HAMPTON, VA. – Gov. Charles Turnbull, a graduate of Hampton University, told the 938 graduates of the school at its 130th Annual Commencement Exercises Sunday that it is their destiny to serve as leaders.
"Here you have received a world-class education and you are equipped to become leaders," Turnbull said at the ceremony held May 14.
The graduation address was a family affair for Turnbull. His nephew, Jamal Wells, received a bachelor's degree in architecture. Turnbull told the audience the definition of a leader according to his fellow Hamptonian and well-known educator in the Virgin Islands, Ruth Beagles, "Leaders explain reality, interpret the present and paint a picture of the future." Turnbull, who received his undergraduate degree from HU in 1958 and his master's degree from HU in 1959, said much of what he is today is a direct result of the faculty, administration and staff at HU who guided him.
"You stand on the shoulders of others who stood before you," Turnbull said. "Go forth and continue to make us proud."
A leader in the radio world, Tom Joyner of ABC's radio network's "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" received a honorary degree, doctor of humane letters. HU President William R. Harvey said Joyner was presented with the degree because of his commitment to African-American college students and HBCUs through the Tom Joyner Foundation. Joyner and many members of his family are graduates of HBCUs.
"HBCUs are part of my DNA," he said. "Set an example. Go out and recruit for your school and other HBCUs."
The Edward L. Hamm Sr. Distinguished Teaching Awards were presented to E. Nina Butts, assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation and Dr. Willie Darby, associate professor of chemistry. The Provost Innovative Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Zina McGee, associate professor of sociology.
The Outstanding Alumni-at-Large Awards were presented to Anne LeVonne Baird-Bridges of Roxboro, N.C., who works at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Dr. Regina Milteer-Rock, a medical director in Falls Church, Va. The Outstanding Twenty-Year Alumnus Award was presented to Brett Pulley, senior editor at Forbes Magazine and a native of Washington, D.C.
