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HU President Darrell K. Williams, and First Lady Myra Williams, Donate $100,000 to the University
Hampton, Va. (November 29, 2023) – Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams, along with his wife, First Lady Myra Williams, demonstrate their commitment to the continued growth of Hampton University by generously donating $100,000 to Hampton for the second year in a row.
In conjunction with the recent National Day of Giving, the President and First Lady’s philanthropic gesture aims to support academic excellence, advance the University’s mission and spark the spirit of giving in others.
“The First Lady and I are delighted to give back to our “Home by the Sea,” said HU President Williams. “We remain both personally and professionally dedicated to delivering the number one student experience in America. We hope this will inspire others to give.”
The funds will be allocated to:
- Grow the Darrell K. & Myra R. Williams Scholarship Fund, awarded annually to psychology students
- Support the renovation of the Mansion House, the oldest structure on campus
- Increase other philanthropic causes at the University
Ret. U.S. Army Gen. Williams has completed his first year and a half at the helm of Hampton and during that time has implemented a 10-year strategic plan, “Elevating Hampton Excellence,” completed phase one of a campus face-lift in which eight buildings were newly renovated, increased enrollment and boosted the morale of faculty, staff and students.
The President and First Lady are both esteemed alums of the University, both class of 1983, the first alumni couple to serve in this capacity.
Listen to our donors tell you why they give and why you should!
Dr. Courtney Mitchell Abana
Atty. Marilyn Cain Gordon
Dr. Kester I. Crosse
HU Alumnus Gives School of Business $250,000. Why?
Zachary Scott says his gift to support Hampton University business students who are first-generation college students was inspired by the fact that he too was the first in his family to go to college.
“I clearly understand how difficult it can be to succeed without enough financial and ongoing guidance and support,” said Scott. “I realize the importance of supporting these young men and women that have an interest in pursuing a career in business. Hampton University’s Pre-College Program is an excellent way to get our promising students on a long-lasting path to success!”
After graduating from HU in 1978, Scott began his career with UPS as a package car driver and retired 30 years later as President of the company’s Midwest Region.
HU's satellite studies climate change
Hampton University is the first and only Historically Black College and University to have 100% mission responsibility for a NASA satellite mission. The Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere mission was launched on April 25, 2007 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California via a Pegasus XL launch vehicle.
Scientific research
Hampton University has over 20 years of experience in energy related research in its chemical engineering program, largely funded by the Department of Energy. This includes catalysis, biomass to biofuel, coal to gas, fuel reforming, hydrogen storage, and environmental monitoring.
Students at HU’s Department of Chemical Engineering
Fighting cancer and saving lives
Hampton University built a premier regional medical facility – the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI). At 98,000 sq. ft. with a total of five treatment rooms, HUPTI is currently the only proton therapy cancer treatment center in Virginia. HUPTI is a state-of-the-art research and training facility with an additional beam line dedicated to proton therapy research. With plans to treat over 2,000 patients per year with breast, lung, prostate, pediatric and other cancers, HUPTI is the largest free-standing proton therapy institute in the world.
$517,000 grant funds humanities center
With a $517,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Hampton University School of Liberal Arts will establish a Center for Teaching and Learning in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences to increase student success through exposure to and engagement with the humanities, arts and social sciences. This project was recently supported through a grant received from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in the amount of $517,000.
Center for Teaching & Learning in the Humanities
Promoting research at HBCUs
With funding from the National Science Foundation, The Department of Energy and others, Hampton University established the home of the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Research and Educational Access in Science and Engineering (INCREASE), an organization that promotes research and education in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs). Founded in 2007, the consortium is increasing the utilization of DOE national user facilities – starting with the National Synchrotron Light Source at BNL and now including SLAC, ORNL, ANL and LBNL – and facilitating education and research training, especially for members of groups underrepresented in science and engineering research at national facilities, such as African-Americans, Hispanics, and women.
Department of Defense Gives HU $4 million. Why?
The STEM Scholars Program will provide full four-year scholarships to 17 Hampton students studying in science-related fields.
“I think if we can use SSP to help others find their way, then we’ve accomplished a tremendous thing,” said Dr. Vallen Emery, Jr., of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.
“This is a great opportunity for a group of high performing undergraduates. I’m excited and am looking forward to them doing great things,” said Dr. Calvin Lowe, Dean of the Hampton University School of Science.
