Hampton University Celebrates Legacy with Founders Day and Museum Reopening

Celebrating Excellence: Founders Day Weekend at Hampton University

Hampton University is poised to host an incredible Founders Day weekend, dedicated to honoring its rich heritage and the contributions of its distinguished alumni. Slated for January 24-26, 2025, this year's events promise to be a memorable occasion filled with inspiration and celebration.

A Day of Reflection and Reverence

The official Founders Day celebration is set to unfold on January 26. This important day will feature a keynote address from General Xavier Brunson, a celebrated Four-Star General and proud alumnus of the Class of 1990. General Brunson has made headlines as one of the first African Americans in this prestigious military rank, making his presence at the event all the more significant.

This year's gathering not only highlights the university's illustrious past but also its enduring legacy of resilience and progress. Since its founding in 1868 by General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, Hampton University has remained a transformative institution for African Americans, offering unparalleled educational opportunities and a powerful platform for social change.

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership

The Founders Day weekend celebrates a lineage of leaders who have emerged from the university. Many notable alumni—such as Lieutenant General Darrell K. Williams, the current University President, and General Brunson himself—have upheld the values instilled within them at Hampton. Their military careers began on this very campus, joining a lineage that traces back to its founding.

Today, Hampton University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural preservation. It has played a pivotal role in defining the African American narrative through critical moments in history, including the Reconstruction Era, Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, and others. The Founders Day program will take place in Ogden Hall at 11:30 a.m., celebrating these enduring contributions.

Keynote Speaker: General Xavier Brunson

Hampton University is thrilled to welcome General Xavier Brunson as the keynote speaker. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he has held essential leadership positions all around the globe, serving in regions like Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, and most recently, the Pacific as the commander overseeing United States Forces Korea. General Brunson is not only recognized for his strategic prowess but also for his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the military.

His leadership philosophy centers on the importance of teamwork and empowering the next generation of leaders. A graduate who embodies Hampton University’s core values of perseverance, service, and excellence, General Brunson’s journey is a testament to the university’s mission to develop leaders who positively impact the world.

The Re-Grand Opening of the Hampton University Museum

Following General Brunson's address, the celebration will continue with the long-anticipated re-grand opening of the Hampton University Museum, steeped in history as the oldest African American museum in the United States. Established in 1868, this museum is a treasure trove that holds over 12,000 artifacts, showcasing African, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander art, along with extensive collections featuring works by African American artists.

Recent renovations to the museum have improved its ability to showcase these important collections while preserving its historical integrity. The reopening ceremony will feature guided tours and a reception, allowing attendees to appreciate the beauty and significance of the museum's offerings.

A Vision for the Future

President Darrell K. Williams remarks, "This Founders Day is a moment to honor our past, celebrate our present, and chart a brand-new day for our future. With General Brunson's inspirational leadership and the reopening of our beloved museum, we are reminded of the enduring power of education and culture to transform lives."