APRIL 2021

Hampton University Alumna Rashida Jones, President of MSNBC; First Black Executive to Lead a Major TV News Network to Deliver HU Commencement Address Rashida Jones became the first Black executive to lead one of the major tv news organizations on Feb. 1, 2021

Hampton University President we recognize our the journalism Her industry credits include news William R. Harvey announced graduates, but this industry. Jones director of WIS-TV, director of live that alumnus Rashida Jones ’02, ceremony will became the first programming and executive producer President of MSNBC, will serve also recognize Black executive for The Weather Channel, as well as as the University’s 150th and 151st Hampton to lead one producer for WTKR-TV. Prior to Commencement speaker on May 9, University taking of the major her appointment, Jones severed as the 2021. Commencement will be held another major television news senior vice president for MSNBC virtually at 10 a.m. step towards organizations and NBC News, succeeding longtime returning to when she assumed network president Phil Griffin. “Ms. Rashida Jones and her normalcy since her current As senior vice president, Jones led professional success are an example the beginning of position Feb. breaking news and major events of what Hampton University founder the pandemic. Ms. 1, 2021. Under coverage, including helping oversee Gen. Samuel Chapman Armstrong Rashida Jones’star Jones’ leadership, the second presidential debate, which envisioned when he founded this is among the MSNBC finished NBC News’ Kristen Welker became institution to educate recently freed brightest in her February as the only the second Black woman to slaves 153 years ago. His dream was field. She will inspire and enlighten #1 network in all of cable television. moderate a presidential debate to prepare the best and the brightest our graduates as they prepare to make The historic victory comes during solo. Jones also oversaw MSNBC’s to lead our great nation and make a their own historical marks on the a month of around-the-clock daytime and weekend programming. positive impact on the world at large,” world.” breaking news, including the second said Hampton University President, In 2019, Jones was inducted into the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, Dr. William R. Harvey. “Her Jones is a 2002 Hampton University Hampton University Scripps Howard the first full month of the Biden address will truly be well-received Mass Media Arts graduate and School Hall of Fame. administration and the ongoing on this historic day. Not only will has had a very successful career in Covid-19 pandemic. Hampton University in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Vaccinate 500 Citizens March 20th at the HU Convocation Center

Hampton University in partnership “I’m just as happy as I can be that with the Virginia Department of our “Home by the Sea” is joining the Health Hampton & Peninsula fight to end the pandemic with the Health Districts (VDH) opening of the Hampton University administered 500 doses of the Community COVID-19 Vaccination Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Clinic,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, select individuals who pre-registered President of Hampton University. with the VDH and select HU staff “It has always been Hampton’s members that fall in Phase 1b of mission and responsibility to serve the VDH COVID-19 Vaccination our community and now with these Response Plan on March 20th. The vaccines our faculty and students Hampton University Convocation will administer this much-needed Center served as a mass vaccination life-saving vaccine to the community. clinic and began immunizations at 9 Hampton University is dedicated am. to impacting our larger community Continued on page 2 Vaccinate 500 Citizens Continued from page 1 in and outside of the the institution doing its classroom. Our ultimate part to serve the region goal is to promote and help combat this character building, deadly virus. On March community service, and 1, Hampton University cultural awareness – key unveiled its new mobile qualities for students’ testing and vaccination success at Hampton station that will provide University and beyond.” COVID-19 vaccines to people in underserved The clinic was led by areas of Hampton Roads. Dr. Michelle Penn- In December of 2020, Marshall, Vice President with their first dose of the Moderna The current vaccine demand far Dr. Harvey and other local leaders for Research, and managed by the COVID-19 vaccine and operated on outweighs supply, and the Virginia received the COVID-19 vaccine Schools of Pharmacy and Nursing. two shifts: 9 AM-12 PM, and from 1 Department of Health Hampton to publicly support taking the Additionally, faculty, staff, and PM-3:45 PM. & Peninsula Health Districts is vaccine and encourage the African students from several departments, urgently trying to vaccinate citizens American community to take it including the School of Science; This clinic served individuals who in the order in which they applied. as well. The African American Departments of Communicative pre-registered with the Virginia community has had a long-standing Sciences and Disorders, Biology, Department of Health Hampton The Hampton University fear and hesitancy as it relates to and Physical Therapy were on site to & Peninsula Health Districts and Community COVID-19 Vaccination taking vaccines since the Tuskegee help. The clinic provided individuals received an email to schedule a time. Clinic is the latest example of Experiment in 1932. Hampton University Partners with Hampton University to Provide Up to a Hampton VA Medical Center to Open Five Percent Raise to Annually Contracted Mass Vaccination Clinic for Veterans Employees for 2021-2022 Academic Year

Hampton University has entered into As the world continues to navigate members of the Hampton family who a partnership with the Hampton VA through the difficulties of the COVID- have responded to these challenges in a Medical Center (HVAMC) to utilize 19 pandemic, Dr. William R. Harvey, terrific fashion. It is our hope that this the Hampton University Convocation Hampton University’s President, is increase will be of assistance to you in Center as a mass vaccination clinic again expressing his heartfelt apprecia- the future.” for veterans and their caregivers, tion by providing up to a 5% raise to all This is the third example of Hampton beginning March 8th. employees with an annual contract for University assisting its workforce in “At Hampton University, it is a academic year 2021-2022. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. part of our DNA to be of service “Over the last 12 months, Hampton At the onset of the pandemic, it was to others,” said Dr. William R. 65 years old with at-risk health University, the nation, and the world announced that annual faculty and Harvey, Hampton University conditions. have been challenged like never staff raises would not occur. However, President. “It is my firm belief that before due to due to the charitable it is our responsibility to deliver this “As a Historically Black College the COVID-19 gifts that Hampton much-needed life-saving service to and University, we are trusted in pandemic,’” said has received from our underserved communities and the communities of color, so that Dr. Harvey. others during these veterans. I’m proud to have served assists in minimizing hesitancy,” “Despite all that trying times, Dr. in our country’s armed forces and said Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall, has been going on, Hampton has done Harvey reversed that decision and gave pleased that Hampton University can Hampton University Vice President well with our fundraising, fueled by the all faculty and staff a 2% pay increase, make an impact in the lives of those for Research. “We are going to work $30 million gift from Ms. MacKenzie effective January 1, 2021, as well as who have bravely served our country.” with the VA to ensure that as many Scott. Because of her gift and others, and a $200 Christmas bonus and a veterans as possible have the ability $25 gift for the much anticipated and The HU Convocation Center we have been able to enhance student to get vaccinated and can do so at the celebrated annual turkey give-a-way. provides the HVAMC a larger space housing, academic buildings, athletic Convocation Center.” Dr. Harvey announced in February the than what is available at the medical facilities, establish additional student distribution of bonus checks to select center and makes vaccinations more Vaccinations for veterans are currently scholarships, implement emergency members of the Hampton University easily accessible to veterans. The by appointment only. For additional funds for faculty, students and staff, workforce. Based on current employ larger space also allows the HVAMC information visit https://www. as well as upgrade our technological - to schedule more appointments for hampton.va.gov/services/covid-19- infrastructure. We also recognize that ees’ annual salaries ($50,000 or less), eligible veterans, who are at least vaccines.asp. everyone has experienced some level of specific individuals received either a stress, anxiety, and uncertainty during $125 or $250 bonus. this time. Again, I would like to thank 2 • HAMPTONLIFE • APRIL 2021 Hampton University Receives $50,000 Gift from GEICO to Support Students and Faculty

Hampton University has received $50,000 such as Engineering, Business, Marketing, term engagement with in contributions from GEICO to create and Communications; Hampton. scholarships and other activities which serve • Career program engagement and About GEICO to support Hampton students, from a wide establishment of a dedicated GEICO/ GEICO (Government variety of backgrounds, in their academic Hampton University Career Center Employees Insurance progression. internship pipeline; and Company), the second- “Hampton University continues to evolve, largest auto insurer in • Focused engagement with Hampton’s making new strides in research, developing the U.S., was founded in Office of Athletics to create through a future leaders, and staying at the forefront 1936 and insures more unique initiative titled: GEICO MVP of innovation. Thank you to GEICO for than 28 million vehicles Café. investing in the success of our students. We in all 50 states and the know that Hamptonians will truly benefit Additionally, through the Hampton District of Columbia. A from this new partnership and will go on University Office of Student Activities, member of the Berkshire to be leaders in their respective fields, and community service and outreach programs Hathaway family of will truly change the world,” said Hampton will be administered as part of this program. companies, GEICO University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. employs more than Carl Tims, GEICO’s Chief Diversity Officer, auto and personal umbrella coverages are also 43,000 associates countrywide. GEICO Named the GEICO Student & Faculty said: “This program represents the first such available. Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, constantly strives to make lives better by Engagement Fund, contributions received program of its kind for GEICO and an identity theft, term life, and more coverages protecting people against unexpected events will support multi-faceted strategies, HBCU, and is intended to expose diverse are written through non-affiliated insurance while saving them money and providing an including the below efforts: students to the rich opportunities available companies and are secured through the outstanding customer experience. Along within the company. We are delighted to GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Visit geico. • Scholarships for students in key majors with personal auto insurance, commercial initiate this effort and look forward to long- com for a quote or to learn more. Hampton University Welcomes C-Suite Executives as Speakers for School of Engineering & Technology 25th Anniversary Celebration

Speakers to include Brett Hart, United Airlines President; Mr. Hart received his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and English from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. He is Jay Alexander, Keysight Technologies Sr. VP and Chief married and has three sons. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Inc. Tech Officer; and Michael Kennedy, KAI Enterprises CEO In February 2021, six Hampton University graduates were featured on the Today show representing a diverse class of pilots and airline professionals, who are reflective of the The Hampton University School of Engineering & Technology is celebrating its 25th changes in the industry and are breaking the color barrier in a predominately white Anniversary with a fully virtual and interactive experience featuring some of the nation’s industry. United Captain Kyle Whitaker, said, “Before Hampton University, I had never top C-suite executives serving as keynote speakers on Friday, April 16, from 9 am until 4 seen a Black airline pilot, so if you can see it, you can achieve it. And we may not have pm. Tickets for the event are now on sale. seen it outside of us, but we could see it in each other.” “We are very thankful to the C-suite executive leadership from United Airlines, KAI “We are grateful and over-the-moon excited for Mr. Hart to inspire our students in Enterprises, and Keysight Technologies for their support of Hampton and our School of the same way the University inspired Captain Whitaker and all the other aviation Engineering & Technology’s 25th Anniversary celebration,” said Hampton University students who came after him,” said Dr. Joyce Shirazi, Dean, School of Engineering and President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “Their commitment to building greater diversity Technology. within their industries begins by engaging with our young engineering and technology professionals and we are truly appreciative of them for sharing their experiences and “We are thrilled that Mr. Hart is able to speak. Our School is comprised of engineering, valuable time with our students.” architecture, and aviation departments, so it is completely appropriate for Mr. Hart to serve as our opening event speaker,” said Dr. Demetris Geddis, Anniversary Event CEOs and Senior Vice Presidents are just one part of the anniversary celebration that Co-Chair. also includes workshops, panel discussions, networking, and even a virtual evening gala. Jay Alexander - Keysight Technologies Inc. Senior More specifically: Vice President and Chief Technology Officer: Evening Keynote Speaker Brett Hart – United Airlines President: Opening Session Speaker Mr. Alexander leads Keysight’s central strategy and technology development team to focus on addressing In his role as United’s President, Mr. Hart Brett is top opportunities and market trends. His role is to responsible for leading the company’s external-facing optimize Keysight resources to grow in areas that functions including the government affairs, regulatory, provide competitive advantage across the electronic corporate communications, advertising, market and design and test ecosystem and to leverage Keysight’s community innovation, legal, global community world-class technology and platform offerings. engagement, and environmental sustainability teams. He also oversees business-critical functions such as Prior to Keysight, Mr. Alexander held numerous the customer experience, corporate real estate, human leadership positions within Agilent’s Electronic resources, and labor relations teams. Continued on page 4 HAMPTONLIFE • APRIL 2021 • 3 C-Suite Executives Hampton University NONPROFIT ORG. Continued from page 3 P.O. Box 6446 U.S. POSTAGE Hampton, Virginia 23668 PAID HAMPTON, VA Measurement Group, including serving and has offices in Atlanta, Georgia, PERMIT NO. 73 as vice president and general manager Dallas, and San Antonio, Texas, as well as and previously as R&D manager for the Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Kennedy graduated Oscilloscope and Protocol Division. Mr. from Hampton in 2000 with a degree in Alexander earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. electrical engineering from Northwestern “Mr. Kennedy is an absolutely perfect University and a master’s degree in addition to an already amazing line-up of computer science from the University speakers. His participation will bring the of Colorado at Boulder. He is a licensed third element of the School’s academic professional engineer and a senior offerings to the fore – Architecture. He’ll member of the Institute of Electrical and be great for our students and for our Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Alexander program,” said Dr. Geddis. currently serves on the Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology for the National Finally, 100% of net proceeds from the Institute of Standards and Technology anniversary event will be put towards (NIST). He holds 24 U.S. patents. endowed scholarships for the School of Engineering & Technology. Each ticket “Keysight is a true friend of our School of for this virtual celebration also includes Engineering and Technology,” said Geddis. an Anniversary Care Package, which “Their most recent in-kind gift of comes with a commemorative wine $550,000 in equipment has been critical flute, sparkling cider, anniversary t-shirt, to our being able to help our students and virtual program journal. To register advance and to ensure that they leave and get your tickets, visit here: https:// the University with the proper skill sets hamptonalumnievents.universitytickets. that set them apart and ensure they are com/ and click on “School of Engineering industry-ready. We so appreciative of & Technology 25th Anniversary Keysight and are so incredibly excited that Celebration.” Jay will be joining us.” For more information, visit https:// givetohamptonu.org/engineering-25th/. About United United Airlines, Inc. (commonly referred to as United) is a major American airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Hampton Life (Vol. 13 Issue 4) is published monthly by United operates a large domestic and Hampton University in the international route network spanning cities Office of University Relations. large and small across the United States and all six continents. Measured by fleet Contributors: size and the number of routes, it is the Matthew White, Glenn Knight, third-largest airline in the world. United’s B. Da’Vida Plummer, Alexis Brower mission statement is “to create an inclusive work environment, characterized by dignity and respect, that empowers every employee to serve the global marketplace faster and at a lower cost with offerings professionals, and expertise in both design Michael Kennedy Jr. – CEO of KAI and contribute to our success.” The from design simulation, to prototype and construction delivery. Founded in Enterprises: Opening Session Speaker statement shows how important the work validation, to manufacturing test, to 1980, KAI has grown into one of the Michael Kennedy Jr., has spent his career environment at United Airlines is to its optimization in networks and cloud largest minority-owned firms in the building KAI Enterprises to its current reputation. The company acknowledges environments. Customers span the AEC industry. For nearly 40 years, KAI prominence status, taking on leadership that this is precisely what determines worldwide communications ecosystem, has been instrumental in transforming of the firm with his father Michael whether it will remain the yardstick for its aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, communities through its expertise in Kennedy Sr.’s retirement as CEO in competitors to emulate. semiconductor, and general electronics residential, commercial, K-12, higher 2017. Mr. Kennedy has served in all end markets. Keysight generated revenues education, healthcare, science and About Keysight Technologies aspects of company operation including of $4.2B in fiscal year 2020. More technology, aviation, mobility, sports Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: work in Business Development, as Vice information is available at www.keysight. and entertainment, government, water, KEYS) is a leading technology company President, as President, and now as CEO. com. and community-focused projects. KAI that helps enterprises, service providers Mr. Kennedy was instrumental in the Enterprises is comprised of four distinct and governments accelerate innovation About KAI Enterprises company’s expansion to an integrated business units—KAI Design, KAI to connect and secure the world. KAI Enterprises is a national design and architectural, engineering, and construction Engineering, KAI Build, and KAI 360 Keysight’s solutions optimize networks build firm providing delivery-oriented services firm with four subsidiaries. KAI’s Construction Services. and bring electronic products to market building solutions with a diverse portfolio headquarters are in St. Louis, Missouri, of experience, in-house multi-discipline 4 • HAMPTONLIFE • APRIL 2021