Hampton, Va. (May 8, 2023) – Hampton University hosted a campus visit for U.S. Secretary of Education Cardona who led a roundtable conversation with Hampton University students and local college leaders about the importance of wrap around services in order to support students throughout college.  

Federal Covid funds were used by many universities to help students stay enrolled, for debt removal, and living expenses.  “It’s good to see that many universities were able to continue to function and keep their students as a result of the federal dollars,” said Secretary Cardona. “The word ‘intentional’ was mentioned a lot today,” said Secretary Cardona. “We know two year schools are very malleable, but four year schools have a role because we’re talking about millions of jobs.”

 “We have a wonderful product at Hampton University,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “But like most universities, it’s not inexpensive to attend.  I want to thank the Administration right up front for the Covid funding.”

Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), who co-facilitated the discussion, stated the debt relief funds were largely invested in supporting the Hampton University Proton Cancer Therapy Institute and providing debt relief for students.

Secretary Cardona asked students to describe their experience at Hampton and how it will impact their future. Graduating Senior Marketing major, Taylor Thomas, who shared she was raised in a single parent home, has accepted a position with Dow Jones.  “Hampton University has prepped me for the job. I learned how to navigate different personalities and perspectives to go into the real world and expand,” she said.

For more information, visit: https://www.ed.gov/

For more information, visit:  https://home.hamptonu.edu/

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Prolific Costume Designer and History Maker Returns to Alma Mater

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hampton, Va. (April 26, 2023) — Hampton University announced today that Ruth E. Carter, a 1982 Theatre Arts graduate, will address the class of 2023 at the 153rd Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Armstrong Stadium.

Carter, renowned as a visual storyteller, made history as the first Black woman to achieve two Oscars for best costume design for her work in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, earning Marvel Studios their first Oscar recognition. The highly sought-after designer received the 2018 Academy Award for Achievement in Costume Design for Marvel’s Black Panther, becoming the first African American to win in this specific category. She continues to make history in the entertainment industry, as Carter recently earned the Best Costume Design Award at the 28th annual Critics’ Choice Awards for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Initially, Carter pursued acting, but her work in the college wardrobe department led her to discover the art of costumer design. Now, with over 70 film, television and theater projects to her credit, the acclaimed Oscar winner has mastered the art of incorporating the history of the Black experience into her designs, envisioning the clothing and overall appearance of a character or performer in multiple periods and genres. Carter has collaborated with prolific directors, including Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Steven Spielberg, and Ryan Coogler on projects including Do the Right Thing, Amistad, and the television reboot of Roots. Carter is the first Costume Designer to cross over into fashion with a Conscious Collection collaboration with H&M featuring Carter’s ‘90s street inspired look from early films. Critics say Carter’s costumes tell stories so intriguing and memorable they influence music, fashion, culture, and film-making and help us to understand ourselves better.

In 2019, Carter was the subject of an episode of Abstract, a Netflix documentary series highlighting artists working the in the field of design, and recognized with the Costume Designers Guild’s Career Achievement Award. In 2021, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The legendary designer graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton University and holds an honorary doctorate from Suffolk University.

For more information on Commencement visit:  https://home.hamptonu.edu/graduation/

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University Park, Pennsylvania (May 6, 2023) —Hampton University President Darrell K.  Williams today addresses the class of 2023 in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University.

Williams, who earned a master’s in business administration from Penn State, was invited to share his lessons in leadership gained throughout his illustrious career in the military.  In his address, he shares details of his commitment to developing innovative 21^st-century leaders of character for our community, nation and the world.  Williams also spoke to his strategic vision for delivering the #1 student experience in America as part of his new role at the helm of Hampton University.

The 1983 graduate of Hampton was inaugurated the 13^th President of his alma mater last month and under his ambitious leadership, he recently released the strategic plan, “Elevating Hampton Excellence,” a bold 10-year vision for the institution’s future. 

To view today’s ceremony, click: here

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, VA – (May 5, 2023) -Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced Margaret O. Daramola as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s new Poet Laureate. Ms. Daramola was born in Nigeria and is a student at Hampton University where she is receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Minor in History this spring. A Dean’s List honoree every semester, she is the Vice President of the African Student Association, a member of Hampton University’s Pre-Law Society and was awarded the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and Student Poet initiative award. Since 1988, the Governor appoints the honorary position of Poet Laureate of Virginia to serve a term of two years. 

“I had the privilege of hearing Ms. Daramola first-hand at the investiture of Hampton University’s President Darrell Williams this past March and was greatly impressed by her presence and passion,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginians will be honored to have such a talented poet represent us as Laureate. I have always believed that the promise of Virginia’s future is represented in young adults like Margaret. Suzanne and I look forward to Margaret blessing Virginians across the Commonwealth with her incredible gift.” 

Contacts: Office of the Governor: Macaulay Porter, Macaulay.Porter@governor.virginia.gov

For more information, visit: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2023/may/name-1002529-en.html

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Dr. Jeanette Davis, also known as Dr. Ocean, Collaborates with Colleagues to Receive $3 Million U.S. National Science Foundation Grant

Hampton, Va. (May 3, 2023) – Hampton University Adjunct Professor Dr. Jeanette Davis, Marine Microbiologist and ocean science consultant on the movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Marvel Studios, was part of a team of collaborators who were recently awarded a $3 Million U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for the marine science department to support the next generation of young scientist.

Dr. Davis, also known as Dr. Ocean, lectures on international stages, speaking about the importance of empowering young people through science. She holds membership on several graduate advisory committees and has been featured in Ebony, Essence, and Black Enterprise as the “next great marine biologist.” She has worked with distinguished scientists to author a national publication released from the White House that highlights essential ocean research and technology topics for the next decade.

The Hampton alumna is a two-time best-selling author of children’s science books. Her first book, Science is Everywhere, Science is for Everyone, was ranked #1 Featured Children’s book on Amazon.  A second book, Jada’s Journey Under the Sea, highlights marine life and ways to care for and protect the ocean. Young readers learn about geology, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and astronomy in a fun and innovative way.

Dr. Davis’ work to increase research and innovation reflects President Williams’ vision to distinguish Hampton among institutions of higher learning. She earned her B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science from Hampton University and a Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology from the University of Maryland where she focused on marine drug discovery.  

For more information, visit:  https://drjeanettedavis.com/

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Hampton, Va. (April 28, 2023) – Hampton University Child Development Center hosted “Careers for Kids,” a first-of-its-kind hands-on learning activity on campus. The event, which featured classrooms and learning stations on the lawn of the Eva C. Mitchell Building included: Hampton Police Department, Hampton Fire Department, Hampton University Army ROTC, Hampton University Men’s Basketball Team, Hampton University Nursing Department, Hampton University Terpsichorean Dance Company, and Hampton University Starbucks Manager Lance Sharpe. The event also featured Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck who read to students. “It is an impressive event, and it just goes to show what kind of students Hampton University is producing,” said Tuck.  

“Careers for Kids” is the brainchild of Mya Marks, a sophomore Elementary Education major, who started working at the development center last semester and wanted to do something special for the kids. “I hope that they take away different opportunities in life like seeing the leaders of their community and seeing that they can go down different paths,” said Marks. 

The Center uses a theme-based, child-centered curriculum that meets the individual needs of children, is process-oriented and focuses on children learning skills and behaviors that help them to be successful, life-long learners.

Hampton students are encouraged to develop leadership skills in line with our strategic vision for preparing them for future workplace opportunities. “We want to give these students the number one experience,” said Hernandez. “Mya took the command, leadership and put it together… the children are excited.” 

Michelle Covington, mother of student Langston Covington, age 3, said the program is outstanding. “Langston is learning a lot and he is growing socially which I think is important in addition to the academics.”   

Aisha Houston the mother of four-year-old daughter, Jada Houston said, “I felt like this gives students a little bit more exposure to what they see on a normal basis.  This can definitely trigger some career choices in the future. This is a good event.” 

For more information, visit:  https://home.hamptonu.edu/libarts/child-development-center/ 

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Hampton, Va. (May 1, 2023) – The New York Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc., sponsored the 2nd Annual NHAA, Inc. Legacy Blue Gala and Awards Dinner held in New York, NY. The event was held as fund-raising support for the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc., Student Emergency Fund to provide gap-funding for students at Hampton. The program also included special alumni recognitions highlighting continued leadership and success at the University, in the NHAA, Inc. and in their local communities.

Alumni from the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, and North Carolina Regions travelled to New York to support the President’s strategic initiatives to “Elevate Hampton’s Excellence”. “The National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. has established a goal to raise $1 million for their student emergency fund. In this one event, alumni and friends of Hampton has pledged over $86,000 and are continuing to count in-coming donations,” said Brint M. Martin, assistant vice president for alumni affairs.

There were a number of notable alumni in attendance, and President Darrell K. and First Lady Myra Williams attended on behalf of the University, thanking the participants and the donors.

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See photo gallery: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14fjpZSytudqn0jFtx0Ve4cDYwP8az0pt

Hampton, Va. (May 2, 2023) –Hampton University Professor Susanne L. Toney, Ph.D., teaches students about understanding the best use of credit cards and shares tips on decisions about money as they begin their careers and enter the real world.  As an expert for business and finance, Dr. Toney expanded her classroom reach to include WalletHub online readers.

“I am glad to be featured on WalletHub and to have multiple opportunities to share tips for improving financial literacy,” said Dr. Toney who serves as Edwin G. Nourse Endowed Chair of Business and Economics, Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics, Finance and Accounting and Enactus Faculty Advisor at the James T. George School of Business. “It is my hope that sharing such knowledge will help to bridge the wealth gap.” 

In the classroom, Dr. Toney says her goal is to educate students early on the importance of spending money wisely, investing and saving for the future, and maintaining good credit.  “We often lag behind other communities in the area of financial literacy, especially building and securing wealth for future generations.”   Instructing students on financial independence and sustainability fulfills the President’s vision to deliver the #1 student experience in America.”

When questioned if consumers place too much emphasis on a credit card’s annual fee, Dr. Toney advises consumers to focus on late fees, rather than annual fees.  She adds, it is smart to have a no-annual fee card for emergencies.

In “Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee WalletHub, Experts Track 1,500+ Offers to Help You Get the Best No Annual Fee Credit Card,” John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor, discusses the pros and cons of cards that do not charge membership fees for owning the card. WalletHub is an award-winning personal finance company that empowers consumers to lead financially healthy lives. WalletHub is available on the App Store and Google Play. 

For more information, visit:  https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/no-annual-fee/#expert=Susanne_L._Toney [wallethub.com]

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Richmond, Va. (May 2, 2023) – Hampton University President, Lieutenant General Darrell K. Williams, United States Army (retired), joined by fellow military retirees and past presidents of the Richmond Chapter National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc.  The fundraiser was held at the Military Retirees Club, Richmond, Virginia to upgrade the facility.  President Williams is a visionary leader and crown jewel for the students at Hampton “He is such a rare and most distinguished soldier, statesman, scholar that we can look up to,” said Edward Gilchrist, LTC, (retired). “To hear the young folks talk about the President in such glowing terms is really spectacular and it really rejuvenates you.”  The President’s outreach supports the University’s strategic plan Elevating Hampton Excellence to “develop and maintain an alumni engagement plan that advances enrollment and development goals while increasing the percentage of living alumni participating in university programming to 40%.” 

Hampton, Va. (May 1, 2023) – Hampton University recently launched the Level Up to Service Internship Event, a pilot program that convened the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Hampton City Schools, and Hampton University to teach students about internship and career opportunities within the Federal government.

More than 200 Hampton University and high school students met with representatives from OPM, which serves as the chief human resources agency and personal policy manager for the Federal Government as well as representatives from various federal agencies who helped them apply for internships and navigate the USAJOBS website to search for opportunities.

First Lady Myra Williams, Hampton alumni class of 1983 and key organizer of the event, said, “Hampton is focused on tapping into the government recruitment and paid internship opportunities for students on campus and in the community. The event complements the President’s view that every student leaves the school graduating with either a job or some other kind of position.”

“President Biden has a commitment to paid internships as a part of the DEIA Executive order,” said Dr. Janice Underwood, Hampton alumni class of 1998 and director of the office of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. “Our hope is to replicate this across all HBCUs, Hispanic serving institutions, and institutions that serve people with disabilities and tribal affiliated institutions. We want to make sure that we are going to communities that are typically underserved in the federal government as opposed to just waiting for them to apply.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAMPTON, VA (April 28, 2023) – Hampton University announced today that TowneBank has pledged $1 million to the university for naming rights within Armstrong Stadium and premier engagement with the Department of Athletics. The grant also outlines career services and professional development opportunities between the university and the TowneBank family of companies.

Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams said, “We are extremely excited about this news and we look very much forward to our enhanced partnership.  We truly appreciate TowneBank and its continued support and advocacy of Hampton and our vision to amplify and sustain an athletic program and culture of excellence that promote national university pride and build high-achieving leaders and champions. Thank you, again, TowneBank!”

 “This gift marks the largest partnership between TowneBank and an HBCU,” said Alexis Swann, president of TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg. “We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and find new, strategic ways to enhance our relationship with Hampton University.”

As a premier institution of higher learning, Hampton University seeks to partner with corporations to bring real-world experiences to students through professional interactions, internships, and workforce opportunities. “We commend Hampton University for its dedication to preparing students for positions of leadership and service,” says Tom Hasty, TowneBank SEVP and Chief Regulatory Risk Management Officer and honoree of the 2022 Hampton University Outstanding Alumnus-at-Large award. “Working alongside HU helps us to leverage the diversity that exists in our community to ensure that our workforce accurately reflects that diversity.”

Evelyn Graham, Vice President of Development, said, “Words cannot express our gratitude for TowneBank’s generosity. We know that they will be thrilled with the caliber of our students, the excellence of our operations, and the engagement of our faculty through this partnership.”

Anthony D. Henderson, Sr., Director of Athletics, indicated that funding will be utilized in the following ways:

• To fund the installation of a trophy suite within Armstrong Stadium effectively upgrading the Adult Zone from a tent to a semi-permanent structure
• To support the “Pirate on the Move” travel campaign that allows Hampton Athletics to support fundraising activities during athletic events away from the university
• To align with the rest of the CAA medical service staff to establish a sideline injury tent for football athletes

Mr. Henderson said, “We thank TowneBank so much for their generous contribution. Its partners like them that make our work possible. This partnership also will help showcase TowneBank and further advance the brand of this banking institution. We look forward to building on this amazing relationship.” In addition to the items above, the partnership will also include branding of TowneBank on the Hampton Athletics website, signage at athletic events, and customized access to students to include interviewing, internships, and employment at the bank and its family of companies.

Contact Evelyn Graham (757-727-5356 or Evelyn.Graham@hamptonu.edu) or Joseph Walters (757-637-2122 Joseph.Walters@hamptonu.edu) for more information.

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About Hampton University

Hampton University is a comprehensive institution of higher education, dedicated to the promotion of learning, building of character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service. Its curriculum emphasis is scientific and professional with a strong liberal arts under girding. In carrying out its mission, the University requires that everything that it does be of the highest quality. A historically black institution, Hampton University is committed to multiculturalism. The University serves students from diverse national, cultural and economic backgrounds. Research and public service are integral parts of Hampton’s mission. In order to enhance scholarship and discovery, the faculty is engaged in writing, research, and grantsmanship. In achieving its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities which enable students, faculty and staff to grow, develop and contribute to our society in a productive and useful manner. Visit www.hamptonu.edu for more information.

About TowneBank

Founded in 1999, TowneBank is a company built on relationships, offering a full range of banking and other financial services, with a focus of serving others and enriching lives. Dedicated to a culture of caring, Towne values all employees and members by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences. Today, TowneBank operates over 45 banking offices throughout Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, as well as Northeastern and Central North Carolina – serving as a local leader in promoting the social, cultural, and economic growth in each community. Towne offers a competitive array of business and personal banking solutions, delivered with only the highest ethical standards. Experienced local bankers providing a higher level of expertise and personal attention with local decision-making are key to the TowneBank strategy. Towne has grown its capabilities beyond banking to provide expertise through its controlled divisions and subsidiaries that include Towne Wealth Management, Towne Insurance Agency, Towne Benefits, TowneBank Mortgage, TowneBank Commercial Mortgage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty, Towne 1031 Exchange, LLC, and Towne Vacations. With total assets of $16.73 billion as of March 31, 2023, TowneBank is one of the largest banks headquartered in Virginia.  

Virginia Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Recognizes HUPTI Cancer Treatment and Research Work

Hampton, Va. (April 18, 2023) – The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI) was recently honored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. with the Alpha East Community Service Award in recognition of their outstanding work in the area of cancer treatment and research during their 91st Annual Eastern Regional Convention in Hampton, Va., at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

Receiving on behalf of the university are (pictured from left to right): Dr. Walter T. Tillman Jr., Hampton University Vice President, Chief of Staff and Associate Professor of Education and Tiffany Velez Rodgers, HUPTI Marketing Director.

About HUPTI

The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI), established in 2010, has successfully helped fight the cancers of more than 3,500 patients from across the globe. Located in Hampton, Virginia, HUPTI is the largest standalone proton treatment center in the country, and at its inception, was the eighth center in the United States.

Proton therapy is universally accepted as a viable and effective method to treat many forms of cancer – one of the top killers in Virginia. It is a noninvasive option that precisely targets the tumor, sparing healthy tissue. At HUPTI, patients receive outpatient treatment in about 30 minutes, which means no hospital stays, allowing them to maintain their current lifestyle. The center treats several types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, head and neck, ocular, brain and spine, gastrointestinal and pediatric tumors. For more information, www. hamptonproton.org.

About Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha™, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded on December 4, 1906™ at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha’s principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. For more information, visit: Our History – Alpha Phi Alpha (apa1906.net)

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