Inside This Issue

Fellow Hamptonians,

I am humbled and honored to serve as President of the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. As we kick off the first year of our two-year term, let us all start anew by embracing a basic belief, “Possibilities Unlimited.” This means we can do anything that we put our hearts and minds to because our attitude is positive, our view of the glass is “half full,”  and we have eliminated words that bind us such as but, can’t, won’t, never. I know that as Hamptonians we are prepared to make things happen and can do so in an excellent manner.  Right now we are in an historic point in time when an African American may be elected President of the United States. His platform has centered on the need for change.  Many of us have embraced his ideas and plans and have joined him in saying “Yes, We Can!” This is also an important time in the history of Hampton University. As we celebrate 140 years, it is incumbent upon us to preserve the rich Hampton legacy so that future generations can benefit as we have from the Hampton experience. To achieve this goal, it takes our Hampton Village (alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, administration, friends, businesses) coalescing and working together.

• alumni participation, engagement, and support of University and Association initiatives is at a minimum 25% of all alumni;
• a culture of annual giving is inculcated; and
• the best and brightest students matriculate at Hampton University.

 While there are challenges impacting us all, let us not forget the special place that has afforded us so many blessings- friends, an education for life, an abundance of opportunities to grow and develop into our best selves, God’s little green acre- Hampton University! 

I look forward to meeting and connecting with you as we sojourn together over the next two years to build a premier National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. In the Hampton Spirit,

Patricia Larkins Hicks, ‘71NHAA, Inc. President

I would like to thank all of you for your support and confidence in electing me as your First Vice President. As we embark on our theme “Possibilities Unlimited” and our slogan ”Yes We Can”, it is time for the classes ending in 4 and 9 to say “Yes We Can”. You will celebrate your reunions May 8-10, 2009. I recently sent correspondence via e-mail to class leaders of the 4 and 9 classes to help you prepare for your reunion weekend. If you did not receive the information please contact me at the following e-mail address: jwickham@nhaainc.org . Class Leaders for the classes ending in 4, 5, 9 and 10 are invited to attend a meeting Homecoming Weekend on Friday, October 31, 2008 in the Student Center at 3:00pm. Please plan to attend this meeting so that you can ask questions and receive pertinent information concerning reunion weekend. I am excited about all of the possibilities that we have for the best reunion weekend ever.

I am looking for alums who are interested in serving on the National Awards Committee. The committee will help revise the awards criteria and introduce new awards to include recent graduates. These awards will be given during reunion weekend. If you would like to be a member of the committee, please contact me via e-mail by October 15, 2008.

The National Newsletter needs you. If you missed placing an article in this Homecoming Edition of the Newsletter, there is an opportunity for you to submit an article and pictures in future editions. Please adhere to the following dates to submit your articles:

Article Due Date                Newsletter Issued

                                     November 28, 2008          December 17, 2008

                                     February 13, 2009             March 9, 2009

                                     May 22, 2009                      June 12, 2009

The Newsletter will be issued via the internet. Region and Chapter Presidents are reminded to download the Newsletter and print it out for members of your chapter and region. Remember “Yes We Can”.

Greetings from the Eastern Regions of NHAA, Inc.
Our alumni year blasted off with an exciting start at our 8^th Biennial Conference in Las Vegas.  I was both proud and humbled to take my oath of office as your Vice President for the Eastern Regions. I want to thank the South East Region, the North Carolina Region, the Middle Atlantic Region, and the North Atlantic Region for all of the support that I have been given over the years and at this very important milestone of service to our “Home by the Sea”. 

As Vice President of the Eastern Regions, I envision a diverse Alumni Association bonded together, working to promote and share the Hampton story.  As we move forward with the goals of our association and Hampton University, it is important that we include all of the many faces of our alumni and that we recognize, with gratitude, the contributions of those on whose shoulders we stand.  The National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. in the 21st century will be a vibrant organization serving as the heart of our Hampton experience and as a model for other associations.

My role in the implementation of this vision is to demonstrate the benefits of consistent participation in the Association; emphasize the importance of presenting Hampton University and the Alumni Association in its very best light while continuously working to identify opportunities for improvement and growth; and promote the continued prosperity of the Alumni Association and Hampton University.

The Eastern Regions are growing and prospering in all areas.  In August, we welcomed two new chapters: Fayetteville, NC and Bermuda.  I encourage those of you who are near a chapter to get involved with your local chapter. For those of you who are not near an active chapter, as our most illustrious alum would say, “Cast down your buckets where you are!”  You can activate a new chapter or reactivate a chapter that has not been active.   I am available to assist you in your efforts to make a difference as a member of the Hampton Village. 

The village is very active at present. We are in the midst of preparations for Hampton to be the Tom Joyner Foundation HBCU School of the Month for the month of October.  We need your help!! Please respond to call when you are contacted.  This is another opportunity for us to ROCK THE BLUE & WHITE!!

I look forward to seeing many of you at Homecoming. If you are not registered to vote, do that today, before you do anything else! And please vote on November 4^th. 

Yours in the Hampton Spirit,

Terry Moore Mutakabbir, ‘77

NHAA, Inc. Vice President for the Eastern Regions.

PRESERVING OUR LEGACY

Last year 16% of our 25,000 alumni contributed to Hampton University.  Most were alumni celebrating their Class Reunion.  That means there are 21,000+ of you we need to mobilize this year and every year in the future.

WHY GIVE?

• Has Hampton blessed you?
• Did you receive a scholarship from Hampton?
• Do you have lifelong friendships with Hamptonians?
• Are you employed or retired from career as a result of the “Education for Life” you received at Hampton?
• Does your Hampton experience include special memories?
• Are you proud to be a Hamptonian?

If you answered yes to any of these questions or other blessings that you can identify,

You must give annually because Hampton has blessed you.

• How do we compare with other HBCUs?
• In the US News 2008 ranking of alumni giving we ranked 14 behind Howard with 21%, Spelman at 19% and Morehouse at 18%.
• Hampton ranked 3^rd behind Spelman and Howard in the US News & World Report of America’s Best Black Colleges.

We must give annually because we want to demonstrate that Hampton is the real HU and a standout among colleges of its size.

• Hampton is our university and we want the legacy to continue
• Tuskegee was founded because of Booker T. Washington’s Hampton experience
• Hamptonians are leaders in all segments of the workforce and volunteer world.  We are teachers, lawyers, judges, doctors, nurses, social workers, preachers, businesspersons, engineers, scientists, politicians, community leaders; we are civil servants, appointed and elected officials in local and state governments.
• Hampton students are making their mark at the national level, winning business competitions

We must give annually to preserve our legacy!

Anne Baird-Bridges, Chair

Alumni Giving Committee

National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc.

How wonderful the SOS call for: “All Aboard NHAA, Inc.”on behalf of the 8^th Biennial Convention from the Convention chair, Mrs. Jacqueline Antoine.  When the 8^th Biennial Convention of NHAA, Inc. convened, August 7-10m 2008 in Las Vegas, NV at The Westin Casuarina Hotel, the almost 200 attending Hamptonians received a remarkable treat at this amazing Biennial.  But, it was the incoming president, Dr. Patricia Larkins Hicks, who in animation, enthusiasm and exhilaration, set sail a new Leadership Team:  Board of Directors, chairs, and a comprehensive strategic plan with identified charges to be reached by 2008-2010.  It was a momentous time for “yes, we can”.

Unveiling a dynamic, promising paradigm of a total diverse alumni inclusion.  Hicks launched a model of potential success.  Strikingly, the theme, Galvanizing a Hampton Village, believing Possibilities Unlimited for a premier Hampton and NHAA, Inc., cultivated an ambience for this Biennial that made a difference from the jump-start.  Full orientation of the theme is embedded in the poetic ideas below:

Significantly, the resource materials provided every attendee was well organized, beautiful and wholesomely pertinent to the vision and mission of a new administration.  The daily sessions covered a timeline of 9 am to 5 pm and further involvements for selected committees or individuals.

It was wonderful hospitality time at the President’s Reception, for the Thursday evening first event.  Meeting and greeting each other fondly was a Hampton welcome all its own.  The installation ceremony by Dr. Wendell Holmes sealed in a distinguished new administration to take the reigns of operating a more dynamic NHAA, Inc. to meet future association/Hampton challenges.  Happiness filled the faces of the new administrative dream team in their acceptance of responsibility, accountability, and dedication.

Dr. Hicks called Friday’s first session to order and extended compliments for having a diverse and dynamic Board of Directors. She exhibited pride in the dream team’s ability to galvanize the Hampton Village, believing Possibilities Unlimited. She acknowledged the support of Dr. Clayton Hicks and her dear cousin from her Florida hometown.  Equally proud and inspired for the presence of Dr. William R. Harvey, Hicks introduced him to address the assembled body.

Dr. Harvey, expressing his pleasure to be at the Biennial, addressed his talking points on the massive undertakings currently underway at our dear Hampton.  The world’s largest free standing Proton Therapy Institute is nearing completion.  The Proton Beam Institute will be the greatest technological advance of the time, offering precise radiation therapy for killing tumors yet saving healthy tissue.  The center is a research, and education entity that will make further developments of proton therapy.

Another special project is investigating skin of color research about diseases of the skin and disparities affecting people of color.  The campaign continues for the construction for the new cafeteria.  A report of the contributions of Hamptonians donor is forthcoming.  Along with these endeavors, of Hampton is building women residences which will house the Alumni Office on the first floor.  Harvey’s vision is best stated in his dreaming no small dreams.   Standing ovations and applause conveyed a warm reception of the great stellar deeds for Hampton that Dr Harvey executes.

On Friday afternoon, the NHAA, Inc. Awards Luncheon honored all our living past presidents, “A Legacy of Leadership”. The luncheon was facilitated by the First Vice President, Joan McMillian Wickham. The Alumni Choir gave their annual Biennial performance to close the day.  Under the capable direction of Dr. Roland Carter, the Choir’s repertoire consists of hymns, spirituals and anthems. Omar Dickenson, Assistant Director and Accompanist, gave a heart- warming rendition of How Great Thou Art written by him.  A desert reception followed.

Saturday’s session gave rise to not only the plenary session, but workshops that covered recruitment, leadership growth, evaluation, strategic planning process, fundraising for the Tom Joyner Foundation, with 100% of the Board participating.

Surely, the Biennial can be remembered for its connection with the Hampton Ladies Luncheon.  They sponsored an extraordinary luncheon in a friendly setting. We thank them for the passion they radiate to keep a central spirit that is reflected in their love for Hampton.

Sunday, when Dr. Grainger Browning challenged the body to “yes we can” and to become a premier NHAA, Inc. during the Memorial Service and Communion.

The 8^th Biennial Convention addressed comprehensive concerns and the goal to galvanize a Hampton Village believing “Possibilities Unlimited.”

HAMPTON IS TOM JOYNER'S SCHOOL OF THE MONTH (return to top)

MOBILIZING THE HAMPTON VILLAGE TO MEET

TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION CHAPTER CHALLENGE

Hampton University is the Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month for October.  The Tom Joyner Morning Show has a large audience that includes many members of our Hampton Village.  We want to take advantage of the POSSIBILITIES UNLIMITED to significantly increase the scholarship funds available for Hampton students!

I’m sure you know someone who wanted to attend Hampton or was unable to graduate because their money ran out.  Now we have a unique opportunity to MOBILIZE THE HAMPTON VILLAGE so that more students take advantage of the “Education for Life” that we received from Hampton.

Every dollar we raise for the TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION designated for Hampton University returns to Hampton for scholarships, and it is tax deductible.   The University’s goal is $300,000 and the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. (NHAA, Inc.) is committed to raising $250,000 of that amount.  The Tom Joyner Foundation has challenged each active NHAA, Inc. Chapter to commit to raising $5,000 by October 17, 2008 for on-air and on-line recognition. We need all chapters to take part in this campaign. This can easily happen if we mobilize THE HAMPTON VILLAGE – family, friends, affiliations, parents, students, churches, businesses and others in your community.  POSSIBILITIES UNLIMITED- What does this mean?  If a chapter has 10 alumni who are willing to ask at least 10 members of their village to make a contribution of $50 each, the chapter would meet the challenge of raising $5000. Chapters with 10 alumni who are willing to ask at least 15 members of their village to make a contribution of $25 each would also meet the challenge. A chapter with five alumni who are willing to each ask at least one business to contribute $1000 would meet the challenge as well.

We can mobilize our village in many different ways. The POSSIBILITIES ARE UNLIMITED.

Go to www.nhaainc.org/joyner.html  and download the Mobilizing Hampton Village Form and the Donor Form.  Make sure checks are made payable to the Tom Joyner Foundation and on the memo line designate Hampton University and your Chapter’s name.

Can we meet the Chapter Challenge to raise $250,000? 

YES WE CAN! 

Will we mobilize our Village members?

YES WE WILL!

Then Tom Joyner will say

YES HAMPTON DID!

CHAPTER & CLUB ACTIVITIES (return to top)

DC Chapter kicks off the New Year
The DC Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. is off to a running start.  Energized by the six members of the chapter who attended the Biennial Conference, the chapter has eagerly adopted the YES WE CAN mantra of our National President Pat Larkins Hicks.

Chapter membership continues to grow under current President Carolyn E. Jackson ’72 whose leadership team is comprised of members from class years 1966- 2004.  Following our annual planning meeting and summer brunch, the members stand poised to kick off the new year with the first meeting in September.

Activities planned for the year include: Emeritus class meetings, annual choir concert, community service projects, high school day bus trip, founders day commemoration, wine tasting and business networking affair, men’s cook off, and a leadership retreat. 

All fundraising efforts support scholarship awards to freshman students as we conclude each year with the fulfillment of scholarship awards.  This year the chapter provided over $6,000 to freshman students from the DC area.  A competitive process allows the DC Chapter to support the best and the brightest from the area.

Chapter members regularly support alumni giving and this year will be no different.  The membership will participate in the Tom Joyner Chapter Challenge to support focused, fundraising efforts during October.  The Chapter takes pride in providing something for everyone as the ongoing challenge of collectively harnessing member participation remains.

Armed with a virtual meeting place www.nhaadc.org , the DC Chapter looks forward to hearing from our fellow area alums and willingly welcome their input.

Darniece Shirley ’96 (center) Scholarship Committee Chair stands with five of the eight freshman students who received awards from the DC chapter.

DC Chapter members Kim Barnes ’88 the current MAR President and Anne Baird Bridges ’66 past National President collaborate at the biennial conference in Las Vegas

DC Chapter member and outgoing National Hampton Alumni President Tony Cheatham ’80 displays award given to him by the DC Chapter in Las Vegas.

Crabs! Crabs!  Crabs!

Do you love crabs?  If so, you missed a great Crab Feast on August 17, 2008.  The Columbia Chapter sponsored its fourth Crab Feast to raise funds for our annual scholarship to an incoming freshman who plans to attend Hampton University.

At this event, we raised over $950 to which we will add $50 and give through another Howard County charitable organization.  This process has the net effect of substantially increasing the amount of the scholarship for the lucky Hamptonian.  This year, the ‘lucky one” received $2,000.  The Howard County organization that the Columbia Chapter partners with is loaded with “Pirates.”  The Columbia Chapter has made these awards for seven years.

The Durham-Chapel Hill Chapter Celebrates Its Scholars

The Durham-Chapel Hill Chapter celebrated its young scholars during a ‘Back to School’ Reception, held Friday, August 22, 2008.  The event marked the beginning of another academic year at our ‘Home by the Sea,’ for new and returning students.

Once the word was out via the Pirate Roundup site, email, text messaging, snail mail and church announcements, over 20 of our young scholars came out.  New and old alumni mentored and shared experiences with our young scholars either just attending pre-college or preparing to start their freshman year.  The invigorating energy in the room was reminiscent of returning to the “yard” after the summer.

We encouraged our pre-alumni to call on the Chapter for assistance and support. This was an absolute success! The Chapter is encouraged to host the event each year. Our students are so well prepared and eager to become Hamptonians…we’re right behind them every step of the way! 

NC Region News and Highlights – “Possibilities Unlimited”

The NC Region of the National Hampton Alumni Association is excited to have two new chapters on board. Fayetteville and Bermuda chapters have joined the North Carolina Region’s “Hampton Village” which also includes chapters in the cities of Raleigh, Durham-Chapel-Hill, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, NC. The Fayetteville and Bermuda chapters were approved to join the in August 2008 at the 8^th Biennial in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The purpose of each alumni chapter is to raise funds for Hampton University, recruit outstanding students to attend Hampton University, propose and manage an annual program budget program, work cooperatively with NHAA, Inc. and Hampton University personnel to develop and implement programs that will benefit Hampton and NHAA, Inc, and unite former students and graduates in order to perpetuate the principles and ideals of Hampton University and to encourage growth, development, and success in every human endeavor. Each chapter plan includes alumni giving, student recruitment and retention, and chapter development (alumni recruitment) activities.

If you live in a city or town not currently served by an alumni chapter, please join the closest chapter to you or considered starting a chapter in your area. If you are interested in starting a chapter in North Carolina, please contact Leslie Johnson at raleighnhaa@yahoo.com. 

Who will be the region’s Next New Chapter? We are looking for NC alumni in Greenville/Rocky Mount, Goldsboro/Kinston, Elizabeth City and Wilmington to take the lead to become one of the newest chapters in our region’s “Hampton Village”.

Raleigh Chapter

 “Going for the Gold, Raleigh Chapter Raising Dollars for Hampton Scholars”

Team Raleigh accepted the challenge and started the new fiscal year ready to shine as alumni giving champions in the chapter’s TJF-Hampton Giving Olympics. The new Chapter President, Mitzi Townes ’93, and the leadership team are ready to bring home the gold to “Our Home by the Sea” by raising at least $5000 for the Tom Joyner Foundation Chapter Challenge.

Last year, the chapter awarded a total of $2000 to two local incoming Hampton students and had a very successful On-Site Admissions Reception and participated in several college fairs. As a result, thirteen Raleigh-Wake students are entering Hampton this fall.

Our members and local alumni, also enjoyed several chapter events in fiscal year ’07-‘08 including road trips to Hampton football games at A&T & Winston-Salem St., the MEAC Kick-off Basketball Press Luncheon, a holiday affair at a local jazz restaurant, Touchdown Thursday and MEAC Monday HBCU Alumni mixers hosted by the Raleigh Chapter NHAA, MEAC Alumni Meet & Greets, Founder’s Day Worship & Brunch, the MEAC Basketball Tournament and hospitality events including “The Rivalry Remix” (an old school party hosted with the local Norfolk St. alumni chapter), Reunion Weekend, HBCU Alumni Softball Tournament, and the Annual Family Day (year-end celebration) with the Durham-Chapel Hill Chapter.

The chapter sold raffle tickets, hosted a MEAC party and is still currently selling Spirit Tags as scholarship fundraisers. Show your Pirate Pride and purchase a Spirit Tag (Front Novelty License Tag) for $15 or purchase two for $25.  Alumni in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia can all help a student pursue their education at our "Home by the Sea" and also help promote Hampton University wherever you drive.

Please contact Leslie Johnson ‘89 to purchase your tag(s) today at 919.461.9207 or email her at raleighnhaa@yahoo.com or mail payment to Raleigh NHAA address listed below. You may also send contributions made payable to “The Tom Joyner Foundation” to the address below through Oct. 2008. Donations will also be accepted up to December 2008.

The chapter will award a total of $2500 in scholarship money to two incoming students and a current student from Wake County for Fall 2008. A new scholarship named in honor of Ms. Allie Muse Peebles ’47 for her continued service and dedication as the chapter’s Student Recruitment Chair is for student retention and is awarded to a Hampton current student.

The Chapter hopes to recruit at least 75 alumni as members for the ’08-’09 fiscal year. Please join our “Hampton Village” and help make this year one of the best. Dues are only $35 (Classes ‘04 and before) or $20 for new grads (Classes ‘05-‘07) or local graduate students. Dues are waived for ’08 grads. To join, please mail check payable to “Raleigh Chapter NHAA” to Raleigh Chapter NHAA, PO Box 26222, Raleigh, NC 27611. You may also email Leslie Johnson, chapter membership chair at raleighnhaa@yahoo.com for more information about the chapter, alumni giving, and to join the chapter distribution list to receive the Pirate Post, the Raleigh Chapter’s monthly newsletter.

A very warm, humid day created a beautiful backdrop for a successful Alumni Day at our ‘Home by the Sea’ hosted by the Hampton Chapter, HU Booster Club, Hampton University and the Alumni Affairs Office. It is estimated that over 400 alums visited the big blue and white tent for good food and music as well as raffles and goodie bags.

Our National President, Dr. Patricia Larkin-Hicks, reminded us of our commitment to the Hampton Village; Anne Baird-Bridges, alumni giving chairman, prompted us to work for the Tom Joyner Foundation Challenge (Hampton University is the school of the month for October); and Joan Wickham, First Vice President of NHAA, Inc., Chairman and Founder of the Alumni Day, saw to the smooth running of this beginning of our football season.

Millie Swann, Alumni Director at Hampton, spoke to the crowd about submitting information for the publication of the alumni directory: “Hampton University Alumni:Today”.

Make plans now to join us next year for the 14^th Annual Alumni Day.

Hampton Chapter
Of the

National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc.

Annual Hospitality

 Friday

10-31-08

Strawberry Banks

6:30 p.m. – midnight

$10.00 per person

**********************************************************

Come One Come All!

To the

Official Homecoming Extravaganza

Sponsored By

Hampton Chapter, NHAA, Inc.

Saturday

11-1-08

Student Center

9 p.m. – 1a.m.

$20.00 per person

BYOB

A donation will be made to the University in recognition of the class
with the most in attendance.
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