1 DECEMBER 2023
CONTENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGAMENT
01 ON THE CAMPUS
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Mary J Blige Awards the First Strength of A Woman Scholarship Winner to a Hampton Future Alumna| Answering The Call, Hampton Alumna Alyssa Sutton ‘12 Reaches Back to Charter The Rocks Inc. Military Organization
HU to Host the 2nd Annual Community Gala | HU Band Directors Take on Macy’s Parade
03 PHILANTHROPY
Truist Funds Hampton University “Building Economic Mobility for Low and Moderately Skilled Individuals” Program with $250,000 Grant
December Newsletter, by the Office of Alumni Affairs and Parent Relations oaa.hamptonu.edu 2 THE HAMPTONIAN
YOUR “HOME BY THE SEA”
04 UPCOMING EVENTS
05 FUTURE ALUMNI
06 ALUMNI FEATURES
Once on This Island | Community Gala | NHAA Galas
Future Alumnus Joshua White Makes Music
Hampton Alumna Rev. Dr. Debra L. Haggins ‘17, Pioneers the Evolutionary School of Religion
07 ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
Hampton Alum Dominate the Entertainment Industry in SoHo California | Petra Parros ‘14 | Adrian Allen ‘22 | Madison Williams ‘23
08 SPORTS
Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. Speaks at HBCU Career Forum
3 DECEMBER 2023
Mary J Blige Awards the First “Strength of A Woman” Scholarship to a Hampton Future Alumna On Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, The Mary J. Blige Foundation, in partnership with PepsiCo, held the Strength of A Woman Scholarship Announcement event in Ogden Hall. Hampton University students were welcomed in by the beautiful décor, photo booth stations, and free hoodies to keep them warm during winter. Performances by the Marching F.O.R.C.E and Blue Thunder Cheerleaders added energy and excitement to the event to keep the crowd going. We are so proud to announce that Future Alumni Brooklynn Miller, a 2nd year Journalism 4 THE HAMPTONIAN
major from Detroit, Michigan, is the recipient of this foundation’s first scholarship of $60K. “I really prayed on this; I really wanted to get the money, I really wanted to win, so I was happy that I was selected, and I definitely plan to continue my matriculation at Hampton University, putting my best foot forward,” said Miller. Hampton University is proud to be included in the ongoing list of many ‘firsts,’ and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for this bright scholar.
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A WINNER Future Alumni Brooklynn Miller smiles right after the announcement of her win
STRENGTH OF A WOMAN SCHOLARSHIP Jessica McKenzie, Senior Director, People & Culture Communications at PepsiCo; President Darrell K Williams; Victoria Lambert, Head of Community Advancement, PepsiCo Multicultural Business & Equity Development; Scholarship Winner Brooklynn Miller; and Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Multicultural Developement, PepsiCO North America
FUTURE ALUMNI Scholarship winner Brooklynn Miller (middle) poses with hosts Lauren Cyrus (left) and Joshua Hooper (right) 5 DECEMBER 2023
Answering The Call: Hampton Alumna Alyssa Sutton ‘12 Reaches Back to Charter The Rocks Inc. Military Organization Alyssa Sutton, a 2012 Hampton University graduate and retired Second Lieutenant, is the president of the newly established Hampton University chapter of The Rocks Inc., a military mentorship and professional development organization. Answering the call is no easy feat. As the saying goes, “Many are called, few are chosen” rings true for Hampton Alumna, c/o ’12, Alyssa Sutton. Alyssa has served her country in the military and civilian sector by enlisting into the Army upon graduation from Hampton University, retiring, and now working for the Government as a civilian. During her time here at Hampton, Sutton majored in psychology, worked part-time at fast food restaurants, and served as a peer counselor while maintaining her full scholarship as a Hampton University Army ROTC cadet. As Sutton strove to make her mark in her military career, she faced obstacles that thwarted the timeliness 6 THE HAMPTONIAN
of her plans, mainly due to injuries. However, in a true Hamptonian spirit, Sutton never backed down and continued pressing forward to secure her spot as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Once she completed all the training required for her position as a Medical Service Officer in an Infantry Brigade in Fort Benning, Georgia. Unfortunately, Sutton’s injuries did not heal as hoped, so she was honorably discharged and retired, something Sutton had not planned for; however, she went on to work as a Program Manager for the Federal Government in Washington D.C. Coming full circle, Sutton volunteered to carry out the vision of President Darrell K. Williams in chartering The Rocks Inc. Chapter on Hampton University’s campus--An organization with goals to strengthen military officers and senior civilian corps by serving as a worldclass organization that provides mentorship, coaching, networking, and professional development. Hampton University is the first HBCU to hold The Rocks Inc. chapter on its campus, thus making another historical feat for Hampton University. When no one answered the call to be President, Sutton stood bravely and answered the call. From then on, she began to work to create an interest group comprised of Hampton Military alumni, and the organization started to grow. Sutton looks to bring all Hampton University military
students into this organization and provide them with the tools necessary for a successful military career by hosting networking events, professional development seminars, and a “buddy” system wherein students would be paired with a mentor in their same branch in the location they are stationed. “My biggest
sure that we do impactful things. Number one, with comradery events, and help keep them excited about where they are, but also with the development and the mentorship, providing them enough that they see the benefit in, in what we’re trying to do with them and actually make an impact that actually helps them in their careers. I think that’s my goal.” Said Sutton.
to just prepare them to be better officers. I think the best testament to that is them encouraging others and staying in the program even when they become an officer. So, once they leave Hampton, they saw so much benefit and gained so much from our program that they want to stay in it and give back to the new, you know, military population. So that’s really my goal: to make
Sutton shared that a few ways that the Alumni, Parents, Students, and Hampton Community can support the military students on campus is to encourage them, bring in industry leaders in their respective fields to come to The Rocks Inc. events to speak, and ultimately, thank them for their service.
hope is that we actually touch and change the cadets’ lives...
7 DECEMBER 2023
HU Alumna Racquel Oden of HSBC Bank USA to Address the 131st Founder’s Day
Hampton University is proud to welcome Alumna Racquel Oden ‘98, managing director, HSBC Bank USA, as the keynote speaker for the 131st Founder’s Day on Sunday, Jan. 28th, at 11:30am in Robert C. Ogden Hall. The event is free and open to the public. “It is indeed an honor to welcome Keynote Speaker and Hamptonian Racquel Oden back to her alma mater,” said HU President Darrell K. Williams. “I am also proud to continue in the Hampton tradition of celebrating Founder’s Day. Our visionary founder, General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, believed in ‘an education that encompassed the head, the heart, and the hands.’ We look forward to continuing his principles.” Founder’s Day activities will also include the commemorative wreath-placing ceremony at the gravesite of HU’s founder, Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, in the HU Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.
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Oden has enjoyed a career in finance that spans over two decades. Oden was recently named the head of Wealth and Personal Banking for HSBC Bank USA, leading the bank’s wealth management, global private banking and retail businesses in the US and distribution for Latin America. Oden joined HSBC from JPMorgan Chase where she was Managing Director and Head of Network Expansion overseeing the Consumer Bank’s growth strategy and branch network in 25 states. She previously led the Consumer Bank’s National Sales team servicing 20 million customers in 48 states and driving sales across the firm. Oden received an M.B.A. from HU and a B.A. in Political Science from James Madison University. For more information, contact Sarita Scott, in the HU University Relations Office, at 757.727.5253
Community Engagement
02 HU Hosts the 2nd Annual Community Gala
Hampton University hosted the second annual Community Gala, “Elevating Community Excellence Together,” on Friday, December 1, at 7pm, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center The event was open to the public. “The Hampton University Community Gala is sure to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together the spirit of community and celebration under the stars,” said Apryl Roberts, HU Director of Protocol. “Last year’s inaugural gala was one to be remembered. The gala is not just an event; it’s a celebration. We aim to bring people together in a joyous atmosphere, fostering a sense of unity as an end of the year commemoration.” Hampton University invited residents, local businesses, and friends to join in the festivities, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Attendees enjoyed to a night of glamour, highlighted by a live band, exquisite dining experiences, several planned surprises and opportunities to connect with fellow community members.
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HU Band Directors Tak Macy’s Parade THANKSGIVING (from left to right) Director of Bands Dr. Thomas L. Jones, Jr, Assistant Director of Bands Mr. Alexander Hamilton II, and Assistant Director of Bands Mr. Clifford Cox II
The Hampton University Marching FORCE’s band directors were invited to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in an all band director’s band . 10 THE HAMPTONIAN
ke on
by Dr. Thomas L. Jones, JR
11 DECEMBER 2023
Philanthropy
Truist Funds Hampton University “Building Economic Mobility for Low and Moderately Skilled Individuals” Program with $250,000 Grant Truist, through its Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation, presented Hampton University with a $250,000 grant to fund the university’s “Building Economic Mobility for Low and Moderately Skilled Individuals, from Underserved Populations in Newport News and Hampton” program. Truist’s Virginia Regional President, Thomas Ransom, presented a check on behalf of Truist to Hampton University President, Darrell K. Williams at the university’s museum, alongside local Truist leadership and university leadership and administrators.
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“Truist is proud to make this investment in Hampton University’s workforce development program,” said Thomas Ransom, Virginia Regional President at Truist. “Our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities and one way we bring our purpose to life is
through strong community partnerships and programmatic investments, with a special focus on creating opportunities for economic mobility and independence. We look forward to seeing the success and stability of future program participants, as well as their contributions to our local economies and communities.” The “Building Economic Mobility for Low and Moderately Skilled Individuals” program provides hands-on training and certifications in construction trades for over 100 students in each year-long cohort. The program creates a skills transformation by upskilling and reskilling to generate qualified candidates for Virginia’s workforce, as well as sustainable careers for program participants. The program and university also collaborate with partners from faith-based institutions, law enforcement, high schools, community-based organizations, and area municipalities to round out its workforce development programming. Truist’s grant will allow Hampton University to expand the program’s reach and impact. “Hampton University is thrilled to collaborate with Truist to advance our mission of positioning students and our communities for success,” said HU President Darrell K.
Building Economic Mobility for Low and Moderately Skilled Individuals Williams. “The Truist collaboration underscores the importance of private-sector partnerships in addressing the evolving needs of the workforce. “This substantial investment not only strengthens the university’s position as a leader in education but also reinforces Truist’s commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves.”
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Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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NHAA, Inc.
17 DECEMBER 2023
Future Alumni
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Future Alumnus Joshua White Makes Music
As the old saying goes: When opportunity knocks, make sure you’re ready to answer. When Future Alumnus Joshua White ‘24 got the chance of a lifetime--to perform the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Lakers-- he did not hesitate.
to the students about music and the music industry, they took questions, and White took the opportunity to show them some of his videos. From that interaction, White was granted the chance to perform at the Jazz Legacy Foundation After Party.
White, a trombone player in the Hampton University Marching FORCE, donned a Hampton Pirates jacket while playing, representing his “Home by the Sea” on the Lakers court.
Afterwards, White shared his thoughts. “The performance went really well, and by the time I reached the climax of the song, the audience was well energized, and even LeBron James was seen on camera smiling as I was playing the anthem. It was an honor to be able to represent our university on such a massive stage and in front of some of the best basketball players in the world.“
This isn’t the first significant opportunity that the trombonist has had recently. Earlier this month, White had the chance to perform with Grammy-nominated artist Hank Bilal II after Hampton Alumna Gwendolyn P. Harris and her client, Jesse Thompson, visited the Hampton University Marching FORCE on a visit organized by Director of Bands Dr. Thomas L. Jones, Jr. After Thompson spoke
White also shared that he is the first trombone player in Lakers franchise history to perform the National Anthem, which makes his performance even more historical.
19 DECEMBER 2023
Hampton Alumna Rev. Dr. Debra L. Haggins ‘17 Pioneers the Evolutionary School of Religion
Alumni Feature
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Rev. Dr. Debra Haggins, the University Chaplain at Hampton University for the past 15-16 years, has been appointed as the founding dean for the School of Religion. The new school will offer a PhD in religion and theology, making Hampton the first HBCU to do so.
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Hampton University has had a significant impact on religion for years by hosting the Annual Minister’s Conference since 1914. This history has perpetuated a lineage of developed and trained clergy for the African-American church. Hampton Alumna, c/o ’17, and University Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Debra Haggins, pioneers a new path for Hampton University with the announcement as the founding Dean of the School of Religion, an evolutionary feat in Hampton’s history that will continue to resound bells of victory for centuries ringing. Dr. Haggins began her chaplaincy at Hampton University in August 2008. Within her role, she has been able to touch the ministerial academic aspect and administrative responsibilities, all woven into the very fabric of Hampton’s culture and ethos. She has served as campus pastor of the Historic Memorial Chapel, Executive Director, Treasurer of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference-Choir Directors’ & Organists’ Guild, and Director of the former Religious Studies program. In 2017, Dr. Haggins graduated from Hampton, earning her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Management. In her studies, she focused on navigating the call and exploring the ecclesial leadership praxis of the African-American Clergy. “The great privilege of the appointment is that I am able to serve our beloved Hampton with my whole heart. I have dedicated the last 15 years of my life to being available for the administration, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and parents. It is a privilege to bring my life for the church and the academy together. I am so very grateful to President Darrell K. Williams for this opportunity to bring together my love for the church, my research interests, and Hampton University for such a groundbreaking appointment. To God be the glory! Great things he has done.” Said Haggins.
like in Black spaces by recruiting stellar faculty to carry torches of academic rigor, subject matter expertise, and a solid commitment to student success. “This historically significant moment, in my mind, springboards from the year of the university’s founding in 1868, upon strong Christian principles and values. Hampton’s endearing mission of educating the head, heart, and hand continues to resonate with alumni and our current students more than a century and a half later. This moment means that Hampton University, with the strong and unwavering support of alumni, is boldly entering this brave new world of university-based theological education where we will wrestle with issues of religion, politics, education, society, and, yes, the landscape of Christianity in America which continues to evolve.” Said Haggins. This is exciting for Hampton, for we are excited that this is another milestone, another benchmark of innovation and imagination. Establishing the School of Religion is a natural progression toward greater community engagement and congregational development. It is another milestone and benchmark of innovation and imagination emanating from the Standard of Excellence. “Hampton University School of Religion will stand as a beacon of light and hope to all who enter the doors of our classrooms, whether they be virtual or traditional. I would like to extend an open invitation to alumni, parents, and friends of Hampton and the greater Hampton Roads Community to celebrate and support our programs in religion and theology. Bring your ideas, well wishes, and yes, your prayers.” Said Haggins.
In her new role, Dr. Haggins looks forward to entering or delving more deeply into what theological and religious education looks
21 DECEMBER 2023
Alumni Highlights
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Hampton Alumni Dominate the Entertainment Industry in SoHo California On Thursday, November 9th, YELLOW—a 501 (c)3 non-profit founded by Virginianative Pharrell Williams to EVEN THE ODDS through education—collaborated with the Unity Conference to host a Bright Sparks Live panel at SoHo House West Hollywood and Netflix Studios. With the backdrop set on the Hollywood hills, the first panel--curated and hosted by Hamptonian and YELLOW’s Director of Engagement + Communications Stephanie Walters--featured Hampton alums Alex Hill (Chef + Host of Tastemade’s Spice Spice Baby), Nikkolas Smith (Artivist + Author); and Felicia Joseph (SVP of 22 THE HAMPTONIAN
Casting, ABC Entertainment). The audience comprised collegiate students, and the panel discussion focused on education, creativity, and using your influence for good. Also in attendance as youth mentors were Hamptonians Gary Bushrod (Head of DEI, Amazon Music), Llewellyn Radford (Actor + Author), and Bianca Hammonds (Podcast Host of What’s Mine is Mine). Following the panel discussion at SoHo House, everyone transitioned to Netflix Studios for a second Bright Sparks Live panel with Netflix executives about future forward innovation and career pathways.
Congrats to Alumna Petra Parros ‘14 on Her New Position
Congrats to Alumna Adrian Allen ‘22 on Her New Position
Congratulations to Alumna Petra Parros ‘14 on her new position as Vice President of Workplace Experience at Forrest Solutions!
Congratulations to Adrian Allen ‘22 on starting a new position as a 7th & 8th Grade English Language Arts/ Social Studies Teacher at The School District of Philadelphia! Allen started her career in government and politics in 2018 as an Administrative Intern to State Senator Vincent J. Hughes, the Pennsylvania State Appropriations Chairman for the 7th Senatorial District representing Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Before admission into HU, she was awarded The Michael Jordan Wings Scholarship in partnership with UNCF. This academic program allowed underserved and underrepresented students to attend any college/university of their choice, free of charge. Allen is a first-generation college student from a family of immigrants and plans on continuing to pursue her educational career at Drexel University as an MS/MBA candidate.
Parros adds, “I’m reminded that every opportunity is a stepping stone to things that were once only imagined. Thank you to the inspiring leaders that I have the opportunity to learn from on a daily basis: Juan Pazmino, Kate Post, & Jose Cruz. Thank you to my hard-working team of leaders, Yves Bastien, Brenda Eggermann & Andrea Perez, for your passion and dedication to what we do. I am grateful that the culture at Forrest Solutions believes in the power of potential.”
Congrats to Alumna Madison Williams ‘23 on Her New Position Madison Williams is an Onyx XII graduate from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. After leaving Hampton, Madison finished her last summer internship and relocated to Los Angeles to start work as a Publicity Coordinator at Warner Bros. In her role, she assists the Global Publicity team in carrying out film campaigns for blockbuster hits, including upcoming releases Wonka, The Color Purple, and Aquaman 2.
23 DECEMBER 2023
Sports
Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. Speaks at HBCU Career Forum
Hampton University Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. was selected to speak at the NFL HBCU Careers in Football Forum Series. Since the series’ inception in 2016, it has provided HBCU students with development, career exposure, and networking opportunities. Numerous students who have participated in this event have gone on to receive internships or full-time positions within the NFL. With the Careers in Football Forum Series and other initiatives from the NFL, over 3,000 students have been provided with invaluable information and resources. Henderson Sr. was one of four Directors of Athletics from HBCUs to be speaking at the event. The entire panel featured Florida A&M Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffany-Dawn Sklyes, North Carolina Central Director of Athletics Dr. Louis Perkins, and Norfolk State Director of Athletics Melody Webb. The 2023 NFL HBCU Career in Football Forum Series was hosted by ESPN Sideline reporter Lericia Harris. Along with professionals at the collegiate level, sessions also featured professionals in the field.
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“The Careers in Football Forum provides a platform for diverse candidates to explore NFL career opportunities.” stated Hampton Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “I am honored to be asked to participate in this program and speak to HBCU students from across the country. The partnership forged between the NFL and HBCUs has provided many students valuable resources and outstanding opportunities, and I look forward to its continued impact.”
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