Still Standing

Spring 2011 Volume 17 Issue 1 The Official Newsletter of Honors College

Honors College Capstone Edition

Eichelberger, Imani Eugene, Jeffrey Evans, Rachel Francis, Lauryn Garrett, Siedah Hallaren, Elizabeth Harris, Alexandria Jones, Brittany Matthews, Brittany Murray, Chiara Osizugbo, Jessica Powell, Melissa

Adams, Brittany Alexander, April Anderson, Jade Ares­Batko, Isaiah Balentine, Ashley Ballard, Steven Barbour, Jessica Champ, Pamela Chastang, Melissa Chastang, Stephanie Cherif, Djeneba Coleman, Courtney Coplin, Daniele

Sargeant, Yaniel Sherer, Jason Stanley, Craig Stewart, Veronica Strambler, Jasmine Todd, Charles Watkins, Jocelyn Williams, Desiree Wilson, Valecia

This class was inducted into Honors College on Friday, March 14, 2008, at 6:30 in the evening in the McGrew Towers. There were 52 students inducted. On May 7, 2011, 35 students will participate in the Capstone Celebration. Do you re­ member the students who sang “Bind Us Together” with you that evening? Do you have the same major?

Inside this issue:

Competing in the Global Community, Isaiah’s Experience

2

Last Words 3­4

Capstone Presentations 5

Competing in the Global Community, Jade’s Experience

6

Farewells 7

From the Director’s Pen 8

Honors College 2011 Graduates

Now What Do The Graduates Receive 10

Competing in the Global Community, Jason’s Experience

9

Graduates’ Future Plans 11

Now What Do The Graduates Receive 12

Volume 17 Issue 1 Page 2

Competing in the Global Community, Isaiah’s Experience Isaiah Ares-Batko seen in the news stories coming out of Northern Africa and Arabia in late February of 2011. People are standing up to guns and jet planes for their freedom because they have the force of character to know that they cannot live in an unjust world anymore. The elevation of an individual mind through the building of strong charac­ ter has always had significance for wider society. Modern technology allows individual character to be pro­ jected over time and space, making it a more potent force now than it has ever been.

The question which Hampton students often come to ask as their character and critical thinking develop is “Who will lead?” This is the vital question of the next century. Money is a necessity, but it is not the measure of life. Booker T. Washington under­ stood this and formed the character of future leaders at Tuskegee University in the same way his character was formed here at Hampton. Men and women with the gift to inspire others with their lives will be the leaders of the future. These are the people who will shape the politics, the economy and the technology which are still to come. These are the people who will lift up the lowly of the world. These are the students of Hampton Univer­ sity.

Booker T. Washington wrote about one of the most important ques­ tions the college students at Tuskegee University would ask themselves about education in his book Charac­ ter Building. “What will pay?” is a nagging question 100 years later as another technological revolution turns the old order on its head. The question has become even more complex in today’s colleges, in the light of re­ ports like those in the book Academi­ cally Adrift: Limited Learning on Col­ lege Campuses by Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa. This book claims that up to a third of graduating college students make no significant progress in critical thinking skills during their undergraduate education. The impli­ cation seems to be that for many stu­ dents the undergraduate experience is merely a waiting period for a diploma which allows them to enter the world of work without ever improving their basic mental skills.

This study brings into ques­ tion how students will learn to distin­ guish the best way to address future problems. This is especially important in a world dominated by global mar­ kets, light speed transference of infor­ mation and increasingly volatile po­ litical climates. Mistakes made by technical experts without critical thinking skills could cause massive harm to human society. Hampton University has invested greatly in its education of technical experts, but has it made the fatal error of other univer­ sities to turn completely over to facto­ ries for new technology? Has it traded the opportunity to foster true creativ­ ity and genius for the sake of making profitable but uncritical and unin­ spired technocrats?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are inherently critical

institutions. The critique of current ideas and the inquiry into the over­ looked consequences of what is popu­ larly labeled as progress can find no better home. The schemes of the pow­ erful in old America were founded on enslaved Black labor. When the slave became free it was the role of HBCUs to impart the knowledge which would allow them to provide for themselves as free persons in a world which still hated them. HBCUs exist because the much vaunted progress of the recent past came at the cost of entire nations and cultures being devastated. In the postmodern world of the 21 st century, all people seem transfixed by techno­ logical miracles and the actions of worldwide power brokers. The HBCU challenges its students to remember the slaves of history, and ask about the slaves of today. The education students receive is not for their own benefit, it is for the benefit of every human being they meet. Their educa­ tion is not the shaping minds received at other schools; it is an elevation of the mind.

Booker T. Washington’s an­ swer to his students’ query, “What will pay?” is inscribed on his statue which points at the Emancipation Oak on Hampton University’s campus. “Character is power. If you want to be powerful in the world, if you want to be strong, influential and useful you can be so in no better way than by having a strong character.” In the rap­ idly globalizing world, Hampton Uni­ versity teaches its students the most valuable lesson they can take with them into society. The education for life has at its center the education of each individual’s personal character. Character is not a school of knowl­ edge or a specialized skill. It is a force, the potential of which can be

Words cannot express how happy I am to have completed the require­ ments for Honors College. The more time I spend with Dr. Davy the more I am able to understand her wisdom.

Charles Todd I have loved being a member of the Honors College program. The profes­ sors, staff and students have sculpted my Hampton experience. I will al­ ways carry the will to go above and beyond what is required.

Jocelyn Watkins

I’ve truly enjoyed my experience at Hampton. Honors College has defi­ nitely added in this respect.

Yaniel Sargeant

I have had a great time throughout my time as a member in Honors College. I have learned many beneficial les­ sons and experienced opportunities that will continually impact my life.

Pamela Champ I am so grateful for this program. It has enhanced my growth as a student and professionally. I especially appre­ ciated the time, energy, and advice that the Honors College staff put into my life. You truly made a difference in my perception of what I could do as well as showed me the importance of striving for excellence in even the “small things.”

Elizabeth Hallaren

I would like to thank the entire Honors College family especially Dr. Davy. I have so much more to learn yet, learned so much. At the same time, I truly am blessed to be awarded with such an op­ portunity. Keep up the great work building tomorrow’s leaders.

Djeneba Cherif

I honestly enjoyed my journey with and through Honors College. I have never had so much experience and wisdom lead me in multiple directions. How­ ever, that wisdom and experience groomed me to make my own personal choices and I am forever grateful!

Siedah Garrett

This has been the best experience I have expected to receive during col­ lege. I love the friends that I have made and the challenging nature of Dr. Davy. I would not change this experience for the world.

Brittany Adams

This experience has been one of the defining aspects of my college experi­ ence, only surpassed by the work I performed in my major. It has con­ tributed to me growing as a student and as a person.

Isaiah Ares­Batko

I am truly proud to be a graduate of the Hampton University Honors College!

Melissa Chastang I have enjoyed my Honors College experience very much and will recom­ mend that people join this program.

Rana Constant Honors College is one of the most es­ sential components of Hampton Uni­ versity’s campus.

Steven Ballard It was a pleasure being in Honors Col­ lege these 4 years!

April Alexander

surely take the lessons learned from Honors College and apply them in my future.

Melissa Powell

I have enjoyed being a part of the HU Honors College family. It is some­ thing that will always remain as a positive experience in my life. Thank you

Brittany Matthews

I have truly enjoyed my time as a member of the Honors College pro­ gram. I have gained invaluable ex­ periences, networked with truly ex­ ceptional peers, and learned under the direction of incredible professors. Honors College has challenged me not only to be an excellent student but also an excellent human being of high character and moral integrity. I am truly blessed by my Honors College

Program experience. Veronica Stewart

This Honors College program ex­ ceeded all my expectations. I ex­ pected to be challenged, but the way in which my mind was challenged was different from the challenge a scientific problem presents. Even the one credit seminars introduced new perspectives and encouraged me to look at the world in a new way. I will

Last Words

I enjoyed the program thoroughly. I learned a lot about myself and under­ went major growth. The staff and the students were very pleasant people to have worked with.

Ashley Balentine I am very pleased with my Honors College experience and I am glad that I accepted the challenge and finished.

Jasmine Strambler I am truly proud to be a graduate of the Hampton University Honors Col­ lege!

Melissa Chastang

All the services were very beneficial. Chiara Murray

Volume 17 Issue 1 Page 3

I am very pleased with the organiza­ tion and operation of the Honors Col­ lege. It’s tough to pinpoint what has been more beneficial because the whole experience has challenged me and allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone. I am better because of Honors College.

Jeffrey Eugene

Thank you all for being so under­ standing and flexible when it came time for me to leave for the year to go to Boston. I wanted to finish the Hon­ ors Program and you all worked with my schedule to allow me to finish.

Jason Sherer

Last Words through. Thank you so much Honors College.

Lauren Francis Honors College is very beneficial if students take full advantage of all the resources.

Brittany Jones I am so glad I joined freshman year. I can really say without question that it has changed my life.

Jessica Osizugbo

I am so thankful for the opportunity to take part and participate in the Honors College. It changed my college ex­ perience because it made me become more well rounded. If I did not par­ ticipate, I would not have met my best friends or my full potential. Thank you

Daniele Coplin I greatly enjoyed my Honors College experience! I was exposed to people and things that I would not have been, through my regular curriculum. I learned much from the seminars I

took part in and got the opportunity to express ideas and opinions on various different topics. I also got an opportu­ nity to take a leadership role in many activities and participate in the team building roles.

Imani Eichelberger I have enjoyed being a member of the Honors College and recommend it to all the freshman I talk to.

Rachel Evans Now having completed the program, I greatly appreciate all that I had to go

Volume 17 Issue 1 Page 4

Brittany Adams Origin of the Ankn

April Alexander African Americans in American Theater

Jade Anderson The Black Elite of Hampton Univer­ sity: Who Are They and Are They

Worthy of Their Title?

Isaiah Ares­Batko The Queen of Heaven is Black

Ashley Balentine The Moors: An Untold History

Steven Ballard End of the World

Jessica Barbour Access to Sex Education and Contraceptives in Schools

Pamela Champ The Study of Laughter

Melissa Chastang The International Criminal Court: It’s

Cases and Obstacles

Stephanie Chastang, The Phenomenon of Reality

Television Today

Djeneba Cherif Educational Choice: De Voucher Program

Courtney Coleman The Politics of African American Hair

Rana Constant The Rastafari Movement

Daniele Coplin The Nanajos: The Creation, The Long

Walk, and World War II

Imani Eichelberger The Psychological and Sociological Implications of Living a Transgender

Lifestyle

Jeffrey Eugene The Secret Life of Beats: How the Beat Generation Influenced Our Generation

Rachel Evans A Study of West African Dance

Lauryn Francis The Evolution of Gospel Music

Siedah Garrett Knowing Your Status: Fashion’s Influ­ ence on Social Systems in America

Elizabeth Hallaren Discovering Autism: What does Cul­ ture and Economic Status have to do

with It?

Alexandria Harris Understanding Organics

Brittany Jones The Evolution of the Beauty Pageant

Brittany Matthews The Curriculum of Criminals: Why some states use the education of mi­ nority males to determine prison size

Chiara Murray The Economics of Weddings

Jessica Osizugbo The Evolution of the Tattoo

Melissa Powell Veganism

Yaniel Sargeant Birth Order! How your order of birth affects your personality, career choice

and relationships

Jason Sherer The Universal Health Care system of

Massachusetts

Craig Stanley The Black Republican

Veronica Stewart Fairytales as an unrealistic view of love and marriage: an exploration of romantic relationships in the United

States

Jasmine Strambler History of the Wedding Dress

Charles Todd Attack of the Clones

Jocelyn Watkins Footprints

Desiree Williams Mary Kay: More than Makeup

Valecia Wilson Behind the big three: Alternate Relig­

ions in the U.S.

Volume 17 Issue 1 Page 5

Competing in the Global Community, Jade’s Experience Jade Anderson

Page 6 Spring 2011

forming a psychological experiment on her students’ psyche. In addition, I started second­guessing my decision to take an Honors Biology course. For honors credit, I tutored my fellow classmates. I had my peer’s grades in my hands. This definitely taught me responsibility. When final grades were posted for the fall semester, I was sure that I had not received an “A” in Dr. Davy’s or Dr. Selim’s class. Yet, I had received an “A” in both. In fact, I had earned straight “A’s”! Unfortunately, second semes­ ter did not go as planned. English is my absolute worst subject, and I did not even know how to formulate a thesis statement. The dedication to my final research paper pushed me aca­ demically. Nevertheless, because I was so focused on turning in an awe­ some paper on time, I forgot that an outline worth five points of the final grade was also included. Therefore, I received an 88, a “B+” for my final grade, rather than a 93, an “A.” One of my biggest academic disappoint­ ments became one of my biggest life lessons: stop procrastinating. My ap­ preciation for the HBCU experience has definitely changed. I had a won­ derful relationship with most of my teachers, difficult or not, a wide selec­ tion of various opportunities, and most importantly, I had an astonishing support system from almost everyone I met.

Through Hampton, I applied and gained acceptance to the Early Medical School Selection Program with Boston University School of Medicine. While at Boston University (BU) undergrad, I was appointed Chair of Community Service of Pre­ medical Students (MAPS), a promi­ nent organization on Hampton Uni­ versity’s campus. Minority represen­ tation in the BU chapter has not had

I used to be one of those peo­ ple. During my senior year of high school, I did not want to apply to a historically black college or university because that would not reflect the real world environment of my future pro­ fession. As an orthopaedic surgeon, I would most likely be one of two blacks, and probably the only female. Orthopaedics has long been consid­ ered as a “good old boy network.” I had interviewed with Washington University in St. Louis, Dartmouth College, Yale College, Brown Uni­ versity and the list goes on. I was well on my way to an Ivy League educa­ tion that would guarantee my accep­ tance into the premier medical school of my choice. However, I had not re­ ceived any scholarships. Therefore, when my mom found out about some of the top HBCUs coming to Chicago and giving out on­site scholarships, she insisted that I attend. The scholar­ ship banquet consisted of filling out a piece of paper with your name, con­ tact information, and SAT or ACT scores at each school’s table. Since I was still obstinate, and my ACT was better than my SAT, I proceeded to only put my paper in Hampton Uni­ versity’s box. Later that evening, each school’s Dean of Admissions stood before the crowd of young minority faces and proceeded to list whom they would offer scholarships to and the amount. My name was called. I, Jade Anderson, had received full tuition for my four years of college! I was shocked and disappointed at the same time. I knew this would lead my mom to attend the next day’s events: an on­ site admissions interview. The next day, after a presentation by previous students who attended Hampton Uni­ versity, each student interviewed with the Dean of Admissions. After vari­ ous questions and presenting myself, I

received an acceptance letter to attend Hampton University.

However, I was still as obsti­ nate as ever. My mom was ruining my plans to attend my Ivy League dream. I told her I was not going to a school that was in the “hood,” or where I did not feel comfortable. She had a rem­ edy for, this too. Next thing I knew, my mom, siblings, and I were driving off to Hampton University’s Annual High School Day. (A fourteen hour trip I might add.) When I arrived, I stepped onto campus with an ornery air about me. As I began the tour, my feelings began to change. It was beau­ tiful. I saw the yachts docked at the pier across the Chesapeake Bay, the president’s mansion, and well mani­ cured lawns. I toured the honors freshman dorm, Kennedy Hall, where a biology major by the name of Jaz­ myne Green resided. She inspired me. I want to go to medical school, major in Biology, and be a member of Hon­ ors College. Naturally, I matriculated into Hampton University in the fall of 2007. I am appreciative that Hampton actively sought out future leaders and chose me even though I did not know any better. Little did I know that I was at the Ivy League HBCU.

I was always one to be in­ volved; therefore, I joined many cam­ pus clubs, was chair of some, and pro­ ceeded to excel in my studies. How­ ever, Dr. Freddye Davy, my Honors University 101 professor, Dr. Amee Carmines, my Honors English 102 professor, and Dr. Cecile Andraos­ Selim, my Honors Biology 105 pro­ fessor showed me that I was not in Kansas anymore. These professors pushed me further than my lazy fresh­ man self was willing to do. Dr. Davy graded her assignments with multiple check marks and plus and minus signs. I was convinced she was per­

edge and skills that I have gathered from Hampton University and be­ come a world renown surgeon; how­ ever, I have a personal duty to use these skills to teach others how to im­ prove their own health care systems around the world in underserved populations, not just in our own com­ munities. My intention is that this seed will lead to the development of physicians and other medical staff in those underserved areas of the world. The citizens can then begin to regain their dignity by helping not only their own, but by generating revenue and a better way of life while doing so. This will provide a more globalized medi­ cal system in the long term. As a stu­ dent of Hampton, I have been equipped to accomplish that. I have officially become thankful for my Hampton University experience.

more than approximately seven mem­ bers in the past few years; however, I am currently working to restore this. This is an example of where Hampton University’s Leadership Institute helped hone my skills in affecting change where it is needed.

Hampton has prepared me in other ways I did not recognize. Re­ cently, I went on a service trip with the BU chapter of Students Helping Honoduras to El Progreso, Honduras. After researching their website, I real­ ized that there were almost no minori­ ties advertised as going to aid over­ seas. I set out to change that. Hamp­ ton once again prepared me to do something about influencing others, to think globally and understand that there is an international society that we as human beings are responsible for. Moreover, I plan on going to Spain and Germany this summer due to the relationships I have built while

in college. A leader is someone who has

the ability to influence those around her. Therefore, I am influential. I ac­ complish this by motivating, encour­ aging and hopefully inspiring others. I have improved my skills by being a student at Hampton University. As a future physician, I will have to work in teams. This concept is difficult for some, but I believe my campus lead­ ership opportunities and experiences have enhanced my skills in this area. I have learned how to delegate, and how to resolve conflicts indifferently. In addition, teamwork has fostered a close­knit family with my Onyx VIII fellows.

I have been fortunate in bene­ fiting from prudent guidance my en­ tire life, and I now realize how impor­ tant it is. A large part of the mentor­ ing process is teaching. In medical school, I intend to apply the knowl­

Page 7 Volume 17, Issue 1

Thank you for providing a place where I could not only learn and challenge myself, but also be surrounded by a community of young, talented students who were willing to work toward success. I have learned a great deal through my matriculation through Honor's College. As much as I am excited

don't take anyone for granted. Use the Honors College as much as possible because everyone there cares about your future. Continue to live up to the legacy set forth but past alumni while making your own path in the world. Love Always, Daniele E. Coplin

for my next season in life, I will continue to treasure the lessons and experiences that have helped shape me during my time at Hampton University. Elizabeth Hallaren

My parting words to the under­ classmen is to always have fun and

Farewells Honors College Family, Please stay encouraged and take in everything that Hampton univer­ sity and the Honors College pro­ gram has to offer while under the direction of Dr. Freddy Davy. Her knowledge is unprecedented and she truly cares about each and eve­ ryone of us. The most important thing that I have learned while in the program is to be innovative

To all my fellow Honors College colleges, remember that you all took the challenge to be in the Honors College Program and that your service is always needed be­ yond what is on the Honors Col­ lege Requirement Checklist. Go by the office sit down and fellowship with Dr. Davy, Mrs. Sears, Mrs. McLean and Mr. Duncan they all have words of wisdom to share

with you and each of them has all walked and been through the steps in life we trying to get to. May my farewell from Hampton University be a great one! Yet I will always remain a friend and member of the Honors College...Our Home By the Sea! Brittany Adams

There are some words and phrases that are worth repeat­ ing. Some we repeat to remind us that sometimes we must walk by faith rather than by sight. In this category are such words as "We'll understand it better by and by." So often students want to know "what's in it for me now" and they decide to pass up Honors College because it appears that the tangible benefits or hard cash isn't evident.

Sometimes the benefits are not so obvious, but they are there. Consider two applicants (for grad school or for an employment position); each with transcripts that reflect 4.0 GPAs along with appropriate involvement in campus ac­ tivities. Both are equal. What tips the balance? Pursuing the Honors College program does make a difference.

Consider another group of words that I think are worth repeating: "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The sad­ dest are these: ‘It might have been!’" (John Greenleaf Whittier, 1807 ­ 1892) I'll use portions of a letter received recently to make this point.

"...I'm sure a lot has happened at Hampton as a lot has happened in my life since I gradu­ ated...Hopefully, my life thus far since graduation has been a testament to how much students get from Honors College.

"It's so amazing to look back on my whole Hon­ ors College experience and then see where I am now. I see how much I've grown... I remember sitting in Ogden for University 101 often fighting sleep. I remember laughing and trying to figure out what in the world you were thinking when you sang to us. Then I remember you singing again my senior year and I was in tears finally understanding."

"Stay the course." "Keep your eye on the prize." Some­ times it will seem that quitting is the thing to do; lighten­ ing your load is tempting. Do your best to avoid repeating the words "If only" or "I wish I had." Continue until you hear the words "Well done!"

Best wishes, graduates. Don’t forget to SHARE THE GOOD NEWS.

From the Director’s Pen

I appreciate you being my family and network for the past four years. Because of you I have made the most of my college ca­ reer, and I am leaving Hampton University with enhanced skills in every aspect of my life. Jade Anderson My interactions and experiences with my Honors College family has played an essential part in helping me grow and mature into the young man I am today. Thank you! To the senior class, gradua­ tion is not a "good bye." Instead, it

is a "see you later" because we will all meet again at the top of our per­ spective fields. See you guys at the top!

Jason Sherer

Farewells

Page 8

Page 9 Spring 2011

progress to the next level of educa­ tion. I was confident and secure in my medical classes because Hampton provided me with a security net. I welcome global competition as a challenge and not as fear. Against all odds, under the leadership of Dr. Har­ vey, Hampton University opened the WORLD’S largest free standing Pro­ ton Center. Hampton encourages its students to think globally, not only by its words but also through its actions. Hampton University leads by exam­ ple.

The second arena is Hampton University focus on family and com­ munity. From the beginning of my classes at Hampton, students were meeting in study groups and working together. Now, I realize the impor­ tance of teamwork. Reciprocity is important to me because many profes­ sors, staff, students, and volunteers have donated their time and resources to implement many of the programs, which I have participated. My pas­ sions are to give back and to serve others. Since working with the First Tee of America program, serving as a tutor at Heritage High School, and serving as a counselor in the Young Doctors Program and the A+ Pro­ gram, I am keenly aware of the needs and requirements to train up the next generation of African American lead­ ers. I believe an education at Hamp­ ton University is a roadmap for suc­ cess.

My selection as one of the 2011 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars solidifies my adherence to General Armstrong’s educational foundation of aptitude, gratitude, and attitude. The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program requires an excellent aptitude.

Continued on page 12

“Students turn in your cell phones and parents go home.” These words, spoken by Dr. Davy at the 2006 A+ Program, still resonate in my mind. The 2006 A+ Program was my initial contact with Hampton Univer­ sity. After completing the program, I knew Hampton University was my college of choice. It was a beautiful campus, the faculty and students were positive, and I thought Hampton would offer me a fun college experi­ ence. However, I never imagined I would be able to travel the East Coast as a member of Hampton University’s golf team and I would receive the Outstanding Freshman Trophy. Fur­ ther, I would receive the Athlete Aca­ demic Award my freshman, sopho­ more and junior years, I would be a member of the Mid­Eastern Athletic 2009 and 2010 All­Academic Team, and I would be an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar 2010­Golf. During the summer of 2006, I never envisioned that I would represent Hampton Uni­ versity on the debate team and I would be a Hampton Student Ambas­ sador for the 2009 National Summit on Marriage, Parent, and Families. I did not know Hampton would give me the opportunity to be accepted into two top medical school programs be­ fore the end of my sophomore year and I would be a 2011 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholar. In addition, I would become a member of the Hon­ ors College, the Golden Key Interna­ tional Honor Society, the Beta Kappa Chi Science Honors Society, and the Chi Alpha Sigma National College Society. The visions of these achieve­ ments never entered my mind during the 2006 A+ Program.

During my senior year of high school, I received the Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship. In the past, some people asked why I chose

Hampton over such schools as Har­ vard or Yale. Now these people see the vast opportunities available to me at Hampton and they recognize my academic and personal growth. I tell them that Hampton University is pre­ paring me for life.

I did not realize how well Hampton University prepared me to compete in the global community un­ til my senior year. My acceptance into the Boston University Medical School Early Medical School Selection Pro­ gram requires that I spend my senior year at Boston University Medical School. This program requires that I take biochemistry, histology, and neu­ rology at the medical school with the first year medical students. During my first day of class, I was shocked by the demographics of the classes. In the class of approximately 200 stu­ dents, there were 10­15 African­ American students. From the start of the class, I knew that I would no longer compete with people who looked like me. I realized that I would be competing with students from all over the world. My classes at Boston University School of Medicine are a true representation of how I have to compete globally. How did I do in my first experience competing globally? At the end of the semester, I was at the TOP of all my classes.

Hampton University has two specific arenas which prepared me to excel in a global market. The first arena is that Hampton nurtures the students until they are ready to excel. Students at Hampton are more than numbers and the professors know the students by their names. My classes at Hampton provided me with a solid educational foundation and most of my classes were an excellent combi­ nation of academics and mentoring. Hampton’s foundation allowed me to

Competing in the Global Community, Jason’s Experience Jason Sherer

After addressing Honors College requirements for at least three or more years, what are the benefits? Most are intangible (how do you measure growth and maturity) but at the Capstone Celebration there are also several tangible honors that only the scholar who completes the Honors College program receives.

First, there is An Encomium of Excellence. Each scholar receives a laminated copy of Honors College Certificate of Graduation which reads “To whomever this document is presented, Greetings: Be it known that…” There is the gold or silver medallion and the orange honor cord that are worn exclusively by Hon­ ors College Scholars. Finally, the scholar receives a laminated copy of his/her official transcript that indicates that the Honors College requirements have been completed.

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY HAMPTON, VIRGINIA 23668

HONORS COLLEGE (757) 727‐5076 FAX (757) 728‐6711 honors @ hamptonu.edu

HONORS COLLEGE CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION

May 7, 2011

To whomever this document is presented, Greetings:

Be it known thatHonors College Scholar was a participant of the Honors College Program at Hampton University. This means that in addition to fulfilling the prescribed requirements for the University Baccalaureate, the Honors College Scholar also addressed parts of a comprehensive honors program consisting of general education honors courses, honors credit in her major, cross­disciplinary honors seminars, plus six hours of Ethics and Argumentation and Debate or Logic.

At Hampton University, Honors Courses and Seminars differ from regular courses by requiring more analysis, more detailed study of the material, and more interdisciplinary exchange usually in smaller classes. They are taught by selected professors who are committed to giving the stu­ dents the best possible educational experience. In honors, students are expected to take more responsibility for their education. They complete and defend an Independent Study Capstone Project that is evaluated by a panel of faculty and peers. Honors College Scholar’s final project was a study of The Journey of HBCU’s : How HBCUs Developed Their Prestige.

The Honors College Scholar has demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills; she is able to analyze and synthesize a broad range of material; she is able to formulate a problem, develop a plan of action, prove or disprove an hypothesis, create an original work, set up a thesis and test it. She has demonstrated a responsibility for her own learning.

Certified by: Freddye T. Davy, Ed.D.

Director of Honors College

THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE IS A MEMBER OF THE: National Collegiate Honors Council; Southern Regional Honors Council; Virginia Collegiate Honors Council;

National Association of African American Honors Program ___________________________________________________________________

HAMPTON INSTITUTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND THE UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE GRADUATE COLLEGE CONTINUING STUDIES

Honors Scholar

Page 10 Volume 17, Issue 1

May 7, 2011

NOW WHAT DO THE GRADUATES RECEIVE?

Graduates’ Future Plans Brittany Adams will be attending graduate school at NYU. April Alexander will be working as a journalist in Hampton Roads or in New York. Jade Anderson will be attending Boston School of Medicine. Isaiah Ares­Batko will be attending Rutgers University and will be working at Anxiety Disorder Clinic Research. Ashley Balentine will be attending medical school. Steven Ballard will be attending graduate school. Jessica Barbour will be attending Boston University School of Medicine in the fall. Pamela Champ will be completing her 5 th year of the 5 year MBA program at Hampton University. Melissa Chastang will be attending Harvard Law for completion of a J.D. in 2014. Stephanie Chastang will be attending Georgia Southern University to obtain a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. Djeneba Cherif will be attending the University of Michigan as well as teaching middle school math through Teach for America. Courtney Coleman will begin the master’s degree in the Medical Science program at Hampton University Rana Constant will be attending graduate school. Daniele Coplin will be attending the University of Texas for a master’s in Latin American Studies program Imani Eichelberger will be attending Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA. Jeffrey Eugene will be attending Morehouse School of Medicine. Rachel Evans will be completing her 5 th year of the MBA program at Hampton University. LaurynFrancis will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to earn a master’s of Education in School Counseling. Siedah Garrett is working at Accenture. Elizabeth Hallaren will be obtaining a position as a RN at a local hospital in Virginia. She will be considering and ap­ plying to graduate school to begin a Masters in Nursing program. Alexandria Harris will be attending Georgetown University for a Master’s in Corporate Communication. Brittany Jones will be attending Columbia Law School in New York Brittany Matthews will be moving to Philadelphia and working in the marketing department for Philadelphia Gas Works. Chiara Murray will be attending Drexel University and entering the master’s in Family Therapy Program. Jessica Osizugbo will be attending medical school.

Melissa Powell will be attending a Neuroscience Ph.D. program at Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall.

Yaniel Sargeant will be attending Washington University the MSW program. Jason Sherer will be attending Boston University School of Medicine. Craig Stanley will be teaching 5 th grade math in New Orleans through Teach for America.

Veronica Stewart plans to enroll in a Business Administration master’s program. Jasmine Strambler will be attending medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Charles Todd has accepted a full­time position as a valuation associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Jocelyn Watkins will be attending John Marshal Law School. Desiree Williams will be a recruiter in Admissions for Hampton University or a Teach for America Houston Corp member. Valecia Wilson will be attending the UDream Program at Carngie Mellon for Urban Design and employment with Ur­ ban Design Associates in Pittsburg, PA.

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Volume 17 Issue 1 Page 12

I am a Hampton Merit Scholar, a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar an UNCF Empower Me Scholar, a Roy Wilkins Scholar, and a Rosa Parks Scholar. There has not been a Hampton University Barbara Jordan Scholar since 2001. I express my gratitude for my education by giv­ ing back to the community. My accomplishments would not have been possible without the support of Hampton University. I give thanks with a grateful heart. Finally, my late Pastor would begin Youth Church by saying, “I am always surrounded by the presence of God and attitude is more important than fact.” Having a

positive attitude opened many doors for me and removed many obstacles. With my aptitude, gratitude, and atti­ tude, Hampton University allowed me to grow, to lead, and to succeed.

Honors College Staff

Director: Dr. Freddye Davy Associate Director: Mr. Sabin Duncan

Secretary: Mrs. Juanita Sears Coordinator of Activities: Mrs. Caminisa Mclean

Hampton University Honors College P.O. Box 6174 Hampton, VA 23668 (757)727/5076 honors@hamptonu.edu

Competing in the Global Community, Jason’s Experience Jason Sherer Continued from page 9