The Hampton Script

Alexis Robinson | Staff Writer

Hampton’s rich history of events have left such an impact on people’s lives that future generations now anticipate their first day. Potential students look forward to getting the ideal college experience; getting a great education while also having fun. However, there has been a decline in the amount of enjoyable events offered to Hamptonians. More emphasis is being placed on the structured traditions rather than the recreational.

Administration claims that some events were dismissed because of how dangerous they were becoming. But if there are not enough entertaining activities for the student body, then that could hinder the morale of the university.

The university’s strong traditional values influence various events on this campus. An atmosphere is set for students, alumni, and staff to be involved in.

The Hamptonian bond has been known to produce some of the most creative events. Certain events like SOJU Cab, Holland parties, and Senior Ball are still in effect. However, there have been a few events that have been discontinued. Unfortunately, they were the ones that were the most fun and anticipated.

Block parties and One-Hundred Days are some of the most referenced events for Quintessence 9. These parties are experiences that Onyx 10, Ogre Phi Ogre 16, and Quintessence 10 can only dream of having. Often times, Hamptonians beyond the “QT9” class, question what these events consisted of and now only videos can reveal most of those fun times.

The block parties instilled culturally unifying and memorable moments within this campus. Students literally planned their schedule around this event to ensure that they would not miss this party.

This was a time where the swag surf was so prevalent and was probably the most preferred dance of the student body. Throughout pre-college and less than half of the fall semester of 2012, Quintessence 9, along with other classes would anticipate this special Friday or Saturday.

There are various events that mimic those block parties, but they do not provide the same amount of energy. “Although the typical Holland is okay, it would make things better if it was outside.”, said Wesley Wolfolk, a sophomore business management major from Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The infamous One-Hundred Days experience was especially meaningful to the graduating class of the spring semester. This was a day that accomplishment, completion, costumes and dancing filled the student center during 12 to 2.

Quintessence 8 rose to the occasion and produced one of the best Hampton experiences that could be witnessed.

The entire senior class gathered in the Hampton Harbor Apartments where they dressed up in luau costumes, danced and partied before heading over to the student center. “The event was literally ‘ground-breaking,’ but it was the cohesive march to the student center that really won me over,” said Sianni Cabello, a junior political science major from Orlando, Florida.

This clever idea was a great way to commemorate students on their success as they steadily counted down the days until graduation.

Although these events are no longer with us, there are still events that remain a part of the Hampton tradition.

Whether your peers are swarming the seats with surreal emotions for the induction ceremony, or you are anticipating your next Battle of The States Competition winner—Ogden Hall carries some of Hampton’s richest traditions within its four walls and is always the reservation spot for the entire student body.

These formal events are what make us Hamptonians but should not be the only source of our school spirit. The fun events are just as important as the structured ones and the university needs to find a balance between the two.

As you conclude your collegiate journey, your graduation will probably be one of the most bitter-sweet experiences you will encounter at Hampton University. On Mother’s Day, your family and friends will more than likely be there to congratulate you on your success and the pictures and videos taken will not suffice for this amazing ceremony.

But the memories you have of Hampton should not just be the ones where you were in business professional singing the Alma Mater.

Whether you are reflecting on celebrations that are fading away in Hampton’s traditions, or just waiting to make your mark at one of the events at your “Home by the Sea,” they are each equally needed to have meaningful memories.