Hampton University News September 8, 2014 EPA, Virginia DEQ renew environmental partnerships with HU, NSU EPA, state, and university officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during a campus ceremony at Hampton University, formalizing their continued partnership. "Today's signing further strengthens educational and environmental ties among two historic universities and two committed government agencies," said EPA's Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. "By linking education to hands-on work experiences, we can create enthusiasm and a greater appreciation for the environment to spur interest in environmental careers." Some of the goals of the MOU include promoting an increase in the number of minorities with careers in environmental science and environmental engineering, and promoting a greater understanding of the causes and effects of air pollution. "We at DEQ are very pleased to continue our partnership with Hampton University, Norfolk State University and EPA," DEQ Director David K. Paylor said. "Promoting environmental careers is an important action that ensures our ability to protect the environment for generations to come." The MOU also continues an EPA-founded program called LEAP -- Linking Environmental and Academic Programs -- at both universities. At Hampton University, LEAP has enhanced a graduate curriculum and air quality research activities. At Norfolk State University, the LEAP project provided ninth-grade students in the Hampton Roads area with an opportunity to learn more about air pollution and environmental science. Under the new MOU, the LEAP project will continue to provide university students with internships at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to learn about air quality and environmental science. For more information about the LEAP program, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region03/LEAP/index.htm. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!