HUYAC Co-Founder Shares His Story of Giving and Love For HU

HUYAC Co-Founder Shares His Story of Giving and Love For HU

Calvin L. Butts, Jr.

Calvin L. Butts, Jr. ’02, is passionate about Hampton University. For him, HU will forever hold a special place in his heart as the place where he met his wife, April Haston Butts '02, and a cohort of friends that he maintains a close relationship with today.

Butts, vice president of strategic services for Communications Media Inc., continues to serve Hampton through alumni events and giving. In 2011, along with five other alumni,  he founded the Hampton University Young Alumni Council (HUYAC).  HUYAC is focused on increasing the involvement of young HU alumni in Hampton events across the country.

As the 2013 fiscal year comes to a close, Butts shared with the HamptonU News his story about the importance of giving, alumni involvement and HUYAC.

HUNews: Tell us about HUYAC.

Calvin Butts: HUYAC was established to encourage networking and maintain a relationship between young alumni and the University, to develop its members and aid in their civic and professional progress, and to support the development and public image of Hampton University.

All young alumni have to do is get involved to be involved. At HUYAC we have saying, “where two or more are gathered, it’s a HUYAC event.” I encourage young alumni to join their local National Hampton Alumni Association chapters and start their own HUYAC group and then connect with others across their states to have events designed for and by young alumni.

HU: Why is it important for young alumni to get involved with groups like HUYAC?

CB: It’s extremely important for us to get involved and stay involved with not only the university, but also each other. Colleges and universities, especially HBCUs need their alumni to give back and support however they can, comfortably. 

Since I have been involved with the HU alumni network, I have learned from different alumni outside of my class and have successfully worked with others in business. There is a lot we have to offer each other in our personal and professional lives that we can share.

Butts on the mic at the HUYAC Homecoming Day Party

I strongly believe that helping Hampton continue to attract and produce the high level of talent that is a tradition of the university, strengthens the value of our education and degree. The university needs financial support from each of us to continue that mission successfully.

HU: Is that a part of the reason why you give back?

CB: I have so much that is owed to Hampton that I could never pay back, but I try. While at Hampton I made the transition to the individual I am today. A large part of my network and supporting cast that I communicate with each and every day comes from Hampton. At Hampton I met my beautiful wife and many of our dearest friends are Hamptonians.  Having now studied at Harvard and Temple University if ever asked where I went to school I proudly respond Hampton. Hampton is very dear to me and the experience while on campus was one of a kind.

My wife and I give to assure that the University can continue to provide that one of a kind experience and maintain its standard of excellence in education for all the years to come.

Give back to Hampton University by June 30 in an effort to keep Hampton Strong! Visit donateto.hamptonu.edu to support Hampton University.

Hamptonians Keeping Hampton Strong

Hamptonians Keeping Hampton Strong 

The 2013 fiscal year is coming to an end, here are five remarkable accomplishments that have taken place this year at “Our Home by the Sea.”

• HU Senior Kayla Lee received the 2013 Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study from Howard Hughes Medical Institute.  Lee will continue her education in biology at Harvard University in the fall.     

• The HU School of Science began a nanoscience concentration to engage students in nanoscience education and research with international partners.

• The HU Pirates have won five MEAC championships since January, women’s basketball for the fourth year in a row and MEAC championships in women’s indoor track and field, men and women’s outdoor track and field, and softball.

• Thanks to alumni contributions, HU celebrated the grand opening of our new dining hall in September. 

•  During the recent Reunion/Commencement Weekend 2013, nearly 1,000 Hamptonians returned to reunite with classmates and give of their treasure in support of the University’s mission, programs and our outstanding students. 

We are working to keep “Hampton Strong” and we need your support. Here are a few reasons to give back to Hampton University.

• Thus far this year, Hampton University’s generous alumni have contributed over $1.2 million to student scholarships; however, we still need your support. 

• HU provides more than $15 million to student scholarships annually. 

• The contributions of alumni increase the value of a Hampton University degree. 

• No gift is too small and every gift helps make “Hampton Strong.”

Please join the ranks of other Hamptonians who have made giving back this fiscal year a priority. Let's keep “Hampton Strong.”

Please send your gift, of any size, to your “Home by the Sea” by June 30, 2013. 

To donate visit donateto.hamptonu.edu

Hampton University Alumnus Donates Basketball Shoes

Hampton University Alumnus Donates Basketball Shoes

In order from left to right: Alphonso Knight,
Archives Manager, Donzella Maupin, and Museum
Director, Nashid Madyun

Former Director of Alumni Affairs, Alphonso Knight, a graduate of the Hampton University Class of 1947, and CIAA Basketball Tournament star has donated his legendary shoes to Hampton University’s Museum.  

“Having the shoes since 1944, I knew it was time to do something with them,” said Knight. “I thought about selling them but then realized the Hampton University Museum could use this piece of history more.”

The Hampton University Museum is a unique institution and a national treasure. Founded in 1868, the Museum is the oldest African American museum in the United States and one of the oldest museums in the state of Virginia. The collections feature over 9,000 objects including African American fine arts, traditional African, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Island, and Asian art; and objects relating to the history of the University.

In addition, the University Archives preserves a part of our rich heritage and tradition at HU. The collection is one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive collection of materials on the history and culture of African Americans and Native Americans. The archive's holdings are more than 8 million documentary items and over 50,000 photographs and glass negatives reflecting Hampton's role in American education, educational philosophy, political activities, labor issues, and business and international relations.

“Hampton University Museum and the Archives are happy to accept such a cherished piece of memorabilia, which is both symbolic and significant to the University,” said Museum Director, Nashid Madyun. “We are honored that Mr. Knight, a man who is extremely talented and skilled, has decided to share this momentous gift with us.”

While at HU, Knight was captain of the varsity basketball team for four consecutive years and high point scorer for three years. He maintained high academic standards for all his teammates and so did the university, graduating with honors in 1947.

The bronze coated PF Flyer size eights are being preserved in the Hampton University Museum’s Archives as “One of Hampton Institutes All Time Great Basketball Players.”   

Alphonso Knight's Bronze Coated PF Flyers circa 1947

In 1947, at 19 years old, Knight participated in the second CIAA Basketball Tournament, which was held at the Turner Arena in Washington, D.C. Although, the Pirates did not win, Knight, scored 12 points and played diligently until the end.

“I was pleased to be apart of the second CIAA Basketball Tournament. I think it is important the students understand and know a little history of the CIAA Basketball Tournament in relation to Hampton University,” said Knight. 

At that time in history scheduling CIAA sporting events were very difficult; however, they later found venues for the sporting event in cities such as Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Winston-Salem and Charlotte.   

Being an active athlete and serving as the Director of Alumni Affairs for 13 years, he understood the importance of Hamptionians connecting after college. As the Director of Alumni Affairs Knight, increased the number of alumni chapters to 102 including one in Germany and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Chad Harris '14

HU Junior Takes the Road Less Traveled and Spends the Semester in Cyprus

HU Junior Takes the Road Less Traveled and Spends the Semester in Cyprus

"'Two roads diverged in the woods and … I took the road less traveled,' and it hurt man!  Really bad!  Rocks, thorns, and glass…not cool Robert Frost. But what if there really were two paths? You want to be on the one that leads to awesome, right?" -Kid President (Robby Novak)

Hampton University’s Toni White is moving in the right direction as the recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. White received a $27,000 scholarship and studied a wide array of classes in Cyprus this spring.

Toni White visits Turkey during her trip.

The New York native and five-year MBA major decided at a young age she would work hard and would not be afraid to travel and make the world a better place. After a troubled childhood, White was determined to excel in school and remain at the top of her class so she would not fall victim to her environment.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar (GLS) program offers grants to undergraduates in the United States of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare students to assume significant goals in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.

“Through traveling, I have been able to witness what it means to live without clean water, the strength it takes to travel 10 miles on foot to reach your next destination and the true importance of family,” said White. “I have a greater appreciation of my life and have become more motivated to achieve a better life for my family and myself.”

International experience is critically important in the educational system and career development of American students. The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens academic abilities and aims to encourage students to choose non-traditional study abroad destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Toni White during her visit to Cyrus.

White, unfamiliar with Cyprus embarked on an adventure of a lifetime as GLS allowed her to study the country’s national debt crisis. 

“As a five-year MBA major, interested in world finance and business, it was fascinating and important for me to witness the transformation of Greece during their debt crisis,” said White.

White wants to be an example to her peers and show them that hard work and dedication ultimately pays off. As a first generation college student, she is confident that receiving the Gilman Scholarship will inspire other students to want to study abroad.

“I never succumbed to the belief that my upbringing or family’s income would limit my possibilities,” she said.

White plans to share her collegiate experience in Cyprus with students in the HU Freddye T. Davy Honors College and School of Business. As White continues to do great things, as students and future generational leaders, we must ask ourselves, what will you do to make the world awesome?

Chad Harris '14


 

HU and TCC Partner to Offer More Students a Masters in Architecture

HU and TCC Partner to Offer More Students a Masters in Architecture

Students from TCC join Robert Easter and Eric Sheppard.

A partnership between Hampton University and Tidewater Community College (TCC) has made transferring from the Norfolk, Virginia based community college to HU easier.

TCC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in computer aided drafting and design specialization: architectural drafting and design technology. Through the partnership, TCC students can continue their education at HU to earn a Master of Architecture degree.

TCC courses are a great foundation for the HU program, according to HU Department of Architecture Chair Robert Easter.

 Easter, Dolgalev of TCC and Sheppard.

"Students who are enrolled in the TCC program are prepared for the second-year of the HU Architecture curriculum," stated Easter.  "Students can also take summer classes at HU to prepare for the third-year program."

Recently, a group of 10 TCC students, enrolled in the computer aided drafting program at TCC in Virginia Beach, Va.,  accompanied TCC Professor Sergei Dolgalev on a visit to the Department of Architecture in Bemis Hall. Dolgalev encouraged his students to ask faculty and students many questions about the program and HU.

Meaghan Walsh, a fourth-year Architecture major who transferred from TCC to the HU architecture department, lead the tour.

Adrienne Thomas, HU admissions counselor, facilitated the event and provided TCC students with HU gift bags and additional information about the university.

TCC students had the opportunity to join a fourth-year architecture studio where HU students were coincidentally, working on designs for new academic buildings on the campus of Tidewater Community College (TCC) in Virginia Beach, Va.

"We enjoyed the visit with TCC," stated Eric Sheppard, dean of the HU School of Engineering and Technology. "We want our partnership with TCC to continue to flourish. We look forward to doing our part to welcome and encourage students from TCC and other community colleges in the area to continue their education at Hampton."

Find more information about the architecture program at HU visit their website at Hampton University Department of Architecture.

Students talk with each other about the HU program.

HU Alumnus & Civil Rights Pioneer Receives High School Diploma

HU Alumnus & Civil Rights Pioneer Receives High School Diploma

 

President Jerome H. Holland Admits Student No Diploma Needed 



Olivia Ferguson, Hamptonian Yearbook 1963, Charlottesville, VA
Early Childhood Education Major
S.N.E.A., Woman's Senate, S.C.A



Fifty years and two college degrees later Hampton University (HU) alumnus, Olivia Ferguson McQueen finally received her high school diploma on May 25, she was denied in 1959.

“It was a very emotional day,” said McQueen. “Although the city council awarded me with my diploma and key to the city of Charlottesville for the 50^th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, this ceremony was more meaningful because it was prepared by my peers.”  

In a ceremony held Saturday, May 25 at what is now Burley Middle School; McQueen donned her full green and gold cap and gown, and was awarded her diploma by Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Rosa Atkins and Albemarle County Public Schools Superintendent Pamela Moran.

"What a day this is ... It really was a surprise when I received a call saying that something was being planned, but I didn't know to what extent something was being planned," McQueen told the Huffington Post.

In 1958, at age 16, McQueen successfully sued to integrate the Charlottesville City School; however regardless of her victory she was not allowed in the classroom. McQueen spent her senior year being tutored in the School Board Office with a cluster of 12 students, one freshman and the rest elementary students.

The last time McQueen walked across the stage at her old high school was June 3, 1959. She finally returned to receive the diploma she worked hard for decades ago instead of the certificate she acquired on graduation day, which made it nearly impossible to get into college.

Although McQueen knew applying to college may have been one of her most daunting tasks; she was up for the challenge. With help from the community whom wrote letters to the several colleges she applied, it was McQueen’s cousin, Judge Jean Murrell Capers, who wrote directly to president Jerome H. Holland of HU informing him about her compelling story, which aided in the university’s decision.

Despite not obtaining a high school diploma, McQueen attended HU, where she received her bachelor of science degree in early childhood education in 1963.

McQueen’s Hampton experience was a refreshing and pleasant one. She was able to forget about the past as she embarked on a new journey in her life and was happy to be around people again. She like every incoming freshman knew she would have to adjust to making new friends and study habits. McQueen knew that balancing her social interactions and academics were most important, but she managed to make lifelong friendships that have lasted to this day, too.

She then continued her education at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. where she earned her master's of education.

After her rough secondary education venture and her post –secondary education McQueen spent her career as an educator outside of Virginia, county school officials said. She now resides in Washington, D.C.  with her loving husband James McQueen.  

- Chad Harris '14

Pearson Honors Hampton University Professors

Pearson Honors Hampton University Professors

Professor Robert Watson

In college you never know what to expect; as students we are eager to learn and our minds are open to every experience. But, once we get adjusted to the “college lifestyle” some of us become homesick and want our parents and/or guardians to be by our side as we face life as a young maturing adult.

Although, our parents are not here and we cannot run home at a moment’s notice, students look for guidance and parental comfort from professors.  

Professor Michael D. Druitt

Recently, Pearson Campus Ambassador and recent class of 2013 graduate, Colby Mason, hosted a "One Professor" filming party to honor  the magnificent teachers at HU. Pearson Education Inc., asked students to honor one professor who has helped shape their lives.  Although countless stories were submitted, 13 faculty members at Hampton University (HU) were recently honored in Pearson’s “One Professor” movement by their students. These professors were the ones who have made a lasting impression, inside and outside the classroom on the students they serve.

Students were asked to create short videos honoring an educator who has shaped their lives and ignited their passion. The lists of HU professors being recognized are as follows:

Dr. Adeyinka A. Adeyiga 
Professor of Chemical Engineering – School of Science

 Dr. Michael DiBari 
Assistant Professor – Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Dr. Eric Claville 
Interim Assistant Dean of the School of Liberal Arts 

Professor Michael D. Druitt 
Assistant Professor of Biology and Assistant to the Dean – School of Science

Professor Ziette Hayes 
Assistant Professor of Business Administration – School of Business

Professor Rick Jarvis 

Assistant Professor of the William R. Harvey Leadership  Institute

Professor Nicoleta Maghear 
Lecturer of Business Administration – School of Business

Dr. Sharad K. Maheshwari 

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies – School of Liberal Arts

Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall 

Chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences – School of Science

Professor DaRelle Rollins

Assistant Professor of English – School of Liberal Arts

Dr. Mohammed B. Sillah 

Associate Professor of Political Science - School of Liberal Arts

Professor Robert Watson

Assistant Professor of History – School of Liberal Arts

Professor Erica Woods-Warrior

Assistant Professor of Political Science and History – School of Liberal Arts                                                            
  
Congratulations to all the HU faculty members honored as an incredible group of over 400 professors from colleges all over the country being honored!         



- Chad Harris '14