Reba Wooden Diggs - Class of 1950

A year and a half after graduating from Phenix in t 950, Reba Wooden Diggs obtained an Associate Degree in Business Administration and started working as a Supply Officer at the U. S. Navy Department (USN) in Washington. D. C. After working several years for USN and saving the organization significant dollars byrevamping some of their forms and processes for greater efficiency, Reba became Section Chief for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission ... now the, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) ... overseeing a staff of 25 and responsible for compilation of nuclear licensing statistics. She held various positions from the onset of employment to her retirement but the ones she enjoyed the most were Licensing Assistant, Section Chief,Branch Chief and Program Manager. As a Licensing Assistant, Reba worked with nuclear engineers and legal staff reviewing and issuing nuclear plant construction permits and licenses. The positions as Section Chief,Branch Chief and Program Manager enabled her to lead teams or people to accomplish the originating, approving (via the Federal Register process s) the rules and regulations for plant construction and operation and ultimately publishing them. The positions also entailed establishing permit and license fees for nuclear power operations and collecting millions of dollars in fees. During her 34-ycar career of distinguished service at the USNRC, Reba received numerous awards (plaques and dollars). In 1989, she was awarded USNRC's second highest award, the Meritorious Service Award for unusual and sustained excellence in supporting USNRC's license fee program.

Reba not only distinguished herself in her career, but also distinguished herself as a consummate public servant,and unlike her retirement from her career the public servant role is one she continues to fill. Her public service activities started over 60 years ago at the time she became a member of the Brightwood Community Association (when she moved into the area in 1959) and later serving as President and Treasurer for many years. She is still very active and spearheads programs focused on community and individual needs. Reba also served as Treasurer and Vice President [or the D.C. Federation of Civic Associations, Inc. (DCFCA}-the umbrella organization for 46 local civic groups. For 20 years, starting in 1980, Reba was chairman of the Scholarship Committee and is still an active member. In 2000, the DCFCA Scholarship was named the DCFCA Reba M. Diggs Scholarship. Reba was appointed to the governing Board of the 105 year old Phyllis Wheatley Young Women's Christian Association in 1995 and has been Treasurer since 1998. Reba was also President of the 20~member Women's Ministry at Metropolitan Baptist Church. Since becoming a deaconess in 1981, Reba has served in positions of Vice President and President of the Deaconess Board. She is also an active member of the D.C. League of Women's Voters and a volunteer hostess for special events and programs at the Kennedy Center. For her volunteer services, Reba has received numerous recognitions, including a mayoral citation.

Anyone doing just a limited amount of research on Reba would quickly discover that Reba's adult life has been one of dedication to and concern for, family and others. She has balanced her career and service work with travel (visiting every continent except Antarctica), reading and poem writing. Reba and her husband, Raymond have been married over 60 years, are the proud parents of Keith Diggs and Sharon Jenks and grandparents of Quinton Lewis Diggs and Jessica Thomas.

Julia Billups Lumpkins Roberts - Class of 1962

Judy completed her early education years at Semple Farm Road Elementary, Union Street Elementary, and Y. H. Thomas Junior High School.  She graduated from George P. Phenix High School in the class of 1962.  After completing high school Judy enrolled in the Hampton City School/Hampton General Hospital Practical Nursing program and graduated in 1965. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for 7 years in a variety of health care settings.  She attended Thomas Nelson Community College Nursing Program and graduated in 1974 with an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) R.N. Judy matriculated in the Hampton Institute/University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1977, continued as a graduate student in Nursing.  She completed the requirements for a Master of Science in Education/Adult Nursing in 1982 and in 1994 completed the requirements to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She was licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Medicine and Nursing and became board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (APNP-BC) and received Prescriptive Authority. Judy’s work experience has spanned over 41 years in a variety of evolving and expanding nursing roles in inpatient and outpatient settings ministering to individuals, families, groups and communities.  She has worked at several hospitals on the peninsula formerly Hampton General Hospital, Whitaker Memorial, Riverside, Mary Immaculate (Bons Secours) and in three physician’s office as a Nurse. In 1982 Judy joined the faculty of Obici Professional Diploma School of Nursing and taught Medical-Surgical Nursing in the class room and hospital.  The Obici School of Nursing Students honored and dedicated their school yearbook to her in 1988 and 1994. In 1999 she was honored to receive the CHI ETA PHI Sorority, INC. ETA Chapter Glowing Lamp for the Nurse. Judy retired from Virginia Department of Public Health in 2007 and decided to become a Parrish Nurse.  Judy has continued to work in the Health Ministry at Ebenezer Baptist Church in the development of health education topics on HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, Teenage Dating Violence, Sex Trafficking, Breast Cancer, Men’s Day out Program focusing on Men’s Health, Hampton University Proton Cancer Presentation and involved with Healthy Churches 2020 which focuses on Health Disparities in Faith Based Churches and recent program on “Medicare Made Clear” by United Health Care. In 2017, Catherine received Hampton University dedicated and sustained services award in Nursing from Hampton University Alumni.  She has volunteered for the last 10 years in Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodging and Provisions (HELP) ministries in helping the homeless.

Chauncey E. Brown - Class of 1963

Chauncey Brown is the youngest of three sons of Elmore and Marinda Brown.  Chauncey was born in Hampton, Virginia and proudly educated at Union Elementary School, Y.H. Thomas Junior High School and George P. Phenix High School.  He was mentored by community elders such as Al Smith, Mary Christian, Dr. A. W. E. Bassett III, John Mallory Phillips, James Francis Sr. and Mrs. Ida Binga Atkins. He grew up in the neighborhoods of Old North Hampton and Downtown Hampton, witnessing the unfolding of Hampton History from segregation and through its various periods of redevelopment. He grew up as a child of Queen Street Baptist Church serving on the Junior Usher Board, singing in the Youth Choir, Holiday Serenity chorus, Senior Choir, Gospel Choir and now the Men’s Chorus and PBIC Music Ministry. Chauncey is a historian with a specialty in Church History, Community History and the preservation of African American Oral History. For several years he organized and led walking tours and history of the African American Churches and the vibrant black business districts that grew up around them. He believes that “all History, is God’s History”.

He is a he is the owner of C and M Diversified Enterprises LLC, a land development company, and Hidden History Tours and Consultations. He is a licensed home improvement contractor and is also currently employed by the City of Hampton as a Visitor Information Specialist. Achievements include:

PAST

• Youth member of The Citizens committee for Pride and Progress.

• Member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development Block Grants.

• One of the founders of The QSBC Brotherhood and the Young Brotherhood. Initiated The Men’s Day Awards; Chaired The QSBC Building Committee (for Queens North Worship Center project);

• YH Thomas Neighborhood Center Steering Committee / Former Board Member

• Licensed Realtor- 11 Years - Abbitt Realty Co, BASF Corp 26 yr. 

• Textile plant Head Operator

CURRENT

• Ordained Deacon ( May,1992)

• Church Historian

• Facilitator QSBC History Ministry

• Hampton Development Partnership

• Hampton History Museum Oral History Project Steering Committee

• Little England Chapel Foundation (Board Chairman)

• Member The United States Colored Troops Ensemble (Vocal ensemble preserving the songs of The USCT and Contrabands).  

Having lost the love of his life, his wife Malinda, to a brain tumor Chauncey established The Malinda Brown Foundation For Brain Cancer Research. Its purpose is aid others going through this terrible diagnosis and  to advocate for more funds for brain cancer research.

Chauncey has continued his education and hopes to pursue Degrees in History and Religion in the very near future. Chauncey declares himself to be a Man of God and wherever he goes he carries with him the Presence and peace of God. With his former wife Malinda, he has one Daughter, Leneicia Godfrey, one son Edward Donnie Morrison (deceased), six grandchildren and one great grandchild, along with three godchildren.

Vivian Walker - Class of 1959

Vivian M. Walker is a retired educator.  From an early age, she knew education would be her profession.  Vivian graduated from George P. Phenix High School in 1959.  She earned a BA degree in elementary education from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois in 1963, and a MA in elementary education from Hampton University (then, Hampton Institute) in 1968.  With many more classes, courses, seminars, and experiences, she has continued to hone her craft.

Vivian retired from public education in 2001, having been a classroom teacher for most of her career.  She taught young people from very impoverished situations as well as those from very affluent families.  Her classroom   practices earned her the Teacher of the Year Award for Newport News Schools, and the opportunity to serve on the SREB Team for the school division.  In this capacity she traveled and learned from some of the top minds in education in the country.  Once she decided to leave the classroom, she worked in Staff Development for the school division until her retirement.  In this capacity, she designed and facilitated workshops for teachers and   administrators.  After retirement, Vivian joined the staff of aha! Process as a consultant.  In this capacity, she traveled throughout the United States facilitating workshops on economic diversity, and its impact on the classroom.  Some of her most rewarding teacher training was done in Kenya.  As a member of her church’s mission team, she helped design workshops for teachers there, and assisted with the facilitation of these workshops in both Nairobi, and on the island of Rusinga.

Vivian served as the Christian Education Director for her church, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, in Hampton for five and one half years. In this position she wrote curriculum, selected resources, designed classes, assembled teaching staffs, did teacher training, monitored classes, and collected data to help the educational program of the church flourish. Vivian enjoys making quilts and has been doing so for 30+ years.  It is this love of quilting that brought her back to a classroom. She now teaches beginning, intermediate, and advanced quilting classes in the OSHER Program at Hampton University.

Vivian and her husband, Elbert have been married for 56 years, and have two wonderful children, Michael, and Myra.  These two have given their parents the world’s greatest grandchildren.

Her favorite scripture is Ephesians 4:11-13 and believes God did create her to teach.  A couple of years ago, a friend told her, “You seem happiest, when you are in front of a group teaching.”  She smiled and agreed.

Weldon Jonathon Irvine Jr. (posthumously)

Weldon was born in Hampton, Virginia, on October 27, 1943 to Weldon Irvine Sr. and Virginia Brown Irvine. Raised by his grandparents Major and Mrs. Walter R. Brown on the campus of Hampton Institute in the house known as "The Lodge". While his grandmother played standup bass in a series of regional classical ensembles, her husband served as dean of the men's college at Hampton Institute. While attending Phenix High School, young Weldon developed a penchant for writing. He graduated from George P. Phenix High School in 1961. Irvine began playing piano as a teen, and while he later majored in literature at Hampton, music remained his first love, especially after discovering jazz. Keyboardist Weldon Irvine looms large in the pantheon of jazz-funk, profoundly influencing the subsequent generations of hip-hop artists for whom he served as collaborator and mentor. Upon settling in New York City in 1965, he signed on with Nina Simone as the legendary singer's organist, bandleader, arranger, and road manager. After seeing a performance of playwright Lorraine Hansberry's To Be Young, Gifted and Black, Simone instructed Irvine to compose lyrics for a song of the same title. The finished song would later merit cover versions by performers including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway on its way to becoming the best known of his approximately 500 published compositions. "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black", performed live for the first time by Simone on the album Black Gold (1970). It has been dubbed the "official" Civil Rights anthem.

After splitting from Simone, Irvine formed his own 17-piece group that at different times included the likes of Billy Cobham, Randy Brecker, Bennie Maupin, and Don Blackman.

April 9, 2002 Weldon Irvine, Jr. said farewell to the world, leaving behind a son Weldon Irvine III.

Quentin J. Smith, Jr.

A native of Newport News, Va., Quentin graduated from Phenix High School in 1963. Smith was awarded a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Greensboro, N.C. in 1968.  He spent the next four years with the U.S. Navy Department as a Mechanical Engineer and on active duty with the Air Force. After completing his active military duty, Smith worked from 1972 to 1980 in a variety of engineering positions with U.S. Navy Department.  Leaving the Navy Department in the summer of 1980, Smith began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aviation Safety Inspector, Washington Flight Standards District Office, Washington, D. C. In February 1988, he was named Manager of the Washington Flight Standards District Office.  While at the FAA, Smith served in a variety of aviation safety inspector roles, including Assistant Division Manager and Division Manager.  Smith retired from the FAA in June 2004 as a Senior Executive. Smith is former Air Force Command Pilot with more than 8000 hours in C-47, C-141 and C-5 aircraft.  Duty assignments included Aircraft Commander for Air Mobility Command global airlift missions;  Commander, C-5 Squadron, Dover AFB, DE; Operations Directorate (J-3), Joint Operations Center Senior Battle Staff Officer, United States Atlantic Command, Norfolk, VA and Senior Air Force Liaison Officer for the Partnership for Peace Initiative, Dept of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, DC. Smith retired from the Air Force Reserves in June 1998 at the rank of Colonel.

Smith currently serves as an Executive Consultant for Science Applications International Corporation where he is an expert in the areas of Federal Aviation Administration regulatory issues concerning air carrier in-flight operations and maintenance programs.  Identifies potential conflicts and problems and formulates plans to implement solutions.  Provides recommendations to resolve issues and expedite coordination and implementation of the most promising solutions.  Advises on the effectiveness of programs based on sufficiency of data, acceptability, and impact upon current and proposed operations.  

John W. Downing, Jr., M.D., FAAP, FACC

Dr. John W. Downing, Jr., Phenix Class of 1953 was the recipient of a four-year Ford Foundation College Scholarship, is a 1957 honors graduate of Morehouse College with a B.S. degree in Chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in 1981, finishing in the top third of his class.  Following a medical internship at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., he completed his pediatric residency at Freedmen’s Hospital (Howard University). After serving as a pediatrician at the U.S. Army Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany from 1964-67, he completed a three-year fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. In 1970, he was recruited to the faculty at Howard University College of Medicine as an Assistant Professor. By 1980, he had achieved the rank of tenured Full Professor. During his time there, he served as Director of Pediatric Clerkship, Director of Pediatric Residency Program and from 1986-1994, he was Professor & Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric at Howard University Hospital.. He retired in 2001.

Dr. Downing is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He is a member of the of the American Academy of Pediatrics and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Sigma Xi Research. He was the lead author on the book “Pediatric Cardiology Case Studies” that was used by several pediatric training programs. In the community, Dr. Downing has served as chair of the High School Heart Research Committee and the Professional Education Committee of the American Heart Association/Nations Capital Affiliate. He is an active member of the Gideons International, having served as president of the Washington, D.C. Camp. Married to Bessie M. Downing, FBA, MARS, they are the parents of two grown children.     

Margaret Jones Wilson

Margaret Wilson was born and raised in the Aberdeen Gardens area of Hampton. She graduated for Phenix High School in 1957 and continued her education at Cortez Peters College in Washington, DC.  Margaret traveled extensively abroad and in the States as a military wife and mother of two sons. While abroad she became very active with military families who were in need of medical treatment, food,and child care. Margaret helped start an International Wives Club and assisted several foreign born wives in receiving US citizenship. Returning to the United States Margaret was appointed Black Employment Manager for the Air Force Civilian Personnel at the Pentagon. She was later hired as the Special Emphasis Program Manager for the 11th Wing Headquarters Air Force where she was responsible for ensuring that minorities were treated equally and fairly for job promotions. She also served as the Disability Coordinator for Air Force civilian personnel at the Pentagon. After returning to Hampton, she became actively involved in the Aberdeen Gardens Historic and Civic Association. She became chairperson of the Aberdeen Gardens Annual Heritage Day and later became   Vice-President and President of the Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens, Inc. Board of Directors. Margaret is currently the chairperson of the Hampton Electoral Board, a Tax Aide for AARP,and a dedicated member of Ivy Baptist Church.

Dr. Yevonne Shelton Smith

Dr. Smith is a 1962 honor graduate of George P. Phenix High School. She was President of the Student Council and the Girls Athletic Association, and a member of the National Society. Dr. Smith was also a member of the varsity co-ed tennis team and several other organizations. Dr. Smith received her BS degree from Norfolk State University in 1966, MS from Eastern Michigan University in 1970, and her PhD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1981 in the field of Kinesiology with Cognates in Social Psychology,Educational Psychology, and Sociology. From 1983 -1990 she taught at Grambling State University, College of Education program first as an Assistant and later being promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Teacher Education. In 1990 she began working at Michigan State as Professor of Kinesiology. Dr. Smith would later retire from Michigan State University as an Associate Dean of the Graduate School, African American, Latino, Asian American, and Native American Office for Student Affairs, and tenured Professor of Kinesiology. Dr. Smith’s research in her academic discipline of Kinesiology has focused on the sociology, social psychology, and social historical influences on African American women in sport. She has presented over eighty national and state scholarly research presentations and many of her articles have been published in national scholarly journals such as “Quest”, Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and North American Society for Sociology and Sport, just to name a few.

Estelle Bailey Hunter, MSN, RN, CE

Born and raised in Elizabeth City County (Hampton,VA), she graduated from George P. Phenix School, on the campus of Hampton Institute (Hampton University) in 1954. She followed her pursuit for a college degree and graduated with a LPN in 1965, associate degree (RN) in 1973, and a Bachelors Degree in 1976 with honors. She received her Masters of Science with a major in Nursing and a minor in education, which was very unique at the time, in 1982 from the Medical College of Virginia/VCU with honors. She entered the Veterans Administration, now the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Hampton, atthe lowest level (gs-1) and worked her way up to Assistant Chief Nurse in 1984. She left the VA system as Interim Chief Nurse in 1984. At each level of her career she has been the recipient of numerous honors for superior service. Sheearned Who’s Who in Executive Women and Recognition for playing a major role in bringing first time Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations at the District of Columbia Department of Corrections, DC Jail. Other recognition's include those from the Clinton and Obama president administrations, and the Democratic National Committee.

Dr. Barbara Anthony Wright

Class of 1960. Dr. Wright began her career in nursing in 1966 when she completed the LPN program at Dixie Hospital School of Practical Nursing. After working for eight years as an LPN, Dr. Wright decided to enroll at Thomas Nelson Community College and graduated in 1973 with an ASN.

Dr. Wright continued her employment at Hampton General Hospital in the operating room as staff nurse. Dr. Wright was hired as Staff Nurse in 1974 in the operating room at the Veterans Hospital. During her employment at the Veterans Hospital, Dr. Wright received her B.S. degree in 1979 and her Masters Degree in 1989 from Hampton Institute/University while raising three children and working full-time.

Positions held by Dr. Wright during her employment includes staff nurse, nurse manager surgical unit, supervisor in the operating room, and Associate Chief Nurse.

Dr. Wright’s career in teaching began in 1991 at Troy State University in Montgomery, Alabama as adjunct faculty. Upon retirement from VAMC in Montgomery, Dr. Wright was employed at Hampton University where she worked for twelve years.

While employed at Hampton University she received another degree as Doctor of Education. Dr. Wright also taught two years at Norfolk State University. Dr. Wright returned to Hampton University in January 2010 as the Chair of the Department of Undergraduate Nursing Education and retied in May 2012.

Dr. Wright also served 16 years in the U. S. Army reserves. Her highest rank was major. Primary roles in the reserves were NBC officer and head nurse in the operating room. Among many of

Dr. Wright's volunteer services include an active member of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple where she proudly serves as an usher at the 7:00 a.m. service and a member of the Healthcare Ministry. 

William David Pearson

Class of 1962. David, as he is known by his friends, has excelled in the field of education as a teacher, principal and member of the Hampton City School Board. His classmates say he has been one of the stalwarts who have kept the Phenix Spirit alive at reunion and alumni activities.

After graduation from Phenix he attended Hampton Institute where he received a B. A. in 1966 with a Major in Biology and Minor in Chemistry. In 1973 he would receive his M. A. from Hampton Institute in Secondary Education and Certification in Supervision and Administration.

After graduating from Hampton Institute he served two years in the Army from 66-68 as Pharmacy Assistant and Laboratory Technician at DeWitt Army Hospital, Ft. Belvoir, VA. Upon his return to Hampton be began teaching in 1969 as a Life Science and Earth Science teacher at Thorpe Jr. High.

That would be the beginning of a steller career as he quickly rose to assistant principal positions at Thorpe Jr. High, Jones Jr. High, Eaton Fundamental School, Kecoughtan High School, and then he became principal at Davis Middle School and Bethel High School. At Davis he selected the first female assistant principal on the middle school level.

While at Davis Middle School, under his leadership, the school became a Vanguard School by the Virginia Department of Education.  He was selected as principal of the Year by the Hampton Council of PTA’s in 1999.

He served as president of both the Peninsula District and Eastern Region Principals Association. He received the Flame Bearer of Education Award by the United Negro College Fund. Mr. Pearson retired from the Hampton School System in 2000 with 32 years of service.

He then served for the Virginia State Department of Education as a consultant evaluating public schools. He served for the Hampton School System as Teacher Recruiter. He served as Assistant Director for the NASA Langley Pre-service Teacher Program and served as coordinator of the Summer Institute.

In 2007 he was appointed by the Hampton School Board to fill an unexpired term. He was then re-elected in 2008 and 2012, having been selected as Vice-Chairman his final two years. In 2016 he decided not to seek re-election.

He is married to Elaine and they have four grown children. 

Henry Livas, Jr.

Class of 1956. After graduation he received his B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University. He is retired from N.A.S.A. Langley and Civil Service as of 1998 after serving 35 years in Government Service in the Facility Systems Engineering Division.

Henry specialized as Naval Facilities Engineering, Command Executive, in Management Development, and achieved as a Level I Contracting Officer (5M award Authority). Prior to his many engineering positions, he served as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army Artillery. He later achieved the rank of captain in the reserves.

At Phenix High School he was the number one ranking member of the 1st Phenix tennis team 1954-1956. He won numerous tournaments sponsored by the Virginia Interscholastic Association and the American Tennis Association.

In 1955 and 1956 he won the VIA Championship in singles and doubles. He and his partner, “Billy” Neilson won ATA National Doubles and with Clara Henry in Texas he won the 1955 ATA National Junior Mixed Doubles Championship.

He played 4 years varsity tennis and 1 year freshman basketball. He won over 100 trophies and tennis. Five of his wins were over a younger Arthur Ashe. Later he competed locally to win many tournaments in the men of 35 division of tennis in Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

For eight years he served on the Virginia Beach Planning Commission. He has received numerous honors, awards and appointment in the State of Virginia. Appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve on the Virginia Minority Women Business Enterprise Advisory Committee. Past president of the 300 member Norfolk Area Chapter of the National Contract Management Association.     

Marjorie Hopson Vance

Marjorie Hopson Vance is a member of the Class of 1961 at George P. Phenix High School.  

This accomplished singer has performed around the world. Upon graduating from Phenix, she received a scholarship to attend the Cincinnati Conservatory. Ms. Vance, however, decided to attend Hampton Institute (Hampton University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Minor in Music.  

While at Hampton Institute she had the very good fortune to study under Dr. Henry Switten, a fantastic voice teacher. Dr. Switten helped to develop her untrained voice, giving her a vocal technique so secure that she was able to sing some of the most difficult arias written for a lyric-coloratura soprano.

After graduating from Hampton Institute in 1965, Ms. Vance moved to New York City and studied voice with Carolina Segrera and Edward Boatner. Subsequently, she auditioned for and received a one year contract with a touring company in Switzerland to sing Bess and Clara in “Porgy and Bess.” She moved to the Vienna State Opera House in Vienna, Austria, where she was the first African-American permanent soloist in the ensemble of the Vienna State Opera House.

Ms. Vance sang professionally for three decades in Austria and in Germany, performing with such world famous conductors as Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta, Herbert von Karajan, Karl Boehm, Daniel Barenboim, and Claudio Abbado. Among the world famous singers with which she performed were Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Simon Estes, Thomas Hampson, and Edita Gruberova.  Also, she attended the Vienna Conservatory of Music for opera and studied voice with Hilde Gueden and Hilde Zadek.

Ms. Vance was the winner of the International Opera Competition in Vienna, Austria, as well as the winner of the Mozart Prize at the Concours International de Chant de Paris (France). 

Among her recordings are: Vivaldi’s “Serenata a tre;” soundtrack of the movie “Moliere;” Great Baroque Masters;  Krenek’s opera “Karl V;” Richard Strauss’ operas “Frau Ohne Schatten” and “Ariadne auf Naxos;” Bizet’s “Carmen;” and the Unitel film ”Electra.” 

Cephus S. Rhodes

Cephus S. Rhodes, LTC, USA, RET. From being raised in Apalachicola, FL, to moving to Phoebus as a  teenager to live with relatives, this 1948 graduate of Phenix High School, who was on the cheer squad and in the choir, has lived a life of service to his country and his community.

In 1948 he received a scholarship to attend Hampton Institute and graduated in 1953 with a degree in Biology and Chemistry and a commission as an Army 2nd Lt. At Hampton he was into boxing, wrestling, swimming, dancing, choirs and cheer squad. After college he went into the army for three years and then to Med School.

He then decided to make the Army a career where he stayed for 22 years. During his distinguished career he commanded at every level including Battalion and supervised staff at every level including the US Army Europe. During his tour of duty he received many medals including the Purple Heart; Bronze Star; National Defense Service Medal;  Air Medal, and many more.

After retirement he then went to work as a computer specialist at Ft. Bliss Army base in Texas. He then worked for 17 years at El Paso Corp, the largest natural gas pipeline company in the US.

In 1993 he was convinced to get in politics and won a seat on the city council. He was appointed four times by three Texas governors to serve on State Boards.

In 1992 he was honored by the Hampton University Alumni Association with the Alumni Merit Award.

This Kappa Alpha Psi frat and Ordained Baptist Deacon has finally retired for good and spends his time as an active member of his church and choir, and the Chamber of Commerce. 

Edward Morris Gilchrist

Edward Morris Gilchrist, born and raised in Laurel Hill, North Carolina, his family moved to Hampton because of racial unrest in the community. Eddie graduated from Phenix High School in 1958. While at Phenix he sang in the choir, played football, basketball, and was active member of the Student Council.

He enrolled at Hampton Institute where he majored in History/Social Science Education. He was a member of the ROTC Program and after graduation was commissioned into the Army’s new military Intelligence branch.

His first duty station was Washington, D.C. He also received a MBA Degree from Central Michigan University. While in the Military for twenty-eight years, Eddie was Commander of three military intelligence units; Deputy Commander for two units; Instructor for the Army Command and Staff College and worked with several foreign county military units. He also helped with diplomatic protection during the John F. Kennedy Funeral. At the culmination of his military career, he had achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel.  

His community involvement is commendable. He is a board member of the Richmond City Clean City Commission; Voluntary Advisory Board for the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center; 100 Black Men; Virginia Education Association; Richmond Chapter of the Hampton University Alumni Association; and many others. He was an Ordained Deacon at Antioch Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.   

Jo Shuler

Jo Shuler was born and reared in Hampton, Virginia. After attending Dixie Hospital School of Practical Nursing, she went on to University of VA School for Operating Room Technicians. She was on the developmental committee for surgical technicians to be nationally recognized and was in the first group of Surgical Technologists to be nationally certified in her profession.

While enjoying a nursing career of over 20 years as a LPN Certified Surgical Technologist specializing in Orthopedics, she began her part time Mary Kay career in March 1982.  Eighteen months later, she began to pursue Mary Kay on a full-time basis, earning the use of her first career car in 1985.  

The opportunity to mentor women in developing their individual Mary Kay careers was realized when Jo became an Independent Sales Director in August 1986.  She was personally trained by Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay, Inc. Within 12 months her unit had earned 2 Pink cars – the Buick and Cadillac.  

She is an Independent Senior Sales Director with 2 first line off spring Directors.  The Millionaire Soaring Eagles have been the #1 unit in Virginia twice and recognized as a top unit nationwide.  Her Unit has earned 16 Mary Kay career cars and is currently driving their 14th Pink Cadillac.

Jo has consistently been recognized for her sales, motivation and leadership skills.  She is frequently asked to travel nationwide educating and mentoring the next generation of leaders.  The Millionaire Soaring Eagles have been responsible for over 10 million dollars in retail sales since 1986 with consultants in 21 States and in over 50 cities in America. 

In addition to her Mary Kay career, Jo volunteers with the Transitions Program in Hampton as a resource person mentoring women in the program who are the victims of domestic violence. She is a member of George P. Phenix High Alumni Association.  

Jo is married. She and her husband, Ernie are the very proud parents of two daughters and one son and grandparents of four grandsons, one granddaughter and two great-grandchildren.  Jo is also a breast cancer survivor.  They are members of Bethel Temple Assembly of God Church in Hampton.

Dr. Arlington Chisman Jr.

Mr. Chisman received his B. S. Degree in Industrial Management and his M. Ed. in Industrial Education from Virginia State University. He received his Ph. D. in Vocational Technical Education from Ohio State University. In 1965 he became the Industrial Arts Instructor at Phenix High School. He then spent two years in Sierra Leone, Africa as a Building Construction Instructor.

In 1974 he became Director, Vocational Education, Hampton City Schools, where he was responsible for Secondary School programs in Trade and Industrial Education Home Economics, Distributive Education, Business and Office Education, and Industrial Arts Education for 9,350 students.

In 1977 he became Chairman/Professor, Department of Industrial Technology at North Carolina A&T State University where he was in charge of B. S. Degree Programs, Automotive Technology, Construction Management, Electronic Technology and Manufacturing Technology.

His honors include Education Professions Development Act Fellowship for Doctorial Program, Ohio State University; Professor Emeritus, North Carolina A&T State University; and Virginia State University Alumni, Distinguished Honoree. 

During his career he has served as an Adjunct/Lecturer and produced numerous papers on Vocation Education and Industrial Technology. He is a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Epsilon Tau.  

Patricia Nottingham Dzandu

Patricia Nottingham Dzandu, DNP RN PMHCNS-BS, Class of 1966, is currently an Advanced Practice Nurse/Adult Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist-Board Certified at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hampton.

She provides cognitive behavioral, individual, family and group psychotherapy services in the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Outpatient Clinic with collateral roles in accreditation, consultation, education, informatics, quality improvement and research. She considers it an honor to provide nursing care to our nation’s Veterans who “borne the battle honorably for our freedoms.” 

Dr. Dzandu received a BSN degree from Hampton Institute and holds a Master of Arts degree in Community Psychology from University of New Haven; Nursing Executive Certificate from Wharton School of Business; Master of Science degree in Psychiatric   Nursing with a role concentration in Nursing Administration from Texas Women’s University and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Washington University.

Doug Smith

Doug Smith, class of 1960, is an award-winning journalist with more than 30 years of successful achievement as an editor and writer with three of the most influential newspapers in the United States – Newsday, The New York Post and USA Today.

During his career he was recognized as one of the world’s preeminent and influential tennis writers. He covered the Grand Slams – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U. S. Open.

Smith routinely broke news in the tennis world. His 1992 world exclusive on the late Arthur Ashe having contracted AIDS promoted years of useful discourse in newsrooms, as well as in the nations’ journalism schools.

In recognition of his sustained excellence in tennis reporting and writing, Smith is the recipient of numerous awards, including the U. S. Tennis Association Lifetime Achievement Award (1988).

In 1992, he edited and updated Ashe’s three-volume book, Hard Road To Glory: A History of the Black Athlete in America. In a collaborative effort with former tennis pro Zina Garrison, Smith wrote her autobiography, Zina, My Life in Women’s Tennis, published in 2001.