Students at Hampton University rarely have the opportunity to hear President Dr. William R. Harvey talk about his family life or his many accomplishments. On Thursday, Dr. Harvey stood before a room full of students, faculty and staff for a question and answer style interview at the Hampton History Museum. The Presentation was part of the museum's "Oral History Project: Our Story, Our Time."
Among the many questions Dr. Harvey was asked, the first was about his wife, Mrs. Norma B. Harvey. Harvey said he first saw Norma in the library at Virginia State University, “I went over and sat down next to her and when I did, she got up and moved.” One month later, Dr. Harvey said he saw her in the Student Union and told her that she had “dissed” him. Dr. Harvey said Norma responded sayin, “I didn’t even know you were in the room.” With a wide smile, Dr. Harvey said he eventually got Norma to agree to go to dinner with him, “and some 51 years later, I still tell people, she is the straw that stirs my drink.”
Harvey went on to talk about his family and how he and his siblings came to value education. Dr. Harvey said that his father had a sharp mind and that his father always wanted his children to be well educated.
For 39 years, Dr. Harvey has served as President of Hampton University. Dr. Harvey admitted that, while he is the university’s leader, Hampton would not be what it is today without a “strong team.” Dr. Harvey applauded his employees for their service and dedication to Hampton.
Museum Curator, Allen Hoilman, conducted the hour-long interview, which will be entered into the museum's Oral History Project Collection and preserved as part of its archives.
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Hampton University News is produced and published by the Hampton University Office of University Relations, 757-727-5253.
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Monday, October 24th 2016 at 12:37PM
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