Senior finds his passion in biomedical research

Hampton University Class of 2015  #GradHU15

The Hampton University Class of 2015 is ready to soar. The graduates will don their caps and gowns on May 10, 2015 and join the ranks of thousands of Hampton University alumni making an impact all over the world. This blog series will feature a different member of Class of 2015 during Commencement week.  

Senior finds his passion in biomedical research

Joshua Burton is one of the 2015 recipients of the President's Cup.

 
“Know that with every breath and step, the journey is as important as the destination…keep trotting.” These are the words Joshua Burton lives by. Burton’s journey has led him to be one of the three seniors presented with the 2015 Hampton University President’s Cup.   

The senior biology major and native of Antigua and Barbuda says that when it came to choosing a new home for four years, there was no doubt that Hampton University was a top contender. The climate in Virginia appeared to be one that he could adjust to without too much discomfort in comparison to the states further north.

  
“Hampton University turned out to be the most favorable option, and the fact that I secured a scholarship at this prestigious HBCU affirmed it as my school of choice,” said Burton.

  
Starting as a freshman in James Hall, Burton came to HU with intent on going to medical school after graduation, but instead he found that his real passion is in biomedical research.

“I was able to connect with professors who encouraged me to consider this path and opened up the opportunities to allow me to get the exposure that I needed. My time at Hampton has indeed allowed me to redefine my career objectives.”

Burton was also recently awarded the second place prize in biology department for his oral presentation: “Cell Adhesion Molecules and Oocyte Development.”

After graduation, Burton will attended Syracuse University where he will pursue a doctoral degree in biology. “I anticipate that this course of study will equip me with the requisite skills and knowledge for a career in biomedical research.”

Ultimately, Burton would like to establish a biomedical research facility in Antigua and Barbuda to further invigorate the health care system.

Burton has truly taken advantage of all Hampton University has to offer and has been a part of numerous organizations on campus including Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society, Freddye T. Davy Honors College, Student Support Services academic tutor, Frederick D. Inge Biology Club and the Hampton University Pre-Health Program.

Sabin Duncan, director of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College, describes Burton as a “jewel of a student.”

             
“I am grateful because I know that in time, when I name the most remarkable alumni that list will include Joshua,” Duncan said. “I will feel a great sense of pride knowing that my contributions were among the many that shaped this marvelous young man."

-          Daisha Roberts ’15

Speeding up the East Coast from HU to NASCAR to Grad School

Hampton University Class of 2015  #GradHU15

The Hampton University Class of 2015 is ready to soar. The graduates will don their caps and gowns on May 10, 2015 and join the ranks of thousands of Hampton University alumni making an impact all over the world. This blog series will feature a different member of Class of 2015 during Commencement week.  

Speeding up the East Coast from HU to NASCAR to Grad School 

Sydnei Fryson

After graduation on May 10, 2015 one Hamptonian will be switching gears with plans to speed up and down the East Coast.

Sydnei Fryson, a senior broadcast journalism major in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, will be taking her talents to Charlotte, N.C. where she will be interning with NASCAR for the summer. 

During her time at HU, Fryson was a member of the Blue Thunder cheerleading squad, correspondent for ESPNU’s Campus Connections, sports producer for WHOV-TV’s student run newscast, and is a member of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society. These leadership positions helped prepare her for what lies ahead.

Fryson will be placed with Rev Racing, a team that operates four NASCAR K&N Pro Series East teams and two NASCAR Whelen All-American Series teams. NASCAR’s Drive For Diversity, managed by Rev Racing, is the industry’s leading developmental program for minority and female drivers and crew members.

“This program will be great,” said Fryson. “I believe this will springboard me into the world of sports journalism. It seems like NASCAR is openly looking for more diversity within their company." 

In August, the Charleston, West Virginia native will head North to the Big Apple where she will enroll in Columbia University’s Masters of Science Digital Journalism Program. 

  

“Based on my broadcast journalism experience that I got from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism, I’m going to focus on learning digital media at Columbia,” said  Fryson. "The fields of broadcasting and digital media are merging and by being proficient in both I will be more marketable.” 

As Fryson departs from her “Home by the Sea” she will always think fondly of the memories  and connections made with her fellow Hamptonians. 

“I am forever grateful for all of the lessons learned here at Hampton,” said Fryson. “I know no matter where I go or what I do, I will always have a connection to the friends and family I’ve made over the last four years.”  

Matthew A. White '10

Hampton University senior has his eyes on the Supreme Court

Hampton University Class of 2015  #GradHU15

The Hampton University Class of 2015 is ready to soar. The graduates will don their caps and gowns on May 10, 2015 and join the ranks of thousands of Hampton University alumni making an impact all over the world. This blog series will feature a different member of Class of 2015 during Commencement week.  

Hampton University senior has his eyes on the Supreme Court 

 

Demarius Newsome

Becoming a Supreme Court Justice has been Demarius Newsome’s dream since he stepped foot onto Hampton University’s Campus four years ago. After May 10, 2015 he will be one degree closer to achieving his dream. Newsome, a psychology major and leadership studies minor from Meadville, Pennsylvania, is a member of the HU Class of 2015.

Being involved in numerous campus organizations has shown Newsome how working with peers from different backgrounds can be beneficial.  

“Hampton has shown me the importance of depending on others and treating people as equals,” said Newsome. “Hampton has impacted my goals by showing that we as a people can advance and do anything so long as we put our minds to it.”

While at HU, Newsome has been actively involved on campus through the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Program and the Marching Force. Being a leader on campus has helped him see the wonders of “Black intelligence.”

 “It has truly been an honor to work and study with some of the brightest minds,” Newsome said.

After graduation, Newsome will attend Emory University School of Law. He is interested in specializing in criminal law, constitutional law, trial advocacy and/or litigation. Newsome plans to be just as active at Emory as he has been at HU.  

Newsome is ready for the challenges the future holds but he will value highly the education he has received at HU.

 “I love how the Hampton community embraces and cherishes the students that come each year. I am grateful for having the opportunity to be here.”

- Sechemelia Lewis '15