Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hampton University offers free semester to displaced University of Bahamas students

Rosa Parks is one of 11 statues in Hampton University's Legacy Park which was revealed as part of the university's annual Founders Day celebration (WYDaily Photo/ Courtesy of Hampton University)
Rosa Parks is one of 11 statues in Hampton University’s Legacy Park which was revealed as part of the university’s annual Founders Day celebration. (Southside Daily Photo/ Courtesy of Hampton University)

Hampton University is letting University of Bahamas students affected by Hurricane Dorian to continue their college education in the states.

Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 hurricane, destroying homes and affecting thousands of residents.

“I think this agreement is something that can be helpful to a great number of students and families, and is part of something I’ve tried to do my entire career – helping people to achieve and meet their goals,” said William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University.

Harvey and Rodney Smith, president of the University of Bahamas and former administrative vice president and chief planning officer at Hampton University, came to this agreement after Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas with high winds and rain for more than two days, causing extensive damage and several deaths, according to the university’s news release.

Students will be able to attend classes and receive room and board for the fall semester, according to the university’s news release.

In addition, once the fall semester ends, students will have the option to stay at Hampton University and pay regular tuition rates.

“Hampton has been the educational choice for many Bahamians over its long history,” said Lawrence Rigby ’15, who is from Nassau, New Providence and served as Student Government Association president from 2014-2015. “I am grateful to President Harvey and university leadership on this demonstration of kindness and humanity to my home in our time of need.”

“Young Bahamians from Abaco and Grand Bahama who are looking for the tools to rebuild their lives and our home will find them at Hampton,” Rigby added.

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