word of honor€¦ · capstone projects. though a 30 minute presentation may sound like it could be...

FREDDYE T. DAVY HONORS COLLEGE WORD OF HONOR Issue 3 3

Director’s Pen

FTDHC 2015 Induction

Page 2

The Dubois Conference

Page 3

FDTHC Fun Night

Page 4

Senior Capstone

Page 5

Senior Reflections

Page 6

FREDDYE T. DAVY

HONORS COLLEGE

Word of Honor

FREDDYE T. DAVY HONORS COLLEGE WORD OF HONOR | Issue 3 2

It has been quite a journey. I

have little experience with journeys

with as many highs and lows as this

one. Through it all, the journey has

been more tolerable, more fun, and

more memorable because it was

undertaken with wonderful people

like you.

For as much as we have longed for

the day of donning honors cords, the

day is bittersweet. Bittersweet in that

for some of us, the upcoming fork-in-

the-road on our life’s path is our last

moment together. Do know as you

proceed, I love you and that you are

always at home in the Freddye T.

Davy Honors College. Others of

whom our paths may intersect again,

I love you also and look forward to

celebrating your future

accomplishments as well as

supporting you through future

challenges. For all of us, we must

recognize that the moments of which

we have longed are accompanied by

the passing of occasions that can only

endure in our hearts and

memories. Yes, this is a day for which

we have worked toward diligently;

and yet, we must understand that our

work was not solely for this moment,

but preparation for the road

ahead. Years ago, a phenomenal

preacher shared a sermon inspired by

a Ford commercial entitled “Built for

the Road Ahead.” Dr. Davy, Mrs.

Sears, Mrs. McLean, I, and others have

done our part in preparing you for

the road ahead. Now there is only

one thing left for you to do: proceed.

Be cool & much love,

Dr. Sabin Duncan

On Friday, March 20,

2015, the Freddye T. Davy

Honors College had the

pleasure of inducting 60 new

members into the family. The

program started off with a

contemporary ballet

performance by freshmen

Michelle Cagle and Cherise

McAdoo. Dr. Sabin then spoke

and introduced the new

inductees. The theme of the

ceremony was inspired by the

poem “See It Through” by

Edgar Albert Guest. This poem

reminded everyone that no

matter the obstacle presented,

we are always able to

overcome it.

Joi Taylor Dean, Chief of Staff

for the Richmond Metropolitan

Transportation Authority and

Hampton alumni, joined the

ceremony as a guest speaker.

She challenged each student to

embrace every opportunity

afforded and to always pave

forward. As the new inductees

were presented their Honors

College binders and pins, they

also met their mentor for the

first time.

Ashleigh Williams, first year 5

year MBA major from Fort

Washington, Maryland stated,

“This was a very uplifting and

family oriented experience. I

am excited about all the new

opportunities and meeting new

people.” The ceremony ended

with the Honors College

Members singing “Bind Us

Together”, a song about

coming together with strength

and love.

The 2015 inductees will have

endless opportunities for new

experiences and growth as they

begin this journey with the

Freddye T. Davey Honors

College. We are all looking

forward to seeing their success

in the future.

Director’s Pen By Dr. Sabin Duncan

FTDHC 2015 Induction By Taelor Bentley


On March 31st, The Freddye T. Davy Honors College held its annual DuBois Conference themed, “Scholars Matter”. The conference invited high school students from across the DMV area to a full day of scholarly competition and fun. The day began with interactive twitter games and questions where students could win one of our very own Honors t-shirts. The students were given a conference booklet enclosed with an overview of who was W.E.B Dubois and trademark, as well as the competing essays and more activities involving why scholars matter.

Prior to arriving to the conference, students could have participated in the yearly essay competition themed, “Seeing it

through”. Other competitions included a quiz bowl, talent, and oratorical contest. Throughout the day, there was some friendly rivalry taken place between a few of the schools who have both taken 1st

place in competitions in the past few years. Dr. Duncan tweeted, “to @DuBoisFTDHC, “who do you think will win the quiz bowl, Bennett or Gloucester?” The schools continued the competition on twitter, but began to really bond at the conference.

Part of the being a scholar is to know when to work and when to play, and these students proved their scholarship during the other fun activities throughout the day.

The scholars were split into groups of those who would attend McGrew Towers to participate in an activity lead by our UNV 300 students or tour the campus led by Kayla Anderson, Shannon Anderson, and I as some of the honors college students who are in the Student Recruitment Team. The UNV 300 class planned a game that tested the values and morals of people. The game had a list of 12 people who need to be saved on a boat. Each person had pros and cons that they carried with them; some had assets for the people of the

boat, while some had assets to the people of society. The objective of the game was to pick 9 people to fit on the boat and explain why. Many groups struggled between who deserved to be saved. Overall, most students picked the people who could help save their life at that moment. The game taught scholars that critical thinking can leave the classroom and may not involve academics but, includes moral decisions and what is considered valuable in a fun and interactive way.

The fun continued on the campus tours as students began to get a taste of how it feels to walk the roads of our Home by the Sea. Students commented on the historic touch the campus had, and even how large it seemed. Peter Lim, a DuBois conference student tweeted, “I just want to live here”, and of course we welcome all of Dubois conference students to our HU with open arms.

Overall, the conference was a success in the competition and the activities. Throughout the day, the students learned that all scholars’ matter, regardless of special talents, or the morals or values they decide to hold, scholarship is a daily lifestyle and we should look at like it is a part of our life.

DuBois Conference 2015: Scholars Matter By Brittani Bailey


FTDHC FUN By: Mariah McClain

On April 21st, the Honors College family came together in Dubois Hall for a night of fun and games. Hosted by the Junior Prep course in Honors College, the theme of the fun night was “90’s everything.” Everyone got a sticky-note taped to their back upon arrival. No one knew what the sticky-note on their back said until they went around and found a partner. The partner was responsible for giving the other person clues as to what 90’s themed show or person was taped on their back.

Next, the participants were split into two big groups for a game of

“Name That Theme Song!” Honors College member Kristyn Beecher, DJ’d 90’s television show theme songs. The first team to name the song got a point. As a twist, if a team sung the song together, they received an additional point. Both teams sung their hearts out to theme songs to shows such as Family Matters, Moesha, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. By the end of the game, both teams were next to the speakers in tense anticipation of guessing the next song first. It was decided that Team 1 won.

As students ate cookies and chips, they transitioned into a game of “Down by the Banks.” Standing in a circle, they struggled to remember

The words of the song of the childhood game. Finally, the game was started and hands started flying around while everyone attempted not to be the last one slapped before the song ended. “Honors College Fun

Night was definitely a way to get closer to my Honors College Family. I also learned a lot about myself by learning how to plan events.” Said sophomore broadcast journalism major, and honors college member, Arriana Mclymore.

FTDHC Fun Night was another great opportunity for members to bond, have a final event with graduating seniors, and end the year off right. Hopefully, next year’s Fun Night will be even better!


Capstone Presentations: The End of an Era By Imani-Kai Horton

College is a powerful time

in our lives. The experience sculpts students into the people they were meant to be, allowing them to push their limits and go further than they ever imagined possible. As a result, students have a lot to teach others as their college experience comes to a close. Members of the Honors College family are no exception and during their Capstone Presentations, they were able to teach fellow students about new and interesting topics while offering them guidance based on their own personal experiences. On April 14-16 in the Harvey Library, students of all classifications and majors gathered in the library to watch members of the Honors College present their Independent Study Capstone Projects. Though a 30 minute presentation may sound like it could be boring or repetitive, the information that the seniors presented on was nothing of the sort. Instead, the presentations proved to be engaging, thought-provoking, and, at times, even comical.

Each presenter began their presentation by telling students about their time at the university. For instance, Alyssa Renee Barber told the story of how she took a junior marketing class as a freshman to teach students that they can make an impact at any age. Though she was initially intimidated by the class, she reported receiving an A on her final project, proving to herself and others that she was capable of anything. Shannon Anderson compared her college experience to Alice in Alice and the Wonderland when she was falling down the rabbit hole, a comparison much of the audience could relate to. Though she may have felt hopeless at times, her success through various internships and leadership positions taught students that they can move past trying times and end up victorious. Next, the seniors presented their research, based on months of analysis and exploration. Their topics ranged from the effects of Title IX on women’s athletics (Brittney Johnson) to sexuality in Jamaican culture and art (Justin Preddie) to the importance of early childhood educational programs (Toni Wite) to true love (Evadne Evans). In Lawrence Wright’s presentation entitled Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan: A Comparison of Leadership Styles, he taught students what it means to be a leader and the difference between classical, strategic, transformational, and visionary leadership. He related his

knowledge of leaders to two well-known athletes, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, providing evidence on which type of leader each individual would be. Kyesha Lanae Wadlington’s presentation, Chicagoan ‘Til Chicago Ends: The Evolution of The Seven Deadly Sins, explored how each character of the popular show SpongeBob Squarepants represented one of the seven deadly sins. Her take on each character was both informative and eye-opening.

Members of the Honors College family have reached a milestone. They have overcome months of hard work and tiresome nights dedicated to their Independent Study Capstone Projects and ended victoriously. Their passions for global awareness, film, leadership, athletics, and so much more became evident to the audience with each presentation. These zealous individuals are off to places such as Vanderbilt, Carnegie Mellon, and even Italy to continue their success, but they have not done so without leaving their mark on Hampton University and the Honors College family by sharing with us their experience and research. Congratulations seniors, you made it


Farewell to Our Seniors By Amber Bentley

Amber Bentley

Looking back on my time in the Freddye T. Davy Honors College I can say that I am most appreciative of all the times I was pushed beyond my comfort zone. Dr. Duncan and all of the other Honors College professors have really helped me to come to realize that I should not second-guess my work and myself as much as I once did! This character growth is something that I will forever be grateful for. After graduation I plan to return to my hometown and begin working in the Public Relations and Marketing field and pursue my dreams of becoming a CEO of my very own Entertainment PR Firm! I would like to say thank you to Dr. Duncan, Dr. Davy, and everyone in the Honors College office for all of their dedication. Lastly, I want to give a special thank you to the spring ’12 inductees; we have really grown into a family over the years and I am happy to have made it to graduation with you guys. If I could do it all again with the Honors College, I wouldn’t change a thing!

Whitney Johnson

Looking back on the past four years of Honors College, I am undoubtedly appreciative of the program for helping me to see the world differently. Coming from a small, rural town, my view of the world was very limited. I had barely traveled out of Virginia before my freshman year of college, and I did not plan to move far from my family after graduating from HU. However, the honors college seminars and programs helped me to consider the views and beliefs of other world cultures, understand that the "American Way" is not the only way, and learn that this world has so much to offer. Since my freshman year, I have traveled the country and plan to soon work in China for a couple of months. Furthermore my biggest lesson that I will take with me after graduation can be summed up with one statement -- fear will hinder you, yet preparation will help develop you.

Upon graduation, I plans to intern at Burson-Marsteller (one of the world's leading global public relations and communications firms) in NYC before traveling to Shanghai, China. I will be interning in China's PR/Marketing/Advertising sector while learning Mandarin. I will also be considering a full-time position with Dominion Resources Services Inc., and will pursue an MBA degree in the near future.

I would like to give my sincerest gratitude to Dr. Davy for paving the way and establishing a vision for Dr. Duncan and the current honors college staff. You all have made a huge impact on my personal life and career by continuing her legacy. THANK YOU for your hard work, consistency, dedication, and unwavering support. Each of you are making a difference in the lives of young people, and I commend you!


Demarius Newsome Among several, one of my fondest memories is the entire orientation week. It was a lot of fun getting to know a lot of fresh faces while we struggled with them sticky notes during Map it out, making every single event, and walking from the Adopt-A-Spot. I met some lifelong friends that week.

I will continue my education at the Emory University School of Law where I will earn a Juris Doctorate with an intended emphasis in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Litigation, and Trial Advocacy.

S/o to my entire honors college family for all of the memories and great experiences we've shared. To the spring 2012 inductees, WE'VE MADE IT!!! A special thank you to Mrs. Sears and Mrs. McLean for keeping me on top of things and holdin' it down in the office. Last I especially want to thank Dr. Duncan, one of my professors and mentors since Day 1, for helping to mold me into a better student and person. I am really appreciative of everything you've done for me

Zachary Hinton

Looking back on the past four years of Honors College I am most appreciative for all of the people I've encountered and experiences I've been afforded. The students in Honors College are truly amazing, ambitious, intellectual, courageous, and innovative. To constantly be around an environment where everyone is always trying to break barriers is quite incredible.

Following graduation I will begin a summer internship at Adobe. In August I will start graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I will pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Computing Interaction.

I would like to thank Dr. Duncan for pushing me beyond my perceived limits, my honors college family for the inspiration and my spring '12 Line for always holding me down.


Tierre Hobson

I am most appreciative for the lessons and wealth of knowledge gained through the Honors programs. The course work through the program has opened my eyes to information that I would otherwise not know of.

Upon graduation, I will join the 2015 Teach for America, Charlotte Corps and pursue my Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

I would like to thank Dr. Duncan for his hard work and encouragement during the last four years. My classmates for the good times in some of the worse classes. And most importantly, Dr. Davy for her vision and legacy through this great program.

Shackysha Dezonie

I have matured tremendously during my tenure at Hampton University. With the contribution of FTDHC, I have become a woman of resiliency. Facing many personal and academic challenges, the FTDHC has ensured me that I will bend and not break. When things became overwhelming or I needed a quick reality check, Dr. Duncan, Mrs. Sears and Mrs. McLean were there to assist and put everything back into perspective. I am grateful for both the family atmosphere and opportunity to have worked with the most intelligent people on Hampton University's campus. Salute to the best class of them all, OGRES!


Britney Johnson

My favorite Honors College Memory would definitely have to be Dr. Davy calling my sister, Whitney, and I to inform us that we will be gospel miming for our Honors College Induction. We had no idea how she even found out that we had that talent, but we soon realized that Dr. Davy knows everything. Of course, we obeyed her request and mimed at the induction.

My post-graduation plans include pursuing a master’s degree in computer science with a specialization in social computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology and/or studying abroad at the University of Cambridge for one year. With my GEM fellowship, I will also intern at the MITRE Corporation in San Diego for both this summer and next summer.

I have to first give my sincere thanks to Dr. Davy. The Honors College would not be what it is today without her. Thank you Dr. Duncan for your guidance and mentorship that will forever remain with me. To Professor Carlton Long, thanks for pushing me outside of my comfort zone. Thanks to Mrs. Sears and Mrs. McLean because you two are the glue that holds the Honors College together! To my classmates and the rest of the FTDHC family, continue to dream big.

Justin Preddie

The biggest lesson I have learned is that a true scholar balances confidence born out of intellect and flexibility born out of humility.

My post-graduation plans are to do post-baccalaureate research program at University of Pittsburgh/University of Kansas OR find employment (US or Trinidad)

I want to give a special thank you to my family, my Honors College brothers Benjamin, Demarius, and Lawrence and to Dr. Davy, Professor Duncan, Mrs. Sears and Ms. McLean for your untiring support and faith.


Zora McFarlane-Blake

One lesson I have learned during my Honors College experience is that it is important to learn from the past, enjoy and live in the present moment, but remember to plan for the future. I will be attending University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall to pursue a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology.

I would like to thank Dr. Davy for believing in me and encouraging me to challenge myself, and I thank Dr. Duncan for stepping in and filling her shoes when we needed him the most.

Nia Vaughn

I urge all students here now and those that come

after me to do what you love. Nothing more, nothing less. It is easy for us overachievers to become so wrapped in the accolades that we lose sight of self and passion. Use Honors as a tool to diversify your mind and expand your pallet. As a creative mind and artistic soul, I had a hard time balancing but we all find our way...

After graduation I will be working as an independent journalism and curating my site, niasvaughn.com. Additionally I will be teaching English in French Guiana, South America, for a year through the French Ministry of Education. Upon completion of the fellowship I plan to enroll at the University of London's School of African and Oriental Studies to obtain a Master's in Global Creative Industries and Cultural Studies with an emphasis in Critical Media theory. Further, to obtain my J.D. in International/Entertainment law.

I would like to thank the fabulous Ansisters and Sheroes that came before me. I would like to thank Dr. Duncan for showing me the difference between a Black man and a brotha, and I would also like to thank Prof. Randolph Walker for being one of my most influential professors and teaching me the concept of the New Black Aesthetic which reshaped my outlook on life. My wonderful honors college cohort and our guardian angel Dr. Freddye T. Davy who taught me the art of allowing my products to speak for themselves.

http://niasvaughn.com/


Myiah Davis

Being a part of the Hampton University Freddye T.

Davy Honors College has been a wonderful experience. I

appreciate the opportunities to explore a variety of subjects

outside of the biochemistry major and being able to interact

with students who were dedicated to their school work and not

afraid of a challenging curriculum. When I leave Hampton I am

going to take with me the knowledge to explore the world

outside of the subject I majored in, the strength I attained to

preserve through a “failure’s mentality”, and most importantly,

the confidence in knowing that I am the only thing that can

stymie my progression. After graduation I plan of taking a break

from the college lifestyle and entering the workforce as a

teaching assistant or research assistant in Atlanta, GA.

I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Davy for the

innumerable lessons she taught me and to Dr. Duncan for

helping bring “Lazarus” back to life. To anybody reading this

not, 1) Do not let others (students, parents, teachers, friends)

convince you that something you are interested in is going to be

too difficult for you to do, 2) Always stay determined, focused,

and hungry, and 3) Life will never be easy for someone who is

working towards an end goal, don’t dwell on the difficulties, get

over it and get done what needs to be done!

Kiera Austin-Reffell

The Honors College provided me a number of unexpected challenges which I can now say I value much more than any academic challenge presented to me. This summer I will begin my career at Visa, Inc. in San Francisco with plans to begin work on my MBA soon after. This journey has been full of surprises and I am so excited to find out what else is in store for me. Thank you to each of my mentors and instructors for the support and many thanks to my classmates for motivating me to push myself to be great like them. Congratulations, Ogre XV! See you at the top!


Rah-Sha Al-Hassan

My favorite Honors College memory would have to be presenting my Capstone. Trying to complete Capstone during junior year with 21 other credits was so stressful, but accomplishing it was so much more rewarding! As for me, after graduation, I will be attending medical school. Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Duncan. Thank you for always being a professor, but also a friend. Thank you for pushing me and determining the best. I will always be grateful for that and you.

Joshua Burton

The Honors Service Learning seminar is one component of my experience that I am very appreciative of. The seminar demonstrated the imperative for leadership to be integrated with service and the attributes that distinguish a servant-leader. I have since been able to work towards embodying these attributes as I aspire to make a positive impact in my community.

Following graduation, I will be attending the Graduate School of Syracuse University as a Doctor of Philosophy student in Biology. I anticipate that this course of study will equip me with the requisite skills and knowledge for a career in biomedical research.

Dr. Duncan, I am grateful for the challenging and thought-provoking conversations and seminars that have stimulated my personal growth and development. I would also like to thank Mrs. Sears and Mrs. McLean for continuously being pillars of support and encouragement.


Maya Daniels

Looking back over my time spent journeying through the Honors College, I am most appreciative of the brief but valuable moments I had the honor of spending with Dr. Davy, the bonds I've created with members of my year, years below and Dr. Duncan! Completing the Honors College and the undergraduate portion of the 5 Year MBA Program proved to be EXTREMELY challenging, and demanding of my time in the midst of being involved in several other organizations on campus. But I thank the encouraging words, and reminders from members of the Honors College family for helping me push through, and not only finish, but finish strong!

After completing my undergraduate work in December, I began the second portion of the 5 Year MBA program, starting my first semester of graduate school this past January. Upon the completion of my MBA next spring I plan to start full time with KPMG.

"Thank you Dr. Duncan for reminding me of my strengths during times where I only saw my weaknesses, and for the great insight and advice you've given time and time again! I appreciate your relentless dedication to your students and I am sure that you've made Dr. Davy EXTREMELY proud!"

Chrysten Sailor

I am most appreciative of the faith Dr. Duncan had

for me over the years. No matter what hurdle I had to overcome, he believed that I would get through it. An application to the NASA Pre-Service Teacher Institute proved to be the most intimidating program I applied to because I was too young for the application. Once accepted, I learned a great deal about education from behind the scenes access to sensitive information and important personnel, even astronauts. I owe one of my most influential experiences as a teacher to Dr. Duncan's belief in my abilities as a future educator!

I will begin teaching 5th grade in May at Greenbrier Intermediate School for the remainder of the school year, and in the fall, I will teach either in Virginia or closer to home in Missouri or Arkansas.

Thank you Dr. Duncan for your faith and love that has carried me through the years. Thank you Mrs. Sears for your understanding and saving my life along the way. Good luck to my fellow FTDHC graduates, love you all


Chya Staton

My favorite Honor’s College memory is attending the NAAACP Conference in Jackson, Mississippi. I was able to meet HC members that I did not know and I became closer to many of members that I did know. A lot of laughs were shared during that trip that I will never forget. After graduation I plan to begin my journalism career and work towards obtaining a master’s degree in communications. I wish my fellow O Phi O 15 classmates the best in their future endeavors!


Orientation Traveler’s Circle

SYDNEY BLAND KIANA DASH

ASHLEIGH WILLIAMS DONALD PARKER

Student Executive Board Co-Chairs Dubois Conference

QUENTON JORDAN NYAA FERARY

MILES JENKINS KAYLA BROOKS

Retreat Word of Honor

DOMINQUE CONWAY NYAA FERARY

KAYLA BROOKS

Winners Circle Mr. & Miss Honors College

J’NIYAH KNOX-WILSON JORDYN HAWKINS-RIPPIE

DOMINIQUE DALY

word of honor€¦ · capstone projects. though a 30 minute presentation may sound like it could be...

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