Hampton University Holds 50th Annual Honors Day Ceremony

Hundreds of HU students took to Ogden Hall to be formally recognized for their hard work and dedication at the 50th Annual Honors Ceremony last Saturday. Families, friends, students, and faculty members all enjoyed an opening show performed by the HU Jazz Band and the Terpsichorean Dance Team. 

At the Honor’s Day Ceremony, students who received cumulative GPA’s of 3.0 and above were recognized and awarded for their outstanding performance in academics. In addition, several students received awards for their contributions and achievements within their respective schools. 

Before the awards, Keynote speaker and 2009 graduate of HU, Rachel Spivey, opened up the ceremony with inspirational and encouraging remarks including reflections on her own academic experiences during her time at Hampton. Spivey talked about her trials and tribulations during and after her attendance at Hampton. Her motivating words were received well by the audience, resonating with many. 

Spivey was a member of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College. The new members of the Honors College sat before her in their royal blue blazers taking in all of her advice. 

  Rose, a newly inducted member of Honors College attended the Honors Ceremony to celebrate her academic success and consistent placement on the Dean’s list since starting Hampton. Rose greatly appreciated Spivey’s speech, 

“Through a personal anecdote, she was able to attest to the way that the Honors College changed her life. I appreciated how she saw us in herself and affirmed our dreams and aspirations,” said Rose.

Established in 1995, The Freddye T. Davy Honors College was designed for students serious about their education with a desire to be active learners. Students must have a GPA above 3.2 to apply. 

“I would definitely consider joining the honors college because it is a space to broaden [your] intellectual interest beyond the typical classroom,” Rose said.

Another student from the Honors College, Amber Austin, was recognized for her stellar performance in academics. Austin is a graduating senior, Biological sciences, from Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

“I’m studying biology with a minor in public health on the pre-medicine track because I have always wanted to become a physician. I decided that around 7 years old,” Austin said. 

Austin has a 4.0 GPA and was accepted into five medical schools. She was awarded the President's Cup for her excellence. Austin makes it look easy, but she admits it’s been far from that,

“The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) has been by far my greatest academic challenge yet. I had to take the exam twice to achieve the score that allowed me to earn five acceptances, said Austin”

Austin will be attending the University of Louisville School of Medicine in the fall to continue on her path to becoming a physician. 

“My final long-term goal is to diversify medicine by continuing to mentor students and help them matriculate to medical school as well. When black people are better represented in medicine, health disparities will reduce greatly,” said Austin. 

Congratulations to all the Honors students.