Don Scott is the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, who delivered the 2025 Commencement address, his historic role in state politics provides a powerful example of leadership and representation for the Hampton community.
Hazel O’Leary was the former Secretary of Energy in the Clinton administration, her visits as a high-ranking government official provided students with insights into policy-making and opportunities for African Americans in executive leadership roles.
Barack Obama has visited Hampton University as a sitting U.S. President, his presence was a historic moment for the university, symbolizing national recognition of Hampton’s legacy and its ongoing contributions to American society.
Tim Kaine is an United States Senator and former Governor of Virginia delivered remarks or visited on several occasions as a prominent state political leader. His interactions provided students with direct engagement with Virginia’s political landscape and the workings of state government.
Alcee L. Hastings is the longest-serving member of Congress from Florida, known for his career in law and politics. His visit provided students with direct exposure to national political figures and discussions on public policy.he longest-serving member of Congress from Florida, known for his career in law and politics. His visit provided students with direct
Alcee L. Hastings Read More »
John Lewis was a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and a distinguished U.S. Congressman who represented Georgia’s 5th congressional district for over 30 years. His address as Hampton University’s 2015 Commencement speaker deeply resonated with graduates, inspiring them with his enduring message of nonviolent activism, the power of “good trouble,” and the
William Howard Taft has served as Chairman of Hampton’s Board of Trustees while simultaneously holding the offices of President of the United States and later Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, his leadership was highly influential in securing crucial federal support for the institution, directly impacting Hampton’s financial stability and growth during a critical
William Howard Taft Read More »
Sylvia Woody Rose, Esq. has served as a Dean and Assistant Professor of Finance in the School of Business at Hampton University, where she also earned her B.S. in Finance before obtaining her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law School. A member of the Virginia State Bar, Dean Rose was formerly General Counsel for Hampton
Sylvia Woody Rose, Esq. Read More »
Donovan “Don” Rose is a revered figure with more than three decades of distinguished service at Hampton University. An All-CIAA and All-American defensive player for Hampton, he later played for the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, leading the Dolphins in interceptions in 1986, and won a Grey Cup in the Canadian
Donovan “Don” Rose Read More »
Shiona Turini is a highly influential stylist, costume designer, and fashion consultant. Her work spans editorial, celebrity styling, and major film and television productions, including her acclaimed contributions to “Insecure” and “Queen & Slim.” Shiona also served as Fashion Director of Cosmopolitan, the largest women’s publication in the world. She previously worked with top stylist and
Clara Byrd Baker was a pioneering educator, civic leader, and suffragist who dedicated her life to advocating for equal rights, particularly in education and for women’s voting rights. A graduate of Hampton Institute and Virginia State College for Negroes (now Virginia State University), Baker began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in 1902 and