Anisa Saigo

JAC 110
Professor Flippens
September 24, 2017

Substantial Information in the Convocation

Hampton University alumni, Calvin L. Butts Jr. reminds Convocation attendees why
Hampton shapes students for success.

On September 24, 2017, the graduating class of Ogre Phi Ogre 16 is attending their 75th

Opening Convocation. This celebration precedes their Graduation day in May, graduating

seniors arrive to their ceremony dressed in their black cap and gown. The audience is filled with

excited family members, as well as faculty, staff, and students of Hampton University. This

special day also celebrates Hampton University’s 150th anniversary, and Dr. William R.

Harvey’s 40th year as president. The populous event is taking place in the historic Ogden Hall.

All of Ogden Hall seats are filled. Hampton University is currently streaming the opening

convocation in the Chapel and Student Center Theater. Everyone is dressed formally for this

highly-anticipated event. Dr. Harvey, as well as some of the faculty are wearing regalia. The

Opening Convocation is an occasion where the passing of the torch from seniors to freshmen

occurs.

“The reason why Calvin is so successful is because he listened to direction here at the

illustrious Hampton University,” a joyous Dr. Harvey exclaimed. The keynote speaker is
alumnus Calvin L. Butts Jr. Butts who is a healthcare and pharmaceutical strategist as well as the

co-founder of the hashtag “HamptonNation”. He graduated from Hampton University with his

major was Management Information Systems in 2002. Mr. Butts states with dignity, “Hampton

University trained me to be different.” Butts is wearing the cap and gown that he graced the stage

with at his 2002 commencement from Hampton University. The goal of this speech is to remind

the graduating seniors that Hampton University is only the beginning of their success story. “....

because you attend such a significant institution, you just being here shows your hard work…

[but] hard work isn’t enough anymore.”

Butts motivates not only the graduating seniors but also the underclassmen. “I’m going

to tell you the truth... Truth is, just because you’re graduating does not mean making mistakes

will end.” Everyone in the audience is smiling from ear to ear, nodding their heads in agreement.

Engaging in the audience, Butts reiterates that, as students they should “Learn to love, adapt, and

compete on campus [fairly].” The students of Hampton University are accepting his encouraging

words in hope of applying this knowledge to their future careers.

Madison Walkes expresses her personal Convocation experience: “Wow, I can’t express

how speechless I am. Mr. Butts gave me a different view of my university [Hampton University].

His speech gives me the burning hope that I’ve been looking for…I really love my home by the

sea.” The senior class only has a few months left before they are met with the realities of their

new lives. It is also parent’s weekend and many parents are overwhelmed with joy for their

children. “Dr. Harvey and the keynote speaker Calvin L. Butts Jr., did an astonishing job at

uplifting my daughter and her peers.,” says an excited Hamptonian parent. Alumni Ayanna

Donovan states, “150 years of this amazing school as well as Dr. Harvey’s 40th year has made
this convocation a special one. I agree with Mr. Butts statement that, “Just because you’re

graduating does not mean that the mistakes end,” because transitioning into an adult has been

challenging.” The words of encouragement from Calvin L. Butts Jr. and Dr. Harvey gave Ogre

Phi Orge 16 hope for success.