at this unique learning experience offered by the National Football Leagues in their efforts to diversify their future leadership workforce,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. We all look forward to Ms. Farmer’s next steps as a young alumna of Hampton University.
Hampton University student Sara Avery has won a Pulitzer Center Fellowship. The fellowship is through the Campus Consortium, which is a network of partnerships between the Pulitzer Center and universities and colleges to engage with students and faculty on the critical global issues of our time. Their aim is to connect international reporting supported by the Pulitzer Center directly with communities across the U.S., to expand knowledge of the world, spark conversations across disciplines and inspire individuals to expand their horizons. Hampton University recently became a Campus Consortium partner.
Avery is a sophomore journalism student in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications from Raleigh, North Carolina. For the Pulitzer Center Fellowship, Avery proposed reporting on the problem of the homeless in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. In her proposal, Avery said: “One company, Icon, is working to combat the problem by providing 3D printed homes to those communities that are still adversely affected. I want to shadow the company as they build one of these homes. Afterwards, I want to speak with families who live in the homes and ask them about upkeep of the houses in the long run.” As a Fellow, Avery will undertake an international reporting project that she proposed, which involves traveling to Haiti to talk to locals about their 3D printed homes. Pulitzer Center staff and journalists will advise her throughout the process and act as mentors. Her final project will be featured on the Center website, with publication in
other news media outlets such as The Washington Post and The Atlantic.
“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Sara Avery for winning this prestigious Fellowship from the Pulitzer Center. Her proposal to report on the 3D printed homes for Haitians was insightful and will bring to light the technological advances that are helping people all over the world. We know that Ms. Avery will continue to Dream no Small Dreams as she continues to pursue academic excellence,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Due to the worldwide pandemic, travel has currently been put on hold, but Avery will be paired with a professional journalist and editor and will begin preparing for the time when she is able to travel to Haiti. “Once I can travel, I will stay in Haiti for up to three weeks,” Avery said. “While I’m there, I will visit with families and interview them about taking care of the 3D printed homes,
what problems may arise in the long run and asking about resources that will be needed to sustain these homes. When I return to Hampton, I will write the story and once it goes through a rigorous editing process, it will be posted on the Pulitzer website.” Kem Sawyer, Contributing Editor at the Pulitzer Center and Director of its Campus Consortium reporting fellow program, said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Sara. She chose an important subject—using 3D technology to provide housing for the displaced in Haiti—and she submitted an excellent proposal—fresh, original, and well-written.” After Avery graduates from Hampton University, she wants to pursue a dual master’s in journalism and J.D. program, with the end goal of working as a producer or investigative journalist. She also might attend law school, which is something she has wanted to do since she was very young.
Hampton University Rising Senior, Bruce Wilson, Named 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar Hampton University student Bruce Wilson has been named a 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar, the highest student recognition given through the U.S. Department of Education and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Wilson is a rising senior, political science major, economics minor from Chicago, IL and was recently elected to serve as the Student Representative on the Hampton University Board of Trustees. Scholars are chosen based on their academic achievements, campus and civic involvement and entrepreneurial ethos or “go-getter” spirits. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, professional students, and international students from various academic backgrounds, the 2020 scholars were selected from among several highly distinguished HBCU students. In addition, each recognized scholar was nominated and endorsed by their
institution president, which itself is a prestigious acknowledgement. Wilson was one of 44 students selected from 33 HBCUs. “Being recognized as a 2020 White House HBCU Competitiveness Scholar by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the U.S. Department of Education is a dignified distinction and one that I hope will inspire future Hamptonians and HBCU students across the nation to pursue academic excellence, leadership, and a heart for public service,” Bruce said. “In light of the current unprecedented and tumultuous times, the need for well-endowed HBCUs is more apparent than ever. I plan to use the privileges allotted by this recognition to represent Hampton University, bring exposure to the intellectual curiosity that exists on HBCU campuses, and to further expand the capacity and competitiveness of myself and HBCUs.” Wilson is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Gloucester Institute Emerging Leader; a Scholar with The Institute for Responsible Citizenship; and the Greer Dawson Student
Leadership Training Program. He is planning to spend the summer interning with the Economic Policy Institute, writing and researching on the racial wealth gap and economic inequality. “I am simply thrilled to recognize the 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars,” said Johnathan Holifield, Executive Director of the Initiative. “These students are fine examples of the talent and boundless vitality found at America’s HBCUs. This recognition heightens expectations for scholars to continue making meaningful contributions to our nation. I am confident they will deliver.” Selected students will serve for one academic school year representing the 2020-2021 cohort of Competitiveness Scholars. During this unique academic school year, the Initiative will work closely with federal and non-federal partners to develop a robust calendar of virtual events for the scholars that will explore, exchange ideas and share best practices around leadership, professional development, career pathways, government resources and much more.
Hampton University Engineering Students Win AMIE Design Challenge for the Third Consecutive Year in a Row Hampton University students from the School of Engineering and Technology competed in the 3rd Annual Advancing Minorities Interest in Engineering (AMIE) Design Challenge at the Black Engineering of the Year Award (BEYA) STEM Symposium. For the 3rd consecutive year, Hampton University Students won the competition. The team of eight Hampton University engineering students included one member from the University of Bahamas, who is attending Hampton due to Hurricane Dorian. The team focused on emergency preparedness and more specifically on a platform that would have eased human suffering during Hurricane Dorian. They used the skills learned from their Hampton University engineering courses and workshops to execute a plan. The team interviewed a group of displaced University of Bahamas students who were also impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Of the many unmet needs discovered during this interview process, the team focused on one innovative problem statement: “How might we aide those susceptible to connectivity failures during a hurricane contact first responders and loved ones?” To help answer their problem statement, the team designed FlyComm, a drone and buoy based system to maintain cellular communications from air to sea during service interruptions (e.g., during/after major storms). “My trip to Washington, D.C. for the 2020 BEYA STEM Conference was amazing. The trip was really a learning experience for me because I did not know what to expect. This year’s Design Team felt that we had some big shoes to fill, especially because the previous Hampton University Design Team won the competition last year and the year before. My team and I spent countless hours preparing for the Conference, and we encouraged each other to do our best and also to have fun,” said Anthony Stubbs, freshman, chemical engineering major from The Bahamas. “As we sat down and waited for the judge’s decision, there was huge tension in the atmosphere. Everyone had their fingers and toes crossed. Fortunately, we were able to come out on top once again giving Hampton University the three-peat title for the competition. I am just delighted to be a part of the Hampton University Design Team this year, being able to repeat history and win the competition for a third time.” Hampton University was announced as the first place winner of the Annual AMIE Design Challenge and remains the only first place winner in the history of the engineering design challenge. The winners received monetary awards for their accomplishment. “I am excited and honored to have served as the 2020 Hampton University AMIE Design Challenge team faculty advisor. It was a great challenge to win first place for the third year in a row, but this year’s team was extremely motivated and eager to advance their design to the next level. Further, I was thrilled to have a student from the University of Bahamas on the team as he has provided great insight,” said AMIE design team faculty advisor and Hampton University associate professor, Dr. Jerald Dumas. Congratulating the team, Dr. Joyce Shirazi, Dean of the School of
Engineering and Technology, remarked “ Our students continue to show this value to the world. They worked closely with their faculty advisor, Dr. Jerald Dumas, as well as their Net App advisors, Mr. Rodney Scurlock and Mr. Joseph Brown. Moreover, they convened several times per week over a three-week period to perfect the accuracy of their design. Lastly, they had the confidence to convey it to the judges and the crowd of hundreds in Washington, D.C.” The judges of this competition were executives from IBM Corporation, The MITRE Corporation, Optimum, Apple, Boston Scientific, Lockheed Martin Corporation, NetApp, The Boeing Company, Corning Incorporated, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Abbott, General Motors Company, National Security Agency, and Raytheon Company.
The 2020 AMIE Design Challenge Hampton University Team Members as follows: Chauncey Upsher- Computer Engineering (Junior) Vicky Olivier- Chemical Engineering (Senior) Kristopher Small- Electrical Engineering (Junior) Anthony Stubbs*- Chemical Engineering (Freshman) Lawrence Miles- Electrical Engineering (Sophomore) Noel Thomas- Chemical Engineering (Freshman) Bria Terrell- Chemical Engineering (Freshman) Larry Luster- Chemical Engineering (Junior) * University of Bahamas
This year’s field of challengers expanded to fourteen programs, to include the following universities: Alabama A&M Tennessee State Florida A&M Tuskegee Howard University of Maryland Jackson State Eastern Shore Morgan State University of the District of North Carolina A&T Columbia Norfolk State Virginia State Prairie View A&M
Hampton University Biochemistry Student Sierra Williams-McLeod Awarded $10,000 as a 2020 American Heart Association’s ‘EmPOWERED to Serve Scholar’ Hampton University student Sierra Williams-McLeod was selected to receive $10,000 as a 2020 EmPOWERED to Serve Scholar. The American Heart Association EmPOWERED to Serve Scholars are college freshmen, sophomores and juniors working as agents of change to create health equity in their communities. She was selected as one of ten students from over 170 entries from college students across the United States. Williams-McLeod is a junior, Biochemistry major, Spanish minor from Charlotte, NC. In order to receive this accolade, Williams-McLeod had to provide her background information, write a few essays and send in a video addressing what health equity means to her and how she has been an advocate for change in the community. Williams-McLeod is passionate about reducing health disparities and helping low-income, minority and first-generation students who face poverty and food insecurity. “In my video, I spoke about the Hampton University Pirate Pantry, which I co-founded with my friend, Shelby Goodson, in 2019,” Williams-McLeod said. “HU Pirate Pantry is an on-campus pantry located in the Student Support Services Department that provides food and toiletry items to HU students at no cost. To date, HU Pirate Pantry has recovered over 200 pounds of food and 600+ toiletry items and redistributed them to those who need it the most. Pirate Pantry is especially close to my heart because I know it is helping to reduce food insecurity that
Student Highlights
many college students face on a daily basis.” Along with the $10,000 that Williams-McLeod will receive, she will also be given opportunities to engage, volunteer and collaborate with the American Heart Association. “I am truly excited to be selected as an EmPOWERED to Serve Scholar. Thank you to the American Heart Association for granting me the opportunity to showcase my passion for reducing health disparities among the African American community,” Williams-McLeod said. According to the Hampton Roads Executive Director of the American Heart Association, MeShall Hills, “Sierra is the only student in the entire Eastern States region to be awarded this scholarship. As a Hampton University alumna, I am extremely proud of her efforts to combat food insecurity on campus and to lead the way by creating a solution to a growing problem during this pandemic and beyond,” Continuing Hills states that “the American Heart Association is committed to investing in young people with ingenuity and drive to make the world a healthier place for all.” After Williams-McLeod graduates from Hampton, she plans on matriculating into a biomedical research doctoral program to fulfill her aspirations of becoming a neuroscientist. “I hope to utilize cellular and molecular techniques to develop novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases,” Williams-McLeod said.
NBA All-Star Bradley Beal Surprises Future Hampton University Student with Gifts for College and Scholarship NBA All-Star Bradley Beal, of the Washington Wizards, surprised four Ron Brown College Preparatory High School students in Washington D.C., who are all attending HBCUs in the fall, with special gift boxes and a $3,000 scholarship each. One of the recipients is Jaden Crosson, an incoming Hampton University freshman who will enter HU’s fiveyear MBA program. Beal has had a long-standing relationship with Ron Brown HS and is known to many students as a big brother. Beal’s gift included a college branded hoodie, a Microsoft Surface and keyboard, “Between the World and Me” by Ta’Nehisi Coates, Radical Dreams Pins, a Wizards and Mystics
Black Lives Matters shirt and more Wizards branded items. The gift box came with a letter from Beal and directions to join a Zoom call where Beal praised the students for their hard work that brought them to graduation. “I’m beyond proud of you guys. I’m even more proud of you guys for going to colleges you all chose to go to – an HBCU. Especially in the time in which we are in now, I feel like those are statement pieces. It’s amazing to see what young, Black men were able to do with the opportunity you guys were given. I remember telling you time and time again, take advantage of every opportunity you’re given, no matter
what it is in, sports, school, teachers, mentoring, programs, whatever it may be. Whatever opportunity you have, seize it – because you don’t always get those moments. We know we’re born with these disadvantages. You guys had a great advantage already going to a school in Ron Brown, which prepares you for college,” Beal said. While on the Zoom call, Beal surprised them with a scholarship. “I got one final gift for you. I want to grant $3,000 to each of you guys as a scholarship this year,” Beal said. After a few tears from the students, they all said thank you and were full of gratitude.
Crosson was home with his mother and grandmother when he received the gift box. “We definitely appreciate it. He’s [Beal] been so engaged with them. Jaden has gotten a lot from everything that Mr. Bradley Beal has done for the school,” said Vanya Brown, Jaden’s mother. Beal left the students with some great words of wisdom. “Now you’re in the real world,” Beal said. “These opportunities are going to be vast, they’re going to come at you from all angles. Seize them all, enjoy every moment of it. Continue to make yourselves proud, your families proud, and me proud. Please continue to grind, and continue to be the best that you possibly can.”
ATHLETICS Women’s Basketball Defeats Alabama State University Graduate student MaKayla Timmons made her Hampton University debut a memorable one with a 3-pointer at the buzzer as Hampton knocked off Alabama 64-61 in the season opener on
Athletics
Aris Brown was a four-year starter, helping his team
to three consecutive Gold Coast League titles as a midfielder for Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, Calif. “I really liked the school as a whole and wanted to play
November 6, 2019. The win by Hampton was the 12th for head
competitive lacrosse with kids that look like me and make some
coach David Six over a “Power 5” Conference as they last
history,” Brown told Lacrosse Bucket. “My dad has influenced my
defeated North Carolina 70-66 on Nov. 10, 2017.
athletic career by giving me things to work on when he watches me play,” Brown said. “No matter how well I play, there’s always
Men’s Basketball Defeats Radford in Semifinals Behind a Hercules Tires Big South Men’s Basketball Tournament semifinal game record 36 points and 10 assists from Jermaine
SPORTS 2019-2020 SEASON
something that he thinks I can improve on. I’m very grateful for it though, and how it’s helped me throughout high school.” Aris’ father, NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Brown, attended Syracuse
Marrow fifth-seeded Hampton defeated top-seeded Radford 86-78
University, where he lettered in four sports including lacrosse and
in the semifinals at the Dedmon Center on March 6, 2020.
football. He went on to play in the National Football League for the
Marrow’s 36-point, 10-assist outing is the first time anyone has had a conference tournament game of 35 or more points and 10 or
Cleveland Browns. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, and into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1983.
more assists in any conference tournament in the last 20 years. He also became the first player in Big South history to have a 30+ point, 10+ assist game in the tournament. Alumna Sonja Maksimovic Named Head Volleyball Coach New Head Volleyball Coach and former Lady Pirate standout, Sonja Maksimovic (’15, ’17) is no stranger to the Hampton University volleyball program having been involved in all aspects of the game. She played from 2011-2014 and was a part of back-to-back Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship teams in 2013 and 2014. After finishing her playing days as a two-time MEAC All-Academic honoree, Maksimovic served as a graduate assistant in 2015 and 2016 before becoming the full-time assistant for the last three seasons.
Did You Know
The Hampton Lacrosse program was founded at Hampton in 2011 and was a club team for four seasons before moving up to varsity status in May of 2015. Hampton is the 70th NCAA Div. I school to field a men’s lacrosse program, and the first-ever HBCU to field a Div. I program. Hampton is the first HBCU to play men’s lacrosse overall since Morgan State in 1981.
Softball Player Mo’ne Davis Featured in Sports Illustrated
In Case You Missed It
Hampton University softball player and rising
The Hampton University indoor track and field teams
sophomore Mo’ne Davis was featured in Sports
made history on PUT THE DATE in Lynchburg, Va. as
Illustrated’s “Where Are They Now?” 2019 edition. Her
both teams captured their first Big South Conference
article was written by alumnus Shemar Woods (‘11).
Championships held at Liberty University. The
Check out the feature by visiting www.si.com.
championships were the first team titles for Hampton as members of the Big South Conference.
Aris Brown, Son of NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown, Commits to Play Lacrosse at Hampton The Hampton Pirates Men’s Lacrosse team received a
The men edged out Campbell 169-160, while the women were even closer as they squeezed a 3.5 point victory over High Point 162.50 – 159.
commitment from Aris Brown, son of NFL legend Jim Brown.
20
21
Hampton University Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Named to 2020 WBCA Thirty Under 30 List
Hampton University Museum Welcomes New Curator, Mr. Kenlontae’ Turner
Hampton University women’s basketball assistant coach Kenia Cole was named as an honoree on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Thirty Under 30 presented by Marriott Bonvoy and Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment for the 2019-20 season. This is the second year she was recognized on this list by the WBCA. “The WBCA is pleased to recognize up-and-coming talent in our coaching family. The 30 coaches who have been named to receive the Thirty Under 30 Award are deserving of this recognition. The WBCA congratulates them for distinguishing themselves early in their careers,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. “These coaches have demonstrated eagerness, effectiveness, loyalty, love of the game, and a commitment to the student-athlete. We celebrate their effort on the basketball court as teachers and equally applaud the extensive role they play in impacting the lives of their student-athletes.” The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program was created to recognize 30 up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches age 30 and under at all levels of the game. Each honoree has exemplified their involvement in community service, mentorship and impact on others, professional manner, and attitude and professional association involvement. “It’s a blessing and quite the honor to be named to the 2020 WBCA Thirty Under 30 class,” said Cole. “I hope to keep growing our game through service, leadership and mentorship for all future women’s basketball players to come.” Cole just finished her first year at her alma mater under her college coach David Six. She was a four-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) regular season champion, three-time MEAC tournament champion and was named the most improved player as a junior. She totaled over 245 assists in her career and ranked in the program’s top-10 for made three-pointers. In addition to her success on the court, she was on the Dean’s List all four years of her career and earned a bachelor’s of science in sports management in May of 2015. She completed her master’s of professional studies in sports industry management at Georgetown University in May 2017.
Hampton University Student Athlete graduating with the Highest GPA in the School of Science A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Robert Gresham III graduated this past May with a 3.93 GPA, the highest in the Hampton University School of Science. Earning his ACS certified degree in Biochemistry, Gresham is also a Division I Lacrosse athlete at Hampton University.
The Hampton University Museum is proud to welcome Mr. Kenlontae’ Turner as the new Curator of Collections. Mr. Turner, a native of Newport News, Va., comes to Hampton University after recently working at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C. Mr. Turner has always been a lover of art. He majored in studio art at Christopher Newport University with a double minor in museum studies and art history. From there, he worked at an art gallery in Williamsburg and then went on to graduate school at Georgetown University and majored in art and museum studies. While in Washington D.C., Mr. Turner interned at Smithsonian museums, such as the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sacker Gallery, National Museum of the American Indian and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Mr. Turner also interned several times over various summers at the Hampton University Museum. “I’ve loved art ever since I was little. I think particularly with museums, I love the way that art can be used as a source of inspiration and education. That’s why I got inspired to be part of museums. I think they’re far more accessible to people, as most
“Athletics was an integral part of my academic success at Hampton University. Participating in Division I lacrosse helped me enforce and maintain a strict schedule for academics, athletics and extracurricular activities. It was a great stress reliever and also a social outlet source,” said Gresham. Gresham has made lasting memories at Hampton University. “I met seven strangers at Hampton University’s Honors Visitation Weekend as a senior in high school. Since coming to Hampton in August of 2016, those seven strangers have turned into brothers for a lifetime. We came in together, made memories together and are all graduating together this spring as we move on to our next steps,” Gresham said.
museums are open to the public. By educating and inspiring others, places like the Hampton University Museum can create a potential dialogue and a truly meaningful experience for the audience,” Turner said.Mr. Turner is a first-generation college student and the experience was transformative for him. “Working in museums really helped me pay it forward in terms of making sure to educate as many people as possible, while also inspiring them with great culture and art,” said Turner. In his new position as Curator of Collections, Turner will be helping manage the permanent collection at the Museum, as well as helping with public programming, social media, and research and logistics behind exhibitions. Turner is looking forward to incorporating contemporary topics into future exhibitions, and bringing new energy into the Museum. “I think often times, museums in general, have to depend on ‘Instagramable’ exhibitions, or very ‘flashy’ shows that will attract everyone, but I think with the collection we have here and the history we have, we have a lot of opportunities to bring in new visitors from all over the world,” Turner said. “I’m very excited that we selected Mr. Turner for this position. To add a young and knowledgeable curator to the staff is a welcome addition the the Hampton University Museum’s legacy,” said Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, Director of Hampton University Museum and Archives.
The Hampton University Museum and Archives Receives $249,898 Grant for the Project Titled, ‘Save America’s Treasures: The Samuel Chapman Armstrong Letter Books’
Gresham will be heading to pharmacy school in North Carolina next year. He is receiving an academic and merit scholarship. “My plan is to implement myself as a leader in the Pharmacy Class of 2024 cohort by running for class office. Throughout the year, I will continue to build a strong foundational network with hopes to land an internship at a pharmaceutical company during the summer of 2021,” Gresham said. As a student at Hampton University, Gresham was a leader on campus and a member of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College. He has a peer-reviewed publication in preparation and has earned numerous scholarships, including the 2020 Big South Sunbelt Rentals Scholarship. Outside of the classroom, Gresham played two seasons for the Pirates in 2017 and 2018 seeing action in 11 games at defender and face off specialist. As a sophomore he was 13-of-27 on his face-offs.
Art & History
The Hampton University Museum and Archives has been awarded a $249,898 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to conserve and digitize twelve Letter Books that belonged to the founder of Hampton University, General Samuel Chapman Armstrong. The grant is part of IMLS’ Save America’s Treasures program,
which is designed to support the preservation of nationally significant historic properties and collections. “Our founder, General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, was an outstanding man of vision and leadership and it is because of the foundation laid by him that Hampton University has become the world renowned institution that it is today,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “This grant will preserve the rich heritage of the books, which contain handwritten correspondence from our illustrious founder.” The Letter Books, which provide insight into educational experiences of African Americans and Native
Americans during Reconstruction and include Chapman’s handwritten and typed correspondence regarding the establishment of Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (University), will be carefully packed and sent to be removed from their binders, cleaned, restored and rehoused in custom clamshell housing. The University Archives will receive digital files to be used by patrons, scholars and students. Additionally, the grant will allow the University Archives to hire a consultant to assist the Director of the Museum and staff in updating a strategic plan for digitization of the Archives collection. The
Hampton University Museum plans to utilize the grant for Museum and Archives workshops, open to staff, students, professors and patrons. “We are so appreciative that ‘Save America’s Treasures’ recognized the importance of General Samuel Chapman Armstrong’s Letter Books and their significance to African American and American Indian education. These records are truly America’s treasures and should be conserved and digitized for generations to study,” said Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, Director of the Hampton University Museum and Archives.
Hampton University
Museum Timeline
1868
General Samuel Chapman Armstrong established the museum collection at Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute.
Art
ART & HISTORY
1870s
The first African pieces were acquired at the museum.
1878
The establishment of the American Indian Education Program and the founding of the Museum’s Indian collection.
1894
Permanent Exhibit
The Banjo Lesson and Lion’s Head were given as gifts by Hampton trustee Robert C. Ogden.
Alumnus and Hampton University legend Reuben V. Burrell (1919-2015) was the official photographer of Hampton University for more than 65 years (since 1949). A treasured campus fixture for many years, he captured on film the spirit of HU --the essence of its students, faculty, alumni and staff, and the heart of campus, which he loved. Referring to himself as “self-taught” photographer, Mr. Burrell experimented, read and practiced, becoming a master known for his sensitivity of the lens and quality of his prints. His special skills also went into restoring old, fragile photographs from the university’s archives. Today you can view his photos in a permanent museum exhibit or purchase One Shot: A Selection of Photographs by Reuben Burrell from the Hampton University Museum. For more information, please call 757.727.5308.
1911
ampton alumnus, William H. Sheppard sold H approximately 400 pieces of traditional Kuba art for $400 to Hampton.
1960s
The museum received a large gift of paintings and sculptures from The Harmon Foundation of African American and Contemporary African Fine Art.
1980s
The Countee Cullen Collection and the John Biggers’ Art Collection are acquired by the museum.
1990s
The museum acquired major works of art from the Samella S. Lewis Art Collection, a collection of prints from Elizabeth Catlett, and the Pen of Liberty, one of three pens used by Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation.
1991
John Biggers fabricates and completed two murals, Tree House and House of the Turtle for the William H. and Norma B. Harvey Library, Hampton University.
1997
The museum moves to the Huntington Building, formerly the Huntington Library after a 5 million dollar renovation.
Today...
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The Hampton University Museum brings its remarkable collection to the public through an array of educational initiatives including permanent and changing exhibitions, the Children’s Curiosity Room, the quarterly publication of the International Review of African American Art and more.
Did You Know
?
Established in 1868, The Hampton University Museum is the first museum to operate in Virginia and is the oldest African-American museum in the country. The Museum is composed of the world’s first collection of African American fine art, which began with the 1894 acquisition of two paintings by Henry O. Tanner, The Banjo Lesson and The Lion’s Head. Acknowledged as the most admired work by an African American artist, The Banjo Lesson is Tanner’s most famous painting. Robert C. Ogden, a philanthropist and chair of the then Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute’s Board of Trustees, bought the painting, a favorite of visitors to the Museum today, and donated it to Hampton in November of 1894. 19
Hampton University Unveiled Newest Addition to Campus Frederick Douglass... an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, gaining note for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings. He visited the campus in 1884 and said, “I have seen London, I have seen Edinburgh I have seen Venice, I have seen the Coliseum, I have seen the British Museum, but I should not have seen the world if I had not seen Hampton Institute. I have seen more today of what touches my feelings, more of prophecy of what is to be, more of contrast with what has been, than I have ever seen before.” Frederick Douglass [January 1884]
park
T
hirteen exquisitely sculpted figures from all walks of life have brought new life to the scenic waterfront of the historic campus of Hampton University. The veils were lifted in a special ceremony on Sunday, January 27, 2019 revealing a breathtaking place of reflection that will forever be celebrated as “Legacy Park.”
Mary Peake... daughter of a freed African American woman and a Frenchman who conducted the first lessons taught under the Emancipation Oak located on the University’s campus. Classes continued at The Butler School, which was constructed in 1863 next to the oak.
Reuben Burrell...
(as seen on cover)
or “Mr. B” as he was also called, said he would work until the day he died and that he did, rarely missing a day of his 66-year career as Hampton’s photographer. He worked under eight presidents recording now-historical events, student life, graduation ceremonies and famous visitors. Hampton University’s broad range of history and culture is readily apparent through Burrell’s work. His photographs and his stories were an inspiration. He touched the lives of many Hampton University administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and visitors.
28
All of the names and faces are iconic and have significantly contributed to the lives and futures of the students, faculty and staff of this storied, sesquicentennial institution of higher learning.
T
he privately funded park was established by the Hampton University Board of Trustees and the honored individuals and their contributions to Hampton University are as follows. 27
Martin Luther King Jr...
an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 until his death in 1968. Dr. King made several visits to Hampton University’s campus. His mother Alberta Williams King graduated from Hampton University in 1924
Rosa Parks...
During the period of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and following, Mrs. Parks and her family experienced constant harassment. She and her husband were fired from their jobs and unable to secure other employment. As a result, they returned to her home in Detroit. On September 5, 1957, then
28
President of Hampton, Alonzo G. Moron wrote to Mrs. Parks, “…I would like very much to have you come to work for us at Hampton as hostess at the Holly Tree Inn. Mrs. Parks remained employed at the University for 1 year.
William Howard Taft..
While serving as President of the United States and later Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, President Taft was the President of the Hampton University Board of Trustees. During this time, he was very influential in securing federal support for Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The Board of Trustees were so pleased with his support and contributions that they named a bedroom in the Mansion House in his honor.
Barack Hussein Obama...
an American attorney and politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He was the first African American to be elected to the presidency. Obama’s relationship with Hampton University dates back to 2007, when President William R. Harvey invited then Senator Obama to address attendees of the 93rd Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. The Hampton University Marching Force Band, performed in President Obama’s Inaugural Parade. President Barack Obama returned to the campus when he served as the University’s 140th commencement speaker on May 9, 2010.
Mary Jackson...
an African American mathematician and aerospace engineer at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which in 1958 was succeeded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She worked at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, for most of her career. Jackson’s story is featured in the non-fiction book Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race. Jackson graduated from Hampton University in 1942.
George H. W. Bush...
an American politician who served as the 41st president of the United States
from 1989 to 1993after serving as the 43rd vice president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. President Bush demonstrated a long-standing support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities over his career. He delivered the 1991 Commencement address at Hampton University. Within the three years following President Bush’s address, Hampton University received $40 million in federal support for faculty research, scholarships for students, and programs to enhance the university.
Jerome Holland...
inaugurated as the ninth president of Hampton Institute from 1960 to 1970. During Holland’s service to Hampton Institute, the dedications of Thomas
Turner Hall, Martin Luther King Hall and the William A. Freeman Hall were accomplished. President Holland was responsible for Virginia Hall, Academy Building, Mansion House, and Memorial Chapel being included on the Virginia Landmarks Register.
Susan B. LaFlesche...
an Omaha Native American doctor and reformer in the late 19th century. She is widely acknowledged as the first Native American to earn a medical degree. She campaigned for public health and for the formal, legal allotment of land to members of the Omaha tribe. She graduated from Hampton Institute in 1886, as class salutatorian.
29
Samuel C. Armstrong...
was appointed in 1866 to Superintendent of the Freedmen’s Bureau of the Ninth District of Virginia. Drawing upon his experiences with mission schools in Hawaii, he procured funding from the American Missionary Association to establish a school on the Wood Farm, also known as “Little Scotland” adjacent to the Butler School. On April 1, 1868, Armstrong opened Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute with a simple declared purpose. “The thing to be done was clear: to train selected Negro youth who should go out and teach and lead their people first by example…” Practical experience in trades and industrial skills were emphasized and students were able to pay their way through school by working in various jobs throughout the burgeoning campus.
William R. Harvey...
was unanimously elected the twelfth President of Hampton Institute in 1978. His efforts included outlining a core set of required courses, establishing an M.B.A. program and centers for hightech scientific research, and expanding the Continuing Education Program. In 1984, after a nine-month study of Hampton Institute’s rapid growth and development in quality of students, faculty and academic offerings, the recommendation was made to change the name to Hampton University. Today, over 150 years after its inception, Hampton University continues to break new ground in academic achievement, staying true to General Armstrong’s original promise of The Standard of Excellence, An Education for Life.
30
CAMPUS ADDITIONS!
Freeman and Jacqueline Hrabowski Student Success Center The Student Success Center helps new students navigate through their first year of college and beyond with an Individual Plan for Academic Success (I-PASS). In addition to academic support, the center provides counseling, tutoring services and encourages fruitful engagement between students and faculty. A $600,000 grant from The Mellon Foundation funded the center.
Orchard Road Residence Hall Completed during the fall semester, 2018, this two-story residence for men has been designated for incoming honors freshman. It is an all double occupancy residence hall with private bathrooms in each room. The residence hall is situated in a quadrangle with James Hall Suites, Harkness Hall and the Bemis Laboratories for Architecture.
Hampton University School of Business Officially Named James T. George School of Business for Trustee James George
Hampton University and Wendy’s Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Official Grand Opening of New Restaurant Hampton University and Wendy’s hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, January 24, 2020 to officially open the newest Wendy’s restaurant near campus, located in The Shops at Hampton Harbor.
The Hampton University School of Business was officially renamed the James T. George School of Business in a special naming ceremony April 4, 2019. The School is named after James T. George, a Hampton University alumnus of the class of 1958 and Board of Trustee member. Trustee James T. George earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Hampton University, where he was also commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. George then went on to be one of the first African Americans to receive an MBA from the University of Arizona.
ALUMNI GIVING 2020 | THIS IS MY WHY | REASONS TO LOVE HAMPTON | DREAM NO SMALL DREAMS II | BECAUSE OF YOU:, ROME WE CAN | ALUMNI HOMECOMING WEEEKEND
Legacy
The generosity of our alumni towards their alma mater, and the great affection and loyalty they show, is always the defining mark of the true impact of an institution.
No matter the size of the gift, the commitment is unmistakable and the difference that benefaction makes is always vast. If you read the student reports about the value of our alumni support, you will quickly realize the difference your gift makes. More than that, you will understand the difference that YOU make. Any gift of any amount cuts through the genuine barriers some of our students face and enables the recipient of your generosity to live their student life without concern and will allow them to embrace all that Hampton has to offer. Thanks to our 2019-2020 annual donors, we reached a new milestone in alumni giving. This donor honor roll recognizes and celebrates you for expressing a true commitment to our students, our faculty and staff, and to Preserving the Legacy of our beloved Hampton University. I would like to acknowledge: • The 10,148 alumni donors that contributed to the success and sustainability of the University as we battle the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus. • Alumni, whose unwavering generosity
contributed to $3,517,471 in giving for the 2019-2020 fiscal year and reached a new high in annual alumni giving to the University. • We are extremely grateful to our volunteer fundraisers in the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc., class leadership roles and countless others that give of their time and resources to serve our great institution. Please know that your passion for and commitment to the success of Hampton does not go unnoticed and you are greatly appreciated. By personally accepting to secure the strength and success of your alma mater, we can make it through any obstacle or turbulent season. We challenge all alumni to be more than just a graduate, but to truly uphold the great legacy and responsibility of being alumni of one of the greatest universities in existence. It is our collective energy and effort that will move Hampton forward and ensure her future. Thank you, again, for keeping Hampton strong.
President’s Donor Society President’s Circles and Presidential Associates
President’s Major Donor Circles President’s Major Donor Circle members bring distinction to the University and provide support for thousands of current students through exemplary annual gifts of $25,000 or more. Gifts from President’s Circle Major Donor members help achieve greater goals for the University: providing educational opportunities for our students, enhancing the curriculum, and advancing the University’s Strategic Plan.
Circleofof Excellence $250K+ Circle Excellence $250K+ Marilyn P Cain-Gordon Freeman A Hrabowski III Jacqueline Hrabowski
Founder’s CircleCircle $100K+$100K+ Founder’s James T George William W Mumby Jr Zachary B Scott
President’s Circles:
Presidential Associates Circles:
Circle of Excellence $250,000+
Hampton Circle starting at $20,000
Founder’s Circle starting at $100,000
Booker T. Washington Circle starting at $15,000
Trustee’s Circle starting at $75,000
Emancipation Oak Circle starting at $10,000
Chairman’s Circle starting at $50,000
Clock Tower Circle starting at $5,000
Leadership Circle starting at $25,000
Ogden Circle Society starting at $2,500 HUYAC Hall of Fame starting at $1,000 (Young Alumni Only)
1958 1972 1978
Trustee’s Trustee’s Circle Circle $75K+ $75K+ Thomas L Jones Jr
2009
Chairman’s Chairman’s CircleCircle $50K+ $50K+ Leonard L Harris USA (Ret.)
Major Donor Annual Giving Societies
1980 1970 1970
1959
Leadership Leadership CircleCircle $25K+ $25K+ Calvin L Butts Jr Michael D Armstrong Ruth E Carter Patricia Moss-Wigfall
2002 1994 1982 1970
“
“
preserving the
Alumni Giving Reaches New Heights in 2020
We offer our sincerest thanks to the 2020 President’s Major Donor Circle members.
Presidential Associates In July 2018, Hampton launched the Presidential Associates as a way to involve more alumni and recent undergraduate alumni in the future of the University as leadership donors. All undergraduate alumni who graduated within the past 1 to 10 years are eligible to join the President’s Donor Society by making an annual gift of $1,000 or more to Hampton. Membership as a Presidential Associate for alumni 11 years or more post-graduation begins with an annual gift of $2,500. Your decision to become a Presidential Associate will ensure that we will always have the resources required to provide the best opportunity for our students and their Hampton experiences.
Hampton Circle $20K+ Jo Anne G Mondowney
1970
1976 1956 1998
Emancipation Oak Circle $10K+ John P Cofer Shawnzetta Y Trotter Joy C Kelly Arthur R Mortis Wilma H Horne Judith M Latta Leslie D Patterson Walter P Porter II Tayari J Starr
1967 1985 2001 1998 1964 1970 1993 1997 1998
Clock Tower Circle $5K+ Shirley E Riley Clifford Cox II Shirley J Gordon Milton C Grantham Robin L Corbett Kori H Searcy Thomas A Sligh Cora T Lynch Bettie J Rhodes-Bennett Anton D Lewis Delius E Wilson Tonya H Jackson Gail B Thomas Jordan A Knight Randy Adams D.D.S. Pamela J Jamison Karen A Beckles I E Bryan III Jerry L Russell Jr Peggy B Baxter F. Beverly S Boone Margot Copeland Janice W Samuel Claude H Tolbert Jr
1970 1981
Ogden Circle Society $2.5K+
BTW Circle $15K+ Mirian M Graddick-Weir Eula M Davis Sashi Y Brown
Isai T Urasa Michael C Wilson
1958 2003 1974 1965 1985 1998 1956 1964 1968 1998 1951 1985 1974 2010 1968 1970 1964 1968 2010 1958 1958 1973 1982 1992
Melvin M Davis Joseph Briggs USA (Ret.) Michael A Byrd USA (Ret.) Jennifer R Franks Musetta T Johnson Dwayne B Blake Margaret P Williams Zelma L Paschal Clarence W Pearson Jr. George Pugh Jr Claudia T Debose Richard M Parker Curtis E Ransom Kester I Crosse II Cecil B Patterson Jr Sonya Snedecor Celestine W Carter Jason A Merriweather Oretha M Chandler Rikesha L Fry Brown Lucius C Wyatt Isaac B Lockett Sr. Lori B Chennault Craig S Watson Geoffrey Brown Wesley A Coleman Cynthia J Mills Currie L Ball Lydia C Bourne Milton M Brooks Jr Rosalind R Harper John C Purnell Jr Jacquelyn S Thomas Roland J Walton Jr Richard M Mason Jr William O Casey Corlease C Sills Tiyale T Hayes Leslie M Johnson Junious Rhone Sr Jacqueline Ray-Morris Clarence C Jamison Jr. Tiarra R Rorie
1963 1963 1980 2004 1980 1984 1956 1971 1969 1990 1985 2005 1971 1992 1963 1995 1958 1992 1972 2004 1947 1971 1990 1989 1990 1971 1977 1963 1965 1975 1985 1962 1959 1983 1991 1954 1971 1998 1989 1951 1976 1969 1999
Nelson E Bennett Sr 1959 Arthur F Jackson Jr. 1972 Harriet D Brockenborough-Stroud 1958 Johnetta G Stokes 1971 Wanda Y Sykes 1986 Matthew Blanding Jr 1964 Alma E Greene 1946 Carl J Holland 1985 Johnnie A Knight 1970 Alvin C Lomax 1953 Marian R Macbeth 1969 Jacqueline D Mcwilliams 1991 Malcom P Mitchell 1976 Myrtle T Williams 1969 Deborah B Wilson 1985
The HUYAC Hall of Fame The young alumni giving circle, The HUYAC Hall of Fame, offers graduates of the past 10 years a way to give back through incremental levels of leadership gift giving to the University. This Presidential Associate member level allows our young alumni leaders to help raise the bar for academics, athletics and student life, making the Hampton experience ever more valuable and meaningful to current Hamptonians.
HUYAC Hall of Fame $1K+ Michael V Edwards Brandon M Northington Briana K Moore Britney J Spells-Hamilton Khadijah R Gordon Edgar T Rawles III Ervin Melton Renita L Burch Maya S Patterson Tiffany M Hatcher Reginald D Baker Dorian S Black
2010 2010 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2017 2017 2019 2019
I give to Hampton
THIS IS MY WHY
because...
I made the decision, from an early age, to devote my life to public service knowing that it wouldn’t always be the most lucrative or the most glamorous, but I understood the impact service has on creating a fairer and more just world for all of us. I give because what Hampton has given to me extends beyond a great education. Hampton instilled in each of us self confidence, and gave us the tools to believe in ourselves and our ability to overcome life’s challenges and make an impact to change this world. I recognize more than a decade later the words, “Education for Life”, extends far beyond whatever was learned in the classrooms of Armstrong Hall. It’s important to give back to not only show gratitude, but to ensure that others are given the same opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed. I enjoyed my college years at Hampton immensely, and want other young men and women to be given such an experience, too. Being a donor to your university may seem daunting, but every dollar helps. If we want to make a difference for future generations of Hamptonian’s, it starts with a single step.
Michele Jawando
’02
Club Level Donors As a member of the Annual Donor Club Level you are a loyal supporter of Hampton University. Whether you are an alum, fan, friend or associate – you take immense pride in being a part of the Pirate Family. It is important to you to stay involved with Hampton and support how you can because you know that every gift makes a difference in the life of a student. You are an integral part of Hampton’s future success.
Club Level Annual Giving Societies University Club starting at $2,000
Heritage Club starting at $150
Captain’s Club starting at $1,000
Pirates Club starting at $25
Anchor Club starting at $500
Annual Donor Honors include annual contributions below $25
University Club $2K+ Calvin R Ledford Jr Rosalyn Mcdonald Miriam Y Atkins Justin A Langley Anthony L Cheatham Tywana M Groce Thomas L Hasty III William A Brown Sr Andre J Debose USA(Ret.) Earl F Simmons Adam Q Carpenter William E Evans Sr Wayne S Jack Pollie S Murphy Carrington M Carter Jan W Carter Margaret A Colden Benjamin J Dent Valerie D White Morris D King John T Melvin USA (Ret.) April M Eaton Judith A Malveaux-Ellerbe James Walker Vernell P Howell David E Smith Willie Williams Jr Brenda E Roberts Vera W Arnold Louis Barnett Jr Roslyn C Chapman Derrick Perkins Eric D Campbell
1987 1999 1985 2006 1980 2004 1977 1963 1980 1966 2000 1954 1967 1973 2005 1977 1980 1958 1981 1971 1964 1986 1997 1991 1963 1981 1983 1971 1959 1978 1978 2000 1986
Latonya Kilpatrick-Liverman Carroll E Swain USA (Ret.) Louis G Jones Victor L Roberts Sr. Johnnie L Beale USA (Ret.) Lisa T Gordon Cecil W Johnson III Rashemah L Malloy Joi M Taylor Dean
1986 1953 1970 1970 1979 1985 1989 1996 1997
Captain’s Club $1K+ Karyn A Riley Norma J Hatot Stephanie P Britton Lorraine S Ward Neal M Walker Kacem L Brazil Jr Tierra B Tivis Ph.D. Tiana N Johnson Gregory R Kilpatrick Stacey V Scott Karla L Booker Vanessa J Walker Harris Carolyn J Smith Margaret G Lee Stephanie J Davis Tracey M Allison Jeffrey J Starkey Justin B Morrissette Willie L Ruff Karlyn J Hunter John H Spencer Gloria D Hill
2000 1973 1997 1961 2005 1962 1983 2007 1996 2004 1984 2000 1965 1965 2004 1993 1982 2009 1960 1996 1956 1995
Kimberley E Bigby Junie J Harris Joseph C Brown Jr Curtis E Blackwell II Micheal K Owens Angela D Burt Murray Alpheaus N Johnson Leroy Reynolds Vernon L Rainey Dds William S Parrish Jr Spencer A Overton Jamila A Thompson Kanasha A Trent Rita V Miles Regina K Dillard Esq Beverly Blackwell Barbara Mcmillian John B Mcadory Rita S Robinson Fred D Cook Jr Beblon G Parks Mary M Pruitt Olivia F Robbins Dolores B Tate Glander Fitchett Jr Wendy L Walker Erick S Lewis Malcolm K Benson Nefertiti Childrey Adrienne D Belton Allan L Hardy Erika L Whitehead Nancy M Manigat Danielle M White Jelani A Murrain
1992 1990 1974 2000 2000 1991 1990 1967 1966 1989 1990 1995 2003 1972 1974 1990 1990 1999 1967 1968 1968 1968 1969 1969 1981 1992 1996 1997 1998 2005 1995 2004 1990 2003 2000
Whitney B Grice 2009 Shaundau A Woodly 2004 Walter L Daniel 2001 Earl H Robbins Jr. 1970 Natalie H Myers 1986 Elizabeth R Oates Dds 1996 Marjorie S Williams 1949 Wallace C Arnold, Us Army (Ret.) 1960 Jemika R Davenport 2003 Shatera D Smith 2005 Brenda T Reed 1965 Kenneth W Lewis 1981 William S Peace 1987 Erika D Lewis 1992 Amber M Chenevert-Lindsey 2002 Dakisha F Lewis MD 2005 David D Lewis Jr 2005 Zakia A Mcmanus 2007 Leah Y Lamb 1985 Valeria A Ford 1970 Ulysses W Boykin 1967 Mark Lewis 1990 Mary J Briley 1969 Berchelle A Cleveland 1983 Jacia T Smith Esq. 2004 Raquel V Watson 1995 Laura E Acree 1970 Carla J Jones 1972 Glenda G Gilchrist-Pinkett 1995 Siraaj M Hasan 2000 E Lavonia Allison 1951 Frederick A Fears 1955 Valeria E Bowman 1968 Robert L Mccleary Jr 1968 Gloria T Doyle 1973 Angela E Hayes 1975 Bobby A Little 1975 Mark E Roberts 1983 Derrick A Lowery 1985 Cherron M Jordan 2002 Joseph R Walters 2005 Carl E Abbott 1999 Daniel R Wilson 1999 Nasiya V Acklen 2006 Dechelle A Forbes 2000 Teri J Carter 0 Willie E Saulters 1954 Allison N Seymour 1988 Cynthia R Johnson-Reid 1980 Abenaa A Brew 2000 Lori R Giles 1990 Doris P Summey 1959 Paula S Hawkins 1980 Deloris A Patterson 1980 George E White Jr 1980 Marcella L Jackson 1990 Ebony R Copeland 2001 Samantha L Cutler 2002 Chantel D Brown 2003
Shelia C Mcneill-Lee Janice L Tyson Timothy S Frazier Alethea J Pena Janelle A Alston-Collins Janice A Thomas Earl Taylor Thelma Robins Gould Euna L Edwards Marion P Johns Viviyanna D Turk Vanessa M Sweat Michael O Keeve Kristen D Simmons Joseph L Grant Jr. Margaret E Ford Francesca Swailes Christopher T Malloy Cydni L Bickerstaff-Rice Nia D Mack Rodney Lauren M Jones Constance H Duverney Michael A Jones Patricia Y Hollingsworth Jeffrey Silverthrone II
1980 1980 2003 2003 2000 1986 1955 1962 1965 1970 1970 1975 1985 2003 1996 1958 1995 1990 1990 2005 1980 1974 2000 1959 1985
Harlem A Morton Justin C Ponquinette Tamara A Christion-Marable Cassandra D Harrison-Miller George K Robinson Lorraine J Bell Michael M Bland Marsha F Harris Sabrina Christian Sha’Ronda D Mcrae Gregory W Whiting Jr Carlos S Smith Genevieve M Farmer Leroy Sturgis Joe J Johnson Danita M Thompson Howard F Raphael Willie D Scales Rose B Mcclyde Renee L Reynolds Sandra E Anderson Sonja R Mason Hattie C Barley Jazlyn Y Wiles Cassie G Bowling
Morgan Lewis
[NHAA, Inc. Endowed Scholar, Class of 2023] “I just want to take the time to thank the National Hampton Alumni Association for not only assisting me from a financial aspect, but also for being a family for me as well. The scholarship I am receiving has definitely helped for me to pay for my undergraduate education and is also helping to assist me in continuing my educational goals. I can’t thank you enough for the continuous love and support I’ve received… Thank you so, so much for making an investment in me.
2000 2000 1990 1990 1990 1978 2000 1966 1983 2003 1968 2003 1962 1966 1970 1979 1998 1974 1971 2000 1972 1972 1978 2005 1954
Harold K Bowling Geoffrey E Pierce USA (Ret.) Mindy A Golatt Kelli N Anderson Grainger R Browning Jr. Lewis T Mcmillon Andrea D Mickle Jo A Strowder Kimberly M Golder Michelle Johnson Walter P Bland Leroy Burke III Ella L Lee Thomas A Taylor Cassandra T Tucker Larry A Butler Sharon R Drummer USA (Ret.) Russell A Easter Sandy M Gibson Leslie M Hall Tommey F Jones Jr Alvin K Lee USA (Ret.) Mary A Morrow-Sutton Wendell C Walker Joyce A Wilson Michael L Powell Jerry P Jenkins Jr Wesley L Page Shantelle D Wright Eddrick C Cason Kamau J Christian Vernetta N Christian Denise A Dudley Edward L Fisher Rana D Graham-Montaque Meredith P Graves David Gunn Jason Jones Teri Larkins Derrick E Mobley Tiombai D Ratliffe Yaasmeen Spencer Sharis M Lattimore Stephen S Lowe Jackie Parker Andre L Sims Sylvia L Best Shantel T Blume Ngozi A Watts L J Haywood MD Marcelle R Hamberg Marsh Wallace Jr. Nina A Jackson Jane L Dawkins Anne A Haskins Laretta E King Henry Roberson Christine B Lawson Malta H Bailey
1956 1982 1996 2002 1974 1974 1974 1974 1990 1990 1971 1971 1971 1971 1977 1980 1980 1980 1980 1980 1980 1980 1980 1980 1980 2000 2003 1984 1995 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 1986 1986 1986 1986 2008 2008 0 1948 1953 1953 1955 1957 1957 1957 1957 1958 1959
James E Miller USA (Ret.) 1959 Barbara J Cooper 1960 Patricia E Ramseur 1960 Joseph E Nickens Sr. USA (Ret.)1961 Natalie Royster 1961 Christine M Darden 1962 Charles O Johnston 1962 Wilma C Jones 1962 Melba O Lucas 1962 Louise L Nickens 1962 Arthur Williams 1962 Sandra L White-Olden 1963 Carolyn G Young 1963 Frederick Burnette 1964 Parthenia H Burnette 1964 Frederick L Carr 1964 Sonja C Davis 1964 Elaine R Milan 1964 Ariel J Anderson 1965 Yvonne T Thompson 1966 Ronald T Epps 1969 Reginald A Hoffler 1969 Londia B Langston 1969 Barbara T Lightsy 1969 Joann M Edelin 1970 Linda L O’Neal 1970 Karen L Ray USA (Ret) 1970 Robert L Stewart 1970 Donald F Temple 1970 Janice J Cephus 1973 Lavelton J Daniel 1973 Judith D Fowlkes 1973 Carletta L Glaspy 1975 Saundra Y Murray 1975 Elemuel A Watts 1975 Pearl A Whetzel 1975 Valencia W Davis 1976 Wanda R Burke 1982 Debra A Flores 1983 Daphne J Anderson 1985 Felicia J Brown 1985 Ladonna G Carter 1985 Lillian A Dixon 1985 Sharon L Hunter 1985 Kevin L Jackson 1985 Terry M Lee USA(Ret.) 1985 Angela A Robinson 1985 Kecia S Blackson 1987 Catlett N Harrison 1987 Trina Y Mccorkle 1988 Renee Hightower 1989 Terri G Hill 1989 Melinda M Pope 1991 Carla N Archie 1992 Hilary O Ayanru II 1992 Tanya L Boone 1993 Veda N Howard 1994 Bradley C Carthon 1996 Michael E Hall 1997
Shafonya M Turner Rashida H Woods Adia Y Stokes British W Wagya Carter Adkins IV Jessica M Marshall Angelica M Melendez
2001 2002 2004 2004 2005 2005 2007
Thank You to Our
2020 Class Leaders 2020 Reunion Classes:
$ 1,047,970.29 Class of 1970 $ 706,217.72 Class of 1975 $ 19,434.98 Class of 1980 $ 687,937.19 Class of 1985 $ 79,188.36 Class of 1990 $ 67,425.62 Emeritus Class
Class of 1995
$ 55,152.94
$ 72,640.21 Class of 2005 $ 35,563.44 $ 21,898.88 Class of 2010 $ 3,960.53 Class of 2000
Class of 2015
Total: $2,797,390.16 2020 Non-Reunion Classes: 1971 - $35,103.90 1972 - $124,161.31 1973 - $21,516.35 1974 - $36,530.01 1976 - $32,374.08 1977 - $28,710.39 1978 - $112,777.04 1979 - $5,220.15 1981 - $15,244.31 1982 - $39,370.64 1983 - $16.860.50 For a complete listing of our 2020 annual donors, please visit our Make A Gift section of the Alumni Affairs website at oaa.hamptonu.edu.
1984 - $13,705.51 1986 - $27,302.04 1987 - $13,937.27 1988 - $8,097.89 1989 - $25,438.96 1991 - $16,577.84 1992 - $29,796.61 1993 - $23,141.50 1994 - $31,709.55 1996 - $24,458.20 1997 - $27,423.27 1998 - $67,335.23 1999 - $27,129.06 2001 - $23,940.86 2002 - $44,773.12
2003 - $48,270.66 2004 - $35,720.57 2006 - $17,497.35 2007 - $11,495.50 2008 - $9,069.68 2009 - $9.716.10 2011 - $6,476.01 2012 - $4,622.68 2013 - $4,318.70 2014 - $883.88 2016 - $1,988.73 2017 - $5,791.20 2018 - $1,135.00 2019 - $4,463.95 Total: $1,045,580.80
7LOVE REASONS TO
HAMPTON
Other universities simply teach history.
Hampton University puts you right in the middle of it. Because, as you’ll soon discover, you’re not just a part of Hampton University - Hampton University is a part of you. With our beautiful waterside campus nestled along the banks of the Virginia Peninsula, near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay; rich culture, diverse academic programs, vibrant student body, as well as our bright and dedicated educators and staff, there are many reasons to love HU. Hampton is steeped in tradition and rooted in history. The importance of empowering young minds by providing a quality education has been an integral part of our mission for over 150 years, and that legacy lives on through every student we teach and every alumni who continues to let their lives “do the singing” by making a positive difference in their community and the world. Groundbreaking research is underway in labs across campus, focused on producing technology and innovation that will help drive tomorrow’s discoveries. With advancing programs in the sciences, engineering, health, computing, architecture, the community and related areas, Hampton University is committed to educating future leaders. The Department of Athletics at Hampton University is proud to have a long-standing tradition of preparing student-athletes to succeed, both on the field of play and in the classroom. The award-winning department has 17 men’s and women’s programs, offering worldclass training, support and scholarship opportunities to a diverse group of athletes from around the world. An aggressive attitude toward progressive education through structured academics is at the heart of our ‘Home by the Sea.’ Comprised of over 80 academic
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programs ranging from Engineering to Journalism & Communications and beyond, HU continues to raise the bar in providing a diverse group of majors and concentrations to help our students reach their goals. In an ever-changing society and world, Hampton alumni continue to excel in the workplace. From business, to research, law, news, entertainment, education and more, Hamptonians continue to shine by bringing creative solutions to their places of work and making a positive difference in their local communities. Every student that is afforded the opportunity to study at our world-class institution represents a new seed planted in Hampton University’s long-standing legacy of preparing promising young minds for positions of leadership and service. Courses of study at every school, department and program at the University aim to equip our students with the tools and experience needed to succeed in the workplace and make a positive impact in the world. We are #OneHampton: Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends – a diverse community working to preserve the legacy of our historic institution by empowering the next generation of Hamptonians to grow, develop and contribute to our society in a productive and useful manner. So, why do you love Hampton? Whatever your reason, know that you are an integral part of the legacy that is Hampton University. Each time you use the skills and experience gained at our ‘Home by the Sea’ to make a difference at your job or in your community, actively promote our alma mater to prospective students or philanthropic organizations or make a gift to areas of the University that mean the most to you, you further our collective mission to prepare the next generation of Hamptonians for positions of leadership and service.
SUPPORT WHAT YOU LOVE!
The Annual Fund helps to provide support for student scholarships, educational materials, technology enhancements, faculty support and student programs. It also contributes to many other important projects on campus, all of which benefit students and make Hampton a more perfect institution of higher learning. When you make an unrestricted gift to the Annual Fund, you spark a flame of passion, inspire new ideas, encourage collaborations and foster courage to face fears and take risks. Your support nurtures the growth of students and the faculty who mentor them. When you make a contribution in any amount to the Annual Fund, you show that you believe in the University’s mission and actively support our long-standing culture dedicated to the promotion of learning, building character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service. So, support what you love and visit donateto.hamptonu.edu to make your gift today! 23
GIVE IT A GO! TRY OUR NEW GIVING FORM... ENJOY THE CONTROL YOU'VE BEEN MISSING!
Because we know how important it is for you to be able to give on the go and manage your giving to Hampton, we created just the solution for YOU!
Endowments at Hampton University Help students. Help Faculty. Help Hampton.
Login To Your Profile
Make Your Gift
Manage Your Giving
All Alumni have a profile in our HamptonYOU community. Sign in using your HUID and your giving will be stored in your profile.
Make the gift you want to the area you want and enjoy the contol of scheduling payments or make a one-time gift.
Your giving history will be at your fingertips! Reprint receipts, enjoy electronic acknowledgments, manage your recurring gifts & more!
donateto.hamptonu.edu Our number one goal is to increase the ease of giving and provide you with the power to manage your annual giving history without the hassle. Give it a GO! Visit the link above to login to the HamptonYOU community to get started today! For help accessing your profile, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at Alumni@hamptonu.edu or call us at 757-727-5425.
‘Put your name on it” to leave a legacy that will go in perpetuity. Start your own endowment. It’s easy, cost effective, and you will be making a tremendous difference.
To learn how, contact
Felicia Blow, APR (’88)
Associate Vice President of Development & “Dream No Small Dreams II” Director of Campaign
Felicia.Blow@hamptonu.edu
Because
of YOU, Rome We Can!
Moments of
#HUMFTakesRome
The Hampton University Marching Force are, without a doubt, some of the hardest working and most resilient students on this campus. As we look back on our brief but impactful time in Italy. Here are my top 11 moments:
10 9 8 7 6
IT’S STILL WORK. While the students were
able to have fun, we still had a job to do. For many of the staff, a lot of effort was made to ensure that all the behind the scenes stuff was in place, which meant that things got pretty hectic.
THE FOOD. They don’t cook
everything all the way over there, but it was awesome to get some authentic Italian cuisine. The students now know what real pizza tastes like.
THE TOUR. As I told the students, for me, it
was great to finally go overseas and not have to worry about getting shot at. This was my first passport stamp since coming to the U.S., so it was good to get out and see the sights.
THE PERFORMANCE. This was history in
Editor’s Note: Once a month Hampton University Director of Bands, Dr. Thomas Jones posts an update on his personal Facebook page @Thomas L. Jones Jr., about Hampton University’s Marching Band, The Marching Force. With his permission “The Standard” edited and republished his January 4, 2020 post about the Marching Force’s New Year’s Day Performance in Rome, Italy.
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the making and there were tons of people in the audience eager to catch a taste of HBCU band culture. Our organizer said that our performance made that parade the best one in history.
FUNDRAISING LIKE CRAZY. This venture wasn’t cheap, but we raised over $350,000 and it was all worth it. Thank you to all who supported us along the way. Whether it was big money or a dollar here and there, every bit of it was instrumental in helping to make Rome a reality. 25
1
Finally, Our Students. They are what keeps me up at night, but they are
5 4
also what keeps me going, especially when times get rough. Our students need your support. The University asks so much of them, and we owe it to our students to set them up for success in every way possible. As we pivot to fundraising for the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, we realize that our trajectory is not sustainable on University support alone. Please continue to support our students in every way possible!
OUR ADMINISTRATION.
When we first presented this to the administration, they asked, “Where are you going to get the money?” I assured Dr. Harvey that we would get it done. As a band, we are grateful for his and Mrs. Harvey’s support as well as the constant encouragement and well wishes and support from all over campus.
OUR PARENTS AND FAMILIES. Most
collegiate band programs don’t have much parental involvement, but ours have taken a big step to assist in providing for our students. Not only did they raise over $20,000, but they also were able to join us in Italy and help. The Marching Force Family (MFF) also helps us out with recruiting, student life, and game day support. Band is a family.
3 2
OUR ALUMNI. From the moment we made the initial announcement about Rome, the Alumni have been generous and supportive beyond all measure – raising over $150,000 for Rome!
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OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. You might
not know this, but we have an all-volunteer staff. As such, this staff has made great personal and financial sacrifices to be here, and I’m forever grateful for them.
Marching To Millions
“The Marching to Millions campaign aims to raise $3 million in three years to support student scholarships, equipment needs, program endowments as well as operating support for major performances like Rome and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade where we get to represent YOU! These students are talented, smart, and they deserve the support that this fundraising campaign will deliver.” ~ Dr. Thomas Jones, Director of Bands
To support the Marching Force on new adventures, visit www.supportthemarchingforce.com.
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alumni affairs:
more than just By Lapraya Patterson ‘10 As graduates of the prestigious Hampton University, we have an important platform – our alumni status. The question is are you showing up and showing out when handling your affairs as a member of the alumni family? Alumni Affairs is so much more than attending Homecoming. Here are the top four things you can do to honor your time spent at ‘Our Home by the Sea’ and truly show your Pirate Pride.
Giving and Creating Legacy:
HBCUs have cultivated a space that allows a student to feel empowered and celebrated with the opportunity to grow in a positive environment. We all have benefited from the fruits of the HBCU labor. Support what you love, and make an annual gift in any amount to the University that has gifted you with so much. Scholarships are dreams and careers in the making. Make a dream a reality.
Showing Gratitude & Adding Value
The percentage of alumni that donate to the college can inform Corporate donors about the quality of the school. Popular belief is when someone enjoyed the school they attended; they want to give back as a grand gesture of gratitude. As you look back on your days in school, you may remember the wonderful friends that you met, the memories that you made, the experiences that you had, and the lessons that you learned. You think about the professors that influenced you in your professional and personal life. It doesn’t matter how much you give, but when you say count me in and make a donation, it shows appreciation for your experiences.
Connecting with Students & Mentoring
Success is not measured in the amount of dollars you make, but the amount of lives you impact. We often forget that our time is valuable and human capital is just as beneficial to the sustainability of HU and can be just as important, if not more, than purely financial support. HBCUs, especially, need both. When you volunteer in-person or over the phone with the Career Services Center on campus or the National Hampton Alumni Association, INC., (NHAA) you have an opportunity to nurture relationships with current students and new graduates. Students need the support of mentors and truly benefit from the scholarships NHAA, INC., chapters provide.
Encouraging Community & Networking
A major perk of staying connected to your ‘Home by the Sea’ through the exclusive HamptonYOU Online Community or by joining your local NHAA, INC., chapter, is maintaining a sense of community with your Hampton family long after crossing Ogden Circle. By staying involved, you’ll gain access to an online directory for networking, news and events updates, a career center and more. So, log in to the HamptonYOU Online community and update your profile and contact information so you can stay connected with your ‘Home by the Sea.’ Help the community grow and invite fellow Hamptonians into the community by sharing our stories and events. When we as members of the alumni family have our alumni affairs in order and show our HBCU and Pirate pride proudly, we have the power to greatly influence the reputation of Hampton University and attract more students and high-caliber faculty members to our ‘Home by the Sea’. We help to improve the University’s ranking in the national polls and ensure our HBCU is able to continue to impact the lives of students and make history for generations to come.
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Be A Part Of A NEW Tradition Join your fellow Hamptonians and accept the Homecoming ‘Come Back & Give Back’ Challenge! Each Homecoming you come back to celebrate those things that you love most about your alma mater- your alumni family and friends! However, without your time at Hampton none of this would be possible. Make it a point every Homecoming to ‘Come Back & Give Back’ to help support our current students. Donate to your favorite program, academic school or student organization. It does not matter where you give or how much… just be a part of making a difference for future alumni. Homecoming, our goal as alumni will be to raise at least $100,000 in support of our current students. Let’s not just talk about our love for Hampton… Let’s Do!
uring D d e s i a Funds R ing 2020 m Homeco
7 5 . 9 1 5 , $155 33
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS | WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE | DO OR DIE | KEEPING UP WITH KIERA HARPER | FEATURING ASJLEY COMPANY | AUTHOR HIGHLIGHT | HU MOMMIES GROUP
lumninews
DJ ENVY World-renowned DJ, Hampton alumnus, joins radio royalty with hall of fame induction The HBCU experience is a treasured part of life for many college graduates in the United States and around the world. The historic institutions continue to be counted as some of the top producers of Black doctors, scientists, engineers, teachers and business professionals, and have even cultivated the talent of some of the nation’s most notable entertainers, like Hampton University alumnus Raashaun Casey, a heavyweight in the radio and music industries who was recently honored in a big way for his life’s work. Casey, better known as DJ Envy, is a 1999 graduate of Hampton University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business management. Originally from Queens, New York City, N.Y., he is a co-host of the syndicated radio morning show ‘The Breakfast Club’ – a four-and-a-half hour morning show which features celebrity interviews, pop-culture news, and DJ Envy’s People’s Choice Mix. The show began in 2010, broadcasting from New York City’s Power 105.1 and, after only two years, was dubbed the number one radio program in the nation by “The Source” Magazine and is widely regarded as the most informative and entertaining Hip Hop and R&B morning show today. The show has continued to build momentum over the years, bringing one-of-a-kind interviews and thought-provoking perspectives on the latest news and events, and a unique mix of Hip Hop and R&B hits to the masses. Dubbed “the world’s most dangerous morning show,” the program reaches millions of listeners each month, airing on nearly 100 stations nationwide. After a decade of broadcasting, the show was formally inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame for the ‘Active Network/Syndication (10 Years or More)’ category. The show’s induction is one of many accomplishments for Casey who is a three-time “Justo Mixtape Award” winner. He also won the award for “Most Influential Radio DJ” at the Underground Music Awards in 2008. As a staunch supporter of HBCUs, he credits his education from Hampton as being an integral part of his success, not only as a DJ, but also as a businessman. “My major was business management and marketing,” said Casey. “It took marketing to another level. I realized that it was not necessarily all about the skills, but also about how I market myself. I used my marketing tools and everything I learned from Hampton to put towards life, and it seems to have worked out pretty well.”
Casey says his career in music started in New York and that his time at Hampton helped him expand his music portfolio. “I was [already] known in New York, but college opened me up,” he said. “One of my roommates was from Mississippi, so he brought me Mississippi music. My other roommate was from Jersey, and he introduced that Jersey bounce to me. And then I had another roommate from Detroit. Now when I came to DJ these parties, it’s not just New York music [being played], and I can DJ anywhere.” As a proud Pirate alumni, Casey says that he frequents the Hampton Roads area and always enjoys coming back to Hampton to visit his alma mater. “I’m back frequently,” said Casey. “I’m usually here seven or eight times a year, so I enjoy always coming back and seeing new, fresh faces and the new buildings they put up so fast. This is [my] ‘Home by the Sea.’” In addition to his work with The Breakfast Club, Casey also hosts a weekly show on Sirius Satellite Radio’s Hip Hop Nation. He continues to be a sought after DJ, working events in premiere night clubs throughout New York City and the world.
WOMEN R
uth E. Carter, Hampton University alumna and Academy Award winning costume designer, is getting her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. No dates for her ceremony has been announced yet, but the date is usually shared about 10 days in advance. “Many congratulations to Ruth Carter on this outstanding recognition. We could not be more proud of her accomplishments and success. Hampton University is honored to be part of Ruth’s journey. Her star continues to be the brightest in Hollywood,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. After the announcement from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Carter shared a public statement on her Twitter account: “All the stars are closer! Especially those on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! I raise my star, thankful for my life, to embrace the people who know my journey and are very proud of me and my work. And now that history is made, I raise my star as I am forever grateful!” Carter stated. Carter won the Oscar in the Best Costume Design category for her work in the 2018 film, Marvel’s Black Panther, at the 91st Academy Awards in February. Carter’s win made her the first African-American to win in the Costume Design category, and it was the first ever Oscar for Marvel Studios. Majoring in Theatre Arts at Hampton, Carter has worked in the entertainment industry for over three decades. Her unparalleled ability to develop an authentic story through costume and character has made her one of the most sought after and renowned costume designers today. She is also the costuming force behind movies such as Malcolm X, Amistad, Selma, and Lee Daniels’ The Butler. Two other members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe are also getting Hollywood stars, Laurence Fishburne and Chris Hemsworth.
NASA Naming Headquarters after Hampton University Alumna Mary W. Jackson
N
ASA has announced they are naming the agency’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C. after Hampton University alumna Mary W. Jackson, who was the first African American female engineer at NASA and featured in the movie, Hidden Figures. Jackson was born and raised in Hampton, Va., and graduated from Hampton Institute (University) in 1942 with a dual degree in math and physical sciences. After graduation, Jackson accepted a job as a math teacher at a black school in Calvert County, Maryland. She worked as a bookkeeper, an Army secretary at Fort Monroe, and started a family with husband Levi Jackson before landing a job at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory’s segregated West Area Computing section in 1951. She worked under fellow “Hidden Figure” Dorothy Vaughan and would later become known as one of the human computers at Langley.
EXCELLENCE
STRONG
Hampton University Alumna, Ruth E. Carter, to Receive Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
After two years working there, Jackson received an offer to work for engineer Kazimierz Czarnecki in the 4-foot by 4-foot Supersonic Pressure Tunnel, a 60,000 horsepower wind tunnel capable of blasting models with winds approaching twice the speed of sound. Jackson was able to receive hands-on experience conducting experiments in the facility and eventually suggested that she enter a training program that would allow her to earn a promotion from mathematician to engineer. Jackson became NASA’s first black female engineer in 1958. “Mary W. Jackson was part of a group of very important women who helped NASA succeed in getting American astronauts into space. Mary never accepted the status quo, she helped break barriers and open opportunities for African Americans and women in the field of engineering and technology,” said Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator. “Today, we proudly announce the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building. It appropriately sits on ‘Hidden Figures Way,’ a reminder that Mary is one of many incredible and talented professionals in NASA’s history who contributed to this agency’s success. Hidden no more, we will continue to recognize the contributions of
women, African Americans, and people of all backgrounds who have made NASA’s successful history of exploration possible.” In 2019, President Trump signed the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act that posthumously awarded the honor to Jackson, who passed away in 2005, and her “Hidden Figures” colleagues Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Christine Darden. “Mary Jackson is featured prominently in our very own Legacy Park as an iconic figure who was not only part of the Hampton University Family, but made a lasting impact on the entire world. She was a true legacy and paved the way for other African Americans to ‘Dream no Small Dreams.’ The naming of NASA headquarters after Mary is the perfect occasion to honor this incredible pioneer,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
... r e h t i E “It Was
e i D r o o D !” s n o i t p er O
Oth o N d a —I H
Andrew “DJ Audio” Nguyen
M
eet Andrew Nguyen (‘13). More readily known to his classmates as Audio tha DJ,
Nguyen is a son of Hampton University and was an Ogre Phi Ogre XIV class officer. Originally from Lanham, Md., Andrew is the co-founder and CEO of Build Your Own Brand Inc., a multi-million dollar, multi-cultural brand community and performance marketing agency. The 29-year-old is a marketing guru millennial entrepreneurs looking to make a name for themselves in the vast digital world are turning to to help answer a loaded question – “What’s my brand?” His successful Build Your Own Brand (BYOB) Conference is where he shares the fruits of his hard-earned lessons and helps young leaders, creatives and entrepreneurs harness their innate gifts while offering guidance on growing their brand’s value – skills he learned early on. Greatly influenced by his parents, Andrew majored in pharmacy. He admits that he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do when he first arrived at Hampton a little over ten years ago, but he was in good company. His high school friend Bakari Taylor (‘12) would be his roommate in James Hall. “I’ve always been a sort of go-with-the-flow person. If it makes sense and it aligns, then this is where I’m supposed to go,” Andrew said. But “I failed every class and that just kind of took me into another world.” Andrew’s time at Hampton was threatened following a major disagreement with his parents, immigrants from Vietnam. “They believe that [their children] have to be an engineer, a doctor, or a pharmacist,” he said. However, after diving into the rigorous pharmacy school curriculum, he realized its challenges were too much and felt a pull in a new direction. After failing every class his first semester, Andrew’s GPA plummeted and he lost his scholarship. To the disapproval of his parents, he switched his major and started an MBA track. Unfortunately, doing his own thing led to not being able to go home during breaks and essentially being homeless during the summer, often sleeping in his car. From there, Andrew faced anxiety, rejection and denial. He had hit rock bottom, so he had nowhere to go but up. He activated his trademark entrepreneurship to catapult him out of a difficult time. His freshman year, his classmates first knew him for the five-dollar haircuts he gave in his dorm room in James Hall. This allowed him to get to know a lot of people, and afforded him his first set of DJ equipment and speakers. That summer, Andrew began an internship with Vincent “DJ Vince” Hancock, a local DJ with a strong relationship with Hampton University and worked in the cafeteria on campus. He was a natural born hustler. . “I just wanted to be here so bad. I saw opportunity and I had a gut feeling that Hampton was going to make me everything that I want [to be],” said Andrew.
Co-Founder and chief executive of a brand community and management firm Build Your Own Brand, Inc. talks about overcoming family rejection, taking big risks to avoid failure, and best branding practices. By Terrance L. Hamm (’12)
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While his work as a DJ and in the cafeteria got him through the summer of 2009, Andrew turned to a local Marine Corps office for an educational grant to continue school in the fall. The financial aid paid for Andrew’s tuition and got him through school on the condition that he spend each summer break in boot camp. “Mind you, the country was in the middle of war. [The drill sergeants] were like, ‘oh yeah, as soon as you’re done, you’re getting shipped.’ But I wanted [to stay at Hampton] so bad. It was do or die for me.”
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Andrew continued to persist and dominate the social settings on campus, DJing at the most popular cabarets, 12-2s, and block parties. Switching his major and finding a groove in the five-year MBA program, he excelled, became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and in May 2013 he received his masters from Hampton University. “I knew that ultimately I wanted to start a company, but I wanted to get a job first, to get a bi-weekly check and save money,” he said. Andrew started his job as a customer management senior associate at PepsiCo in Richmond, Va. – the Monday after graduation, beginning what he describes as one of the hardest years of his life. His mornings began at five o’clock before he reported to the office. But since he was still under contract with the athletics department at Hampton, many evenings after work he had to drive for ninety minutes from Richmond to DJ at basketball and football games and other athletic events at Hampton, not returning home until as late as two o’clock the next morning. “Balancing time, energy, and effort is really tough,” he said. “My quarterly reviews started to get worse because I was spending so much time trying to build The O Agency. Andrew stayed at PepsiCo for exactly one year, resigning in May 2014 on what he calls the happiest day of his life. Three months later, The O Agency signed its first professional athlete, DeAngelo Hall of the then Washington Redskins. Since then, the O Agency has worked with the likes of corporations such as Redbull, Salesforce, Nike, and dozens of all-star NFL and NBA athletes. To lead the agency, Andrew studies Marc Barnes, Steve Jobs, and such successful entrepreneurs, but easily connects his
business strategy to Elon Musk’s marketing of the Tesla Model 3. “When [Musk] created the Tesla Model X, the high-end version, two things happened. The first is he brought in more cash to finance research and development, employment, and operations; and the second is he created automatic demand,” Andrew said. “When [Musk] released the Model 3, 100,000 people put thousands of dollars down and wanted that model.” For The O Agency, the Model 3 is BYOB, Inc. – an acronym standing for Build Your Own Brand. BYOB, Inc., is a product of The O Agency and the 2019 #BYOBRetreat attracted more than 2,000 creators, entrepreneurs, and diverse innovative leaders. Over the span of two days attendees had access to over 30 well developed workshops, facilitated by over 75 experts in their respective fields. Keynotes from entrepreneurs such as social media marketing and strategist, Karen Civil, Combs Enterprises President, Dia Simms, and Founder of U.S Black Chambers Inc., Ron Busby. There were also additional features such as mixers, vendors, and an app that allowed you to connect with other attendees on and offline- before, during, and after the conference. While held virtually due to countrywide restrictions as a result of COVID-19, the 2020 #BYOBRetreat had a turnout of roughly 3,000 black and brown creatives around the world. The event has led to opportunities in the virtual experience & production world for upcoming brands and business. Do or Die “Everything for the past ten years has been do or die. I keep that same mentality,” Andrew says. “That mentality is single-handedly the thing that allowed me to do well in college and even after – to reinvent, to build and to be forward thinking.”
1.
Do or Die
Andrew’s Tips for Personal Branding
Understand a brand is a matter of the heart. The ultimate indicator of a good brand is how much trust there is. When you trust a brand, that’s when you decide to do business and invest. Social media has allowed us to quantify branding in little ways. It’s not perfect, but it allows us to say, if someone has more followers, they’re probably well liked and trusted. If someone has a lot of engagement, they probably have a deep relationship with their audience, their content probably resonates well, and their audience trusts them. If they do an event, people will come. Social media will not make or break you: it will only optimize you. So many people want more followers. That doesn’t matter. If you suck at what you do, more followers will just mean you suck to more people. Focus on being excellent over being heard.
2.
“
Everything for the past ten years has been do or die. I keep that same mentality,” Nguyen says. “That mentality is single handedly the thing that allowed me to do well in college and even after, to reinvent, to build, and to be forward thinking.
”
3.
A brand is neither right nor wrong. It is only weak or strong. You can tell now that right and wrong are relative and people’s beliefs are based solely on their years of life experience. You have to be unapologetically and authentically who you are to strengthen your connection with your audience. Look at the brands that are resonating—the Cardi Bs, the Issa Raes, the Gary Vees, the Donald Trumps—each connect with their audience because their audience feels an authentic sense of relatability. You can’t please everybody, but it’s becoming obvious now that if you want a strong brand, you have to connect strongly with your world, not THE world.
4.
It’s no longer about what you know or who you know…rather who knows you. Hampton hired a new athletic director, Dana Hubbard, while I completed my fifth year at Hampton. Mr. Hubbard heard about me through the grapevine and we started talking and building a relationship. As I was getting ready to transition out of Hampton, Mr. Hubbard wanted to give me the official DJ contract and Hampton became one of the first marketing and service clients under The O Agency.
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Keeping up with Kiira Harper By Craig Stanley (’11)
weeks into rehearsals. “I didn’t get a chance to actually enjoy and soak up the process, trying to not mess up, and be correct.” For Kiira, it was confirmation of her hard work up to that point and a dream come true. From Hampton to Hollywood and beyond, she is blazing a trail through the entertainment industry as a dancer, choreographer and entrepreneur.
Dancer, choreographer and entrepreneur Kiira Harper (‘11) opens up about her ongoing journey to becoming a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, and the role that Hampton University has and continues to play in her process. In 2016, Kiira Harper (‘11) flew to Los Angeles to assist a friend on a job that later fell through. While there, she decided to audition for a west coast talent agency where she was signed on the spot. She then collaborated on a dance video and caught up with some industry friends, one of whom danced for Beyoncé. While on a plane, headed back to New York, she got a call from that same friend she’d seen earlier in the day. “Can you get off the plane? Beyoncé wants you in rehearsal tomorrow.” To the credit of Kiira’s videos on social media, she was enlisted to perform “Formation” at the 2016 Super Bowl Halftime Show, with Beyoncé herself. The controversial, Black Panther-inspired performance would precede the release of “Lemonade,” helping Kiira solidify her place in American history. “It was like a tornado of emotions, the entire time,” Kiira said of the experience, joining the show three
Nearly ten years after graduating from Hampton, her resume already boasts big names such as Alicia Keys, Camilla Cabello, Janelle Monae and Beyoncé. She’s developed her own popular branded dance workshop series called “Simply Stiletto,” her own “Simply Stiletto” Collection and has cultivated a social media following of over 142,000. In opening up about the process of pursuing her dream to dance at all costs, Kiira is hoping to inspire and prepare others who will follow in her footsteps toward building a career based on their passion. “I didn’t have people I looked up to,” Kiira told me by phone. “I just knew what I wanted and I didn’t know anything else.” Born in California, Kiira fell in love with dance at age 16 after years of training in her adopted hometown of Long Island, N.Y. However, by the time she enrolled at Hampton, her aspirations to dance professionally became affected by the expectations of others. “I was told, ‘Being a dancer is not a real job, you need to get a real job,’ you know, ‘you can’t live in that fantasy world,’” she said. “I battled that for a long time.” Kiira says she tried to secretly transfer out of Hampton at one point, and into a dance program at another school, prompting her parents to stage an intervention. Determined, however, Kiira found understanding in the Terpsichorean Dance Company. She bonded with the group, regularly training, rehearsing and performing dance on and off campus.
After graduation, Kiira moved home to New York City ready to dance. For years, she hustled, working and auditioning. With the help of her teacher-turned-mentor, celebrity choreographer Luam, Kiira booked her first dancing job in 2013 at New York Fashion Week. With time and consistency, Kiira would see her hard work and dedication start to truly pay off when she earned a spot on stage with Beyoncé.
Our Hampton History: A Collection of Hampton University Alumni Stories
“I remember, we were in the tunnel and I was shaking, because it was surreal to me,” she recalled of the moments leading up to the live half-time show. “I was so overwhelmed and so thankful and grateful and it was just so much that I had to stop. I put my back against the wall and crouched down, and I prayed.” Shortly after the Super Bowl, Kiira relocated to Los Angeles full time to kick off the next leg of her journey – a spot on television with “Black Girls Rock,” a tour with Alicia Keys and more. She continued to book major jobs, making history again performing with Beyoncé during her 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival sets. In 2018, Kiira would return to Hampton University to be recognized as a Forty Under 40 award recipient. The trip would bring her journey full circle. “I walked into Holland Hall to see the Terps and the cheerleaders, and they started screaming when I walked in the room,” she said. “That was so humbling to me, to
know that there’s other black girls in the same position I was, that now have someone to look at and say, ‘you know what, I can do it too.’”
Hampton Choir Students circa 1872
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Ashley Company
Enriching Black Girls Through Travel One Trip At A Time
By Rochelle Burnley (’10)
Traveling opens doors to those willing to take the leap. It is an opportunity for cultures to unite, share traditions, and embrace each other’s differences. Many of us were fortunate enough to experience this throughout our matriculation at Hampton, but what happens when younger generations in underserved communities don’t have the same opportunities? Insert Ashley Company. Ashley is a proud 2008 Hampton University graduate and Forty Under 40 honoree from Augusta, Ga., who has traveled around the world to 100 countries and is the founder of Jelani Girls, Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides young women, ages 11-15, with the opportunity to expand their horizons and reimagine greatness while traveling the globe. Through cultural enrichment programs, international youth service projects, internships, and collegiate scholarship awards, Jelani Girls strives to engage young women with new cultures and enhance their presence on a global scale. Ashley realized the need for more people of color in travel while on a personal expedition throughout Central and South America shortly after leaving her corporate career at PepsiCo, where she was a District Manager. While on her journey, she encountered one person of color, who happened to be Canadian, but no other black travelers. Everywhere she turned, there were natives, including those of Afro-descent, and travelers from other cultures, but finding another BlackAmerican traveler proved to be a problem. She knew then there was a void that needed to be filled.
In 2013, she started Jelani Girls, Inc. “My call to action was to galvanize young people around traveling,” said Ashley. “I wanted to see young girls become global citizens and embrace their cultural identity. I recognized that in order for that to happen, they needed to change their mindsets. They needed to know that you don’t have to be rich to travel, you don’t have to be white to travel, and you don’t have to know everything about travel to travel.” Through successful mentorship and guidance to young Black girls, Ashley was able to create something far larger than she could have ever imagined. Women began to inquire about how they could assist her while traveling with the girls and in that moment, she found her tribe and turned her purpose into profit. “I had so many women asking to be chaperones that I could have easily ended up with 30 women chaperoning 10 girls! So, I recognized the opportunity for social enterprise– to bring Black women together and fundraise for Black girls’ trips at the same time. When women decide to travel and vacation with a purpose,
some of the proceeds supports scholarships for our girls’ programs. I soon found myself on a full-fledged entrepreneurial journey in the business of being Black and it was the best decision I could have made.”
Jelani Girl, then we have a membership program where 100% of their membership fee supports both a Jelani Girl from the U.S. and a South African girl as they exchange with one another in South Africa during the summer.”
“I just thought if we could see that globally we are the majority and not the minority, we would walk through the world with more confidence knowing we belong to something greater. When we change the way we see Africa, we change the way we see ourselves.”
Women who are excited about travel and exploration also use part of their time abroad as a way to give back to the local community while they are there; hence, traveling with a purpose. “It’s dual-purpose,” said Ashley. “By signing up for this amazing personal and sisterhood-building adventure, you’re automatically supporting our charity and young people. Then, during the trip, filled with exceptionally curated experiences, one day is dedicated to service. We always let people know that we’re not running a mission trip, but we do want to leave a contribution to the country that acknowledges our appreciation for their culture and people. We find it essential to connect with the local community through a day of service and also to connect with each other as many women come in as strangers and leave as friends by the time the trip is over.”
-Ashley Company (’08)
Jelani Women Travel is a company that allows women to vacation with a purpose across 13 countries in Africa while providing support to a Jelani Girl through one of Ashley’s core components. “When women pay for their service trip, part of the proceeds support Jelani Girls, the charity. If women want to directly support a
A sports management major while at Hampton and cadet in the Army ROTC program, Ashley knew early how powerful networking, service, and leadership can be both personally and professionally. Thus, she used everything that prepared her for this moment to venture into entrepreneurship and to make an impact on her journey.
Hampton University Alumna, Chental Song Bembry, Tackles Bullying through New Novel, Desiree Davenport “I wrote Desiree Davenport because I wanted to write a normal story about a group of kids who explore how they treat and interact with each other in and outside of school,” Bembry said. “I wanted to tell a story that highlights the very best of people in a community who care about each other; a story that allows children to see a positive representation of themselves, their families, and their friends in each of my characters.”
While at Hampton, Ashley also was an active member in organizations that she said helped to groom her into the businesswoman that she is today. Campus involvement and leadership positions such as being the president of the NAACP (collegiate chapter), has helped Ashley walk into a room and command attention while speaking about her organization and business. Her initial board members, aside from family members, were all Hamptonians. They rallied behind her cause and helped her to fundraise and increase awareness. Though traveling the continent of Africa quite often, Ashley’s most memorable trip to date was a recent trip to Kenya and Zanzibar. “We wanted to increase the literacy skills,” Ashley reflected. She hired an architect to design the shelves and wall units for a library and kindly requested the women to bring books with black character leads. “The best part wasn’t just building the library, but having the children leave other activities to grab a book and read with excitement sealed the deal,” she said. Jelani Girls, Inc., and Jelani Women Travel are more than opportunities to explore the world. They are opportunities for girls and women to expand their horizons, gain cultural awareness, and build life-long relationships. Through her endeavors, Ashley has provided young and older women the ability to cultivate and strengthen the connection that African-Americans share with mother Africa, and to bring their experiences back home into the very communities where they live, learn, and work; to create change and everlasting impact. Despite the pandemic and current travel bans, Ashley has found new ways to support Jelani Girls, Inc., through their new online learning program Passport to Cultural Freedom and their online retail store Crowned by Jelani featuring African accessories. Ashley has also published an Amazon #1 Best Selling Coloring book, Travel·ish: Black Women Around the World and an eBook, Black Girl Travel Hacks: 30+ Ways to Be Safe, Save Money & Reclaim Your Time.
Ashley’s Top 5 Travel Tips one
Make sure you do enough research that you don’t find yourself in a bind, but don’t go crazy overplanning everything because you may find there are other things you want to do after you arrive.
two
Pack light by planning your outfits. The likelihood of you changing 2 or 3 times in one day on vacation is extremely low if you don’t already do that during your free time at home. Moving from place to place will be easier and save you from paying overweight luggage fees.
three
Download WhatsApp and have your loved ones do the same. You’ll be able to communicate easily with locals you meet and connect with friends and family back home for free.
four five
Save money on your phone bill by unlocking your phone and purchasing a local sim card abroad! Always pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a few personal items in your carryon to avoid discomfort if your checked luggage is lost or delayed. Note that many airlines, travel insurance carriers and some credit card companies have a policy to compensate you for lost and delayed luggage as well.
Author, motivational speaker and Hampton University alumna Chental Song Bembry, Class of 2018, is continuing her legacy of children’s literature. Since making her debut on the 2015 BET Honors and Black Girls Rock! awards shows as an “Early Riser” and a “Making a Difference Girl,” she has published a new middle-grade novel called Desiree Davenport: Welcome to Treeless Park, available now on Amazon. Bembry is a literacy advocate who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hampton with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a minor in Leadership Studies. Desiree Davenport, Bembry’s first comprehensive middle grade novel, tackles bullying using youth football and cheerleading. The story focuses on a 12-year-old girl named Desiree, who moves to a new city with her mom after her parents get divorced. As a youth cheerleader, Desiree befriends fraternal twin brothers Rashad and Phil du Bois, the stars of the football team, who welcome her into their large family. Desiree feels content in having regained a sense of family since her parents’ divorce, but she becomes conflicted upon discovering that the twins are bullies. Relying on her love of mystery books, Desiree sets out to uncover why the twins bully their football teammate, Chauncey Willis. Bembry said she wrote Desiree Davenport to provide readers with an alternative to mainstream books, which often push negative topics on AfricanAmerican middle-grade children. These topics, Bembry said, include drugs, prison, police brutality, racism, and self-hatred.
In addition, Bembry said she wrote the novel to combat bullying in a “fresh way.” As opposed to anti-bullying novels that focus mostly on the person being bullied, Bembry’s novel explores bullying by focusing more on the bullies themselves. “I believe that the answer to anti-bullying starts with the bully,” Bembry said. “If we take the time to analyze exactly why the bully behaves the way he or she does, then we will find the source of the problem and end it much quicker. This is what I hope my novel shows readers.” Bembry is no stranger to children’s literature. In 2010, at the age of 13, she wrote and illustrated The Honey Bunch Kids, a humorous and educational chapter book series about a group of sixth graders who explored themes of friendship, respect and group dynamics. Bembry then started a literacy campaign and traveled to schools, libraries, churches and book clubs to speak to children about the importance of reading and goal setting. “The Honey Bunch Kids was definitely the gateway to Desiree Davenport, Bembry said. In ‘Desiree Davenport, the characters explore leadership roles when they are challenged to complete an antibullying project.” During her time at Hampton, Bembry interned at Sony Music Entertainment, ABC 2 News in Baltimore, MD, American Banker in New York, and ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. Today, Bembry works as an Inside Account Manager at SHI International Corp. Bembry’s contributions to literacy have been recognized by Black Enterprise,
Ebony Magazine, Essence Magazine, ESPN’s The Undefeated, BuzzFeed, USA Today, The Ringer, The Cheat Sheet TV, the National Urban League, and Black Entertainment Television. In 2015, she was recognized at the BET Honors as an “Early Riser” and at the Black Girls Rock! awards show, where the former FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, declared her a “Making a Difference Girl.” In May 2018, Chental was featured in LeBron James’ Always Believe campaign during the NBA Playoffs. “I am very thankful to the professors and staff at Hampton University for their support and encouragement of my projects. Hampton has supported me since my freshman year,” Bembry said. “Because of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, I’ve had many opportunities to work at top media companies. As a graduating fellow of the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute, I learned that when faced with rejection, it’s up to me to find the courage to stand up for what I believe in. In addition, I’ve learned how I can use my talents to impact the lives of children and change the way they see themselves in literature. I am extremely grateful to be an alumna of such a prestigious institution. It will always be my ‘Home by the Sea.’”
Hampton University Moms Find Solidarity in HU Mommies Group By Stephanie Walters (‘08)
Hamptonian. Mommy. Melanin. Magic. These four words describe the very essence of the HU Mommies Group. Founded on February 20, 2015 by Hampton alum and class of 2020 Forty Under 40 inductee Jetaun Woodly (‘04), the HU Mommies Group was the start of something so necessary to the HU network: a place where new moms could come together to get advice, gather new ideas, or just communicate about the ups and downs of motherhood. “Being a first-time mother can be overwhelming. Between recovering from
With over 800 Facebook members, the HU Mommies Group protects the sanctity of motherhood by allowing its members to speak their mind regarding parenting and life experiences in a judgement free zone. “It’s a safe space for women to be heard,” expresses Jetaun, the Director of Network Marketing & Communications for National CASA/GAL Association for Children. She, along with three of the group’s administrators (Debra Gray (‘07), Jameil Weldon (‘04), Erin Perry, (‘05) and Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown (‘04)), want the group to be an outlet for moms to feel supported and to seek advice when they’re feeling a little nervous or unsure about something related to motherhood and raising a family. Beyond being connected through technology, the HU Mommies Group also has “on the ground troops” in various cities around
states. “It’s important to have that ‘me time’ with other moms who can relate to your daily life.” One of the most impactful activities that has taken place is the community baby shower which, in 2018, was hosted in Atlanta, Ga.; Hampton, Va.; Spartanburg, S.C.; Detroit, Mich.; N.J.; Houston, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; and Philadelphia, Pa.. All the cities that participated worked with local nonprofit organizations who support moms or momsto-be in need. Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown, the Director of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College at HU and the Mommies’ Group ‘Keeper of Labor,’ was the lead on the community shower in Hampton, Va. “We collected 30 diaper bags, 28 boxes of diapers, and items for mommy bags...items that we found useful in those early days just after birth,” said Rikesha. “Hosting a shower also provides the ‘warm and fuzzies’ to the organizers as well. It was really incredible! Just knowing that a little bit of effort would mean so much to a woman in a position I know personally, was great.” Sometimes mommies need a place to just BE, and the HU Mommies Group provides that space. “We literally laugh, pray and cry together. We (as a group) have tackled depression, divorce, behavior concerns, illnesses (us, our significant others and our children), moves, promotions, demotions and layoffs, abuse, fear, doubt,” explains Rikesha. “Anything related to the motherhood journey is fair game.”
childbirth to keeping the smallest, most precious human being safe, warm and fed, moms need a great deal of support. Whenever I had questions, my mom peers were there to help me. I wanted my fellow Hampton alumnae to have the same support,” says Jetaun who is a mother of two – Brayden, 5 and Brooklynn, 2 – and also credits her husband, class of 2019 Forty Under 40 inductee Shaun Woodly (‘04) as a great support in this HU Mommies Group mission.
the country that have meetups to do activities for themselves, and most importantly, the community. Some of the activities include hosting brunches, a Christmas gift exchange, planned child play dates, having their very own tailgate spot at Homecoming, giving money to students for the HU Marching Force’s trip to Rome, and even raising money for Houston moms who needed support after Hurricane Harvey. “Those are some of the things we’ve done collectively, but moms in each city get together and often have small gatherings of their own,” Jetaun proudly
“I never knew having a group like this could bring me so much joy; pure joy,” expresses Jetaun. “It feels wonderful to ease the worries of a new mom; to see moms helping each other; to share breastfeeding tips; to let moms know everything will be okay; or to just laugh with one another. It makes motherhood an even more rewarding experience for me. I am confident my children are receiving the best of me and I owe some of that to this group.”
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