November 19 is Hampton University’s Day of Giving. During the Day of Giving, Hampton alumni are encouraged to donate to the university and support the various areas that the school has to offer. Alumni and others are able to participate in the 24-hour fundraising challenge through onedayonehampton.weebly.com. Through the website, patrons can make a one-time donation or schedule monthly donations.
The Hampton University Day of Giving has reached its third year and has increased the alumni giving percentage rate from 18 to 26 percent. Hampton University currently trails behind Claflin University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, Livingstone College and Central State University in alumni giving rates.
Contributions from Hampton graduates enable the university to establish scholarships for incoming and current students, to host various events on campus and to make necessary building repairs.
“No matter the size, your gift will be put immediately to use in the areas of need such as student scholarships and facility improvements,” said Da’Quan Marcell Love via Facebook. Love is a 2014 Hampton University graduate and now works in the Office of Alumni Affairs as the assistant director of young alumni.
“It’s very important for alumni to give back,” said Leslie Johnson, Membership and Alumni Giving chairperson of the Raleigh Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association. “When alumni give back to the university the perception is that they really enjoyed their experience at their college, that they are willing to invest in their college and that they respect their college.” Donating to the university enhances the reputation of Hampton University, which later improves the ranking of the university and the value of the one’s degree.
Johnson continuously encourages her local Hampton Alumni chapter to donate to the university. She also takes time to lead by example by contributing to the university as much as she can. In conjunction with Hampton’s Day of Giving, the Raleigh Hampton alumni are hosting a “Thankful Thursday Alumni Happy Hour.”
“We are thankful to Hampton University and the missions of HBCU’s who are committed to higher education, multiculturalism, building of character and preparing promising students for positions of leadership and service,” said Johnson.
The Day of Giving is not only for alumni. Current students are encouraged to support the university in multiple ways. The Pre-Alumni Council is hosting an event titled “What are you thankful for?” for children at Hampton University’s Eva C. Mitchell Hall.
Students will also be working as callers in the Alumni Affairs office to fundraise for the university. Lastly, Pre-Alumni Council students will be volunteering at a local soup kitchen and helping serve food to Hampton’s homeless.
“My favorite part about the Day of Giving is making calls to alumni,” said Simone Hardeman, a third-year in the five-year MBA program from Raleigh, North Carolina. Hardeman serves as the Pre-Alumni Council president. “They love to hear from students about what is currently going on on-campus and they get to know you personally over a five-minute phone call,” continued Hardeman.
As current students build relationships with alumni, they are able to join Hampton’s legacy in giving back to the university.
Contributing to the financial stability of Hampton University is one of the most important ways to alumni can make sure that their alma mater continues to thrive.
“There is no greater time than now, to be proud of our HBCU heritage,” said Lawrence Rigby, a 2015 Hampton University graduate.
Rigby also served as the 2014-2016 president of the Student Government Association. “It is crucial that we who have had positive relationships in our spaces ensure others have the same opportunities as we did,” added Rigby.
“Hampton is not only a safe space, it’s one that is exceptional, which is all the more reason to give back.”
Hampton University’s Day of Giving works to bring alumni and students closer to the university and closer to each other. As the day progresses, so will the love of each Hamptonian for their “Home by the Sea.”
The Hampton Script 