NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Hampton University Celebrates 36th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

The sound of Christmas music from the Harvey. “Give thanks. Don’t expect things and another and may we hope that our future will be Hampton University’s brass ensemble graced the when people do things for you, say thank you bright,” Mrs. Harvey said. “Now, it is my pleasure ears of 200 students, faculty and staff during the and be genuine about it. To all of you, the staff, to light this gorgeous tree.” 36th annual tree lighting ceremony. Smells of faculty, students and everyone else, thank you. For fresh Christmas cookies lingered with the view 42 years I’ve been able to say that and I’m going Following her words, Mrs. Harvey threw a of red and green lights, with ornaments donning to continue to say that because it is real.” switch, lighting up the festive tree, decorated in the Hampton University’s Christmas tree, to Christmas colors. The brass ensemble serenaded celebrate the season to give thanks. After Dr. Harvey spoke about giving thanks, the as guests gathered around enjoying Christmas ceremony continued with Hampton University’s cookies and fruit punch. “This time of the year is such a wonderful time First Lady, Mrs. Norma B. Harvey lighting the for us to openly express our thanks. We just tree. The tree, decorated with dozens of Christmas celebrated Thanksgiving, but gratitude is always colored ornaments can be seen near the entrance in season. I believe that gratitude is a virtue “As we go into the Christmas season, always to Hampton University at the corner of East and we have so much to be thankful for,” said remember to keep Christ in Christmas. May we Tyler Street and Emancipation Drive. Hampton University President, Dr. William R. have peace around the world. May we love one

Hampton University Celebrates the Life of Dr. Mary T. Christian

Hundreds of members of the Hampton Concert Choir provided a beautiful and moving Christian for many years. She read an original Dr. Christian was an educator and politician. University family, city and state officials, musical selection and then several members poem entitled “Queen of Hampton,” in honor She served nine consecutive terms in the community members, sorority sisters and the of the community were able to speak on Dr. of Dr. Christian’s life legacies. Virginia General Assembly where she family of Dr. Mary T. Christian came together Christian, including Hampton University’s championed legislation on education, healthcare on Monday, November 18 at the Convocation President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “From laundress to secretary to teacher to dean, and prescription drugs. Dr. Christian was Center to celebrate the life of this extraordinary you Queen did something many had never seen. among three African Americans appointed to woman. “It was with a great deal of sadness that my Loving wife, sister, grandma and auntie, also the House Appropriations Committee. She also wife, Norma and I, learned of the passing known as Ma Bootsie. A true matriarch, you served on the Education and Rules Committees. of Dr. Mary T. Christian. On behalf of the gave your family life all while helping those in entire Hampton University family, I extend the community to overcome their strife. Queen. Known on campus by her students as “Dr. our deepest sympathies to her husband Mr. Called to politics because the people needed C.,” she was professor emeritus at Hampton Wilbur, her daughters, grandchildren, great- you. And you did what any good Queen would University. She received numerous awards grandchildren and other family members. As do, you answered the call. Even though some for her community and humanitarian service. sad as this occasion is, it is also a great time of might have thought you would fall, you stood In 2014, a play based on Christian’s life was joy and celebration. She was the type of person tall, and outlasted them all. Queen. Dream performed on campus as part of her birthday and professional that we should all strive to be. pusher, singer, teacher, actress, grammar police celebration, titled “My Life Did the Singing.” She demonstrated the values of decency, dignity, and a copy editor too, many in here had her All proceeds from the celebration benefited the Before the main service, Dr. Christian’s sorority integrity, responsibility, unity, and civility. We proofread a paper or two. Queen. With every scholarship fund established at HU in her name. sisters from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. do not have a lot of those characteristics today, last breath you continued to fight. To fight for gave the Omega Omega ceremony for a final especially in our political practices. There is no your city and for those you love. Now we know Dr. Christian is now laid to rest at the Hampton tribute to their dear sister. Delegate Jeion A. question about the fact that Dr. ‘C’ improved you’ll be fighting from above. Queen.” University Cemetery. Ward was pinned by Dr. Christian in 2004. the lives of so many of us,” said Dr. Harvey. “During her service in the General Assembly, “She was a talented and unassuming individual. Many individuals, political figures, friends, she was known as a champion for education. She was fun to be around and a joy to behold, and family had the chance to speak about Dr. She was a powerful voice for those who were and I loved the wonderful spirit of this mighty Christian and share their fond memories. voiceless. She continues to be known for her oak.” “She had a relationship with the Lord Jesus thoughtfulness and for her voice of reason. She Christ. She was a living epistle that nothing was beautiful. She was elegant. She was classy. Dr. Harvey also spoke of her leadership during her time as the very first Dean of the Hampton was impossible with God when we surrender She truly was a phenomenal woman,” said and give all to Him. When I asked my beloved Delegate Ward. University School of Education, where the school flourished under her direction. Dr. family, what words would they use to describe The Celebration of Life was presided over Christian also led the taskforce to transition Ma Bootsie, they said: phenomenal, forgiving, by Reverend Dr. Richard W. Wills, Sr. from Hampton Institute to a research university, excellent, an inspiration, creative, bodacious, Friendship Baptist Church. Dr. Christian’s known as Hampton University today. extraordinary, determined and a good mother. grandson, Alan Smith, II, read a scripture from Now, let’s take those words and apply them the Old Testament. The Hampton University Hampton University alumna, Morgan Avery to our own family,” said Cheryl Smith, Dr. McCoy and her family have known Dr. Christian’s granddaughter. Hampton University Student and Alumna Named Finalists Carmen Jackson and for Prestigious Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships Jamil Gambari Crowned 2019-2020 Miss Hampton Hampton University student Ms. Jakari Harris Rhodes, who provided the establishment of the University and Mr. Pirate and alumna Ms. José Thomas, have been iconoclastic Rhodes Scholarships through the selected as finalists for two of the world’s most largess of his Will. The Rhodes Scholarship prestigious scholarships. recognizes academic excellence, moral character, “instincts to lead,” literary ability, “Congratulations to these remarkable scholars. demonstrated interest in one’s peers, and an They truly exemplify the Hampton University inclination to “protect the weak.” Standard of Excellence,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Well-known Rhodes Scholars include former U.S. President Bill Clinton; former Jamaican Jakari Harris, a senior majoring in chemical Prime Minister Norman Washington Manley; engineering, with a 3.9 GPA, was invited to former U.S. Senator and NBA Basketball interview for a Marshall Scholarship in early Player Bill Bradley; current presidential José Thomas Jakari Harris November. She is expected to learn of the candidates Cory Booker and Pete Buttigieg; result later this month. If selected for this very hard in both their academic lives, and and former Trinidadian Prime Minister Eric prize, she will spend 2-3 years studying in the their application processes. They represent Williams. United Kingdom, all expenses paid. the ‘Standard of Excellence’ expected of a The Marshall Scholarship is funded by the Hamptonian, and we are very proud of each of On October 21, students and faculty gathered Alumna José Thomas, who was salutatorian British Government and commemorates the them.” in Ogden Hall for the coronation of the new of Hampton University’s class of 2019, and “special relationship” between the United Miss Hampton University and Mr. Pirate. graduated with a 4.0 GPA, has been invited to If Thomas is named a Rhodes Scholar, she will States and Britain, honoring in particular the Carmen Jackson is now the 62nd Miss interview for a Rhodes Scholarship, through actually become the first ever Rhodes Scholar aid which the United States provided post-war Hampton University and Jamil Gambari is the the Commonwealth Caribbean District. from Hampton University. The Rhodes Britain and Europe through the Marshall Plan. 16th Mr. Pirate. Thomas, from the island of Dominica, will Scholarship provides 2-3 years of fully funded interview in Barbados the week of November Kendyl Crawley-Crawford, from Hampton graduated study at the University of Oxford, in “Mr. Gambari and Miss Jackson epitomize 24th. University, was named a Marshall Scholar in Oxford, England. everything that makes Hampton 2012. Jakari Harris is the third Hamptonian University THE Standard of Excellence,” said Harris is a member of the Hampton University The Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships feature to interview for a Marshall Scholarship since Hampton University President Dr. William R. Freddye T. Davy Honors College under the among the most sought-after scholarships in Crawley-Crawford’s win. Thomas, by contrast, Harvey. “These two bright, witty, outgoing and guidance of Director Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown, the world. Both prizes were established in the is the sixth Hamptonian to be invited to high character individuals represent the leaders who also serves as the University Coordinator twentieth century, the Rhodes Scholarship interview for a Rhodes Scholarship in recent that we build at this world-class institution!” for Prestigious Scholarships. Of the two early in the century, in 1903; and the Marshall years, and the third to be invited to interview top scholarship finalists, Dr. Fry Brown has mid-century, immediately following World before the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes CARMEN JACKSON remarked: “Both of these young women War II. The Rhodes Scholarship is named Scholarship Selection Committee. Jackson is a senior strategic communications are extremely talented and have worked for British colonial statesman Cecil John major with emphasis in performance from Georgia. She was raised in a family-oriented environment, which made the journey to Hampton a big transition for her. After gaining influential mentors, she maneuvered her way Hampton University Professor Part of Team Studying Severe through the Greer Dawson Student Leadership Program, which placed her on the committee Weather on Saturn to Better Understand Storms on Earth for the Miss Hampton pageant. JAMIL GAMBARI Kunio Sayanagi, associate professor in bright storm erupted out of a long-lived (and studying extreme Gambari is a senior marketing major from the Hampton University Department of presumably stable) vortex. The team carefully conditions New York and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, is a part examined the motion of the vortex from which that challenge Fraternity Incorporated. While matriculating of a team of researchers whose latest study of the storm erupted between 2016 and 2017 our current through Hampton, he was inspired by his peers stormy weather on Saturn has been published to show that the vortex was stable before the understanding. and fraternity brothers who became active in in “Nature Astronomy,” a leading international eruption of the storm. To study extreme campus life. That inspiration is what sparked weekly journal of science. events, we can his interest and playing a bigger role at HU as Extreme storms on Saturn create a window either wait for Mr. Pirate. “Congratulations to Dr. Sayanagi and the of opportunity to refine fundamental extreme events to team of researches on their findings and understanding of how large storms form and happen here on With their new heavily weighted titles, Jackson publication in ‘Nature Astronomy,’” said evolve. Researching weather on other planets Earth, or we can continue looking elsewhere in and Gambari want to continue to be an Hampton University President, Dr. William in our solar system contribute in refining the solar system and the universe.” example to their peers by doing the work and R. Harvey. “Their research on Saturn provides weather forecasts on Earth in the future. being their best selves. scientists with invaluable information on Atmospheric scientists learn a great deal from Dr. Sayanagi was an affiliate member of the creation of severe storms here on Earth the study of weather on other planets because NASA’s Cassini imaging science team until which will ultimately allow the public to be the same physics governs these storms on all 2017, and was able to see the vortex evolution more informed and overall safer from severe planets, and we can learn how these “weather first hand as the data was sent from Saturn. weather.” events” work under extreme conditions. The Cassini Mission ended in September 2017 when the spacecraft was deliberately The main discovery discussed in the paper is “These extreme storms on Saturn are crashed into Saturn when its fuel ran out. Even that Sayanagi and his colleagues revealed a interesting because they attain intensity, size though the spacecraft is no longer in orbit Hampton Life (Vol. 11 Issue 9) new class of storms on Saturn -- most storms and duration that are never possible on Earth,” around Saturn, the mission left a wealth of is published monthly by on Saturn are either small and short-lasting, said Sayanagi. “Even the intermediate-scale data that are yet to be analyzed, and scientists Hampton University in the or enormous eruption that engulfs an entire storm that is revealed in this paper is much continue to gain new understanding of Saturn Office of University Relations. latitude band. This new storm is of a rare greater in size and intensity than the most as well as its rings and moons today. in-between size, and it was associated with intense hurricane on Earth. Progress in Contributors: a long-lived vortex. It was the first time a scientific understanding is often made by Matthew White, Glenn Knight, B. Da’Vida Plummer, Jessica Zimmerman, Alexis Brower

2 • HAMPTONLIFE • NOV/DEC 2019 Hampton University Promotes Aleczander M. Whitfield to Dean of Students

Hampton University has announced that Mr. Orientation and Leadership Programs. He and help develop and shape the program, so Aleczander M. Whitfield will be its new Dean also taught music education at the high school it’s mind-blowing that 17 years later, I’m here.” of Students. He will serve under Dr. Barbara level. Inman, Vice President of Administrative In this role, Whitfield will support the areas Services. Whitfield is a member of Ogre Phi Ogre VIII within Student Affairs including the Offices and graduated from Hampton in 1996 with of Student Activities, Judicial Affairs and “I was pleased to accept Dr. Barbara Inman, a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He Housing, Residence Life, Freshman Studies/ Vice President of Administrative Services’ was a member of The Marching Force, playing Pre- College, Student Success Center and recommendation to promote Mr. Whitfield to flute and tenor sax. He also has a master’s Intramural Sports. his new role. His credentials and experience in degree from the University of Detroit Mercy higher education make him the perfect leader and plans on starting a doctorate program “I am excited that Mr. Whitfield will serve for this position,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, soon. the university as the new Dean of Students. Hampton University’s President. We had approximately 40 very qualified “I feel so excited and blessed. I am humbled candidates to submit their credentials for the Whitfield, originally from Detroit, has spent that Dr. Harvey and Dr. Inman believe I position. Mr. Whitfield’s experience in student the last 17 years in higher education, with the can do this job. I’m encouraged that my affairs and his ability to assess and implement last three years serving as the Assistant Dean opinion and experience are valued, and I’m programming will be an asset to the division,” of Judicial Affairs and Housing for Hampton excited to be able to come in and support said Dr. Inman. University. His career started in 2002; serving my colleagues and build on what has already in positions at two other institutions in various been accomplished,” Whitfield said. “When Whitfield has been married to the beautiful L. areas of Student Affairs including Greek I realized that I wanted to pursue higher Whitfield for 21 years and has three wonderful Life, Student Activities, Intramural Sports education as my career, I always envisioned the daughters. His office is located on the second and Recreation, Residence Life, Student opportunity to come back to my alma mater floor of the Student Center. Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications Welcomes Nikole Hannah-Jones-New York Times Investigative Reporter and Creator of ‘The 1619 Project’

The Hampton “I knew I wanted to come to Hampton Black experience, that this anniversary would Hannah-Jones is an award-winning University Scripps University because this is where it all began. pass without any notice or acknowledgement in investigative reporter who covers civil rights Howard School Point Comfort in Hampton is one of the places most places. Here I am at the New York Times, and racial injustice for The New York Times of Journalism and where the enslaved began, where the four parts the largest and most important journalism Magazine. She has also worked at ProPublica Communications of enslaved people crossed over the bay at Point platform in the world, and I have to do in New York City, where she spent three years welcomed New York Comfort and said that they wanted to be free something about it.” chronicling the way official policy created Times Investigative and were treated as war contraband. Our story and maintains segregation in housing and reporter and creator of has always been a story of people trying to That’s when she pitched the idea for The 1619 schools. Hannah-Jones has a bachelor’s degree the landmark ‘1619 Project’ – Nikole Hannah- enslave us, and the fight to liberate ourselves,” Project, which can be found in the August 18, in History and African-American Studies Jones to campus to meet with students, and Hannah-Jones said. 2019 issue of The New York Times Magazine. from University of Notre Dame and a master’s discuss with a packed audience this important The issue includes ten essays, a photo essay, and degree from the University of North Carolina project. Her visit was part of the Caldwell Café Hannah-Jones has been thinking about the a collection of poems and fiction by sixteen plus at Chapel Hill. Lecture Series. year 1619 since high school. She was exposed writers. to Black history in college and kept asking for For more information about Nikole Hannah- “What an amazing turnout to hear the more books to continue learning about it. There were over 200 students, faculty, staff and Jones, visit https://nikolehannahjones.com/. incredibly talented journalist Ms. Nikole members of the community in attendance to Hannah-Jones speak to our students about our “I came across a book called ‘Before the hear Ms. Hannah-Jones speak. ancestors’ first steps onto the shores of Virginia Mayflower’ by Lerone Bennett and on page 29 of that book is the first time that I ever saw the “I feel like we need to have more 400 years ago,” said B. DàVida Plummer, Dean events like this when people come to of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism year 1619, and I just remember being shook by the fact that every child I knew, knew about talk about the past, because the past and Communications “We appreciate her always repeats itself,” said Roderick speaking candidly about enslaved Africans and the Mayflower and the Mayflower was 1620 and here’s this ship called the White Lion that McLean, senior journalism student hope that audience members were able to take from New York. something away from her powerful knowledge.” carried, I would argue, far more momentous cargo than the Mayflower but we had never “I found her to be very interesting. After speaking in a journalism classes and heard of that date. I knew even as a 16 year old, I agreed with her points, especially meeting with students one-on-one in a that there was a reason for that. We were not those that pin pointed slavery and roundtable discussion, Hannah-Jones took supposed to know this story. As the 400-year how people are so patriotic to a the stage of the Scripps Howard Auditorium anniversary was approaching, I understood that country that historically doesn’t like to answer questions from facilitator, student most Americans had never heard of the year us,” said Aminah Muhammad, junior, Randall Williams. 1619 and just like everything else about the strategic communications major.

Hampton University Student Center Food Court has Added New Attractions

The Hampton University Student Center food court our Gourmet Services Resident District Manager, more with the franchise on campus as far as catering has added a full-service Chick-fil-A, a Pizza Hut, Kerwin Cromartie,” said Hampton University opportunities, delivery opportunities and we plan to Pirates Café is now serving Starbucks and Planet President, Dr. William R. Harvey. offer Pizza Hut at athletic events. We have received Smoothie has upgraded its equipment. an overwhelmingly amount of positive responses. We “We are student driven. We listen to our students made sure to do things strategically,” said Gourmet “We have upgraded our Chick-fil-A to be fully to figure out which entities will work best for this Services Resident District Manager, Kerwin serviced and in addition, we now have a Pizza Hut campus. We have had an express Chick-fil-A on Cromartie. Express. This is a great attraction to complement campus for thirteen years, and now it is full-serviced. our illustrious University under the leadership of We have an express Pizza Hut with plans to do HAMPTONLIFE • NOV/DEC 2019• 3 Former Hampton University Head Football NONPROFIT ORG. Hampton University U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 6446 PAID Coach Joe Taylor and Athletic Director Dennis HAMPTON, VA Hampton, Virginia 23668 PERMIT NO. 73 Thomas Named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020

The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced its 11th Class today – the Class of 2020. This year’s class features two inductees that were instrumental in Hampton University’s past success both on and off the field; former Head Football Coach Joe Taylor and former Director of Athletics Dennis Thomas. “On behalf of the Hampton University family, we congratulate the entire Class of 2020, especially two of our own; Coach Joe Taylor and Commissioner Dennis Thomas,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “During their time here at our ‘Home by the Sea,’ these men excelled on the football field and from an administrative standpoint respectively. Not only did we win numerous championships, but the lives of so many young men and women were positively impacted by their strong character and leadership abilities.”

Hampton University Hosts Inaugural ‘Hampton Engages with the Majors’ Forum

On Tuesday, November 12, 2019, the unconventional journey working in sports. Hampton University Student Center Each panelist collectively shared their trials Ballroom was filled with HU students, faculty, and tribulations throughout their professional staff and alumni for the inaugural “Hampton career while encouraging students to network, Engages with the Majors.” Several HU to persevere through hardships and to always alumni presented thoughts on how Hampton have good character in anything you do. students can build professional engagement opportunities with Major League Sports Major League Sports Organizations and Organizations and National Sports Brands National Sports Brands Represented: during this event. –St. Louis Cardinals, LLC JOE TAYLOR DENNIS THOMAS –Carolina Panthers “These Hampton University alumni are –Major League Baseball The all-time winningest coach in Pirate Dennis Thomas served as Hampton University’s doing an extraordinary job in their careers. –National Basketball Association football history, Taylor compiled an Athletic Director from 1990-2002. During Our students should be inspired seeing our –Beats by Dr. Dre impressive 233 wins overall during his his tenure, Thomas was awarded the National very own working for these major sports –New Jersey Devils standout 30-year career. His remarkable Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, organizations and brands. We want to thank –Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 70.6 winning percentage ranks in the top Athletics Director-of-the-Year Award for these young alumni for returning back to their –Philadelphia 76ers 10 in FCS coaching history. Taylor shined the Southeast Region in 2002. Under his ‘Home by the Sea’ to engage and inspire our –Paramount Sports & during his tenure as Hampton’s head leadership, Hampton won 17 CIAA Division II current students to follow their goals,” said Entertainment Football coach from 1992-2007, posting a school championships between 1990 and 1995 and 11 Hampton University President, Dr. William –Nike R. Harvey. –ESPN record 136 wins while leading the Pirates MEAC championships between 1996 and 2002. –Jordan Brand to four SBN Black College National In 2002 Thomas became the Commissioner of the “It was truly an honor to return to my ‘Home Championships. Hampton played at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). As by the Sea’ to share with current students “It was very inspirational to hear the different NCAA Division II level his first three MEAC commissioner for the last 17 years, Thomas about my professional journey and experience testimonies shared from HU alumni who seasons, earning two Division II playoff has negotiated a multi-million dollar TV contract navigating the sports and entertainment were once in my shoes, and now, who are appearances, including the school’s first- with ESPN and deals with other league partners. industry. I wouldn’t be where I am today extremely successful in their careers. I learned ever NCAA playoff win. Taylor guided without the support of HU faculty and that no journey is the same and there is more the Pirates to CIAA titles in all three Votes were tallied from the 12-member Selection alums, which is why it’s so important to pay it than one route to reaching your professional of those seasons and the first of his four Committee, comprised of prominent journalists, forward,” said Associate Manager of Global goals. They encouraged us to focus on Black College National Championships in commentators and historians, as well as former Partnership for the NBA, Moriah Lark (’13, ourselves and to run your own race,” said 1994. After moving to the FCS in 1995, NFL General Managers and executives, and from ’14). “I hope I can be an inspiration and Hampton University senior, Journalism major, his Hampton teams would win three more previous BCFHOF inductees to determine the resource to others through my own personal Roderick Mclean. Inductees. story.” Black College National Championships The Inaugural “Hampton Engages with and five MEAC titles while making five The Class of 2020 will be honored at the 11th During the engaging panel discussion, the Majors” event was a collaboration effort FCS Playoff appearances. The four-time Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame twelve representatives from various sports between the Hampton University School of MEAC Coach of the Year owns eight of Induction Ceremony, presented by the organizations and national sports brands Liberal Arts and Education and the Career the top 10 winningest seasons in Pirate Falcons on February 22, 2020. The Induction shared their testimonies about their Center. history, including the top six. Taylor also Ceremony takes place at the College Football guided Hampton to a win in the 1999 Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. The Inductees Heritage Bowl over Southern, and he will also be recognized at the in coached three NFF National Scholar- Atlanta on December 21st. For more information, Athletes during his time at the school: please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org. Timothy Benson (1993), Malcolm Benson (1995) and Michael Bland (2000).

4 • HAMPTONLIFE • NOV/DEC 2019