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.

REUNION NEWS

Registration--Be sure and act quickly if you want to save money. Early birds will only have to pay $190 if they pay up before Feb. 15 as opposed to $235 after that date. Now this probably means some of you HU couples might have to cut back on those Valentine's Day gifts, but do it for the cause!

Also, please indicate what size you'd like for your polo shirt, which is included in the registration package. For those who have already paid, please drop Michael Byrd an email with your size at michael.a.byrd@bellsouth.net.

Rooms--Our block of 50 rooms must be completely booked by April 16 if we are to get the $149 rate and all the amenities, including the comp hospitality suite. As of the end of the year we had 35 rooms left, but from what I understand, there are only about 10 left.

CLASS NEWS

ATL Comes Out For Margaret

Ubiquity classmates in the Atlanta area got together at the home of Alvin and Cathy Lee to offer their support for Margaret Colden, who recently lost her husband, Divead Weedon just before the Christmas holidays.

Among those in attendance were T'Leen Moody Campbell, Mary Morrow, Leah Crocker, Wanda James, Lenora Delyons-Williams, Phylis Ingram, Julie Loftin McKay and Michael Byrd.

Word on the street is that the men did a lot of the cooking and that there were two types of gumbo that had folks slapping their mama!

Recession Didn't Stop This Effort

Before the 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti two weeks ago, Miki Turner and her friend, actress Laurel Holloman, held a charity auction to benefit the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. Laurel contributed five paintings and Miki donated 11 photographs from her African travels. Collectively, the auction has raised nearly $50,000. Funds have been earmarked for health care and education. One woman from Germany paid $900 for one of Miki's prints (see below)


Here are some of the other prints that went for big money, none of which I got to keep!




We're planning on doing another to benefit the recovery effort in Haiti.

Speaking of Haiti

Thanks to Andre DeBose for forwarding this information on an organization paying folks to use their skills in Haiti.

ACET, Inc. has received an immediate request to provide assistance to the

devastation from the recent earthquake that has befallen the nation of
Haiti. They are looking for anyone interested in going to Haiti to help for a 3-
6 month period. There are no particular skills sets defined at this
point, except the willingness to help wherever needed. They will be presenting
folks and highlighting their unique skills and trade qualifications, so if the
opportunity to help in your area exists – it will be noted and presented.
As you can well imagine, any skill that you may have – can be of great
help.

Typical skill sets needed:

Carpenters
Masons
Electricians
Medical Personnel
Communications
Builders
Heavy Equipment Operators
Plumbers
Logistics
Etc.

THIS IS NOT A VOLUNTEER REQUEST – you will be paid for the work you do.
This is a temporary employment assignment that will include travel, expenses,
remuneration with an understanding that housing accommodations will be
very basic. All that is needed at this point is a passport or ability to
obtain one ASAP.

If you are seriously interested or know of someone who would be interested
– please email me back ASAP or forward this email, and I will provide
more details for you at that time.

This is a unique opportunity to make a difference to the people of Haiti!

Onekqua Beverly
Corporate Recruiter/Security Specialist
ACET, Inc.
301-861-5023 (Office)
301-885-3199 (Fax)
_otbeverly@adamscomm.com_
(http://www.adamscomm.com/)

DIS N DAT

Thanks to Trudy Perry for sharing this info on internships at the White House.

President Barack Obama has announced fulltime summer internship opportunities at his crib for students or recent graduates and military veterans. If you have kids who are interested, act quickly as the deadline is Feb. 7. Applications are available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships

Arrangements for Tommey F. Jones, Sr.

The following arrangements have been finalized for TJ's dad. Mr. Jones' homegoing service The viewing will be Thursday night from 9-11 p.m. and the service will be Friday morning at 11 a.m. Both will be held at the Perry Funeral Home, 34 Mercer St., Newark, NJ. The phone number is: 973-824-9201.

Life & Death

The new year began with the birth of Wynton Ivey Norvel-Dillard's first grandchild! Her daughter Maya gave birth to a son, Alejandro Antonio Ortero Norvel on Jan 4. The big boy weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces. See the proud grandmom below!


Less than a week later, however, we experienced another loss. Tommey "TJ" Jones lost his father, Tommey Sr., on Jan. 10. Arrangements are pending. Please keep TJ and his family in your prayers. He can be reached at TJDisco@aol.com.

Stephen "Hop" Hobson also lost his mother, Florence Hobson, on Jan. 9.