MARCH 2020

Vice President Mike Pence Visits the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute

Vice President Mike Pence visited the Lastly, Vice President Pence spoke on HUPTI opportunity zones.” Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute and all it has done in the last 10 years. “It’s (HUPTI) on Wednesday, February 19 to remarkable to think about the thousands “We were delighted to have Vice President Hampton University support the University’s efforts in providing of patients who have come in here, some of Mike Pence and Secretary of Education Betsy state-of-the-art cancer research and delivering whom I met today, who have literally received DeVos visit our facility today. It is extremely Students Visit State advanced cancer treatment to military veterans lifesaving innovative proton treatment for gratifying to receive recognition for the unique and their families. The Vice President met cancer. And it was scarcely 10 years ago, Dr. research capabilities and life-saving treatment Capitol for 2020 with Hampton University President Dr. Harvey, that this was a brainchild of yours our University and staff are providing,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, along with several and of Hampton University. Thanks to your Vahagn Nazaryan, HUPTI Executive Director. Advocacy Day students, administrators and professors during leadership and the generosity of people around Jonathan Mack was there to represent a meaningful roundtable discussion. Pence the country and the excellent team you have Hampton University students. “I’m here Almost 50 Hampton University students was also able to tour the facility and meet with here, you’re really changing lives. I’m looking today to represent the student body in talking spent the day in Richmond, Va., on HUPTI patients. forward to hearing more about how we can to Vice President Mike Pence, and also to Tuesday, February 4, 2020, to lobby for be helpful and support not only the mission provide a student perspective, not just from the Hampton University Proton Therapy of Hampton University, but specifically the the Hampton student, but all HBCUs,” Mack Institute (HUPTI), the Virginia Tuition Proton Therapy Institute,” Pence said. said. “Meeting with Vice President Pence as Assistance Grant (VTAG) and for the Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos also well as Sec. DeVos was a once in a lifetime continued support of Black Lives and participated in the roundtable discussion opportunity…I am thankful to Dr. Harvey as Historically Black Institutions in the with various campus leaders: Chancellor and well as everyone else instrumental in allowing Commonwealth of Virginia. Provost Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, Senior Vice us this opportunity to engage in this dialogue.” “We are exposing our students to how President Attorney Paul Harris, Vice President The Hampton University Proton Therapy Democracy works. They are seeing the of Administrative Services Dr. Barbara Institute offers proton therapy, precise and legislative process first-hand and how Inman and several students including Student effective treatment in a noninvasive, pain free they can be involved in that progression. Government Association President Jonathan environment. Proton therapy often results They are meeting leaders in our state “It was an honor for Hampton University to Mack and Student Government Association in fewer side effects and less damage to and showing these important people host the Vice President of the United States, Vice President Bruce Wilson. surrounding tissue and organs as compared that Hampton University’s students are Mike Pence and U.S. Secretary of Education, to traditional cancer treatments. HUPTI is truly the future leaders of this nation,” Betsy DeVos at the Hampton University “[The current administration has] increased committed to delivering the latest precision said Hampton University President, Dr. Proton Beam Cancer Treatment Institute,” said HBCU funding by 17% in real dollars…and medicine advances in cancer-fighting William R. Harvey. Dr. William R. Harvey, Hampton University restored Pell Grants to being year-round,” Pence said. “The Department of Education technologies and research, as well as a President. “This life saving treatment and Throughout the day, Hampton University also provided more than $500 million in loans continued focus on excellence in patient care. research center is seeing an average of 50 students acted as ambassadors and met for capital funding.” HUPTI treats breast, lung, prostate, head and patients per day while easing human misery neck, ocular, GI, brain and spine and pediatric with several state delegates and senators to and saving lives.” DeVos also mentioned a new addition to cancers. advocate for increased funding for HUPTI so that they can continue to provide cancer During the discussion, the Vice President the recent budget proposal, in which there care throughout the Commonwealth of spoke about what an honor it was to be able is a “stern initiative for HBCUs located in Virginia. Students also lobbied to fight for to meet with the wonderful team and students and protect HBCUs. Some of the delegates of Hampton University. “Hampton University that the students and staff met with is an extraordinary institution. You have been included Delegate Kate Kory of Fairfax making history and making a difference as and Delegate Cliff Hayes of Chesapeake. a historically black college in this country,” Pence said. “Hampton University and the After meeting with delegates, students Proton Therapy Institute are just an incredible and staff were able to visit and observe asset for Virginia and for the United States of the Capitol House and Senate Galleries, America. This is an educational institution of a where constituents meet to discuss and tremendous reputation.” vote on various bills. Students were able to experience a day of Democracy that Vice President Pence also complimented Dr. they learn in books, but gain different Harvey on his role regarding federal funding perspectives when actually lived. for HBCUs. “Dr. Harvey, you played a leading role when the President of the United States “Today’s trip was excellent; it was a signed a measure to make federal funding for great experience. We were able to speak HBCUs permanent in this country. And the to the Governor and the Secretary of increases, the investment, all are a reflection of Administration and I learned that I can the quality of education, and the importance of this educational tradition in our country,” Pence said. (continued on page 3) Hampton University Officially Dedicates Kennedy Hall Lobby Hampton University In Honor of Former Dean of Residence Life, Jewel B. Long President, Dr. William

Hampton University hosted a dedication I shall continue to see. I shall continue to speak R. Harvey, Announces ceremony in honor of former Dean of and if you can use what I say when I say it Increased Hourly Staff Residence Life, Jewel B. Long inside the to you, that’s fine. If you don’t want to use it, lobby of John S. Kennedy Hall on Valentine’s that’s still fine.” Wages and More Day. The lobby was packed with Hampton administration, staff, faculty, students and Ms. Long also received gratitude and Hampton University President, Dr. family of Ms. Long. Hampton University’s congratulatory remarks from Congresswoman William R. Harvey, announced at a President, Dr. William R. Harvey, provided Elaine Luria. campus-wide staff meeting that he is raising the minimum wage to $12 an hour the official naming of the lobby. Ms. Jewel B. Long is a 1969 and 1971 for on-campus staff. “We are here on this very auspicious occasion graduate of Hampton University, where to recognize a phenomenal woman. It is very she received a Bachelor’s degree in Business “As you know, the minimum wage in this fitting for us to name this lobby in Kennedy Education and a Master’s degree in Guidance country right now is $7.25 and about six or Hall in honor of Ms. Jewel B. Long. The and Counseling, respectively. As soon as Ms. seven years ago, we raised it to $9. Then, Hamptonian for which the lobby is being “Being here today is a divine set up. It is with Long arrived at Hampton University in 1965, about three years ago, we raised it to $10. named has been a member of the Hampton awe and humility that I stand here. Who she went to work in the Office of Student Effective in March, I’m going to raise it family for over 50 years. Over the years, she would have ever thought that in September of Activities, which eventually became the Office to $12 an hour,” Dr. Harvey said in front has given of her time, her talent, her energy, 1965, when I moved into 309 Stone Manor, of Student Affairs. Ms. Long remained at of an appreciative crowd of Hampton her values and all that is good on behalf of this with the understanding from my mother, Hampton until she decided to retire in January University Educational Support staff. “Everybody is important to me.” wonderful institution,” said Dr. Harvey. “Ms. ‘Yes, you may go to Hampton. You can go of 2020. During that 54-year journey, she Jewel B. Long, you made a significant impact for one semester. I don’t know about any served as Residence Hall Director, Assistant This latest raise in staff wages is another on Hampton University. You have worked other semesters because we don’t have any to the Dean of Women and Supervisor for display of Dr. Harvey’s commitment to the tirelessly and diligently to instill in all of our money.’ And God is to be glorified. Here we Academic Regalia. In 1988, Ms. Long was university community. In 2011, Dr. and students the tenets of the Hampton man and are. I got to stay 54 years and four months named Dean of Women, which her title later Mrs. Harvey gave a $166,000 personal gift the Hampton woman. On behalf of all those in a place where I never had any idea if I’d changed to Dean of Residence Life. to HU to support a wage increase to all stay any longer than that December. It has full-time permanent staff earning less than who have walked these hallowed grounds, it is Ms. Long plans to broaden her volunteer been an exciting journey. I have enjoyed every $8 an hour. Through this donation, 118 my pleasure to thank you for your service and opportunities and recently retrained to become minute of it. I consider being at Hampton my full-time, permanent HU staff employees to officially name this lobby, the Jewel B. Long a Hospice Volunteer with Riverside Hospital. assignment,” said Ms. Long. “Thank you so received a wage increase. In 2014, Dr. and Lobby.” Her expectations are to keep her eyes open, much. I am glad that my work has spoken for Mrs. Harvey gave a $108,403 personal gift and when she sees needs that she can fill, she Ms. Long provided the group with a me and that I have lived to see the accolades to support a wage increase for full-time will be sure to step up and fill them. Just as she wonderful and emotional speech about her and the thanks for what I’ve done. I’ve never permanent staff earning less than $9 an felt that her service to Hampton University arrival to Hampton University in 1965 and the been a center of the floor person. I was always hour. In 2017, the minimum wage was was an assignment from God, she believes that journey her life has been. the sideline person who wanted to cheer raised again for full-time permanent she was predestined to serve others. everybody else on, and if you understand and staff to $10 an hour. In 2018, Dr. and accepted my brutal honesty, I was your person. Mrs. Harvey gave the faculty and staff an additional 1% raise on top of the annual raise as recommended by their supervisors. Dr. Harvey also announced a pay increase Two Hampton University Students Awarded BEYA Student Athlete Award for the campus’ clerical staff, provided they meet new performance standards. Training Hampton University students Jakari Harris Jakari Harris is a Michael Lawrence will be provided to those individuals who and Michael Lawrence were awarded the graduating senior, is a junior, biology need assistance in learning any additional Black Engineering of the Year Award (BEYA) chemical engineering major from Northern skill sets. Student Athlete Award at the 2020 BEYA major from Atlanta, Virginia. He is in his STEM Conference Student Leadership GA. She is currently a third season with the “These increases are important because Award Dinner in Washington, DC, February two time MVP on the Hampton University they affect your pocketbook, but what it 13-15, 2020. women’s golf team and Men’s Lacrosse Team. does for me, it says that we care about you has served as the leading “The assistant dean of and you’re part of the team. You have heard The Student Athlete Award recognizes scorer for two years. “I my department told me me say before that collective competence is the drive and determination of talented really value student-athlete awards like these. about this opportunity and I was honored to better than individual competence any day. students who perform in the classroom and They show that collegiate athletes can excel in be nominated. During this experience, I was The fact is that it takes all of us to make sports and during the three-day conference. both the classroom and on the field. There is able to network with a lot for people from Hampton go and this is just another way of Students attended the career fair to meet with often a stereotype that athletes slack on their various companies,” said Lawrence. “Time saying thank you,” Dr. Harvey added. top employers, take advantage of resources schoolwork and are given some leeway,” said management is key. Really having a lot of designed to enhance job search, and get tools The raises in salaries went into effect Harris. “In fact, we receive pressure from both discipline. I’ve been an athlete most of my for a successful STEM career. Seminars and March 1. fronts: professors and coaches. A student- life. The biggest thing is making sure you workshops present workforce topics including athlete’s work ethic is often unmatched and prioritize and communicate with coaches, staff career advancement, diversity, and specialized overlooked. I feel more than honored to and professors.” industry updates. The Career Fair links represent student-athletes and show that we engineers, scientists, business professionals work hard as much as we play hard.” and students with employers and educators. “We are proud of these two talented students for receiving this prestigious award. Hampton Hampton Life (Vol. 12 Issue 3) University looks forward to the future success is published monthly by of these scholars,” said Hampton University Hampton University in the President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Office of University Relations. Contributors: Matthew White, Glenn Knight, B. Da’Vida Plummer, Jessica Zimmerman, Alexis Brower

2 • HAMPTONLIFE • MARCH 2020 2020 Advocacy Day (continued from front) do anything,” said Reghan Pullins, sophomore, CNN and there was a very charming young of what I call common sense gun legislation on of Virginia citizens to criminal convictions political science major, leadership studies senator who decided that he would run for the the table. Seven of the eight bills passed and we unnecessarily and the way that the system falls minor. “I really enjoy how we had Black women presidency and I was just star-struck. I decided are still working on banning assault weapons,” on African Americans is disproportionate,” to speak to us, which I felt I could relate to and that I wanted to play a part in that campaign,” Northam said. Herring added. see myself in those positions.” Conner said. She ended up leading a grassroots organization in Richmond, Va. for Barack Students also met with Virginia’s top lawyer “The Hampton University delegation was While at the State Capitol, the students Obama and the rest is history. Conner told the Attorney General Mark Herring. He spoke able to experience first-hand the importance received the honor of speaking with Governor students, “As you’re choosing a field, make sure passionately about issues that concern Virginia’s of servant-leadership and advocacy in Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark that the passion is there.” citizens, women’s rights and cannabis reform. action, by addressing a cause near and Herring, and Governor Northam’s cabinet “Women are still discriminated against and dear to each of them, as they have a vested members Fran Bradford, Deputy Secretary of Governor Northam graciously welcomed the do not have the full opportunities. An equal interest in eradicating cancer throughout the Education; Traci J. DeShazor, Deputy Secretary Hampton University students in his media rights amendment would do a lot to guarantee Commonwealth of Virginia. The Leadership of the Commonwealth; and to the delight room and spoke for approximately 20 minutes them equality. In addition to raising the Fellows and Student Leaders strategically of the students, Hampton alumna Keyanna including a question and answer period, and level of constitution protection for future approached members of the General Assembly Conner (’06), Secretary of Administration. photo opportunity. “I plan to work hard to get generations, it is also important for our children to garner support of the $11.5M announced Conner oversees five agencies: the Department more money for universities to help schools like and grandchildren to be able to look at our by Governor Ralph Northam for HUPTI. It of Human Resource Management, the Hampton University,” said Governor Northam. country’s foundational document and see that it was truly a memorable day and I am confident Department of Elections, the Compensation protects them,” Herring said. the legislators heard the message loud and clear Board, the Virginia Information Technologies During the Q and A session, Governor that our future leaders of the Commonwealth Agency and the Department of General Northam also spoke about the gun violence in Herring also spoke about another hot topic and our beloved nation want to end the misery Services. Virginia. “Last year, gun violence in Virginia today, cannabis reform. “We’ve got a great associated with cancer and they will appropriate killed over 1000 of our fellow Virginians. The opportunity for significant changes in criminal the funding for HUPTI,” said Dr. Jarris Louis Although Conner was a chemistry major at tipping point was over memorial weekend in justice reform this year and the years ahead. I Taylor, Jr., Director of the William R. Harvey Hampton and went on to VCU to earn her Virginia Beach when we had that mass tragedy think cannabis reform is at the top of the list. Leadership Institute. Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry, she fell when we lost twelve Virginians and four others Criminalizing possession of small amounts in love with politics by chance. “I was watching were wounded significantly. I put eight pieces of marijuana is setting up tens of thousands Mr. Bill Thomas, Associate Vice President of Governmental Relations for Hampton University, accompanies the students on this trip every year and left the students with some advice. “I try to get across to the students that you should only support those who support you in your interests. It doesn’t matter if your representatives are Republican or Democrat or Independent, it’s those candidates that support your institutions and your community and your family, nothing else matters, so the emphasis is to take the position that no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests,” said Mr. Thomas.

Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Hampton University Choir, April 17-19

The Hampton University School of Liberal fledgling school. The ensemble raised more and hit singles, “The Right Kinda Lover” Arts and Education, Music Department than $300,000 for Hampton Normal and and “Someone Like You” for fellow vocal and the Hampton University Choirs are Agricultural Institute performing Negro powerhouse Ms. Patti LaBelle. celebrating the 150th Anniversary of spirituals and plantation songs. the Hampton University Choir, April Also performing will be Henrietta Thomas 17-19. There will be a Celebration The entire community is invited to this Telfair, a native of Jacksonville, Florida Luncheon featuring two-time Grammy once-in-a-lifetime historic event. Hosting where she attended the public schools of award-winner Ann Nesby and Hampton the event will be Brenda Pressley. Ms. Duval County. She received her Bachelor alumna Henrietta Thomas Telfair, along Pressley began her New York theatrical of Science Degree in Music Education with with a Celebration Concert featuring the career in “And Still I Rise” written and an emphasis in Elementary Education. Hampton University Choir. directed by Maya Angelou. She later She graduated with honors from Hampton enjoyed success on Broadway in the Institute, presently Hampton University. “What an auspicious occasion to celebrate original cast of “Dreamgirls” directed by Telfair also received her master’s degree in the Hampton University Choir’s 150 Michael Bennett and as Grizabella in Criminal Justice from Everest University. amazing years of excellence. Filled with “Cats.” More recently, Pressley appeared on rich musical tradition, the choir has Broadway opposite Linda Lavin in “The “The Hampton University Choir has been performed in numerous grand venues all Lyons” and with Mercedes Ruehl in The and remains an essential part of the fabric over the world, including Carnegie Hall, American Plan.” Ms. Pressley also starred of Hampton University. We are very excited Kennedy Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, opposite Oprah Winfrey in the ABC series to be celebrating the sesquicentennial with Constitution Hall and many more,” said “Brewster Place.” all of our choir alumni from across the Hampton University President, Dr. William world,” said Omar Dickenson, Director of R. Harvey. “Hampton University has always Ann Nesby is the lead vocalist of the University Choirs. inspirational soul troupe The Sounds of been and will continue to be a place where The schedule for the weekend includes a the musical arts flourish.” Blackness noted for their hit singles, “I’m Going All The Way,” “I Believe,” “The reception in McGrew Towers on Friday, The first group of Hampton Singers was Pressure” and “Optimistic.” As a solo April 17 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Then on composed of 17 students; four of whom artist, Nesby has garnered six Grammy Saturday, April 18 enjoy the Celebration were former slaves. In the 1870s, General nominations and as an accomplished Luncheon in the Convocation Center from Armstrong traveled the nation with the songwriter, she has penned songs for Noon – 2:00 p.m. On Sunday, rejoice with Hampton Singers to raise money for the Gladys Knight such as “Home Alone” the Celebration Concert in Ogden Hall starting at 4:00 p.m. HAMPTONLIFE • MARCH 2020 • 3 Hampton University Engineering Students NONPROFIT ORG. Hampton University U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 6446 PAID Win AMIE Design Challenge for the Third Hampton, Virginia 23668 HAMPTON, VA PERMIT NO. 73 Consecutive Year in a Row Hampton University students from the School there was huge tension in the atmosphere. of Engineering and Technology competed Everyone had their fingers and toes crossed. in the 3rd Annual Advancing Minorities Fortunately, we were able to come out on Interest in Engineering (AMIE) Design top once again giving Hampton University Challenge at the Black Engineering of the the three-peat title for the competition. I am Year Award (BEYA) STEM Symposium. For just delighted to be a part of the Hampton the 3rd consecutive year, Hampton University University Design Team this year, being able Students won the competition. to repeat history and win the competition for a third time.” “Congratulations to the School of Engineering and Technology on this great Hampton University was announced as the accomplishment. This is the type of success first place winner of the Annual AMIE that Hamptonians continue to achieve. We are Design Challenge and remains the only first proud of our students for setting the Standard place winner in the history of the engineering of Excellence at this STEM competition,” design challenge. The winners received said Hampton University President, Dr. monetary awards for their accomplishment. William R. Harvey. “I am excited and honored to have served as the 2020 Hampton University AMIE Design The team of eight Hampton University Challenge team faculty advisor. It was a great engineering students included one member challenge to win first place for the third year from the University of Bahamas, who is in a row, but this year’s team was extremely attending Hampton due to Hurricane Dorian. motivated and eager to advance their design to The team focused on emergency preparedness the next level. Further, I was thrilled to have and more specifically on a platform that would a student from the University of Bahamas on have eased human suffering during Hurricane the team as he has provided great insight,” Dorian. They used the skills learned from said AMIE design team faculty advisor and their Hampton University engineering courses Hampton University associate professor, Dr. 53rd Hampton Jazz Festival Lineup is Set and workshops to execute a plan. The team Jerald Dumas. interviewed a group of displaced University The 53rd Annual Hampton Jazz Festival Sunday will shine a spotlight on the number of Bahamas students who were also impacted “Our students continue to win because they announced the lineup of the artists one request for 2020 – KEM. His neo-soul by Hurricane Dorian. Of the many unmet display the technical skills and the character performing at this year’s event. The Festival classics and audience engagement make him needs discovered during this interview instilled in them at Hampton University. will take place at Hampton Coliseum – June heir apparent to the festival closer. Fantasia process, the team focused on one innovative Hampton University is truly a value-added 26, 27 & 28. Confirmed artists are as follows: will also return to the HJF stage to wow problem statement: “How might we aide institution and our students never fail to show audiences with her incredible vocal prowess. Friday features the return of one of the those susceptible to connectivity failures this value to the world. They worked closely Smooth Jazz will fill the venue by way of Jazz all-time Hampton Jazz Festival favorites - during a hurricane contact first responders and with their faculty advisor, Dr. Jerald Dumas, Funk Soul, featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Charlie Wilson - who continues to churn loved ones?” To help answer their problem as well as their Net App advisors, Mr. Rodney Harp and Paul Jackson, Jr, just after The B.B. out hit after hit after hit. Andra Day, whose statement, the team designed FlyComm, a Scurlock and Mr. Joseph Brown. Moreover, King Experience gives a glowing tribute to hit “Rise Up” has become something of a drone and buoy based system to maintain they convened several times per week over a the late, great blues guitarist. cellular communications from air to sea during three-week period to perfect the accuracy of national-anthem, will make her festival debut. service interruptions (e.g., during/after major their design. Lastly, they had the confidence Jonathan Butler makes another return visit to Tickets to the 53rd Annual Hampton Jazz storms). to convey it to the judges and the crowd of the HJF stage after the smooth vocals of local Festival are priced at $83 per seat, per day, hundreds in Washington, D.C.,” said Dean of artist Liz Terrell opens the festival. plus applicable fees. Tickets can be bought “My trip to Washington, D.C. for the 2020 on Ticketmaster.com or at the Hampton the School of Engineering and Technology, Saturday will continue heating up the BEYA STEM Conference was amazing. The Coliseum Box Office. Dr. Joyce Shirazi. weekend with headliner Anthony Hamilton, trip was really a learning experience for me whose phenomenal performance at last year’s Festival patrons can receive additional because I did not know what to expect. This The judges of this competition were festival ensured his return for 2020. India. information about the festival online at www. year’s Design Team felt that we had some big executives from IBM Corporation, The Arie will showcase her incredible artistry hamptonjazzfestival.com or by calling (757) shoes to fill, especially because the previous MITRE Corporation, Optimum, Apple, with her multitude of powerful hits like 838-4203. Travelers interested in hotel/motel Hampton University Design Team won the Boston Scientific, Lockheed Martin “Steady Love.” Brian Culbertson makes his information should contact the Hampton competition last year and the year before. My Corporation, NetApp, The Boeing Company, return to the festival with his unique style Visitor Center at 1-800-800-2202. team and I spent countless hours preparing Corning Incorporated, Northrop Grumman and undeniable talent just after the “Go Go” for the Conference, and we encouraged each Corporation, Abbott, General Motors music of the Chuck Brown Band gets the other to do our best and also to have fun,” Company, National Security Agency, and party going. said Anthony Stubbs, freshman, chemical Raytheon Company. engineering major from The Bahamas. “As we sat down and waited for the judge’s decision,

The 2020 AMIE Design Challenge Hampton University Team Members as follows: Chauncey Upsher Computer Engineering Junior Vicky Olivier Chemical Engineering Senior Kristopher Small Electrical Engineering Junior Anthony Stubbs* Chemical Engineering Freshman Lawrence Miles Electrical Engineering Sophomore Noel Thomas Chemical Engineering Freshman Bria Terrell Chemical Engineering Freshman Larry Luster Chemical Engineering Junior *University of the Bahamas

4 • HAMPTONLIFE • MARCH 2020