No. 109

REUNION NEWS

We're just about two months out now and things are popping! Here are some updates.

• Hotel block is fully booked. Please refer to the hotel information on the previous posts. Ramada Inn and Best Western (Clarion) had availability last week. Also check the Oyster Point Marriott in Newport News.
  
• Early bird registration ends Monday. All envelopes must be postmarked by midnight, Feb. 22. For more info, holla at class treasurer Michael Byrd at Michael_Byrd@bellsouth.net.
• A lot of people have been inquiring about tickets to graduation. Class leader Andre DeBose has been in contact with the school regarding this matter and no decision has been made. What we do know is that commencement is scheduled for the Armstrong Field, which will hold approximately 20,000 once it is reconfigured. If it has to be moved to inside to the Convocation Center due to inclement weather, it only holds about 13,000.
  
• Unlike previous years we will not be allowed to walk with the graduating class. This Hampton tradition was apparently stopped five years ago.
• We are still planning on having the closing brunch on Sunday, but the committee is working on the logistics so that people who want to go to graduation can do so. Whatever the case, you might want to check into later flights.
• The weekend activity schedule hasn't been finalized but here's what is tentatively scheduled.
  

FRIDAY

golf tournament,1 p.m.;
hospitality suite meet n greet, 8 p.m.-until

SATURDAY
Alumni picnic, 12noon
Class meeting, tbd
Class photo, tbd
Alumni banquet, 7 p.m.
Strawberry Banks Party, 9 p.m-2 a.m.

SUNDAY
Closing brunch, tbd
Commencement, 10 a.m.

CLASS NEWS

Birthdays

March

Linda Dent Datcher, March 4

Dyanne Boone Baldwin, March 11

Toni Thornhill-Harris, March 12

Elveeda Howell Dixon, March 1

Billy Taylor, March 14

Renita Gayle Simril, March 15

Barbara McWilliams Rhem, March 17

Russell Easter, March 19

Anthony Avery, March 31

APRIL

Rhonda Rhea Byrd, April 3

Bruno Lee, April 13

Kimberly Perkins Holloway, April 15

Ronald Johnson, April 17

Bert Allen, April 19

Maurice S. Chapman II, April 20

David Stith, April 25

SHOUT OUTS

Congrats to Brett Pulley for breaking the story that Magic Johnson is in talks to buy Ebony and Jet. Check this link to read: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=avSjYzOrv09s

Also, Miki Turner stories are featured on the covers of two magazines this month. The current issue of Jet with Gabrielle Union and the current issue of Upscale with Jamie Foxx. Mik's next cover will be out next week with her baby daddy Laz Alonso. You can also check Laz and Miki out on video at www.ebonyjet.com in about a week.

WHO WRITES THIS STUFF?!!! LOL

REUNION NEWS

Battle of the Sexys

Now that we're all so high on the good news about President Obama chilling at our "white house," let's remember the reason for the season. Cheryl Dunn Badger and her fundraising committee have come up with a bevy of fabulous ideas to help us reach our target goal of $170,000. One of them is the "Battle of the Sexes."

Personally, I think the sexy sistahs will prevail, but you know our sexy Hampton brothers always step up. So, to everyone who has a dime to drop, BRING IT ON SEXYS!!

Yes, this is a politically incorrect way to test the competitive nature instilled in us. And yes, it might cause some issues in a few marriages. But all we need is about $75k to get over the top and the winners get to determine what price the losers might have to pay! There have already been a few suggestions as to what that should be but more are welcome!

Talk about incentive.



Here's the chart. Totals will be tallied daily so keep checking the blog to see who is on top. Make your contributions via the online giving links previously recorded on this site. And let the committee know what you've sent so the totals can be updated. To do so send an email to redtees1@gmail.com.

GAME ON FOLKS!!

Hotel News

Class treasurer Michael Byrd informs UNews that the 1980 block of rooms at the Crowne Plaza is filling up quickly since the Obama announcement. Mike is currently working with the hotel to see how many rooms might still be available. After some investigation, however, he's discovered that there are still rooms at the Hilton Garden (757-310-6323), the Best Western (the old Clarion, 757-838-0200) and the Ramada Inn Coliseum (757-827-7400).

Sorors on the Waterfront

Uber organizer Dr. Rhonda Rhea Byrd will be hosting a reception for the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha on Friday, May 7 at 6 p.m. For more information on the "All White Affair--Sisters on the Waterfront, Pt. II, contact Rhonda at justsisters@hotmail.com.

CLASS NEWS

Congratulations to Renee Allen for her quilt being selected on the traveling museum exhibit honoring President Barack Obama. Her quilt is currently on display at the National Afro-American Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio until November 2010, then it will be seen at museums all over the United States!

Registration Extension

For those of you who were praying for an extension to their early bird registration discount, praise him now. Due to the extremely adverse weather conditions on the East Coast, resulting in delayed mail service, the deadline has been extended from 15feb to 22feb. Happy Valentine's Day!

REUNION NEWS

So, you know all about the hotel and the various deadlines, you know the dates of the reunion and you single folks know not to bring sand to the beach, right? What you might not realize is that you have only one week to get your early registration postmarked by 15feb. Again, that early worm rate is $190 ($275/couple), the same rate it was five years ago. The late freighters will be charged $235 and $325 respectively.

Fundraising

Dear Classmates,

Greetings from your 30th Reunion Fundraising Committee: Cheryl Badger, Marilyn Gordon, Wynton Norvell-Dillard, Vince Bayyan, Tony Cheatham, Chuck Dortch and Bert Allen.

It's hard to believe we have just a little under 100 days until our 30th class reunion. Over the years we, the members of Ubiquity, have distinguished ourselves individually and collectively as leaders in support of our Home By the Sea. Our support has shown up in a variety of ways: volunteering with local alumni chapters, serving in official capacities at the school or the national alumni association, and contributing generously to fundraising campaigns.

Ubiquity's financial gift will be a significant part of our Reunion Weekend, May 7-9. Hampton benefits from our tax deductible contributions, but you should know that many of the school's funders determine how much they will contribute based on the percentage of alumni who give to the school. Some have asked about the recommended contribution amount - as stated 5 years ago, $5/week totals $1,300. However, our goal is to have 100% of our classmates contribute to our fundraising campaign, no matter how small the contribution. Our financial goal is $170,000. We have raised $94,300 (which includes contributions to the New Café) toward our goal and we truly thank all who have given to date! Funds raised will go to the Hampton’s General Fund, unless otherwise directed.

Your Fundraising Committee has identified several ways you can participate:

• The primary fundraising strategy is the “Battle of the Sexes” campaign! This campaign is designed to determine which gender can raise the most money for our 30^th reunion.
• Secondly, you can participate in the “Ubiquity 30th Golf Outing” on the Friday during reunion weekend where a portion of the proceeds will go towards our class gift.
• Also, you can bid for exciting prizes, like tickets to an NBA basketball game, in the “Ubquity 30th Online Auction”.

More information will be published on the Golf Outing and Online Auction soon!

Also, you can contribute directly via one of the options listed below:

Online Giving - Go directly to the University’s website, HYPERLINK "https://secure.hamptonu.edu/development/" \t "_blank" 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 - Access the Electric Fund Transfer form via HYPERLINK "http://givingto.hamptonu.edu/ways.cfm" \t "_blank" http://givingto.hamptonu.edu/ways.cfm to allow funds to be deducted on a regular basis directly from your checking or savings account.

Corporate Match - Check to see if your employer participates in a corporate match program. Visit HYPERLINK "http://givingto.hamptonu.edu/ways.cfm" \t "_blank" http://givingto.hamptonu.edu/ways.cfm matching gifts search engine for more information.

Write a Check - Send a check directly to the Office of Alumni Affairs, c/o Ms. Mildred Swann. Be sure to reference the “Class of 1980” in the memo section of your check so our class is recognized.

Over the coming weeks your Fundraising Committee will be contacting you with more details on the activities mentioned above, and soliciting your ideas on other ways we can make fundraising for Hampton fun and fruitful.

Whether you have given before and wish to give more, or you are giving to this campaign for the first time, thanks in advance for your participation and your contribution. Please let our Treasurer, Michael Byrd, know the amount you have given directly, via email at michael_byrd@bellsouth.net

Hope to see you in May!

Cheryl, Marilyn, Wynton, Vince, Chuck, Tony, and Bert

CLASS NEWS

Proud Parents

Unews received a note from Kenny Boone who was bubbling over with excitement regarding his oldest daughter Christine. The Yale grad has been accepted to a number of med schools, including one of the nation's best--Johns Hopkins. No word yet on Christine's decision, but I'm sure her proud parents will keep us all up to date.

Mik Joins The Jet Set

Miki Turner just completed her first cover for Jet Magazine on actress Gabrielle Union. The issue hits stands on Feb. 20 and features a candid interview with the actress who talks extensively about her relationship with NBA all-star Dwyane Wade for the first time; her flaws and her fear of failure. Miki, along with Dr. Ian Smith and other notables, were recruited by Jet editor Mira Lowe earlier this year as part of the magazine's re-branding. Jetmagazine.com will also be launching in March. Miki will handle the bulk of the company's multi-platform entertainment coverage from the West Coast.

If you haven't booked your hotel room at the Crowne Plaza, you're encouraged to do so ASAP. The 50-room block must be booked by 16apr at the discounted $149 rate. If you have booked and subsequently have to cancel, you must do so by 7apr.