Hampton University News October 22, 2018 Sykes and Culbertson Cap Memorable Hampton University 150/40 Kick Off Celebration Hampton University officially kicked-off its dual celebration year, the university's sesquicentennial anniversary and 40 visionary years of leadership under President Dr. William R. Harvey, with a party truly befitting the world class institution. Hampton alumna Wanda Sykes captivated the audience with her signature style of comedy all night as the mistress of ceremonies for the historic moment in Hampton's 150-year story. "Tonight's kick-off celebration was simply terrific," said Dr. Harvey. "Brian Culbertson's talent is truly awesome. Our hostess Ms. Sykes couldn't have been more gracious." The celebration continued with Dr. Harvey delivering an impassioned speech, recapping the life and legacy of Hampton's ambitious founder Brig. Gen. Samuel Chapman Armstrong, who turned the former Little Scotland Plantation into a beacon of education in the post antebellum south. Dr. Rodney Smith, former Hampton University Vice President for Administrative Services, paid tribute to the presidency of Dr. Harvey. Smith pointed to the innovations Harvey has introduced which have solidified Hampton University's stellar position among the nation's colleges and universities -- 76 new academic programs, four active missions aboard satellites in space, the largest free-standing proton therapy cancer treatment center in the world, 29 new structures, an endowment which has gone from $29 million to more than $260 million. A video tribute recognized Hampton Unviersity's 150 years of excellence in higher education and 40 years of accelerated growth and solvency under Dr. Harvey. Culbertson capped off the historic evening with electrifying sounds that brought the Hampton University Convocation Center crowd to its feet with an arousing standing ovation, and leaving them wanting more. "It was truly special," said Culbertson. "Everyone was here to celebrate and that's what it felt like. The energy -- you could really feel it. Before we went on stage, I said 'Ah, it's gonna be good tonight.'" SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/