JUNE 2019

Disney Imagineers Visit Department of Architecture

The Hampton University Department During his lecture, Tanksley spoke to the Tanksley had of Architecture welcomed representatives crowd of architecture students about being a great advice from the Walt Disney Imagineering team, student at Hampton, and about the design for Hampton to share information with students about competition that he and his fellow architecture students. “Stay their experiences at Disney. Representatives students won that propelled him into Disney. grounded with also encouraged students to apply for In 1992, Tanksley entered the Walt Disney your passion, “Imaginations,” a design competition that seeks ImagiNations design competition as a your love, and Hampton University the next generation of Imagineers. student. As a winner of this competition, he the thing that was awarded a position with Walt Disney brought you to Endow a $25,000 One of the representatives was Hampton ImagiNations. From there, his career took to Hampton University alumnus, Dexter “Dex” Tanksley off and he has worked in numerous positions University. Scholarship for a Child (’93). He is the Sr. Project Manager for within the company. You’re going to Affected by the Tragedy Walt Disney Imagineering. Imagineering, get distractions the combined name of imagination and “Believe in your dreams, have the courage from all over, but at the Beach engineering, is the unique, creative force behind to take your dream and make it a reality. I that takes you away from the thing that you Walt Disney Parks and Resorts that dreams can’t stress how important it is to have that started with, so if it’s your love, spend the time Municipal Center up, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, confidence in yourself, in your university, and to nurture it, fall in love with it, and follow The Hampton University Family was saddened resorts, attractions, cruise ships, real estate just follow your dreams; you will be rewarded through with that vision,” said Tanksley. “If you to learn of the horrific shooting incident that developments and regional entertainment things you can’t even imagine,” said Tanksley. love what you do for a living, you’ll never work occurred at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center venues worldwide. Building upon the legacy of on May 31, 2019. To demonstrate our support That design competition that Tanksley won in a day in your life.” Walt Disney, Imagineers bring art and science for the victims’ families, Hampton University together to turn fantasy into reality and dreams 1992, is now called Imaginations. The purpose has established the Virginia Beach Endowed into magic. of Imaginations is to seek out and nurture the Scholarship: Educational Fund for Families of next generation of diverse Imagineers. This the Municipal Center Tragedy in the amount of Tanksley’s daughter, Jordan, accompanied him unique competition enables $25,000. The earnings of the endowment will on his trip to Hampton from California for students to showcase their go towards a scholarship for a dependent of a this lecture. They both had the opportunity to talents and gain practical shooting victim who chooses to attend Hampton meet with Hampton University’s President, Dr. knowledge in design. University. The initial scholarship will be $10,000 William R. Harvey. “It was a pleasure to see Finalists get the opportunity per year for four years. Thereafter, the amount will be determined by the interest that the Mr. Dex Tanksley, and to meet his daughter, to win an all-expense- endowment will produce. Jordan. Dex mentioned that Jordan has paid trip to Walt Disney officially decided to become a Hamptonian in Imagineering in California, The University would like to invite the public the fall! We are excited to welcome her to her compete for awards and be to contribute to this endowment and join us in new ‘Home by the Sea,’” stated Dr. Harvey. considered for internship making a positive difference in the life of a child opportunities. affected by this tragedy. By contributing, you can ensure that the minimum amount of $10,000 is awarded regularly. Your contribution will be an investment in that child’s future. “Hampton University calls the entire region our home,” said Dr. Harvey. “Hampton University has maintained a strong tie to the City of Virginia Beach since opening the College of Virginia Beach September 2, 2003. Our hope is that others will join us in making a positive difference in the life of a child affected by this tragedy and invest in that child’s future by donating to this scholarship.” Individuals who would like to donate to the Virginia Beach Endowed Scholarship: Educational Fund for Families of the Municipal Center Tragedy can do so by sending contributions to Mrs. Evelyn Graham, Interim Vice President for Development, at 200 William R. Harvey Way, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23668 or by visiting https://givetohamptonu.org/. Hampton University Inducts Three Into Hampton University Golfer Jakari Harris Athletics Hall of Fame Receives George A. Christenberry Award at Big South Hall of Fame Dinner

Jakari Harris, from the women’s golf team, was honored May 30 as one of 10 recipients of the George A. Christenberry Award at The Westin Resort in Hilton Head, S.C., as part of the ’s annual Spring Meetings and Hall of Fame Dinner. It is the most prestigious academic honor by the conference. The award is given to the male and female student-athlete who attain the highest GPA during their undergraduate collegiate careers. “I am so proud of Jakari Harris for being Hampton’s first Christenberry Award winner,” said Hampton University President Dr. William said Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert, Chancellor and R. Harvey. “These awards are very special in Provost for Hampton University. “Earning this the conference and to have her earn one in our prestigious award from the conference reinforces first season shows the type of student-athlete we On Saturday, June 1, Hampton University meters along with the 4x100 relay. His relay the “Standard of Excellence” that has been a aim for at Hampton University.” honored three former student-athletes with team set the school record in the 4x100 at the motto of Hampton University forever.” the highest athletic honor possible in front of a 1984 National Championships. Harris, a chemical engineering major who Big South member institutions nominate packed Student Center Ballroom – induction carries a 4.06 grade point average, had her On the football field, he set a school record with one male and one female undergraduate into the Hampton University Athletics Hall of best three-round event at the Big South a 100-yard kickoff return against Norfolk State student-athlete for the annual Christenberry Fame. Championships with a 248 three-round total as he was named CIAA Sports Network Player Award. The honor is named for George A. and a season best round of 79. She was tops Walter “Fuzzy” Ward, Thomasina Busch of the Year. Christenberry, the former President of Augusta on the team in scoring average at 83.2 for the Cunningham and Darryl Skinner joined a College (now Augusta University) and one of 2018-19 season. prestigious group of inductees as the newest Post college he recently retired as a Corporal the founders of the Big South Conference. A Detective from the Chesterfield County Police members of the Hall of Fame. “I would also like to extend my congratula- member of the Big South Hall of Fame, Department after a 30-year career where tions to Jakari Harris for being Hampton’s Christenberry served as the league’s first Thomasina Busch Cunningham ran as a senior he won four Achievement Awards, a Unit first George A. Christenberry Award winner,” President from 1983-86. from Northampton (Va.) High School at the Citation Award, Chief ’s Commendations and a Virginia High School State Championships Governor’s Recognition Award in 1992. here at Armstrong Stadium where she caught the attention of then head coach, the late John Walter “Fuzzy” Ward began playing basketball Parenting book edited by Hampton University White. After meeting women’s coach LaVerne at George P. Phenix High School in 1954. Sweat she was signed to a full scholarship. When he entered then Hampton Institute he developed into a record-setting scorer. Ward Scripps Howard School of Journalism Her achievements were vast and include the fol- was a three-year team captain, team MVP lowing titles: CIAA Indoor and Outdoor 100m as a senior as well as First Team All-CIAA. and Communications Hurdles Champion (1981); CIAA Outdoor Outstanding on offense and defense, Ward Long Jump Champion (1981 & 1984); CIAA played 86 consecutive games and closed out his Professor Butch Maier Outdoor 100m Hurdles Champion (1984); collegiate career by scoring 23 points to break Hampton Institute Rookie of the Year (1981); Hampton’s all-time scoring record in 1961. “Win with Teens: Hampton Institute Track and Field MVP (1981); NAIA Indoor Long Jump Champion He earned a B.S. degree in Physical Education Christian Parenting (1982); NAIA Indoor 55m Hurdles Champion from Hampton (Institute) University and Through the (1983 & 1984); NAIA Outdoor 100m Hurdles an M.S. degree in Special Education from Challenging Years,” Champion (1982 – 1984); NAIA Women’s Manhattan College (NYC). a book written by Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Academic Ward was the first player drafted from Virginia Beach life All-American (1981 – 1984); Hampton Hampton into the NBA as the Detroit Pistons coach Win Levis and Institute Outstanding Performer (1981 – 1984); selected him in the eighth round of the 1961 published in early and Hampton Institute Outstanding Scholar draft. He was also drafted by the Washington, June, was edited by Athlete (1982 and 1983). D.C. franchise of the now defunct American Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and This marks her second Hall of Fame induction Basketball League. Unfortunately, he was Communications Assistant Professor Butch this year after joining the CIAA 2019 John B. unable to accept either offer, however, as he was McLendon Jr. Hall of Fame in March. She required to comply with the military draft at the Maier. time. currently works in Richmond as an Auditor for Maier — whose family comedy “Mother of a the Tobacco Enforcement Unit with the Office Following his Army career, he taught, coached Day” was the No. 1 movie with a black lead, per of the Attorney General. and mentored students in the New York City theater, in the United States when it premiered Darryl Skinner was born and raised in Virginia and Westchester County public school systems May 4 — has taught journalism classes at HU Beach and studied Building Construction for over 35 years. Ward passed away in 2007 for two years. Maier has worked as an editor for Technology during his time at then Hampton and was inducted posthumously into the newspapers, magazines and websites for more Institute. He was a two-sport athlete earning Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall than a quarter century. He also shot the cover of Fame, along with local legends including All-CIAA honors in both track and field and photo for “Win with Teens.” Hampton Life (Vol. 11 Issue 5) on the football field. With track, he was All- Alonzo Mourning, William “Shorty” Gray, is published monthly by CIAA each year in the 60 meters and the 100 Darren Perry, and Lisa Rice. Levis is a certified life coach, a longtime Hampton University in the Young Life leader with decades of experi- Office of University Relations. ence and a father of four former teens. Individuals and groups looking to acquire cop- Contributors: ies of “Win with Teens” can email Sumbadhat Matthew White, Glenn Knight, Productions, Maier’s production company, at B. Da’Vida Plummer, [email protected]. Jessica Zimmerman, Alexis Brower

2 • HAMPTONLIFE • JUNE 2019 Hampton University’s Cancer Research Center Receives $446,000 Grant for Breast Cancer Research

Dr. Ricks-Santi, a Hampton University type of cancer, a doctor may recommend or The second part alumna and cancer geneticist, was formally prescribe a genetic test. The most common of the grant will trained at Georgetown University’s Lombardi test for breast cancer is BRCA 1 and 2. There be to take those Comprehensive Cancer Center. After her are also panel tests, which include BRCA 1 genetic muta- PhD, Dr. Ricks-Santi was recruited into the and 2, and up to 80 genes. tions, which Howard University-Johns Hopkins University the researchers “We’ve found additional genes that have Cancer Centers Program where she did believe are caus- been associated with breast cancer. However, research on cancer genomics, cancer genetic ing the disease, because those tests are informed by people epidemiology, public health genomics, and in and use in vitro who don’t look like us, they will generally the clinical-translational sciences. models, or cells The Hampton University Cancer Research benefit those who don’t look like us,” said Dr. in petri dishes, Center (HUCRC) has received a $446,000 While at Howard, Dr. Ricks-Santi received a Luisel Ricks-Santi, Director of the HUCRC. to mutate them grant from the National Institutes of Health. grant to engage women in research regarding “So what happens with African Americans, is to reflect that genetic change and observe This new grant focuses on improving the breast cancer and family health history. After a lot of times, the tests come back inconclu- what happens to the characteristic or behavior characterization of the genetic changes that she came back to Hampton University to sive. What the grant aims to do is to improve of the cell. Dr. John McDonald will conduct could potentially be causing breast cancer in work professionally, Dr. Ricks-Santi was able the characterization of those inconclusive the in vitro studies. African-American women. to bring her research to the HUCRC and con- results.” tinue her work. From there, Dr. Ricks-Santi Conclusions from the study could help doctors “Cancer research and prevention is so The HUCRC’s case includes DNA from and Dr. John McDonald, assistant professor make a more informed decision as far as incredibly important, especially for African 300 breast cancer cases, some of which have of physics, wrote this new grant and received treatment goes for these women. “It means the Americans, who have the highest death rate family history and some that don’t have family the funds to continue the retrospective study. difference between getting a lumpectomy and and shortest survival of any racial and ethnic history of cancer. There are also 300 control They will recruit women from the Hampton radiation versus getting a total mastectomy, so group in the United States for most cancers. cases. “What we’re doing is looking for genetic Roads area for a new prospective cohort to the treatment recommendations are different Congratulations to Dr. Luisel Ricks-Santi and mutations that we only find in those with look at regional differences and the mutational for someone who doesn’t have a family history Dr. John McDonald for securing this impor- the family history and those that don’t have spectrum by region. to someone who does have family history.” tant grant. Their efforts do not go unnoticed,” family history, and hopefully there won’t be said Dr. Ricks-Santi. said Hampton University President, Dr. This study looks at family health history of an overlap with those in the population. That William R. Harvey. women with breast cancer. If a woman has a gives us a better indication of what the genetic family health history of breast cancer or any variants might mean,” said Dr. Ricks-Santi.

Dr. William R. Harvey Welcomes Attendees to the 105th Annual Hampton University Ministers Conference

President Dr. Harvey began his welcome by Always forward-thinking, Dr. Harvey then Turning his focus to the current state of giving honor to the Lord above and thanking talked about a new service that Hampton our country, Dr. Harvey expressed just how Him, his doctors, wife and family for the care University is evalutating for veterans in important this conference and the conversa- and support he received following his total Hampton Roads. “Based on my concern, tions that will occur are to the future of our knee replacement surgery. Dr. Harvey then as a veteran, for veterans suffering from community as a whole. “The many social, recognized all members of the current and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and political and economic issues that face our past leadership of the ministers’ conference, as the high veteran population in the Hampton world today make this year’s theme, ‘A Call well as politicians that were in attendance, and Roads Region, I established a Task Force on to the Church from a Community in Crisis,’ those who support the University. Dr. Harvey equine therapy for PTSD,” said Dr. Harvey. particularly appropriate for such a time like stressed the importance of supporting the “The charge for the group was to decrease the this,” said Dr. Harvey. “The black community politicians that best support your individual suffering, symptoms and prevalence of PTSD is in crisis. We are facing a plethora of issues interests despite their particular political parts among active duty and veteran populations such as dwindling family values, black on and not just supporting one particular political in Hampton Roads through the use of black crime, an increase of police shootings party. Equine-assisted Therapy. This type of therapy of unarmed victims, high amount of debt, appears to be a powerful and effective tool for increase in health disparities and low interest As he continued on, Dr. Harvey proudly service-related individuals who struggle with among members of society as it relates to what acknowledged some of Hampton University’s symptoms of PTSD.” all this means to our community as a whole. recent successes both in the classroom and in Many are looking and trying to find answers, the field of athletics during the last academic Dr. Harvey also discussed the life saving and I tell them to look to the Lord.” year. Those achievements include Hampton treatment and research currently transpiring Hampton University President Dr. William R. University having its accreditation reaffirmed at the Hampton University Proton Therapy As Dr. Harvey concluded his welcome Harvey welcomed the thousands in attendance until 2028, Hampton University also received Institute. Dr. Harvey humbly recognized the address, he wished the attendees would take at the 105th Annual Hampton University the “Doctoral Universities: High Research advanced technologies and incredible, pas- the information they receive this week home Ministers’ Conference and 85th Annual Choir Activity” classification, the highest given by sionate staff who continuously work together and make positive changes in their respective Directors’ and Organists’ Guild Workshop at the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of to bring over 65 patients a day focusing on communities. “Finally, I hope all of you will the Hampton University Convocation Center Higher Education; the opening of Legacy cancer care. “This institution is easing human take advantage of all the offerings at this year’s on Monday, June 3, 2019. Park; the Hampton University Marching misery and saving lives,” said Dr. Harvey. conference,” said Dr. Harvey. “The wisdom Prior to Dr. Harvey’s opening address, the Force invitation to perform in Rome on “Treating all cancers such as breast, brain, and knowledge you receive will prepare you large crowd was blessed with sounds of praise New Years Day and in the 2020 Macy’s prostate, lung, pediatric, eye and more.” Dr. to respond to ‘A Call to the Church.’ It is my and worship from several musicians, followed Day Thanksgiving Parade; and the Men’s Harvey voiced to the women in the audience hope that by the time you leave these grounds, by a brief welcome from Donnie Tuck, Mayor and Women’s Track programs sweeping to encourage their husbands to get checked for you be will be prepared to assist every of the City of Hampton. the Indoor and Outdoor Big South Track prostate cancer, considering that this type of ‘Community in Crisis.’” Championships. cancer is 100 percent curable.

HAMPTONLIFE • JUNE 2019• 3 NONPROFIT ORG. Hampton University Marine Science Professor Wins U.S. POSTAGE Hampton University PAID Prestigious 2019 NSF CAREER Award Worth $700,000 P.O. Box 6446 HAMPTON, VA Hampton, Virginia 23668 PERMIT NO. 73 Dr. Andrij Horodysky, assistant professor in Hampton University’s Department of Marine and Environmental Science, has been awarded a prestigious five-year, $700,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development award (NSF CAREER) for his groundbreaking research on the effects of ocean acidification on fish neurosensory biology. “Congratulations to Dr. Horodysky for receiving this esteemed award. Our faculty continue to lead the way in research and innovation, and their hard work is being recognized all over the world,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. of Integrative Organismal Systems (BIO- Dr. Horodysky is aiming to answer how IOS) and the Division of Human Resource rapidly changing ocean conditions are affecting Development’s Historically Black Colleges and the sensory systems of marine life. Since the Universities Undergraduate Program (HRD- Industrial Revolution, the ocean has become HBCU-UP). roughly 30% more acidic due to its absorption of “The National Science Foundation’s prestigious Hampton University Unites to Fight Against Sexual carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While a Career Award is granted to junior faculty who Assault in Annual Denim Day litany of ocean acidification research has focused have demonstrated the potential to become on plankton and invertebrates, studies of the research and academic leaders. Dr. Horodysky For the 7th year in a row, effects on fish neurosensory physiology are very has trained numerous students while continu- Hampton University faculty, recent, and remain an exciting frontier. ing to embark upon cutting-edge research. I staff and students participated congratulate him for receiving this distinguished Dr. Horodysky’s research investigates the in the national observance of and coveted award and for exemplify- sensory deficits and morphological changes Denim Day on Wednesday, ing ‘THE Standard of Excellence’ at Hampton experienced by the auditory systems of sound- April 24, calling attention to University,” said Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall, producing fishes that face changes in ocean Sexual Assault Awareness. Vice President for Research, Associate Provost pH and temperature. The research builds on Sponsored by Kelly Harvey- and Dean of the Hampton University Graduate Horodysky’s previous NSF-supported projects Viney and the HU Title College. and will benefit from his longtime collaborations IX Office, the HU Student with faculty and staff at the Virginia Institute “President Harvey has challenged the Hampton Health Center, the HU Police of Marine Science and Virginia Seafood University faculty to dream no small dreams, Department, the HU Student Agricultural Research and Extension Center. and to strive for the extraordinary. It is an Counseling Center, the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute The highly competitive CAREER Program immense honor to receive a CAREER Award and the City of Hampton offers NSF’s most prestigious award to the and work towards this vision at a time when Victim Services Unit, the nation’s most promising young faculty who the University has transitioned to a Doctoral HU community wore jeans “exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through University, High Research Activity Carnegie in support of sexual assault outstanding research, excellent education and Classification. I am very thankful for the survivors everywhere. the integration of education and research.” Dr. wonderful students in my research group, my outstanding colleagues in the Marine and Students from Young Adults Advocating Horodysky is the second assistant professor “Hampton University is proud to be part of Environmental Science Program, and the Change, a volunteer student organization on to receive a CAREER Award as a standing Denim Day. Every year we show our support mentorship I have received from collaborators campus that deals with social injustices, were member of the Hampton University faculty. for sexual awareness by forming the ribbon, and colleagues throughout my career. It takes a in the Student Center handing out ribbons His CAREER Award is jointly funded by the which is a visible sign of protest against the village,” said Horodysky. and bracelets for Denim Day. “We wear NSF Biological Science Directorate’s Division destructive attitudes towards sexual assault,” denim to represent sexual assault awareness. said Hampton University President, Dr. We are handing out ribbons, bracelets, candy, William R. Harvey. pamphlets and offering support to sexual For 20 years, the California organization, Peace assault survivors,” said Isaiah Barlow, junior, Over Violence (POV), has held its Denim marketing major. Day campaign on a Wednesday in April At Hampton University, this ongoing educa- (Sexual Assault Awareness Month), to raise tion, awareness and prevention campaign awareness about sexual assault. The campaign is sponsored in the spring by the Title IX was originally triggered by a 1998 ruling by the Office. It is an event that brings everyone Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction together to form the annual human awareness was overturned because the justices felt that ribbon. This year, supporters assembled in the since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she Student Center making their presence known must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, by wearing jeans, teal awareness ribbons and therefore implying consent. The following bracelets for a show of unity and a steadfast day, the women in the Italian Parliament commitment against sexual assault and abuse came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with on campus. the victim. POV developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the “I am so proud of the engaged and commit- activism it generated. Since then, wearing ted faculty and staff members who show up jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of every year to support the ongoing education remonstration against erroneous attitudes and efforts of the Title IX Office. They are our foot misconceptions about sexual assault. soldiers who help raise awareness about sexual assault and its prevention all over campus,” said Kelly Harvey-Viney, Director of the Hampton University Center for Public Policy and Title IX Coordinator. 4 • HAMPTONLIFE • JUNE 2019