4 minute read
Gamma Theta Charter Member & Terpsichorean Visits Her “Home by the Sea"
Dr. Mozel Spriggs ‘47, a charter member of the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Alpha Sorority, Inc., returned to Hampton’s campus and shared her excitement and joy. She advised younger sorority members to always represent Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Hampton University to the best of their abilities. When asked about her secret to looking young, she attributed it to her active lifestyle, particularly her lifelong involvement in dance. She expressed her delight at the growth and development of Hampton University, reminiscing about her past experiences on campus. She described Hampton as her family, as she is a Hampton Legacy (her parents, siblings, and she are all alumni). She also expressed a desire to see the Ivy-covered buildings of her time, (the ivy have since been cleaned up).
On Friday, September 22, Dr. Mozell Spriggs ‘47, a charter member of the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Terpsichorean dancer, visited Hampton University for a day filled with joy, laughter, and a walk down memory lane.
Dr. Spriggs arrived on campus early Friday morning to view her brick amongst her friends at the Greek Plaza. Along with her greatly anticipated arrival was her son-in-law, Mykeleti Williamson (“Bubba” from Forrest Gump), and her daughter. They accompanied her, documenting her every word and moment.
Graduate members of the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. were all there waiting to assist Dr. Spriggs with whatever she needed and to ensure she was enjoying her time home.
The Administration of President Darrell K. Williams was able to help keep Dr. Spriggs warm by presenting her with a Hampton University afghan blanket, which she was pleasantly surprised by.
When we asked Dr. Spriggs how it felt to be back on campus at Hampton University, she shared, “Oh gosh. I am so excited. It’s just fabulous. I cannot believe it. I cannot believe Hampton has developed-- has grown. So, gosh. So I guess this is the greatest joy of my life. It’s the greatest joy of my life. It really is. And I’m just so happy to be back at my Home by the Sea.”
Dr. Spriggs also offered encouragement and advice to the younger Gamma Theta members, stating, “You have to always represent Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. You must be your best. You must always act your best. You must always do your best with whatever because you must remember that you not only represent Gamma Theta but also the national Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Hampton Institute.”
To put the cherry on top of the day, we asked Dr. Spriggs what her Hampton was and why. She said, “Well, my Hampton is family because my parents, father, and mother met here and married. And my sisters and my brothers have all gone to Hampton. So, it is a part of, and it is love because they loved it, and so do I.”
Dr. Spriggs also offered that the key to staying healthy and looking young is to be dedicated to a lifetime of movement. “I guess one thing you have to stay active, and I have a daughter who’s a dancer, and that’s what she says. She’s danced with Alvin Ailey and says, ‘you stay active. Be active.’ And if you aren’t a dancer, you can exercise, but you gotta do something. And, of course, dancing is an exercise. So regardless of what kind of dancing you do, it is fine.”
Dr. Spriggs was last at Hampton for her sister’s 50th Class Reunion in 2006. We were so happy that we could provide Dr. Spriggs with the ultimate Hampton University welcome, as she has truly let her life do the singing.
To view more photos from Dr. Spriggs’ visit, click HERE
Watch a recap of her visit HERE
