On Monday, dozens of Hampton University faculty, staff, marching band members and other student leaders arrived to Richmond International Airport to greet students from the University of the Bahamas impacted by Hurricane Dorian.
The historically Black college, located in Hampton, Virginia, will receive a total of 46 students from the University of Bahamas North campus, all of whom worked with the U.S. Embassy and Hampton’s admissions office to obtain an expedited student vis allowing them entrance into the U.S.
A Hampton University welcoming committee greeted some 46 Bahamian students at Richmond International Airport on Monday as they arrived in United States to continue their college educations at Hampton. (Photo: ABC 8 / video screenshot)
Earlier this month, Hampton announced it would help Bahamian students displaced by the deadly storm by offering them free enrollment, plus room and board for the Fall 2019 semester. Students who choose to remain at the Virginia campus after the semester ends are responsible for paying regular tuition and fees — an estimated $24,950 per year.
“This outpouring of humanitarian support has exceeded all expectations,” Hampton University president Dr. William R. Harvey said in a statement. “The heartwarming response we have received from all across the country to our gesture for these students has restored my faith in mankind.”
According to university news release, donations to help cover the travel expenses of these students has already topped $150,000 and continues to grow. University board member Zachary Scott contributed a whopping $100,000 to the effort, and the school is still accepting donations.
Atlanta’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church also pitched in on the effort. Their partnership with JetBlue Airways provided students free transit from Nassau, Bahamas, to Virginia on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
The Hampton University registrar’s office is already busy getting the Bahamian students’ class schedules in order, placing them in courses that are compatible with those offered at the University of Bahamas.
The groundbreaking arrangement was made possible after Dr. Harvey and University of Bahamas President Dr. Rodney Smith agreed to a plan that would allow displaced students to continue their education at Hampton as the island nation works to rebuild after the storm.
Watch more in the video below.
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