Jaylen Harris

By Jaylen Harris and Chelsea Harrison

Hampton University kicked off its 5^th annual HU Day of Giving with a packed Student Center Atrium with eager-to-serve students.

The celebration united students, faculty and staff from across the campus to promote awareness for the foundation’s initiative: Giving back to the university.

The 24-hour festivities highlighted the importance of philanthropy, unity and teamwork, all while giving the attendees a grand show.

The noon activities included music from DJ Barry B, live dance performances, a musical selection from the HU Marching Force band, an atrium scavenger hunt, and special appearances from 2018 Mr. Pirate, Chris Bates, and Miss Hampton Brooklyne Baker.

“I initially just stopped by the STU to get a peek at the event,” senior biology major Ashley Johnson said. “I ended up staying throughout the remainder of the afternoon because of all the cool, exciting and fun things going on.”

Student hosts Delaria Ridley, a senior strategic communications major, and HU’s Mr. Junior Sherman Grant hosted the day’s events.

Students mobbed social media platforms with hashtags and photo challenges such as the “All Day Challenge,” where attendees had to posts as many clips and pictures on their social media pages, along with other hourly challenges.

“I came on a good day. If this is what Hampton is about and how the environment of the school is, you may see me again,” said Jazmyn Harding, a local Hamptonian-to-be who was in the middle of a campus tour when she got to witness the celebration.

Along with the attendees and performers, Black Opal Beauty and representatives formed tables in the Student Center, promoting their make-up products and giving away small, sample gift bags. Students also were encouraged to partake in a Black Opal Beauty photo shoot using the BOB photo booth.

As Hamptonians often say, “If you weren’t there, you’re wrong,” for the festivities were ones to not miss.

Even though the celebration has come to an end, it still isn’t too late to donate. Visit onehampton.edu for more information.

Jaylen Harris | Staff Writer

SLP applicants daily photo challenge submissions | Arleena Allen & Tangela Wilhite

Did you face your fears and survive the week? Only the strongest applicants made it to the end of this year’s Fear Factor-themed SLP week.

The annual SLP Week, dedicated to students interested in joining the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program, gives students a glimpse of what student leaders do daily.

Applicants were easily spotted throughout the week as they roamed the campus dressed in professional attire. Students participated in a variety of photo challenges, each trademarked with the caption #SLPWeek2018 on Instagram and Twitter.

Throughout the week, applicants found themselves learning how to manage their time, responsibilities and classes, while also familiarizing themselves with the ins and outs of the leadership program and Hampton University.

“Waking up at 5AM definitely taught me how to prepare for my day to get started and keep my mind going at times when I’m usually sleep,” said Eric Coates, a first-year Sociology major from Philadelphia, Pa.

Applicants also had their share of fun through a variety of entertaining events such as a scavenger hunt, SLP meet-and-greet, and campus-wide events including a ballroom party and a student favorite: “Celebrity Wannabe.”

“Celebrity Wannabe” allowed applicants to impersonate celebrities by performing their songs, raps, performing skits from famous movies and making guest appearances. The show was filled with costumes and choreography, all highlighting the mannerisms of the “celebrities.”

Students who did not perform had the opportunity to work behind the scenes.

The opening performance featured Blockboy JB and Drake with a mob of guys behind them, performing “Look Alive,” hitting the popular “Shoot” dance across the stage.

The show ended with students performing the Billboard hit “Walk It Talk It” by Migos. Their performance kept the essence of the actual music video, thanks to a soul train line, shades and afros.

“Performing as one of the Migos definitely brought me out of my comfort zone. Doing the worm, I felt like I was a part of the actual music video and I would definitely do it all over again,” said Gabriel Sanders, a first-year Sports Management major from Atlanta, Ga.

Friday night, SLP hosted a ballroom party with applicants and their friends in full attendance. An entry fee of two canned goods were required; the food was later donated to a local shelter. Students had a great time after a week of working hard.

After the party many applicants returned to their dorms to study for the SLP exam on Saturday. Following days of preparation and studying, applicants were relieved when they completed the week.

Pass or fail, applicants enjoyed their Fear Factor-themed week and are anxiously waiting to hear if they move on to the final process of becoming a member of the Student Leadership Program.