Hampton University Celebrates a Living Legend’s Legacy with Waterfront Reception in Honor of Dr. William R. Harvey

By Hampton University

Following Dr. William R. Harvey’s final Board of Trustees meeting as Hampton University President, hundreds of Hamptonians, students, faculty, staff, alumni, federal, state and local officials, as well as other leaders were on-site for a VIP reception in celebration of Dr. Harvey’s impending retirement.  Located in the campus’ historic Legacy Park, settled between the thirteen exquisitely sculpted historical figures, under chandeliers hanging from the trees, on the breathtaking waterfront, Dr. Harvey’s legendary 44 year tenure at the helm of this world-class institution was recognized with a special program capped off with fireworks.  

Hampton University alumna and Washington DC news anchor, Allison Seymour presided over the ceremony that featured touching remarks and reflections from Mr. Wesley Coleman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, Chancellor and Provost and Dr. Harvey himself. 

“I know that President Harvey’s vision, dedication, commitment, single purpose goals to achieve excellence made the difference between stagnation and progress at Hampton, between failure and success at Hampton, from success to excellence at Hampton, and from excellence to exceptional-to extraordinary. He never gives up. His courage is immeasurable. He is driven and passionate about his work and enjoys working,” said Haysbert. “He is a dreamer who thinks of things not as if they were, from this thought process he created a pathway for students to move from the classroom to the boardroom; for 17 senior administrators to become presidents. It created the Proton Institute, the Hampton Plaza, Hampton Harbor apartments, luxury hotels, purchase of property yielding monthly income over 1/2 million, scholarships over $30 million annually and the list goes on.” 

Additionally under President Harvey’s leadership the University has four satellites in orbit, a weather antenna that can detect storms, hurricanes and tornados up 2,000 miles away, and an endowment that has grown from $29 million when he became president to over $400 million today.

The reception also featured a video tribute to Dr. Harvey, showcasing the breathtaking campus, including the 30 new structures built during the Harvey administration. Entertainment was provided by a rousing performance by Kustom Made, as well as a surprise performance from the Hampton University Marching Force

The evening was brought to a close with a spectacular fireworks displays against the evening sky highlighted by a performance of the Hampton University Alma Mater by the Force.

The reception was the first in two celebrations organized by the Special Events Committee, chaired by Leslie Harvey. The second event, Celebrating a Legend’s Legacy:The Harvey Years Gala will take place June 11, 2022 at the Hampton University Convocation Center .