Leenika Belfield-Martin

Planning your best vacay ever

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Leenika Belfield-Martin | Lifestyle Editor

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Leenika Belfield-Martin

As a child, going on vacation was as simple as helping your parents pack. As adults, we are tasked with the duty of actually having to plan out and finance our vacations. This is definitely easier said than done.

Here are some tips from planning your trips and even some places in Virginia to check out if you’re still in the area this summer.

The first tip is to plan within your group’s budget. Not everyone is going to be able to afford Cancun, and that’s fine, because they are cheaper options. Just keep in mind that during a vacation you will spend a lot of money on food, excursions and attractions. Sites such as Groupon can help you save a little money and figure out the discounted places in the area.

Pack wisely and try to limit the valuables you bring. Items you absolutely can’t leave at home are money (cash and card), I.D., cellphone and chargers, an itinerary and a passport — if you are traveling abroad. Observe the weather trends in the area to help you select reasonable clothing.

Research your hotel/resort beforehand to understand if the hotel is the best fit for you and your party. Some hotels also won’t let you check out of a hotel room until you’re 21, so keep that in mind. Choosing a hotel is more about comfortability and amenities than flashiness. Yes, staying in a five-star, fancy hotel is fun, but you aren’t on vacation to stay in the hotel room.

Always have a form of transportation beforehand. Nothing ruins a vacation quicker than being stranded in an unknown place. Become familiar with the local public transit options and taxi companies. But, if you want some independence when it comes to traveling, consider renting a vehicle. However, people between ages 21 and 24 may experience a “young renters fee.”

Now that you are ready for your trip, here are some Virginia venues you can visit on your trip.

If you like the beach and the boardwalk, then Virginia Beach is your spot. Because so many of the restaurants, hotels and attractions are close to one another, it is easy to walk from one to the other. You can even visit the aquarium in the area while you are there.

Virginia as a whole has a rich culture filled with historical landmarks. Williamsburg is the hub of history in the commonwealth. Colonial Williamsburg is a live, interactive museum that takes you back to the 18th century.

Williamsburg is also the home to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, two popular attractions in Virginia. There’s also a family-friendly indoor water park and resort, Great Wolf Lodge.

Say you are tired of traditional resorts and hotels, try going camping. Virginia is a perfect state for camping because of its temperate weather and diverse land. Shenandoah River State Park is one of Virginia’s many camping sites. This park features beautiful views of mountain ranges and water streams. You also can choose between camping in a cabin or in a tent on the camping grounds.

Planning your vacation may be hard and frustrating, but in the end you will have lasting memories with your families and friends. So start planning your next getaway today.

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How to snag your summer internship

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Leenika Belfield-Martin | Lifestyle Editor

As the academic year comes to a close, many students begin to ask this question: “What’s next?”

Those nearly three months between the spring and fall semesters can be spent a number of ways. Maybe you’ll spend it on a beach in an exotic country. Maybe you’ll spend it at your high school summer job. If you want to spend your summer enriching your future, then consider interning.

An internship is not only the best way to brand yourself for future employers, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. USNews said in an article that “university officials and employers almost universally maintain that partaking in an internship — or several, which sets a student apart from his or her peers even more — before graduation is integral to finding meaningful employment in today’s seemingly impenetrable job market.” So, both colleges and employers recognize the crucial part that internships play.

The first step to securing an internship is to have an excellent resume. The purpose of a resume is to highlight experiences you have that correspond to work ethic and work experience. Essentially, a resume shows employers that you are the best candidate for their company. After you finish creating it, try to have at least three people, including a counselor in the career center, review your resume. Also, consider having a cover letter and personal statement that clearly shows your future goals and current endeavors.

After you have your materials, it’s time to start the internship hunt. The university’s Pirate-link system can narrow down potential jobs and internships in their database, and email you new ones whenever they appear. You can access your Pirate-link account by first signing up for an appointment in the career center. The system also will email you about companies that visit the university.

Some other great resources for finding internships are indeed.com, LinkedIn and even social media. Yes, social media is for more than just cute selfies and cat videos. It can potentially help you land your dream job. Follow the companies you’re interested in on social media and keep your eyes peeled for when they post about their internships.

After you’ve found an internship that meets your interest, apply! Make sure to follow all of the instructions for the application. Don’t fabricate any information about yourself. If you impress the reviewer enough, you may be invited to interview for the company

An interview can make or break your career efforts. The key is preparation. Depending on the company, interviews can take place over the phone, through video or Skype or in-person. If in-person, try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your interview. If through phone or Skype, make sure you’re in a quiet place with strong cellular connection. Days before the interview, research the company. By the time of your interview, make sure you know at least this information: What is the company’s purpose? Who founded the company and when did they found it? Has the company been in the news lately for anything?

Waiting for the company’s decision is the best/worst part of the process. You will get a number of “no’s,” but one “yes” could change your life.

HU’s 40th Black Family Conference impresses

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Leenika Belfield-Martin & Chelsea Harrison | Staff Writers

RolandMartin.pngDJ Envy and Harvey

From left, Roland Martin, DJ Envy and HU President Dr. William R. Harvey 

Fader Magazine

Hampton University’s 40th Conference on the Black Family kicked off on Wednesday, March 14, with a keynote address given by journalist Roland S. Martin.

The School of Liberal Arts and Education hosted this year’s conference with the theme of “A Spotlight on Strong Black Families: Faith, Identity and Community.”

Martin shared personal anecdotes from his childhood, marriage, family, and career, including how he handled certain family issues. He also addressed the importance in growing the Black community:

“You have to ask the question: What am I prepared to do when we talk about the black family?” Martin said to the audience. “Every time we have a discussion about the Black family, we love to have it in a third-person or an across the town, otherly conversation as opposed to a bowling down your alley or sitting in your pew.”

Martin is a renowned journalist who is best known for his contributions as the host of the first daily morning show to focus on news, politics and other topics from the African-American perspective.

Although he and his wife have no biological children of their own, they both helped raise Martin’s six nieces.

The younger audience members were reminded by Martin that their actions will affect the future of the Black community.

“Every decision in terms of who you date, who you sleep with, who’s in your circle of friends, where you work every single decision will determine whether or not the black family will grow stronger,” said Martin.

Hampton’s Conference on the Black Family began after 10 judges from across the nation, including Judge Joe Williams, approached President Dr. William R. Harvey about the declining state of black couples. Hampton University hosted its first Conference on the Black Family in March of 1979.

“We need to make sure we can do what we can to enhance our communities.” Dr. Harvey said when speaking about the history of the conference.

Dr. Harvey’s family was recognized that night as the black family being honored this year. The School of Liberal Arts and Education also dedicated a reading room in Eva C. Mitchell Hall to Mrs. Norma B. Harvey, for her dedication to young people’s future.

In its second day, the conference focused on a variety of topics including social injustice, mass incarceration, the integration of church and state, education, and relationships within the black family.

Students drew attention to the conference through social media hashtag #CBF40; their use of this hashtag also highlighted their excitement and eagerness to hear from speakers like DJ Envy from the Breakfast Club Morning Radio Show and his wife, Gia Casey.

Additional prominent speakers like Kenneth Hardy, Dr. George Woods, Dr. Kermit Crawford, Dr. Richard Masson, Joshua DuBois, Dr. James Braxton Peterson, and the neo-soul duo Kindred the Family Soul were also featured.

The goal for the conference workshops was to encourage young black people to use their voices to bring change to generational struggles.

During his presentation, Kenneth Hardy spoke of these necessary measures, encouraging students to “Show up, stand up, and speak up.”

“Do not surrender to apathy. Do not buy into individual achievement. Have a voice and exercise your voice. Each day ask yourself what are you doing to uplift our people?” Hardy said to the packed room of transfixed black attendees.

The first full conference day ended with a seminar titled “Relationship Goals: A Glimpse into Real Black Love,” where the highly anticipated DJ Envy and Gia Casey spoke on expectations and reality within African American relationships.

Phones lit up the Student Ballroom as almost all who attended captured memorable moments of the guests’ appearances and words of wisdom.

From the consistent overflow of attendees to the roaring applause, the second day of the Black Family Conference was one for the books.

The last day of the conference ended with a morning seminar led by speaker Dr. Ronald Mincy followed by a noon luncheon where Dr. Fredrick Hayes III closed out the three-day event with a talk on “Bringing it Together: How Faith, Culture, and Resilience Can Lead to Community Activism.”

Overall, the events were well received by all who attended, and many students cannot wait to see what the next year’s program will entail.

London Douglas, a Strategic Communications Major from Maryland, stacked her cellphone camera roll with video clips of the events, saying that she had to “keep a few of the memories for her books.”

“The things they were sharing and teaching are things we as students and African Americans need to remember. Who knows when I’ll need to hear their words again to help me get through tough times or times of confusion?”

So, you want to be vegetarian or vegan?

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Leenika Belfield- martin | Lifestyle Editor

Beyoncé’s newly vegan lifestyle in preparation for her upcoming Coachella performance has her fans ready to go vegan, too. Are you considering a lifestyle change?

The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as someone who “does not eat foods that consist of, or have been produced with the aid of products consisting of or created from, any part of the body of a living or dead animal.”

Benefits of going vegetarian, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, include prevention of cancer and heart disease, decrease of blood pressure, reduction of possibility of osteoporosis and diabetes.

Some people may also experience aesthetic changes, such as Imani Thomas, a graduating senior, liberal studies major from Detroit. Thomas said that since going vegetarian this year, “My body feels lighter and cleaner. My skin has never been bad, but it’s just looking a lot brighter.”

Sophomore psychology major Ashley Childs said that going vegan has caused her to not only become more conscious of her physical self, but also her spirituality. Childs has been vegan for over a year and said that her mom being diagnosed with breast cancer is one of the reasons she adopted the lifestyle.

“I’ve started becoming more conscious of myself; having more knowledge of self and knowing that what you eat affects not only your physical body, but your spiritual body as well,” Childs said.

Adopting a vegetarian lifestyle can not only cause a change in your body, but also can help the environment and world around you. According to Time Magazine, vegan and vegetarian diets can cut 63 to 73 percent of the global greenhouse emissions produced by livestock. Time Magazine also reports that “changing dietary patterns could save $1 trillion annually by preventing health care costs and lost productivity.”

College students often have a limited selection when it comes to food choices. Most of these options are extremely processed and are rarely vegetarian-friendly.

“I cook all my food at home,” Childs said. “It’s hard eating out because you can’t really trust any [place] or anything.”

Jill Davis, a sophomore elementary education major from Maryland, has been vegan for over a year.

“At first, it was pretty hard because I wasn’t getting enough food and I was being hard on myself.” Davis said. “You have to really want it in order to succeed and resist certain cravings or substitute them.”

Childs said the thing she struggled with the most was “attending family events” due to the “cultural change.” You’re not only getting adjusted to your new diet, but your family is, too.

If you live on campus, the cafeteria offers a variety of vegetarian options. If you live off campus, consider purchasing a couple of vegetarian cookbooks to help you.

Some other great resources are Pinterest and YouTube, where you can find a number of great recipes and tips for becoming vegetarian.

Changing anything about your daily routine, especially your diet, can be a hassle.

Davis’ best piece of advice to students considering becoming vegetarian is: “Don’t give up even when it gets hard, and don’t let others tell you how to live your life.”

Administration aims to move forward following HU town hall meeting

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by: Ya-Marie Sesay, Leenika Belfield-Martin and Ayanna Maxwell

Hampton University Student Government Association President Martha Baye on Feb. 22 issued a letter detailing proposed resolutions to student complaints voiced at a town hall meeting earlier in the week.

“We appreciate students for coming forward to voice their concerns,” Baye stated in a letter posted on hamptonu.edu detailing how the matters were addressed by the administration.

HU President Dr. William R. Harvey called a meeting that day for administrators and campus leaders to discuss the issues.

Title IX Coordinator Attorney Kelly Harvey-Viney assured the administration and campus leaders that the University’s Office of Title IX adheres to federal guidelines in each report of sexual assault.

“The administration appreciates the bravery of the students who come forward to address the important issue of sexual assault,” Bayes’ letter stated.

In reference to social issues, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Barbara Inman and Baye agreed to meet to reconsider the banishment of 12-2. Students must adhere to the Hampton University Code of Conduct and Dress Code in order to ensure the revival of this event.

As the food service was another prominent issue discussed as town hall, Harvey said he would implement multiple solutions. The first is the establishment of a Food Services Working Group consisting of approximately 10 students who will work closely with Gourmet Services. This group will serve as a mediator between the student body and the cafeteria staff, and will be able to offer suggestions for all cafeteria issues.

Harvey also urged students to directly and immediately contact Gourmet Services Regional Manager Kerwin Cromartie to report any complaints.

Also, Harvey will allow the Wellness Station to be open seven days per week instead of five, serving vegan-friendly, gluten-free and pescatarian meals.

In regards to the condition of facilities, Hampton University will hire a reputable company to investigate the mold in dormitory and common area. This independent company will be selected by March 1, 2018, and steps to remove the mold will follow shortly after.

Students are also now encouraged to submit maintenance suggestions for academic buildings to SGA Vice President Jared Bourke, who will then submit the recommendations to Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer Doretha Spells. She will guide all renovations.

The proposed solutions were in response to several grievances discussed at the town hall meeting Feb 20.

Approximately 700 Hampton University students packed the student center ballroom hoping for answers from the university administration concerning a wide range of topics during HU’s annual town hall meeting.

Tension filled the room as students pressed administrators with questions about the reporting of sexual assault, reports of mold found in dorms, the status of suspended social activities, cafeteria food issues and parking issues.

Baye moderated the meeting, which was attended by Harvey, Inman, Spells, Police Chief David Glover, and Chancellor and Provost Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert.

A young woman shared her claim that she was a victim of sexual assault on campus. She said that at the time of her alleged assault, she did not feel comfortable reporting the incident since the Title IX coordinator first would have to approve an investigation.

According to the university website, “The Title IX Coordinator will decide whether an investigation or referral is required after evaluating the risk of the alleged offender harming other members of the campus community and the likelihood of the university being able to proceed without the active participation of the reporting party (if applicable).”

At the town hall meeting, Harvey responded to the young woman.

“Two things I want to make clear,” he said. “One: I do not stand by it [sexual assault]. And two: You don’t have to get permission [to speak up], but you do have to come forward.”

He also encouraged students to speak with him directly if they ever think their sexual assault case is not being investigated.

The increase of security at Hampton Harbor Apartments was also another topic of concern to students. Many who frequent the apartments yet live on campus have found it increasingly difficult to travel between the school and the apartments.

The administration pointed out that safety trumps convenience and referenced the recent shootings in the apartments as the reasoning for the higher police presence.

“The number of incidents have reduced dramatically at this location since this procedure was put in place,” Glover said.

Other complaints included living conditions, specifically mold reported in dormitories following flooding. Two students detailed their reports of mold in McGrew Towers and James Hall. Spells ensured students that a $20 million renovation plan was underway and encouraged them to report every possible instance of mold in their dorms to their dorm director.

 

HUPD asks church to not approach any other students on campus

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Leenika Belfield-Martin | Lifestyle Editor

Two women representing a church approached a Hampton University student Feb. 12 outside the campus cafeteria.

One of the women asked sophomore pre-nursing major Janelle St. Clair about “God the Mother.”

“She was pushing for an intimate session, private study,” St. Clair said. “Either way, students shouldn’t be subjected to that.”

University police agreed.

HUPD asked the church – the World Mission Society Church of God – to not approach students on campus, according to a Feb. 13 statement from HU Police Chief David Glover.

“As a private institution, we do not allow off campus organizations and individuals to solicit our students in any manner without prior written approval,” Glover said in the statement.

HU police were made aware that students had been approached on campus, at the Hampton Harbors Apartments and at the Hampton Harbor Shops. HUPD increased patrol activity in those areas.

If students are approached by the church on or near campus, university police urge them to contact HUPD at 757-727-5666 or through the LiveSafe App.

Ishani Lee, another HU student, said she previously was approached by women matching the description of the church members who approached St. Clair. Lee said that she was walking to the Hampton Harbors at around 8 one night when she was approached around the tennis courts.

“They asked me if I knew about the passover.” Lee said.

She was offered the same invitation for a private study but declined it.

Hampton senior Norman Wilkerson visited the World Mission Society Church of God in Newport News last semester after being invited by two men.

“(I’d) never been to a place (like that) where everyone kept an emotionless smile,” Wilkerson said.

Valentine’s Day in VA

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Leenika Belfield-Martin | Lifestyle Editor

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Leenika Belfield-Martin

Valentine’s Day is the day of love, and Virginia is for lovers. Why not take a break from studying to enjoy all that Virginia has to offer? Here’s what Hampton Roads has to offer for the loveliest day of the year.

“There are many ways to celebrate [Valentine’s] day. Couples go on romantic dates, and friends have parties and watch romance films,” longtime Virginia resident Amanda Jones said.

Hampton’s own Pearis Bellamy, otherwise known as Miss Black Virginia, is hosting one event during Valentine’s week. Bellamy’s event, “Galentine’s Giveback: Girls’ Night Out,” is a girls’ night event in partnership with a local boutique.

This event will have a raffle, sparkling cider and desserts, card-making for survivors of domestic violence, spoken word, vendors and mini makeovers. The Galentine’s event will take place at Kiss My Denim Boutique, a consignment store that is less than five minutes from campus. It will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Want your Valentine’s Day to be filled with good food and laughter? Then head to Wing and A Prayer for a couples’ comedy night on Feb. 14. Wing and a Prayer is a newly remodeled restaurant and lounge. It is less than 10 minutes from campus and serves southern-style soul food. You and your significant other can watch two Hampton Roads comedians and eat a lovely southern dinner for $25. The lounge will have two showings: one at 7 p.m. and another at 9 p.m.

Spend your Valentine’s weekend with the cutest creatures at The Virginia Zoo’s “Kiss and Tail” program. The zoo is hosting a special adults-only (21 and up) program on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. This day includes complimentary wine, a zoo tour and a presentation.

“Going to the zoo is a cute date idea because it brings out your inner child. It’s also a good way to really get to know your significant other,” said Olivia Hinsley, a sophomore communicative sciences and disorders major.

If you prefer animals of the aquatic variety, The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner on Feb. 10, Feb. 12 and Feb. 14.

The aquarium has several unique venues for dinner, including the Red Sea Tunnel, the Norfolk Canyon exhibit and the Light Tower Aquarium. The Red Sea Tunnel is located in front of a shark display, and the Light Tower Aquarium features sea turtles. This event is on the pricey side; it costs $189 for a six-course meal.

However, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. Groupon is a great resource for finding sales for up to 70 percent off. Some local businesses that have Groupon deals are Sushi King, Soya Sushi Bar and Bistro, Chops and Chanello’s.

Whether you choose a restaurant or a zoo, enjoy your Valentine’s Day in VA.

Hampton commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Leenika Belfield-Martin | Lifestyle Editor

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Courtesy of Leenika Belfield-Martin

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a day off for Hampton University. It is a day filled with reflection, service and unity. Now, almost 50 years after King’s death, students at Hampton and people across the world still march for justice.

The winter weather and snow flurries didn’t deter Hampton students, staff and community members from marching last Monday morning. One of those marchers, Hampton University student Amber Jones, said that the significance of the day is “honoring the legacy of one of the most pivotal trailblazers we have in the African-American community.” Jones is a senior biology major, leadership studies minor and the vice president of the student recruitment team.

Following the march, a program was held in Ogden Hall. Some special guests from the Hampton community attended the event, including Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck and David Nygaard, who is running for Congress.

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Courtesy of Leenika Belfield-Martin

The program featured musical selections from “The Sounds of Greer,” a spoken word from Mr. NAACP, an interpretative dance from the Terpsichorean Dance Company and a keynote address from Dr. Sarita M. Wilson-Guffin.

“If we ever needed a perfect day to stand up and speak out against bigotry and xenophobia, and to remind people that we aren’t going to let anyone turn us around, then today is that day,” said Jeremiah Edwards, the president of Hampton University’s NAACP. “It’s a day that allows us to reflect on struggle that occurred in the name of justice. It also forces us to be reminded of what is at stake if we don’t keep up the fight.”

Edwards also said he believes that King wouldn’t be too disappointed with the African-American community today.

“I believe that the black community is thriving; however, like any other community, we have our own issues to deal with,” Edwards said. “I think [King] would tell us that there is more work to be done.”

When Wilson-Guffin took to the podium, she described the purpose of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day to “celebrate [and] commemorate a life of one’s shoulders we stand on today.” The speaker reminded the audience that although the “the mission is different; the message is the same.”

Even though the Civil Rights Era is long gone, people are still fighting to have equal rights in America and around the world.

The speaker compared the issues of today with the problems of the past and asked the audience, “Have we felt so complacent that chaos feels comfortable?” The audience was so moved by Wilson-Guffin’s speech that they gave her a standing ovation.

The speech particularly resonated with Edwards.

“My favorite part was her tag line: different mission, same message,” Edwards said. “That’s so true. We are facing a different group of people who are determined to make sure that actions of injustice prevail. We have to come up with a new plan, but make sure we keep the same message.”

Wilson-Guffin is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Combining her love of ministry and dance, Wilson-Guffin wrote her novel Dance the World: A Handbook for Liturgical Dance Ministries.

Wilson-Guffin has a special connection to Hampton because she is the daughter of Dr. Greer Dawson Wilson, the founder of the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Program. The Student Leadership Program has grown to become one of the most prestigious organizations on Hampton’s campus.

Starting a new semester off right

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Leenika Belfield-Martin | Lifestyle Editor

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Jessica Cook

It’s the start of both a new year and new semester, and starting the semester off right requires preparation.

For some, such as sophomore Jessica Cook, starting the semester off can be difficult because of the changes. Cook says that the hardest part about the start of a new semester is “getting back into a routine” after a break filled with no structure.

Others, such as five-year MBA major Amanda Jones, find re-adjusting to the campus atmosphere as difficult. Jones says the most difficult part about starting the semester to her is “adapting to newer classes and newer teachers.”

Although some students believe syllabus week is unnecessary, you can miss important information without it. While reviewing the syllabus in class, don’t hesitate to take out a highlighter and highlight the parts that matter the most, especially the sections concerning absences and tardiness. You can also discuss any concerns with your professor.

You shouldn’t only look at your syllabus in the first week of class. In a planner or on your phone, record all of the important topics and assignments for the semester.

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Courtesy of Leenika Belfield-Martin

Also, get a tutor in the beginning of the semester if you think you’ll need one. This way, you can have help with your courses before you make a mistake in them. If you wait until after you fail a test, it might be too late to save your grade in a class.

A new semester can mean the loss of friendships created in the previous semester. This happens because of schedule changes, as well as other obligations. To avoid this, coordinate your schedule with your friends before you get too busy during the school year.

It’s normal to lose touch with people throughout your years in college; however, be careful of the bridges you burn.

“Sometimes it’s hard to keep in contact with people who aren’t in your major, but even though I may not have their numbers, I always acknowledge them when I see them on campus,” Jones said.

Cook said that to financially prepare for the semester, she had to budget. She had to tell herself, “Don’t spend [your] money.” To help with stacking money, Cook says it’s best to “work during vacation. It’s hard to pay for books with money you don’t have.”

If you have a meal plan, use it! Those $7 Chick-fil-a meals and $6 Subway sandwiches can quickly cause a dent in your pockets. If you’re not going to the cafeteria, you’re wasting your meal plan — or, in other words, wasting money you’ve already spent.

Textbooks and other course materials also can set students back financially early in the semester. Before you go onto Amazon.com for your books, look on Slugbooks.com. This website combs through more sites that sell and rent textbooks.

If your schedule permits, you may also want to consider getting a job to help you finance extra expenses throughout the semester. When applying for jobs in the area, make sure to remember that your academics come first. Consider applying to jobs on campus or even remote jobs, such as freelance writing.

Starting the semester off on the right foot also means starting it off with the right mindset. Let go of any negativity from previous semesters. The only way to prosper in college is to prepare and be positive.

Harveys’ six-figure donation creates new scholarships for students

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Leenika Belfield-Martin | Lifestyle Editor

Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey and his wife, Norma B. Harvey, made a six-figure donation to the university, going to two scholarship funds: the Norma B. Harvey student stipend fund and the Laron Clark Jr. scholarship fund for first generation students.

“My parents were my first role models,” Dr. Harvey said in a news release. “Establishing the Norma B. Harvey Student Stipend Fund and endowing the Laron Clark, Jr. Scholarship Fund for First Generation College Students is my way of honoring all of the life lessons they shared.”

The Harveys donated $106,685 to endow the two new funds. The couple’s donations to Hampton now total $3.6 million.

“These stipends and the scholarship will assist in making it possible for the next generation of leaders to emerge and make their world better than they found it,” he said.

The first fund, the Norma B. Harvey student stipend fund, will pay an annual stipend to 12 students who intern at service-related, nonprofit organizations.

Bessie Willis, the director of Hampton’s career center, said that she and her department “thank Dr. William R. Harvey for this generous support in providing financial support to students participating in service related nonprofit internships.”

Willis also said that the fund will assist students who intern because they often work for no pay.

“Dr. Harvey’s contribution will give these students some financial assistance while they are on these internships,” Willis said.

Kenya Cummins, a sophomore strategic communications major, said the student stipend fund will help students who excel in areas beyond academics.

“Hampton is a school that prides itself on being the standard of excellence,” Cummins said. “This means not only being academically excellent, but also having excellent character. It’s good to see a scholarship that awards students who exhibit this character through service.”

Cummins also said that “this fund will encourage people to participate in community service and be more involved with nonprofit organizations.”

The second fund is named after Laron Clark Jr., the longtime HU vice president of development who served the university for almost 40 years before dying late last year.

“It is a happy moment, indeed, to remember the man who gave so much of his energy to ensure the success of our ‘Home by the Sea,’” President Harvey said in the release.

Jessica Cook, a sophomore history major, said the Laron Clark Jr. scholarship will help create a cycle of college-bound students.

“I think it’s amazing that Dr. Harvey is doing that,” Cook said. “By helping this generation of college students, the next generation will be helped, too.”

Ashley Hall, a sophomore from Elizabeth City, N.C., said these scholarships were crucial additions.

“These scholarships are needed because first-generation students are at a disadvantage compared to their peers by not having a more disposable income that can go toward education,” Hall said.