HAMPTON, Va. – As part of the rise and success of Hampton Nation, the Hampton University Department of Athletics is recognizing donors with plaques along three different walls in the atrium of Holland Hall. The first three individuals have been recognized.
 
They are: Frank Smith, Larry Rose, and Richard Taylor.
 
All three men spoke about those contributions to Hampton Nation and what Hampton University athletics meant to them.
 
Frank Smith
Hampton Nation: Mr.  Smith is one of our first donors that will be on the recognition wall. Tell us, what made you want to join?
Smith: I believe in Hampton, tremendously. By coming here, I participated in the football program. Hampton University allowed me to acquire the skills and knowledge to go forward and be successful in my own business.
HN: What do you do today?
Smith: I am the President and CEO of Sphinx Financial Group.
HN: What does it mean to you for athletes to see your plaque on the wall?
Smith: It means a lot, I believe in giving back. Maybe this plaque will inspire other students to reach their goals and pursue their chosen fields.
HN: Mr. Smith, why should other alumni give and be a part of this project?
Smith: It's important to give back, it's a part of sharing. It leaves a legacy. It shows appreciation of the University.
 
Larry Rose
HN: What does it mean to be a part of this project?
L. Rose: It means to give back what Hampton gave to me. Without Hampton University (Institute at that time), I would have never gone to college. Baseball and football scholarships allowed me to continue my education.
HN: Why is it so important to come back and help our student-athletes now?
L. Rose: The same way we were helped out. Without this recognition project, it wouldn't be able to help the students. It's time to put your money where your mouth is. If we love our institution, we must support it.
HN: Mr. Rose, how does it make you feel to have your picture on this will?
L. Rose: It makes me feel great, but it also lets me know that the student-athletes know I support them. Hamptonians support Hamptonians. My wife, daughter, and grandchildren are Hamptonians.
 
Richard Taylor
HN: As a former athlete of Hampton University, what was one of your most memorable moments at Hampton?
Taylor: Winning the CIAA football championship in 1985; that was the first one in 59 years.
HN: What do you do for a living now? What is your title?
Taylor: I am the President and CEO of My Brothers House, Inc., a residential treatment facility.
HN: How did you hear about Hampton Nation? How did you get involved?
Taylor: I heard from (Donovan) Rose. He planted the seed and explained the importance of giving back and how it would benefit the student-athletes and the athletic program.
HN: What made you sign up to be a part of the Recognition Wall Project?
Taylor: I think the Recognition Wall project is an opportunity to give back to the University, not just as a contribution, but to leave your legacy. I hope that others who come after me would be inspired to do likewise and leave their legacy behind.
HN: What do you think of the location in Holland Hall?
Taylor: It's excellent! A lot of activities take place here. Any recruits can see it and hope to put their plaque up there.
HN: Being a member of this elite group, we have about 12 people signed up so far. What would you say to the alumni, former athletes, and business executives to be a part of this project?
Taylor: It's a great opportunity to give back and leave a legacy. So our grandkids can see it. I definitely recommend those who can do it, should give back and leave their legacy.
 
Donovan Rose
HN: Coach, what is some background info on you at Hampton University?
D. Rose: I was a '79 graduate, a walk-on. But I knew Hampton was special and that I would be able to achieve some things: play professional football, come back and coach, be a Director of Youth Programs and now I'm the Assistant Athletic Director for Development.
HN: What are some of your most memorable moments at Hampton?
D. Rose: Meeting my wife. I was walking through this very hallway and they were cheerleading. I saw her and she saw me, she gave me a look and the rest was history.
HN: Now in year two, what are some things you are doing to get people involved in Hampton Nation?
D. Rose: The first thing was I wanted to find out what alumni wanted. Because of that, we had a golf tournament and black-tie gala. And now our recognition wall: this allows our alumni and former athletes to leave their legacy.
HN: Why have the Recognition Wall Project in Holland Hall?
D. Rose: This is one of the most historical buildings on campus. People who went to school with me or before me, everyone had to go through Holland Hall. With the Recognition Wall in the front and back, everyone can see it.
HN: What would you say to the alumni is the importance to participate in this project?
D. Rose: I want folks to recognize that Hampton is more than giving back. We want you to be a part of something and leave a legacy. It gives people a chance to be a part of something that lasts and leave your legacy forever.
 
A promo video for the project can be viewed here.
 
To learn more about Hampton Nation, contact Assistant Athletic Director for Development Donovan Rose at (757) 727-5138 or donovan.rose@hamptonu.edu.