Congratulations to Dr. James M. Russell III, recipient of the 2008 Virginia Outstanding Scientist award. On last week, I photographed Russell and the 2007 award winner, Dr. M. Patrick McCormick, on the campus of Hampton University. Images were created of them in front of Ogden Hall, the Administration Building (pictured below), and other areas of the campus. Thanks to Yuri and her staff for coordinating this session.

One or two images from the session will be part of a billboard display along interstate 64 in Hampton VA. Look for the super-sized image during August and September 2008.

Dr. James M. Russell III (left) and Dr. M. Patrick McCormick (right),
winners of the 2008 and 2007 Virginia Outstanding Scientist Award

My work has been published in the June 30, 2008 issue of JET Magazine. One section features several of this year’s commencement speeches by prominent African-Americans. Among them are Christopher Gardner, who was the speaker at Hampton University’s 2008 Commencement Exercises. You can check out his photo on page 19, along with a quote from his speech. Commencement quotes from Barack Obama, Maxine Waters, Tom Joyner and others were also featured.

The 2008 Hampton Ministers’ Conference and Choir Directors’/Orgainists’ Guild Workshop kicked off on Monday June 2nd on the campus of Hampton University. Preachers and church musicians from all over the country have gathered here to worship, network, and learn music and concepts that they can take back to their hometown churches. This year’s conference speaker is Bishop Charles E. Blake, presiding Bishop of Church of God in Christ Worldwide. Here are a few images from the choir soloist performance and Bishop Blake’s sermon. Enjoy!

Choir Director

On Friday May 16th, I had the pleasure of photographing the JET program’s Annual Black Tie Gala. The event was held at Hampton University’s student center ballroom, where Wavy 10 (NBC) news anchor Don Roberts served as emcee. City of Newport News mayor Joe Frank was the recipient of the 2008 JET Visionary Award. Congratulations to all of the JET program participants! Also thanks to Gary for helping with the photography, and Myrtle for assisting with on-site portrait orders.

Don Roberts, Wavy 10 (NBC) morning news anchor

Newport News Mayor Joe Frank w/ JET program director Don Rose

On Mother’s Day ‘08, Hampton University held their 138th Annual Commencement Exercises on the campus at Armstrong Stadium. This year’s speaker was Christopher Gardner, whose life story was the made into the movie “Pursuit of Happyness” w/ Will Smith.

This was a very emotional speech for him, since his daughter Jacintha was among the graduates that day… the first in his family to graduate from college. President Harvey made it a “two-fer” by presenting Gardner with an honorary doctorate degree. My cousin Greg also graduated Sunday with his MBA… Congratulations!

Slideshow (runtime 1:07)

Commencement speaker Christopher Gardner

On April 22nd, Hampton University Athletics honored their student athletes during an awards banquet at the university’s student center. Coaches from each sport recognized their top performing players and presented MVP and other achievement awards. Here are some of the award winners and other photos from the event.

Hampton University 2008 Male Student Athlete of the Year

Hampton University 2008 Female Student Athlete of the Year

It’s an honor to once again be published in Ebony Magazine! The April 2008 issue features college queens from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Among them are Javicia Walker, Miss Hampton University 2007-2008. One of the images from our portrait session a few months ago has been used for this annual issue. Janet Jackson is on the cover, with Javicia’s photo on page 134.

Thursday was senior night, and the last home game, for Hampton University’s basketball teams. The men and women’s teams both defeated the Howard University Bison at Hampton’s Convocation Center. The Lady Pirates stayed ahead with a 74-46 win! The men also won their game, 71-59. Here are a few from that night.

Senior, Rashad West being recognized for joining the 1,000 Point Club

Action from the Men’s game

The Lady Pirates

HU Lady Pirates… The Seniors