Homecoming 2013: The Year of the Monsoon

Hey all. Just back from a fab but rainy weekend at our Home by the Sea.

First, before the jet lag really kicks in, let me give the highest props to Baron McKeithan who pre-sold a record number of Ol Skool Jam tix! Baron turned in $1,100 on Saturday night! Now that's some hustling.  Additionally, during the tailgate party Baron joined a group of significantly younger Omega men in stepping to the beats of Atomic Dog. Biiiiiiiigggg mistake, but we have to reward his effort. According to several not entirely reputable sources Baron lasted either 30 seconds, three minutes, three hours or half a day!

And, as usual, Ubiquity stepped up big time when it came to organizing the event and putting out all of the fires. Kudos to Michael Byrd and Andre DeBose for once again taking care of the libations and bar. And, another shout out to Mike for helping our treasurer Chuck Dortch with the accounting at the end of the night.

Thanks to Lauren Jones for arranging the volunteers to man the door--Lenora DeLyons Williams, Michelle Neeley, Charlene Alexander-Taylor, Vincent Bayyan, Bert Allen and Wynton Ivey Norvel-Dillard for working the door and to Bill Young and Cindy Woods for helping Andre and Mike behind the bar. Thanks to Bo Layson for overseeing just about everything from ticket sales to decorations and clean-up. Thanks to Sylvia Hazel Hunter for getting the decorations and securing the DJ. Thanks to Billy Taylor, Charlene Alexander-Taylor, George White, Larry Butler, Cindy Woods, Bert Allen, Wynton Ivery Norvel-Dillard and all the others who stayed behind to help us clean up McGrew.

Gamma Iota celebrating the 35th anniversary of their line

It was another successful event. We sold all but 12 tickets and people were still coming up until 1:45 a.m.!  I had a brief discussion with Dean Brett Pulley on Saturday and we're already working on plans for a 2014 event as we approach our 35th reunion! So, stay tuned for UNews updates.

December in Paris

Miki Turner will be debuting her new book, tomorrow, in Paris Dec. 14-15. Turner will be part of the  The Art of Re-Invention seminars where she, Laurel Holloman and Isabelle Van Rolleghem will talk about discovering their passions and re-inventing themselves. If interested in attending, you can register for the event at www.reartvention.blogspot.com. The cost is only 10€. Turner will also be signing copies of her first book, journey to the woman i've come to love.

                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

Ubiquity Well Represented At NAR

Dyanne Boone Baldwin, president of the NHAA's North Atlantic Region, truly knows how to organize a successful event. Last weekend in Delaware the NAR hosted a regional conference at the Hilton in Newark, which attended by Hampton alums from as far south as North Carolina.

On Friday there was a reception which was attended by President William R. Harvey, who later gave an HU state of the union address. During his remarks he had high praise for one of our classmates--Brett Pulley, dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism. Harvey said that BP was doing a "phenomenal job." Later that evening Miki Turner signed copies of her book, journey to the woman i've come to love" in the hospitality suite.

Saturday's workshops and luncheon were well-attended, too. Turner gave the keynote speech at the awards luncheon and signed books afterwards. She sold out her stock! Per usual Ubiquity represented. In addition to Baldwin and Turner, Janice Tyson, Jan Christopher, Dot Lee, Marcia Fields Milton and Brenda Mallory were in the mix.  

Homecoming Update

As most of you know by now our room block is completely sold out. If you are not planning to come and will be giving up your room at the Crowne Plaza, please let me know immediately. We will host a meet and greet Friday night in the hotel's Peninsula Room. There will be a cash bar and light food. On Saturday, we will co-host the Ol Skool Jam with '81 and '79. Lauren Jones will be coordinating the volunteers to man the door so if you are willing to serve, please contact her directly with the times you can work. She's at lawn819@yahoo.com.

Leah Is About To Walk!

Just a reminder to pledge your financial support for Leah Crocker at the annual Lupus walkathon.

Please click on the link to make your donation!

http://walk.lupusresearch.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=3290&px=1013215

 

The Prez Is AOK!

 
I've just been in touch with "The President." of course, when I called his mother answered the phone and said he was on the phone with someone else! I did speak with him, and even though he was a bit groggy, he said that all was well. He had a bit of a blockage on one of his arteries but it has been fixed and they expect to release him tomorrow. He wants all of you to know how much he appreciates your prayers and phone calls and to keep them coming as he recovers at home! Let's be thankful for this news and continue to pray for Brenda Torrence's speedy recovery, and the family of the late Darin Taylor.

The AKAs or AOK, Too!

Front: Renee Allen, Angela Ferguson, Darlene Fuller Parham, Audrey Archia, Mary Radden Hicks, Willeta Monroe Sawyer, Pat Mayo, Cindy Woods Pearson; Back: Rhonda Rhea Byrd, Kathy Brown, Angela Hall, Donna Lewis Givens, Patricia Hundley Williams, Rhonda Carter, Lorri Young West, Mary Morrow-Sutton, Val Whitlessy, Donna Wilds, Rhonda Owen Smith and Dyanne Boone Baldwin

In other news, I'm told the Gamma Theta sorors were not exactly acting their age during their 35th anniversary celebration in the DMV over the weekend. I fully expect Advil sales to skyrocket this week as they recover from what looked to be a glorious celebration of sisterhood organized by Rhonda Rhea Byrd. despite that little hiccup on friday during the storms that slammed the east coast, 20 AKAs attended the event.

"It was such a good time," said Byrd, who was napping when I called! "Some of those girls I have not seen since I left Hampton. Everyone came together in sisterhood. I'm still reeling from it! We looked really good for fiftysomething! Everyone was so thankful that we're still here and still connected."

The journey to the woman i've come to love Theme Song Is Released!

Every diva needs a theme song and Miki Turner's book now has one. "Loving Yourself" was produced by Bay Area natives Lorenzo "GMLSEE" Cordova and Kris "Mz Kris" Javier especially for the book. I'm also included on the track. We'd like this to go viral so, please click on the link and make it happen! It's actually a really hot track!

Party With A Purpose

Cindy Woods and the DMV crew will host their semi-annual Blue and White Marina party on Friday, June 7 at the James Creek Marina in D.C. The event will coincide with the 35th anniversary of the '78 Gamma Theta line crossing over. 

Rhonda Rhea Byrd has organized other events that weekend for sorors and friends, including a cruise down the Potomac on Saturday. The Spirit of Washington will take off at 11 a.m. and return at 1:30. It includes a live gospel brunch and tickets are $67.47. For tickets, follow these directions:

1.  The group order number is 1567916.  The group name is: AKAs of Gamma Theta

2.  The primary reservation specialist is Jake Lindquest (Victor and Myrtis may also assist you).

3. Give Jake a call at 1-877-902-6214 and provide him with our group number and your credit card information. You will then be added to our group reservation. If you reach voicemail, leave only your name and number. Someone will return the call. Please make your booking by May 21.

On Sunday, the sorors will gather at Howard University to pay tribute to the AKA founders.

Congrats To The Grads

Thanks to everyone who replied with the names of their graduating offspring. If you haven't responded to the email request yet, please do and your baby's name will be added.

Blake Pulley, the youngest daughter of Brett Pulley, graduates from Hampton Roads Academy this week and will be attending High Point College in NC this fall.
Kaitlin Holmes, daughter of Karla Morris-Holmes will be graduating from Ursuline Academy in St. Louis, Mo.
Leigh West, daughter of Darcea Scott West, will be graduating from Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ and will attend NYU in the fall.
Cameron Badger, son of Carleton Badger and Cheryl Dun Badger,  just graduated from Caldwell College in Caldwell, NJ with a degree in English.
Morgan Stith, daughter of David Stith, has graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in foreign studies.

Alan Wilson Green, son of Winifred Green, graduated from St. Stanislaus College Prep in Mississippi and will spend the summer at the Atlanta Sports Academy Prep School beforhigh school graduate resident student St Stanislaus College Prep - Bay St Louis, Mississippi to attend Atlanta Sports Academy Athletic Prep School before heading to Alabama A&M.

Brenden DeBose, son of Andre DeBose, graduated from Hampton last Sunday.

Jasmine Deborah Young West, daughter of Lorri Young-West, graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans today on her mother's birthday! Patricia Hundley Williams (Aunt P) joined the family in NOLA for the graduation festivities. Jasmine has been accepted into Teach For America Corps and will be teaching at an elementary school in Charlotte, N.C.
Kelvin Johnson Jr., son of Kelvin and Pamela Johnson, is graduating from Villanova University with a dual degree in accounting and finance. He'll get his master's this summer and begin working at Ernst & Young in New York City early next year.
David (Alex) Jett, son of David Jett, is graduating from Mt. Hebron High School in Ellicott City, MD. He'll be attending Duke University in the fall.
Taylor Rhem, daughter of Barbara McWilliams Rhem, received her master's of architecture last week from Hampton. And Barb's son, Austin, will graduate from the 8th grade next month. 

Adrien Juwuan White

 Adrien White, son of George White, will graduate Saturday from Kennesaw Mountain High School and will attend Hampton in the fall.

homecoming update

 So Long 2012

As we transition into a new year, I'm hopeful that all of you have run out of fingers and toes to count your blessings.

For some, 2012 marked the end of a journey; while others embarked on a fresh new start.

Ubiquity, as always, showed up. We were there for those who lost loved ones and for those who triumphed. That's what we do. And once again, the Homecoming Old Skool Jam was financially successful and wonderfully enjoyable.

We accomplished so much as a class and individually. I can't remember everyone but these folks recorded some memorable moments during the past year: Brett Pulley, the dean of HU's Scripps Journalism School; Marcia Fields Milton, being elected to the Trailways board; Winifred Green Little earning her doctorate; and Miki Turner, publishing her first book.

As we move ahead to 2013, please be cognizant of the time. In two years we will celebrate our 35th reunion at our beloved Home by the Sea and we need to start actively contributing funds toward our class gift. Many of you have created a separate banking account in regard to this effort. I think that's great. I'm starting mine in 2013, too. Others have been sending checks directly to class treasurer Chuck Dortch, who has done an outstanding job keeping the Reunion Committee abreast of our financial activity. Whatever you can do, just do it!

Also, as previously mentioned, we are working on a major fund-raising project that I won't mention publicly. Hurricane Sandy through a monkey wrench in that effort during homecoming and the Hampton-Morgan State game in NYC. It's all good though. We have all summer and Homecoming 2013 to make up for lost ground.

So, here's hoping that 2013 is all that you need and want it to be for you and yours. Thank you for your service, your love and your kindness. There's nothing like UBIQUITY!

Cheers,
Mik

Ain't This Da Truth!

Big ups to  Ezrah Aharone for his provocative and well-researched piece on President Abraham Lincoln called: The Legend of Lincoln Unchained. Here's a link to his column that appeared on the Black Star News website.

http://blackstarnews.com/news/135/ARTICLE/8608/2012-12-29.html

Congrats!!

Congratulations to Darcea Scott West whose daughter Leigh, who will be enrolling at New York University this fall. NYU was just one of six schools so far that accepted Leigh. Hampton, Howard, Pitt, Rutgers and Maryland were the others. Always nice to have choices!

Miki Turner's book, journey to the woman i've come to love, will be released early next month after a lengthy production delay. If you're in L.A. on Jan. 20, artist Synthia Saint James will host Miki's first book signing at her home/gallery. Miki will then travel to the UK, St. Lucia and possible Germany for other signings during February. Additionally, she has been invited to speak at the Women of the World conference in London this March.

Homecoming 2013

The Reunion Committee has reserved a block of rooms at the the Crowne Plaza for the upcoming homecoming weekend whenever that might be. We currently have a block of 20 that may increase. As soon as we receive and sign the contract, we'll let you know. The rate is $169 including breakfast.

CLASS NEWS

 Onward & Upward

It's that time of year when we celebrate new chapters in our lives and those of our children. Below is a list of classmates earning additional degrees; as well as a listing of graduating Ubiquity offspring.

Our peeps:
Dr. Winnie Green earned her her Ph.D. in education from Eastern Michigan University
Billy Taylor earned his master's in administration and supervision with a concentration on organizational leadership from Virgina State University. He is planning to wobble across stage. Keep an eye out for the YouTube clip.

Da Kids:
Sean Smith, son of Cheryl Joseph Smith and Larry Smith, graduates from the University of Miami with a degree in marketing.
Kristopher Holmes, son of Karla Morris-Holmes, graduates from Xavier University (Cincinnati) was an honors graduate in history and minored in classical humanities and theology.
John Marcus Heyer, son of Gayle Heyer, graduates from Hampton University with a degree in Psychology.
Joy Imani Bullock, daughter of Kim Bullock, graduated from St. George's School in Newport, Rhode Island and will be attending George Washington U. in the fall.
Kyle Avery, the son of Anthony and Karen Avery, will be attending Hampton in the fall.
Lindsey Chester, daughter of Leonard Chester, graduated from Hayfield High School in Alexandria, Va. and will be attending Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. on a basketball scholarship.

New gigs:
Maya Otero Norvel, daughter of Wynton Ivey Norvel Dillard, now works in the Hampton's university relations office.

NECROLOGY

We'd also like to offer our belated condolences to Tony Perry, who lost his baby sister recently; and to Dr. Mary Morrow-Sutton, who lost her younger brother.

Regional Reunions

Here's the ATL crew hooking up for Sunday brunch!

From R-L, Dr. Mary Morrow-Sutton, Fred Sutton, Renee Allen, Michael Byrd, Gina Byrd, Lenora Williams, Steve Blair, Lauren Jones, Altamarie Burroughs, Leah Crocker, Leah's daughter, Phyllis Ingram Ford, Glenn Ford.


HOMECOMING NEWS

As of May 11 we still have these rooms available in our block at the Country Inn Suites in Hampton.

• 4 king suites
• 4 doubles with two queen beds (smoking)
• 13 king rooms
• 5 doubles with two queen beds (non-smoking)

If we fill up the block, we'll get a free hospitality room.

To reserve, call the hotel directly at 757-224-9994 to obtain the special rates with our password.

As for the party. Same bat time, same bat place. Saturday night, Oct. 27 at the McGrew Towers Conference Center on campus.

HAMPTON NEWS

The annual Hampton Ladies Luncheon will be held on Aug. 4 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Tickets are $100. For more information regarding the luncheon and hotel rates, please call: Dr. Bettye J. Miller at 301-439-7471 (h) or 240-351-9557 (c).