No. 107

REUNION 2010

The Countdown

By now all of you who weren't there have heard how fabulous Homecoming '09 was. There was controversy, good times and a great new hotel that was conveniently located! Now, it's time to focus on reconvening for our 30th year reunion, May 7-9. Below is a letter explaining what's up from class leader Andre DeBose.

November 13, 2009

Dear Ubiquity Classmates:

The 30^th reunion of UBIQUITY, the Class of 1980, is quickly approaching. Our reunion theme is “Ubiquity: A lifelong bond through friendship". While Homecoming weekend was certainly one to remember, the reunion weekend is poised to be even better! The key ingredient for success, like Homecoming, is your attendance! Mark your calendar for our reunion weekend, May 7-9, 2010. The weekend will be full of activities including: a hospitality room for reconnecting; a meeting to cover class business; the Alumni picnic and Banquet to feed our souls; the last social event at Strawberry Banks; a farewell Brunch; and more. Details will follow in future communications.

The official Ubiquity Reunion Headquarters will be the Crowne Plaza – Hampton Marina (formerly the Radisson, just across the bridge from HU). The address is:

700 SETTLERS LANDING ROAD
HAMPTON, VA 23669

Phone 757-727-9700 for reservations

Block Reservations listed as: Hampton University Class of 1980

Room Rate is $149.00 per night; and check-out is Sunday, May 9, 2010

Block Release Date: April 16, 2010

Individual Cancel Deadline: April 7, 2010 (at 4:00pm)

Your reunion committee and other volunteer classmates continue to work to make our 30^th reunion memorable, but there is much to be done. Contact the following committee chairs via email if you have ideas and are willing to help:

Finance (Budget) Chair – Mike Byrd (michael_byrd@bellsouth.net)

Fundraising Chairs – Cheryl Badger & Bert Allen (cheryl.badger@dowjones.com or bert.allen@allentiumllc.com)

Registration Chair – Margaret Colden (mcoldenstanfield@bellsouth.net),

Hospitality/Activities Chair – Tony Cheatham (tonycheatham@comcast.net)

Necrology Chair – Cyndi Woods-Pearson

Communications (Facebook, Blog, Email, etc.) Chair – Miki Turner (dmiki@aol.com)

Class Gift Chair – Dyanne Baldwin (dyanne.b@iconeyewear.com)

Memory Lane/Classmate Recognition Chair – Lauren Jones (lawn819@yahoo.com)

This is the first (official) communication, we need your assistance to make sure everyone gets the word about our reunion plans. Call and email your friends from the Class of ’80, and make sure they received this letter. If they didn’t, please have them contact Margaret Colden at 770-843-0575 or mcoldenstanfield@bellsouth.net. We will also communicate periodically via our Hampton ’80 Facebook page and Miki’s blog since it is quick and economical.

The Office of Alumni Affairs has issued our financial giving goal of $75,000 to represent the 30 years since our graduation. We topped that amount and set the bar very high 5 years ago. I’m confident that we can again set the standard for others to follow! Contributions to the New Café campaign will be recognized, however, our goal remains to raise at least $75,000 by May 2010 independent of the New Café campaign. To help reach our goal, we advocated a painless $5/week strategy back in 2005 to which some have adhered – and we thank you. The quick arithmetic tells us that $5/week for 5 years is a painless way to give back $1,300. However, we realize that not all participated in that strategy; therefore, we ask that you give what you can. Further details and recommendations regarding a “giving challenge campaign” will be forthcoming.

Listed below are the options for those who would like to contribute now and leverage the tax deduction in this calendar year:

• Online Giving - Classmates can go directly to the University’s website, https://secure.hamptonu.edu/development/ to designate gifts to the Cafeteria Campaign, Unrestricted Giving, the General Scholarship Fund, Proton Therapy Institute, and/or the NHAA, Inc. Endowed Scholarship Fund.
• Debit Authorization - Classmates can access the Electric Fund Transfer form via http://givingto.hamptonu.edu/ways.cfm to allow funds to be deducted on a regular basis over the course of the year directly from your checking or savings account.
• Corporate Match - Classmates who work for corporations should check to see if their corporation participates in a corporate match program. If so, the corporation will provide a matching gift to the University. Those financial matches received prior to Reunion Weekend are counted as part of the class member’s gift. Visit http://givingto.hamptonu.edu/ways.cfm matching gifts search engine for more information.
• Write a Check - Classmates can forward a check directly to the Office of Alumni Affairs, c/o Ms. Mildred Swann. When making your contribution, be sure to reference the “Class of 1980” in the memo section of your check so our class is recognized.

Following are reunion activities that will be held on campus:

Alumni Association Meeting - Friday, May 7, 2010

This meeting focuses on the business of the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. Alumni are invited and encouraged to participate in the meeting discussion related to activities that foster increased participation in alumni involvement.

Memorial Service - Saturday, May 8, 2010

The Chaplain of the Alumni Association leads this worship experience that includes a stimulating message and communion. Alumni who have passed since the previous reunion are recognized during the service. This provides an opportunity for classmates to remember fellow classmates.

Alumni Picnic - Saturday, May 8, 2010, Emancipation Oak 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.

§ Great Food

§ Class Recognition

§ Class Shout Outs

§ Family Atmosphere

§ Vendors Galore

§ Music

Picnic tickets will be included in your registration.

Alumni Dinner Celebration - Saturday, May 8, 2010, Holland Hall 6:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

• § Walk on Red Carpet
• § Shout Out to Class Members
• § Tables are reserved, at Dinner, by Class Year.
• § Class Recognition and members of the 50-year class inducted into Emeritus Class

§ Alumni Recognition and Awards

§ Class Check Presentation

§ Jazz Band

Alumni Dinner tickets will be included in your registration.

ALUMNI RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

Special recognition is given by the University at the Alumni Dinner Celebration for:

• The Class having the highest contribution during the reunion year, excluding the Emeritus Class.
• · The Class having the most members in attendance at the Alumni Dinner Celebration on Saturday, May 9, 2009, excluding the Emeritus Class.
• · The Class with one hundred percent (100%) participation in giving for FY 2009 will receive the One Hundred Percent Participation Award.

Details regarding our reunion registration are being finalized and will be forthcoming. Please plan to get involved, as your expertise, talents, and knowledge will be a tremendous benefit in the planning and execution of our reunion activities. Please mark your calendar and plan to participate in the many activities during Reunion Weekend May 7-9, 2010. We look forward to seeing you in May.

Ain’t No Stopping Us Now!!!!

Regards on behalf of the Reunion Committee,

Andre DeBose, Class Leader

adebose@deloitte.com

703-569-8662 (home) 703-338-4042 (cell)

CLASS NEWS

Picture Perfect

Also, for those of you who missed the fun there are more than 1,000 photos documenting the homecoming experience at various links. See Miki Turner's photos at www.mikiphoto.smugmug.com (homecoming gallery); Cheryl Dunn Badger's at www.cherylcrane.smugmug.com and for those of you on Facebook, check out the Ubiquity Class of '80 page or Kent White's page. If anyone else has shots please don't send me individual shots. Put them in Shutterfly, Kodak or one of the free galleries so we can provide a link. At some point we're going to try and create a site to house the entire gallery.

Speaking of Facebook, our own Lauren Jones is the administrator of the Hampton Alumni page. Be sure to check out her page. If you're not on FB you just oughta be!

Another Loss For Ubiquity

Donna Marcia Wells passed suddenly on Nov. 2. Her funeral was held Nov. 9 at Howard University. Donna was an art history major at Hampton and was working as a photographic librarian at Howard until she began freelancing in June of this year. Please keep Donna and her family in prayer.

Birthdays

Carleton Badger, Nov. 1

Phyllis Ingram Luciano, Nov. 2

Angela Goode, Nov. 2

Chauncey Douglas, No.v 10

Adriana “Peaches” Bethel-Hibbler, Nov. 18

T’Leen Moody Campbell, Nov. 18

Joyce Cole, Nov. 20

Alphonso Holloman, Nov. 23

Andre DeBose, Nov. 26

Julie Loftin McKay, Nov. 27

Carl Coleman, Nov. 28

Darlene Fuller Parham, Nov. 28

Debora Durant Meador, Dec. 1

Kenny Malloy, Dec. 2

Jan Christopher, Dec. 3

Lenora DeLyons-Williams, Dec. 3

Tony Cheatham, Dec. 4

Darcea Scott West, Dec. 7

Mary Radden Hicks, Dec. 11

Deborah Maxie Cowling, Dec. 12

Rhonda Owen Smith, Dec. 17

Chico Sullivan, Dec. 1

Daphne Lockett Henderson, Dec. 19

Wynton Ivey Norvel-Dillard, Dec. 22

Stephanie Allen Gowin, Dec. 26

Patricia Hundley Williams, Dec. 26

Carlos Turner, Dec. 27

Peggy Witt James, Dec. 30

Ride Sharing

If anyone is flying into Norfolk Friday night between 7-9 p.m., please let UNews know. Several classmates are looking to share the cost of transport to the Crowne Plaza.

Congrats to Lil Kim!

Congratulations to Kim Bullock Williams who will be honored with the 2009 Education Award from the Newport, R.I. branch of the NAACP. Dr. Bullock will receive the award at a black-tie dinner on Nov. 7 at the Hyatt Regency/Goat Island.

20oct 09

HOMECOMING NEWS

It's hard to believe that 30 years ago we were preparing for our last homecoming as seniors at "Hampton Institute"! We hope that you will return to Homecoming '09 to re-connect with classmates and reminisce about the old (good and bad) times. Please note that the official Ubiquity Homecoming Headquarters will be the Crowne Plaza - Hampton Marina (formerly the Radisson, just across the bridge from HU). Please join us in the Hospitality Suite Friday evening starting at 7:00pm! Bring something old and something new to share at the Hospitality Suite.

After the South Carolina State game (and perhaps a nap), the action continues at the world famous Strawberry Banks Saturday night. Ubiquity, Ogre Phi Ogre III (Class of '79) and Eminence (Class of '81) are planning the old school party (with a new twist) that will yield all of the fun and none of the drama from back in the day!

Andre DeBose, class leader

Details For REO's Dad's Homecoming

The Memorial Service for Richard Owen, Rhonda's father, is on Friday, October 9, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., at James H. Hunter Funeral Home, 126 Ridge Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712.

Condolences can be sent to:

Mildred Owens

2109 Greenwood Avenue

Neptune, New Jersey 07754

(mother of deceased)

Rhonda Owen-Smith

2916 Old Court Road

Pikesville, Maryland 21208

(daughter of deceased)

No. 106

HOMECOMING NEWS

It's Almost That Time!

Homecoming '09 is almost here and from what I'm hearing it looks as though it will be well attended by the Class of '80.

If you don't have a place to stay I'm told that the class hotel, the Crowne Plaza, is oversold. There are other options but as you know the prices have been jacked for homecoming. If anyone is giving up their room, please let me know ASAP so I can post it.

The hospitality room will be at the CP and open to the classes of '79 (please let them enter first since they'll probably need some assistance moving about--OK, that was wrong!), '80 and '81. The days of the free and flowing drinks with Andre at the bar are gone as we were not allowed to bring in our own liquor this time. There will, however, be a buffet dinner setup for those who are hungry. The room will open up at 7 p.m.

The Saturday night jam at Strawberry Banks will go from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and again the cost is $20. That's a bargain for the fun you'll have. And speaking of money, the reunion committee is hopeful that classmates will make good on their pledges during this time. Class treasurer Michael Byrd was looking into different options to collect funds during homecoming weekend. So, bring your dancing shoes and your check book.

CLASS NEWS

Our Own Cover Girl!

Congratulations to T'Leen Moody Campbell whose recent accomplishments were chronicled in Fayette Woman magazine. T'Leen was among the first five women to graduate from Clayton State Fayette's MBA program! Check out the article here:
http://fayettewoman.com/women-graduate-clayton-state-fayettes-mba-program.html

She's Taught Them Well

Congratulations to Brenda Barnett Torrence, who attended a special book signing with journalist Gwen Ifill with a special guest. One of Brenda's second grade students from Rose Hill Elementary, Alicia Moya Dominquez, won a writing contest and the opportunity to have her prize presented to her by Ms. Ifill. The event was hosted by the Northern Va. chapter of AKA and Alicia, who was tops in the elementary school division, won a $100 savings bond and other goodies. Tell her to hang on to that Bren!

Birthdays

Donna Thomas Keating, Oct. 13

Karen Collins Avery, Oct. 20

Carleton Badger, Nov. 1

Phyllis Ingram Luciano, Nov. 2

Angela Goode, Nov. 2

Adriana “Peaches” Bethel-Hibbler, Nov. 18

T’Leen Moody Campbell, Nov. 18

Joyce Cole, Nov. 20

Alphonso Holloman, Nov. 23

Andre DeBose, Nov. 26

Julie Loftin McKay, Nov. 27

Carl Coleman, Nov. 28

Darlene Fuller Parham, Nov. 28

HAMPTON NEWS

Marching Pirates Need Your Help

We all know how good our band is, now the world needs to know. The Pirates need your vote to attend and compete in the 8th Annual Honda Battles of the Bands at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2010. Click this link to vote: http://www.hondabattleofthebands.com/

An Ogre Needs Our Prayers

Many of you might know or remember Willie Marshall from the Class of '79. Willie has recently been diagnosed with cancer and started chemotherapy treatments today. Willie is asking for your prayers as he faces the toughest challenge of his life. He's not taking calls but you can reach out to him through his friends--Billy and Connie Copeland--at 757-825-2490.

Email For Life

If you'd like to get a Hampton U. email address, which would allow those of you on Facebook to be part of the Hampton network, all you gotta do is this. Click this link and sign up: http://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/membersonly/HPT/permemail/permemail.cgi
Check it out!

Sept. 4

Arrangements for Russell Murray

Here are the homegoing plans for Russell Murray, husband of Dot Lee-Murray.

Wake

September 10, 2009

4-8PM

St. James Church

588 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

Newark, NJ 07104

Funeral

September 11, 2009

10AM

St. James Church

588 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

Newark, NJ 07104

Send Cards to:

Dorothy Lee-Murray & Family

21 E. Burgess Drive

Piscataway, NJ 08854

Do not send flowers to the home address. Dot is allergic to flowers. Fruit baskets are preferred.

No. 105

HOMECOMING NEWS

Just In Case You Didn't Know

When the Class of '80 gathers at our home by the sea, Oct. 23-25, please note that this isn't our official reunion. It's the 30th anniversary of our first Hampton homecoming. The official reunion isn't until Mother's Day weekend in May. So, if your funds are low and you need to make a choice, save up for May!

If you still plan on coming next month and you don't have a room, our best advice is to keep checking back with the area hotels or post a note here. That way, classmates who may be holding multiple rooms at the reduced rate, or those who are going to cancel their reservations, can offer them up to people who need accommodations.

If you are planning on attending homecoming, please leave a note in the comments section of this post so the reunion committee can start making plans for the hospitality suite.

CLASS NEWS

More Passings

Our class has been particularly hard hit by death this year. The latest person to lose a loved one is Elveeda Howell Dixon, whose father, Dr. Hannibal Howell Sr., passed recently. Dr. Howell's wake will be held this Thursday at Peebles Funeral Home in Suffolk, VA from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. His memorial service is scheduled for Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Hampton's Memorial Chapel. And his homegoing service will be held on Saturday at the Laurel Hill United Church of Christ at 8001 S. Quay Rd., Suffolk, VA 23457, also at 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Howell was a longtime HU physician. Cards and flowers can be sent to the Peebles Funeral Home at 1016 E. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434. Please keep Elveeda, her brother Hannibal and their family in prayer as they navigate through this difficult time. Elveeda can be reached at : chrisdix@erols.com.

Also, Cheryl Dunn Badger recently lost her beloved grandmother. Please keep Cheryl and her family in prayer.

Calendar Girl

Thanks to Dyanne Boone Baldwin for alerting UNews about the Hampton Roads calendar. Dyanne was selected to represent the '80s decade and looks good doing it. The calendar is published by the Montgomery County (MD) chapter of the NHAA. For ordering information contact Arthur Jackson at art_jackson@yahoo.com or at 301-580-6826.

Birthdays

Valerie Millsap Harrison, Sept. 2

Kelvin “Stone” Johnson, Sept. 17

Altamarie Burroughs, Sept. 18

Mary Morrow, Sept. 18

Andre Rush, Sept. 22

Danita Locks Smith, Sept. 23

Rosalind Murray-Port, Sept. 24

Gayle Burnett Heyer, Sept. 25

Karla Morris Holmes, Sept. 26

Renee Allen, Sept. 27

Vincent Bayyan, Sept. 27

October

Donna Thomas Keating, Oct. 13

Alma Collins, Oct. 20

PHOTO GALLERY

Here's a shot of Bo Layson, Mary Radden Hicks and myself shortly after my dad's homegoing service. We still fly! :-)

Thank You

On behalf of my family I want to thank all of you for the kind words of sympathy, the cards and phone calls that helped sustain us during this last week since my father's passing. A special thank you to the reunion class committee. The floral arrangement was absolutely beautiful and the donation to Save Africa's Children was very much appreciated.

I am also thankful that I had some of you here in Cincinnati to lean on. Local sisters Bonita Layson and Nicole Lockette both attended the service and Mary Radden Hicks flew in from Richmond to be with me. Those collective gestures meant so much.

Thanks ever so much. I love you all madly.

xoxmik

July 16, 2009

Classmates, the death angel has been busy this summer. UNews is sorry to report that Alfonso Holloman lost his dad, Alfred Lee Holloman, last week. Mr. Holloman died from complications of a debilitating stroke he suffered nine years ago.

Al would personally like to thank those of you who knew about his father's illness and showered him with love and concern.

"During these past nine years I have learned many lessons," Al says. "Among them are the healing powers of love and the strength in collective thought. I wastched how my father responded to love when when he couldn't express himself through words."

"Death inevitably causes us to reflect and contemplate. I am challenging myself to give and recieve love and want you to know that I am trying even if it seems otherwise. "

Funeral arrangements for Mr. Holloman are as follows:
Wake: Friday, July 17 from 6-9 p.m.
Funeral: Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m.

Both services will be held at the Star of Bethleham Baptist Church, 304 Spring St., Ossining, NY 10562.

july 9, 2009

Updates

Classmates, I received a note from our brother Bruno Lee this morning informing UNews that his young son Christopher has passed on. Christopher died on July 1 and his funeral will be held 9 a.m. tomorrow in Newark at:

James E. Churchman Jr. Funeral Home

345- 13th Avenue,

Newark, NJ 07103

973.242.8454

973.242.2566 - fax

Bruno asks that we all keep he and his family in prayer as they transition through this difficult time.

On a lighter note, Leah Crocker writes:

The Hampton bond is as strong as ever! Sharon Ford-Bell is in from Germany visiting us in the ATL!!! Michael Byrd found out she was here and invited us over for a 4th of July celebration at his house. Among those attending were: Renee Allen and my daughter Lindsay Watson (junior at Hampton) along with some other HBCU friends and of course our honorary Hamptonian, Gina Byrd We ate way too much food but had a great time laughing and reminiscing. That Hampton bond is amazing!!! Looking forward to our next guest, Daphne Lockett Henderson!!!!! August 21st!!!

Michael Byrd's Money Matters

Classmates: As we enter the 2009-2010 Hampton University Academic Year (1 July 2009-30 June 2010), we also enter our Reunion Year. Our class leader Andre Debose suggested we all set aside $5 a week during our class meeting at our 25th Reunion. We are 41 weeks from our 30th Reunion. If you have put away that $5 week, you would have a little over $1,000 set aside for HU. For those of us who work for corporations, you maybe able to get the company to match your gift to HU. Below, you can see how to navigate the Hampton University web page to see if your company is listed on the matching gift list. Either type the letter "A" to see all the companies participating or type the actual company name. There are over 12,000 companies listed.

Let me know what you donated during the year and if your corporation matched your gift. Those who want to participate send your check (Class of 1980) along with your company matching form to Mrs. Harriett Davis, Office of Development, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668. HU will process the company form directly to your corporation for the match. If you able to get a match, you get credit for the whole amount. But, please make sure that your company match gets to Hampton in Academic Year 2010 which is our reunion year. Some companies match $1 for $1 while others may possibly match up to $3 for $1.

Type into the browser: http://www.hamptonu.edu/ then click on the Giving to Hampton link;
then you link to: http://givingto.hamptonu.edu/ Then click on the Giving to Hampton link http://givingto.hamptonu.edu/giving_to_hampton.cfm then hit Matching Gifts
type in your company/corporation to see if they participate.

Simply contact your corporate point of contact to see how to proceed.

No. 104

CLASS NEWS

A Boone Is Headed To The UK

Congrats to Christine Elizabeth Boone, daughter of Kenny and Francine Boone, who recently graduated from Yale. Christine landed a job in Scotland at the University of Edninburgh's neurology lab. She'll be attending medical school next year.

The Boones hosted a celebration for Christine in Philly in May. David Stith, Brett Pulley and Pam and Kelvin Johnson were in attendance.

Reunited

Stephanie Allen Gowin and her family hooked up with Miki Turner last weekend in L.A. Steph's oldest son, Scott, will be attending the USC film school in the fall and the family came down for his orientation weekend.

Birthdays

July

Donna Wilds, July 2
Marcia Fields Milton, July 6
Donna Yancy Blanks, July 6
Joyce Wilson, July 6
Valerie Whittlessey, July 8
Chan Phillips, July 10
Charlene Alexander-Taylor, July 10
Margaret Colden-Stanfield, July 10
Rhonda Bush, July 10
Wanda James, July 16
Chuck Dortch, July 18
Kenny Boone, July 24

August

Brenda Mallory, Aug. 6
Yvette Lee Davis, Aug. 9
Gregory "Trammel" Groce
Leonard Chester, Aug. 18
Lauren Jones, Aug. 19
Pam Jones Johnson, Aug. 20
Janice Tyson, Aug. 24
Karen Randolph, Aug. 26
Donna Porter, Aug, 29

END NOTE

As you all know we lost Michael Joe Jackson last Thursday. Mike's "Off the Wall" LP (not CD!!) dropped during our junior year. What was your favorite jam?

New Cafeteria Reminder From
Michael Byrd

Many Ubiquitians pledged funds to help purchase a window in the new Cafeteria while others pledged to donate funds towards the construction of the New Caf. This message is sent to remind everyone that each person pledging to buy a pane must complete their pledge by 30 June 2009. We are now less than two weeks away from the window pane pledge deadline. So no matter whether you are part of a group purchase or one person buying a window pane or contributor, we want to thank you for your support to Hampton University and the New Caf Capital Improvement project. I have records on the amounts pledged and paid thus far so if you need to know what is owed, contact me. Also email me (Michael_byrd@bellsouth.net) with your actual paid amount to complete your pledge so that I can track what Hampton University should credit Ubiquity towards our Reunion 2010 class gift. Remember Hampton is still Hampton, so always double check to insure your contributions are counted towards our Ubiquity goals and keep your verification records. Indicate in the memo section, “New Café Project Class of 80.” Hampton University established a special Office of Development liaison for each class to assist with questions and concerns. Ubiquity’s “New Cafe” campaign and Reunion 2010 liaison is Ms Harriett Davis (757) 728-6669. So call your line sisters, your line brothers, your academic major colleagues, so we can finish strong in accomplishing our pledges to our Home By the Sea.

Mahorn Gets Shock-ed

Congratulations to Rick Mahorn, who today took over head coaching duties for the WNBA Detroit Shock. Mahorn had been an assistant to his former "Bad Boy" Pistons teammate Bill Laimbeer, who suddenly quit the team on Monday. The Shock are the defending WNBA champs.

Blue & White Marina Party Evite!

It's that time again. The hottest HIU party in the D.C. Metro area will take place this Friday. If you want to go click the link and RSVP.

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=XABUTCZOJRWDBYCPRERZ&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6

Russell Minus

Our classmate Russell Minus is in the ICU of the Central Bronx Hospital struggling with kidney and heart issues among other complications. Please keep Russ and his family in prayer.

If you'd like to reach out to Russ directly he can be reached at 646-721-5233, Rm. 10A.

News From the Reunion Committee

Dear Classmates,

It’s hard to believe that 30 years ago we were beginning our senior year at “HI!" The years have flown by. We hope that for you and your family the past 30 years have been filled with many blessings. While this letter marks the official start of reunion year activities for our class, your reunion committee has been hard at work planning fund raising, planning reunion activities and communicating with our classmates. The members of the committee are listed below:

Andre DeBose Chief Executive Officer
Mike Byrd Chief Financial Officer
Cheryl Dunn Vice President - Fundraising
Wynton Norvell-Dillard Vice President - Operations
Miki Turner Chief Information Officer

Several others have also begun to assist us by volunteering their time, talents, energy, gifts and suggestions to make this the most successful reunion year for us yet.

Your reunion committee began this year by establishing a few simple objectives:

1. Raise at least $125,000 for Hampton University by May 8, 2010
2. Recruit and/or reclaim 35 classmates that have not participated in our 5 year reunions
3. Receive contributions from at least 80% of our class in our fund raising effort
4. Facilitate reconnection and communication among our classmates throughout the reunion year
5. Facilitate an on-line payment system

Listed below are a few accomplishments thus far:

• Collected approximately $71,000 for Ubiquity’s financial gift to the school. This amount represents the funds pledged and collected for the “New Café Campaign and classmates’ Reunion Gifts."
• Publishing UNEWS, Ubiquity’s electronic newsletter, giving you “all da news U need to know!” concerning our class. If you (or someone you know) haven’t received these weekly newsletters from Miki, it means we don’t have your current email address. Please send Miki updated email addresses at dmiki@aol.com. You’ve been missing something really special.
• Secured blocks of rooms for Homecoming Weekend at the Crown Plaza – Hampton Marina (formerly the Radisson, just across the bridge from HU). Although the block of rooms is sold out, you can contact the Crown Plaza at 757-727-9700 as there are rooms still available at the group rate of $119/night.
• Planning the Official Kick Off the 30th reunion year with an Old School Party at the luxurious Strawberry Banks Resort during Homecoming.
• Reaching out to reconnect with missing classmates

We’ve gotten off to a great start, but there is more work to be done. We want and need your participation to make this year a success! Here’s how:
Fundraising

• Contribute $1,300 toward our class financial gift to the school ($5/week X 52 weeks X 5 years = $1,300)
• Match your gift through your employer’s matching gift program. Check with your HR department regarding details governing your employer’s program
• If you did not save $5/week, it’s not too late! There’s still 1 year to put away $108.33 per month!
• If you can’t give $1,300, give something. Every dollar counts
• Encourage fellow classmates to give

Less than 12% of our classmates have pledged/contributed to Hampton this reunion year. Corporate foundations determine their financial support of Hampton, in part, based on the percentage of alumni who give. We can do better!

Make checks payable to Hampton University and write Class of ’80 in the memo line. Send your contributions to:

Michael Byrd
1908 Barrington Drive
Jonesboro, GA 30236

Homecoming

• Meet us at The Crown Plaza – Hampton Marina (formerly the Radisson, just across the bridge from HU), the official Ubiquity 30th Homecoming Headquarters. We’ll be in the Hospitality Suite Friday evening!
• Bring something old and something new to share at the Hospitality Suite…
• Party at Strawberry Banks Saturday night. Ubiquity, Ogre Phi Ogre III (Class of ’79) and Eminence (Class of ’81) are planning an ol’ school party with all of the fun and none of the drama from back in the day!

Action Required

Volunteer to make our 30th Reunion a success. We need…

• Corporate sponsors to donate gifts and to underwrite activities
• Committee Chairs for various activities (i.e., Registration, Reclamation, Photography, Libations, etc.)
• You to serve on various committees
• You to come ready to have a Ubiquity Good Time

So much has occurred over the last thirty years, and we’ve grown in so many ways. We look forward to recalling fond (and not so fond) memories, sharing our experiences over the years, and making a positive impact on our “Home by the Sea” with you. Above all, thank you for supporting and encouraging your 30th Reunion Committee throughout the past 4 years! We hope to see you at Homecoming. It won’t be the same if you’re not there!


Respectfully,

Andre DeBose
Michael A. Byrd
Miki Turner
Wynton Ivey Norvel-Dillard
Cheryl Dunn Badger

No. 103

A New U

Greetings classmates! Yes, the UNews has a new look. Now it will be easier for everyone to respond to news items without sending multiple and redundant emails. Also, it should cut down on some on the bounce-backs from corporate email accounts with firewalls.

If any of you have other ideas on how to make this new format more user friendly, please leave a comment at the end of this post. Everyone will have access to the comments, but only I can administer the site. If you have your own blog, please feel free to send me the link so I can add it to the sidebar.

Additionally, instead of just doing a monthly newsletter as we approach our 30th reunion, this site will be updated as news comes in. I will try to send out reminders but you can be sure to receive the latest news if you become a follower. Just click on the "followers" icon on the right-hand side of the page.

Now, on with the news!

REUNION NEWS

Planning Ahead

As you all know by now our host hotel for the 2009 homecoming weekend is the Crowne Plaza, formerly the Radisson, which is just steps away from campus. Although the Ubiquity room block has been sold out, Class Leader Andre DeBose says that there are still rooms available at the reduced rate of $119 a night if you ring the hotel directly at 757-727-9700.

The Reunion Committee is currently working hard to make sure our 30th reunion is a memorable occasion. A State of the Reunion letter will possibly be posted in the next week.

CLASS NEWS

The Next Generation

It's that time of year when our kids are doing their thing. Congratulations go out to: Melody Harrison, daughter of Valerie Milsap Harrison, who was just accepted at the Savannah College of Art and Design in the visual arts department. If she likes it she'll be invited to join the incoming freshman class next year.

Kalvin Hicks Jr. (a.k.a. PJ), made his mom Mary Radden Hicks proud on May 10 when he graduated from Hampton with a degree in political science; also graduating was Channing Parham, daughter of Darlene Fuller Parham; Parris Young, son of Bill Young, graduated from Middleton High School on May 26 and is heading to the Philadelphia School of the Arts; Bill's daughter, Elyssa, is finishing up her third year at the Culinary Institute in New York and Bill is working with Hampton's own Willie Brown (and his dummy Woody) as a writer! Willie is currently working on Shelly Garrett's "Beauty Shop 2009" and touring.

And Morgan Stith, daughter of David Stith, will be attending UVA on a soccer ride this fall. If there are any more graduates or accomplishments, please click the comments link at the end of this post.

Birthdays

June

Carolyn Harris Brown, June 2
Cindy Woods Ward Pearson, June 10
Michael Prewitt, June 17
Terri Lawrence, June 25
Larry Butler, June 26
Willeta Monroe Sawyer, June 27
Brett Pulley, June 28
Sheila McNeill-Lee, June 30

July

Marcia Fields Milton, July 6
Joyce Wilson, July 6
Chan Phillips, July 10
Charlene Alexander-Taylor, July 10
Margaret Colden-Stanfield, July 10
Rhonda Hoskins Bush, July 10
Chuck Dortch, July 18
Kenny Boone, July 24

REUNION WEEKEND

By now we've all seen the hundreds of photos of Reunion Weekend '09 circulated by various members of the class of '79. Here are a few sent in by Dyanne Boone Baldwin of the new Proton Center and other such memorable events.