HU School of Nursing Celebrates National Nurses Week

HU School of Nursing Celebrates National Nurses Week

Hampton University School of Nursing

The Hampton University School of Nursing (SON) has several activities planned in recognition of National Nurses Week May 6-12. In celebration of the profession, the American Nurses Association (ANA) selected the theme “Ethical Practice. Quality Care.”

SON Dean Dr. Deborah Jones said, “ The Hampton University School of Nursing faculty support the ANA in the efforts to raise awareness around the importance of ethics in nursing.”

The week’s events at HU include the SON annual Pinning Ceremony at 1 p.m., May 9 at Ogden Hall. A total of 50 students are part of the pinning. The ceremony marks the celebration of new nursing graduates into the profession, and precedes the University’s Mother’s Day graduation for all University graduates.

Guest speakers for the pinning are Dr. Jeffrey Doucette, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital and Captain Patrick Denis, a registered nurse who oversees internal operations in support of Medical Reserve Corps units nationwide. In keeping with Nurses Week, both speakers will address ethical practice and quality care.

Also, during Nurses Week HU SON Assistant Dean Dr. Hilda Williamson spoke at the Hampton, Va. Medical Center’s National Nurses Week Opening Ceremony. Her presentation topic was entitled "Ethical Practice From an Education Perspective."

Leha Byrd

HU Faculty receive Academic Excellence Faculty Award

Eight HU faculty members recognized for efforts. 

Eight Hampton University faculty members received the Academic Excellence Faculty Award during the 2015 Winter Education Staff Institute. The winners pictured above with University President Dr. William R. Harvey and University Provost Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert are accompanied by their respective Dean's include:

Dr. Francis Ndemo - School of Pharmacy
Dr. Ralph Charlton - School of Education & Human Development
Dr. Candace Wallace - School of Liberal Arts
Ms. Donna Pendergraft - School of Nursing
Mr. Wayne Dawkins - Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications
Dr. Sharad Maheshwaro - School of Business (not pictured)
Dr. Arun Verma - School of Science
Mrs. Margaret Browning - School of Engineering and Technology.


Matthew A. White -'10

HU Students Rally Together for Trayvon Martin Vigil

Students rallied together outside of the student center March 22, 2012 for a candle vigil in memory of Trayvon Martin.  In an emotional program that featured song selections, spoken word, and speeches, students were charged to continue to fight for justice for Martin and to also be aware of the blatant and underlying racism that still exists in America today.

Senior, Kevin Matthews opened up the program with a speech discussing the occasion and giving background information on the killing of Martin and singing group Emphasis followed with a gospel selection that gave a spirit of faith to listeners. Junior, Zainab Mustapha and Senior, Chelsea Balentine both performed selections that advocated hope in the face of adversity and Junior, Tommie Collins fought back tears during his spoken word piece on Martin. The program concluded with a dynamic speech by Junior, Jeremiah Carter and left students both inspired and fortified.

Junior, Gabriel Olayiah commented on the importance for students to rally together in the fight for justice.

“It’s a beautiful thing seeing students come together in support for the fight for justice for Trayvon Martin. There is power in numbers, especially in something as traumatic as this. We as a campus and as young adults need to band together so that people can become more knowledgeable of the many cases that go unnoted and so that justice can finally be served."

As the road to a colorblind society continues, we as a people are still realizing how far we have to go. When an unarmed 17 year old boy was killed for merely looking suspicious in a sweat-shirt, stereotypes and generalizations are being given to African Americans that are ultimately costing lives. Now is the time for us to band together so that justice can be served.

HU Student Potential Wendy Williams Correspondent for The Hunger Games Premiere

Senior Jessica Moore’s motto has always been to think outside of the box and to attempt to do whatever her heart desired, even if it seemed unfeasible. There was no questioning that after seeing The Hunger Games Contest sponsored by Wendy Williams that Moore would enter.

“I decided to enter the contest because I love the series and I think reporting at the premiere would be an amazing opportunity.”

Contestants were required to fill out an entry form and submit a short video explaining why they were the biggest Hunger Games fan. Moore used her creativity and let her quirkiness shine in her video submission that featured dramatizations, comedy, and passion.

“The storyline is so complex and exciting that you literally can’t put the book down…that’s what intrigues me most about The Hunger Games.”

One male and one female contestant will be chosen as winners. Winners will receive an all expense paid trip to Los Angeles, CA where they will be correspondents for The Wendy Williams Show at the red carpet for the premiere of the movie. Winners will also have a chance to appear as guests on The Wendy Williams Show.

“Wendy Williams should choose me because I am a huge fan of the series, I am a good communicator, and I can represent for other fans across the world,” Moore said.

A Conversation with Darryl Bell and Tempestt Bledsoe

The Hampton University Center for Public Policy and Leadership Spring Speaker’s Series, and the Department of Performing Arts co-sponsored a Conversation with Tempestt Bledsoe and Darryl M. Bell Friday Feb. 17 in the Little Theater from 12-1 pm. Bledsoe, known for her role as Vanessa in The Cosby Show and Bell known for his role as Ron in A Different World, discussed the importance of artists using their creative influence to become activists in the community.

Bledsoe and Bell both mentioned the influence The Cosby Show and A Different World had on the African-American community, and specifically, college-aged students. Bell even commented on how Hillman, the pretend college from the show, was modeled after Hampton University and even helped boost college enrollment during the 90s.

Bledsoe believes that it is an artist’s responsibility to use his/her craft as a form of activism and has even used her career as a platform to help make a difference.

“I use my craft as a form of activism in my choices and the roles I play. Growing up on The Cosby Show, I saw the influence of fame and how it can be used in a positive way. I have made a conscious effort to take on roles that have the potential to impact the community.

Bell shares similar beliefs as Bledsoe and reminisced on feelings about working on pressing political and philosophical issues and what he has done since A Different World to impact the community.

“We tackled issues that were deliberately thought provoking and had open dialogues with our writers. Our show affected college-age students, and revolutions have started with college-age students.  I also transcended activism into my personal life and used my celebrity to make an impact on the community. I supported President Obama and held voter registration drives and helped his campaign.”

The discussion seemed to spark the interests of many students wanting to enter the entertainment industry. Senior music recording technology major, Michael Thompson, commented on his feelings regarding artists as activists.

“It is always a good thing to see an artist having an influence on his/her audience; and using this influence to gain support for pertinent issues. This helps get important points across to people who wouldn’t ordinarily follow news events.”

Bledsoe also offered advice to Hamptonians interested in a career in the arts.

“Fully prepare and open yourself to theater and film pieces in order to fully develop into an artist. Create your own path and always stay true to yourself. Never compromise your integrity.

The Hampton University Center for Public Policy and Leadership Spring Speaker’s Series and the Department of Fine and Performing Arts are co-sponsoring a Conversation with Darryl M. Bell and Tempestt Bledsoe Friday Feb. 17, 2012 from noon to 1pm in the Little Theatre. The topic being discussed will be artists as activists.

Darry M. Bell, best known for his role as Ron Johnson in the six season hit sitcom A Different World and three time NAACP Award nominee, had a unique climb to stardom and began his acting career at an autograph signing with Spike Lee. He joked about the high price of Lee’s t-shirts and was later given an opportunity by Lee to audition for the film School Daze. Bell was casted as Big Brother X-Ray Vision.

Since his breakout role in A Different Role, Bell has had a plethora of film and television credits, including; recurring roles on Living Single, For Your Love , Cosby, and appearances on The Tonight Show, The Arsenio Hall Show, and  Regis and Kelly.  

Bell has dedicated service to the HBCU community, and recently hosted the Ford HBCU Business Classic for TV One. This was a competition for students from historically Black colleges competing for scholarship money to start their own business.

Tempestt Bledsoe, best known for her role as Vanessa in The Cosby Show began her career at the tender age of ten. After finishing the last season of The Cosby Show, Bledsoe enrolled at NYU’s prestigious Stern School of Business, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance.

Bledsoe also has numerous television and film credits and her most recent works include appearances on The Hallmark Channel’s original movie Wishing Well, Steven Bochco’s Raising The Bar, Oxygen’s Husband For Hire, and the voice of Abbey on Disney Channel’s The Replacements.

Tempestt has long been viewed as a role model for young people. She has served as National Spokesperson for D.A.R.E., and The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Faculty and students are encouraged to come to this event to hear how someone’s craft can be used to make a difference by two of television and film’s activists.

Afro-Punk Event



HU student ambassadors of Afro-Punk will be facilitaing an event Friday Feb., 17, 2012 from 2-5pm on the first floor of the Harvey Library. Students are encouraged to come and learn more about the Afro-Punk movement and will have an opportunity to complete a survey and enter drawings for an iPad, Chipotle and Starbucks gift cards, and tickets to the HU/HU or Alpha Caberts.

Afro-Punk became a touchstone of a cultural movement strongly reminiscent of the early days of Hip-Hop. Alternative urban kids across the nation who felt like outsiders discovered they were actually the core of a boldly innovative, fast-growing community. The online members have been the driving force behind the exploding Afro-Punk culture, creating an authentic virtual home in www.afropunk.com, and nurturing the musics best and brightest expansion of the Liberation Sessions, a live performance series hosted by James Spooner.

In 2005, the very first annual Afro-Punk Festival debuted to wildly enthusiastic crowds at the iconic Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). Co-curated by Matthew Morgan and James Spooner, the festival celebrated and unified the cultural cornerstones of Afro-Punk: music, film, skate, and most importantly, the fiercely independent and influential individuals that are the lifeblood of the Afro-Punk community.

Hampton Alum Creates Buzz in the Film Industry

           

Colen Wiley at the Urbanworld Awards

            Hampton University alumnus Colen Wiley has created a lot of buzz in the entertainment industry with his post-Katrina inspired script titled After the Storm. What started out as Wiley’s graduate school thesis project at New York University, soon turned into plans for a feature film production and has even earned the support of esteemed filmmaker Spike Lee and other key film industry figures.

 Wiley's script won the 2011 Urbanworld Screenplay Competition sponsored by BET and HBO, and also won the 2011 Spike Lee Production Fund Award. He began working on After the Storm in 2009 and is looking to begin filming this summer with plans of premiering in 2013. Actor Wendell Pierce, best known for his performance in the HBO series The Wire and native New Orleanian, has signed on to star in the film.

Wiley was inspired to write After the Storm after visiting a friend in New Orleans and envisioned how the post-Katrina environment he observed could develop into an allegory. He relied on the experiences of people he knew, along with his research and observations to help make his script authentic and insightful.

           “I have several good friends whose families have endured tremendous hardships as a result of Katrina.  Some have even had relatives that died.”

             Wiley was a political science major at HU, was the salutatorian of his class, and won the President's Cup award in 2004. Wiley attributed the knowledge he gained from his political science classes to him becoming more keenly aware of the social and political happenings around him.

           “Katrina had a great deal of political and sociological undercurrents beneath it, and I’ve subtly tried to pick at a few of those with this project.”

           Wiley took a few film and acting classes, and co-directed a short film while at HU. Wiley recognized the unique educational and cultural experiences he endured at Hampton University and noted its role in his overall development.

           “I learned a great deal in the classroom while I was there, but an even bigger part of the experience was to be a part of an environment of such beautiful blackness. That turned it into an education that was truly unique. It helped to make me comfortable and confident in my own skin. That is vitally important as a storyteller.”

           History professor Robert Watson, HU’s history instructor, commented on having Colen Wiley as a student.Wiley believes that that everyone who sees the film will walk away with a different experience.

           “Colen Wiley was an excellent student. He was very goal oriented in class and always had a vision of how he could make a difference. He served as a positive role model for his peers and led by example. Wiley also comes from great stalk. His father was an outstanding writer which had a good influence on him.”


           Wiley believes that everyone who sees the film will walk away with a different experience.

           “I don’t believe in trying to force feed anyone with any particular message with my films.  When you try to do that, people usually reject it because they feel like you are trying too hard to teach them something.  The best way to reach someone is to entertain them.”

           He also wants to portray things that mean something to him and that resonates deeply when audiences see it.

           "I'm very careful to keep things as authentic and truthful as possible. At that point, it's up to the audience to take from it whatever they will."

Wendell Pierce who is set to star in the film

Dubois Open Mic

Dubois Hall, also known as "Club Dubois" will be holding its infamous open mic Thursday Jan. 26, 2012 at 8pm. Come out and enjoy music, spoken word, and the commradery of fellow pirates. The show begins at 8pm and is known to always attract a good crowd and talented performers.



Remaining Schedule for Zeta Phi Beta Inc. Week

As many of you may already know, this week belongs to the lovely ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Inc. HU's Zetas have planned a fun filled week full of events and activities and would like for you to come out and enjoy the festivities. Here is the remaining schedule of event for this week. 

Thurs.  -12-2 in the student center
             -Open Mic Night
                (starts at 6:20 pm)

Fri.       -12-2 in the student center
             -Greek Basketball Game
               (starts at 6:20 pm)  

Sat.      -Blue and White Party (Holland Jam)
              $3 dollars before 10:30pm
              $5 after

Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman Series By Jacob Lawrence

The Hampton University Museum will be holding a reception Jan. 27, 2012 from 5:30-8pm for the opening of the 1930s Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman series by painter Jacob Lawrence.

Lawrence’s series presents the dramatic biographies of two American abolitionists who lived around the time of the Civil War and who both share the will and determination, in the face of all odds, to free their minds and spirits as well as their bodies from bondage.

A distinctive feature of Lawrence’s work is his use of the series format to render narrative content. In the series, each panel depicts a significant event in the life of the hero and is accompanied by a numbered narrative caption.  

The theme for the exhibition is FREEDOM FIGHTERS: In Commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial and will be featured in the museum from Jan. 27, 2012 to Sept. 8, 2012.

This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, call (757) 727- 5308.

"Lights Out Hampton Roads" voted the number 5 best radio show in the country

"Lights out Hampton Roads" was voted number five out of 20 on Radio Facts Top 20 Radio Shows In America For 2011. Winners were chosen by listeners and nominations from all over the United States.

"This is a great honor for me personally because I don't go for the recognition. I just do what I do because I love it with all my heart." -Jay Lang Director of 88.1 WHOV Radio

Click the link below to view the results
Radio Facts Top 20 Radio Shows

Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day

     Nearly half a century ago, the United States of America wasn't united at all. Our country was divided; separated by race, the color of a person's skin determined their place in society. Unfortunately for African Americans, this racial hierarchy placed us at the bottom society. We were beaten, degraded, mocked, criticized, and ostrisized. We were made out to be less than human and couldn't even drink out the same water fountains or eat in the same restaurants as Whites. As Oppression increased, the oppressed banded together and the Civil Rights Movement was born. One of the forerunners and father of  the Civil Rights Movement was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King was seen as a hero and was even a recipent of the Nobel Peace Price for his non-violent tactics in order to attain equality. Dr. King was a martyr, and dreamed of a day when Blacks and Whites would be equal. That day shows great promise as this country is becoming less segregated and more of a color blind society. We are not fully there yet, but hopefully in the days to come, his dream will be fulfilled. 

     The campus of Hampton University takes pride in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day and will have ceremonies in honor of Dr. King. The Office of Student Activities and Pan-Hellenic Council will sponsor the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March at 11 a.m., Jan. 16 beginning at the campus’ Emancipation Oak on Emancipation Drive and ending at Ogden Hall. A celebratory program will immediately follow the march at 11:30 a.m. in Ogden Hall that will feature spoken word, musical selections, and reflections from Hampton University students, as well as students in the Hampton Public School System. The HU Music Department will also hold its annual MLK Freedom Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Ogden Hall, featuring the HU Concert Choir.



Final Exam Studying Tips

    
     As final exams are fastly approaching, many students are having trouble staying focused and preparing for upcoming tests. Here are a couple of tips and studying habits that should ease test anxiety and ensure that students are confident and prepared for exams.

Tip #1: Never wait until the night before to study for an exam! Preparation takes time, and in order to adequately study for an exam, allot a certain amout of time a day for studying a couple of days prior to taking the test.

Tip #2: Limit distractions while studying! Listenting to music, watching t.v., chatting with friends, and browsing facebook may help to pass time, but often times can affect how much information a student retains. Studying in a quiet environment will help with retention of information.

Tip #3: Study in small groups. Studying in groups can be helpful. Members can bounce ideas and concepts off of each other and help to test one another. The key to studying in groups is to come prepared to the study session and to limit conversation outside of test material.

Tip #4: Highlight/outline important information. Studying a plethora of pages can be overwhelming. Highlighting important information will help to condense topics, synthesize reading, and will allow students to focus on specific information.

Tip #5: Do not study later than the time you would usually go to sleep. This may cause you to fall asleep while studying or may tempt you to rush studying in order to finish.

Tip #6: Get a good night's sleep before the exam and eat a hearty breakfast the day of. This will help fully charge your body and will help you feel at ease during the test.

Tip #7: Slow down on tests. Anxiety makes you skip over parts of questions. Read every word carefully

For a look at the Fall 2011 Final Exam Schedule, please follow the link below:
http://www.hamptonu.edu/studentservices/registrar/docs/fall2011_final_combined_exam_schedule.pdf

Winter Fashion Trends

Here is a list I put together of the top essentials for the winter season this year at HU...


1. Boots
Whether combat boots, polo boots, knee high boots, or furry boots... boots are a must for your closet this year!



2. Patterned Scarves

Scarves are a must to accentuate your winter ensembles.

3. Beanies

Beanies are a must if you want to stay warm, and have an edgy look.

4. Peacoats
Peacoats are a must to keep you looking stylish, while helping you stay warm.

5. Trendy Glasses (patterned frames)

Trendy glasses are a must to accentuate your winter ensemble.



6. Drop Crotch Pants

Drop crotch pants are back and more trendy than ever!

7. Short cuts for women, longer hair for men

"How I Learned to Drive" Expected to be a Moving Performance

Robin Boisseau, director of How I Learned to Drive and theater professor, fell in love with the play years ago and knew that one day she would want to put on its production. That notion was put into action in early September when auditions first began for the play. Boisseau credits the play’s controversial issues and theme of overcoming obstacles as reasoning for her wanting to direct the production, and commented on what she expected the audience to take back with them after viewing the performance.

“What I want the audience to get out this performance is that no obstacle or issue is too big to overcome and to be inspired by the characters’ drive and determination to conquer their problems.”

How I Learned to Drive was written by Paula Vogel and tackles subject matter that occurs in families, but goes unnoticed and unreported. Learning to drive is a metaphor used in the play to represent Lil’ Bit, one of the main characters, overcoming obstacles of rape and molestation within her family.

The message that the show conveys intrigued the actors and actresses, and sparked their views on the topics covered in the play. Ashley Saunders, a member of the female group chorus in the production, commented on her overall experience in the show.

“I’ve enjoyed participating in the play. As a society, we keep uncomfortable family matters hidden that need to be brought to the light. This play shows the complexity of child molestation.”

Dana Flowers, casted as Lil’ Bit in the play, also commented on her experiences with the production.

“It was very hard playing a character that was molested and it was even more difficult getting into character.  The play is about my character taking control, and hopefully the audience is moved by our performance.”

HU's theater department has had previous successes with its productions, including Dreamgirls, and is known for putting on dynamic and moving performances. Anticipation is high among students, faculty members, and Hampton-Roads residents, and actors and actresses are working hard to put on a good show.

The show runs Dec. 2-3 at Armstrong Hall Little Theater at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on Dec. 4 at 3 p.m.  Admission is $10 general, $8 senior citizens, and $8 non-HU students.

Remember the days... (HU SURVEY)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5HBXVJQ

Here is a fun, short survey for current HU students and alumni. Over the years, many things have changed regarding campus culture and events, but contrary to popular belief, many things also have stayed the same.

His Chosen Sounds Thanksgiving Concert Pushed Forward Without Choir Director

    

     His Chosen Sounds held its annual Thanksgiving concert Saturday, Nov. 19 in Ogden Hall. The concert

featured performances from HU's gospel choir, university choir, and concert choir and paid tribute to the 

late Royzell Dillard, former director of University choirs. 

     Students celebrated the life and legacy of Dillard in an emotional program that featured song selections

and testimonials, and performed in traditional "Dillard style" that current students and alumni could relate to. 

Choir members let their emotions and vocal ability blend together in perfect harmony to deliver a powerful 

performance. 

      Dillard touched many lives. Many Hamptonians served under him as members of the University Choir,   

University Concert Choir, the University Gospel Choir: His Chosen Sounds and The Vocal Jazz Ensemble:


JZAZZ. Dillard was also the national choir director for the 105 Voices of History, an Historically Black


Colleges and University national initiative managed by Partners Achieving Success, an organization created to


promote diversity in America's national venues and to link students' skills across industries.  He worked with


and training over 450 students from HBCUs for their participation in the national choir.


     A musical genius, Dillard published articles and music as well as presented at numerous conferences and


workshops both nationally and internationally. Named to the Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities,


Dillard has several noteworthy performing credits including Porgy and Bess, Messiah, A’int Misbehavin’,


and Five Guys Name Moe. One of the highlights of his career was his performances for former U.S.


Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as current President Barack H. Obama.

Urban Souls Dance Company

Moving, eccentric, captivating ... these are all words that describe the Urban Souls Dance Company's performance that took place on Nov. 11 in Ogden Hall.

The Urban Souls Dance Compnay is headed by Harrison Guy and is based in Houston. The company believes in bridging gaps between the worlds of urban life and dance theater. Dedicated to the preservation and creation of historical and contemporary dances, Urban Souls celebrates cultural themes that educate and entertain. This dance troupe provides audiences with more than just a dance performance, but a passionate “dance experience that will inspire and energize audiences.”

The program was titled "My Souls is Urban," and consisted of five dances; each with a different theme and unique stye. The dance troupe enticed the audience with a variety of dance styles ranging from jazz, to comtemporary dance and even included three of HU's students in the final dance.

Not only was the show a pleasure to watch, but it was also thought provoking and evoked strong emotions from the audience. This was my first time watching the Urban Souls Dance Company perform and will definitely not be my last. I would recommend watching this dance company to anybody who enjoys dance or wants to view a good show.

The Urban Souls Dance Company also held a dance seminar in the dance studio on campus that was open to students, falculty, and the general public.