When Dr. Keith Newby lectures medical students, he explains the analogy between the beat of the heart and rhythmic sounds. “Music is a combination of math and chord changes. The way I approached the study of medicine was associating heart patterns with music,” said Newby, a 1986 graduate of Norfolk State University. Born and reared in Norfolk, Newby was impressed with the reputation of NSU’s music department. As a teen, the aspiring Saxophonist went to performances to watch the Spartan’s football games and marching band.

“The music was at such a professional level. The band was a huge drawing factor,” said Newby of his decision to major in music at Norfolk State University. But after excelling in the sciences, he needed guidance to deal with his trepidation of becoming a physician like his late father James E. Newby Jr., who died when the younger Newby was only seven.

“At first, I was a little nervous about entering the field of medicine. As a young person, I questioned whether I would be dedicated enough to want a career as a physician” said Newby. After speaking to professors he felt a strong kinship. “They made it comfortable and helped steer me in the direction,” said Newby about then Chairman of Biology Dr. Harvey Clark, Dr. Carl Haywood and Professor Howard Duncan. After freshman year, Newby switched his major to biology and never regretted the choice.

Today, Newby is a Cardiologist at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, oversees his own medical practice called Cardiology & Arrhythmia Consultants, Inc. He is also the co- developer of the Fort Norfolk Plaza and Executive Director of the James E. Newby Jr. Foundation. After leaving Norfolk State, Newby attended Eastern Virginia Medical School. He later conducted his internship and residency at Emory University and received a fellowship at Duke University. Following his medical training, he returned to Norfolk to be closer to family. Newby’s ties to his alma mater extend beyond his own personal experiences.

His sister Cassandra Newby-Alexander and her husband, William Alexander, both teach history at NSU. Newby’s sister-in-law Olivia Newby is a nursing instructor at the University.Norfolk State University brought people together from diverse cultural backgrounds and different walks of life, said Newby. If given the same opportunity today, he would not change much about his undergraduate experience.

“I would do a million times over. I received more than a grade at Norfolk State University. I met lifelong friends and received an education on life academically.”

At Booker T. Washington High School, Joyce Hall was a shy and timid student with average grades. She was not strongly encouraged by teachers to pursue college. But, the young Liberty Park community resident had a vision.

“I knew I wanted to do something more than work for minimum wage. I wanted to better myself,” said Hall Shambley. The summer after graduation, she walked three blocks down the street to enroll in Norfolk State University. Four years later, she earned a degree in social work with a cum laude distinction. “Norfolk State provided me the opportunity to attend college when I couldn’t afford other schools.” Hall Shambley credits Norfolk State University with building confidence, providing a nurturing environment and introducing life skills one can’t get from reading a book.

Following college, she worked as a juvenile probation officer in Norfolk and Portsmouth. But it was the training at Norfolk State University that prepared her for a 22-year career in the military. “NSU trained me to be well-equipped for any job. I became comfortable with public speaking and networking with peers,” said Hall Shambley, who left the Norfolk area to join the U.S. Army. There, she met her husband, Harold, a University of Alabama graduate. Annual visits to Norfolk State University Homecomings and Labor Day Classics made him equally passionate and devoted as his wife. The Shambleys are active members of the Norfolk State University Alumni Association’s Military Alumni Chapter.

“I remember Harold’s first experience at an NSU game. He was excited about the camaraderie of the students and alumni. There’s nothing like the black college experience. It’s unique and different. Now, I can’t go to Norfolk-sponsored activities without him,” teases Hall Shambley.

She said the financial and emotional ties to her alma mater are lessons learned from others 35 years ago at Norfolk State University. Hall Shambley recalls when Dr. Bertha McCaleb, a social work professor, extended a helping hand to pay $200 to aid with tuition. Physics Instructor Dr. Clarence Coleman went the extra mile to urge students to strive for A’s. And, it was Professor Maurice Cole that increased Hall Shambley’s knowledge and appreciation about the contributions of African-Americans.

“Norfolk State University helped me become a well-rounded individual. I will always do my part for what Norfolk State University did for me.”

As the child of educators, Chloe Jones’ parents taught their children that a strong education was the upmost important tool to succeed in life. The eldest of three siblings to graduate from Norfolk State University, Jones is proud of her family’s rich legacy.

“Norfolk State University was right in our backyard. Our parents instilled in us early that Norfolk State was one of the finest schools in the state and nation, and encouraged us to attend,” said Jones. “I am truly proud to be a Spartan.”

Jones’ mother was an elementary schoolteacher and her father worked as an instructor at the U.S. Naval base in Norfolk. As a child, Jones watched her mother interact with children. She often talked to her daughter about the exceptional children who were not able to learn the same way as traditional students. Jones decided early on to become a teacher. “In visiting my mother’s classroom, I knew early I wanted to help the exceptional child.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in special education at Norfolk State University and went on to obtain a master’s degree in vocational education at Virginia Tech. “Norfolk State University laid the professional and interpersonal foundation for me to become a retired educator with 31 years of service,” said Jones.

The best way to describe her unwavering commitment to her alma mater is reflected in the storyline of a movie entitled Pay It Forward. The movie’s theme focuses on a young student who learns through a class assignment to repay good deeds—not with a payback—but with new good deeds to others. “This summarizes my feeling about Norfolk State University. When someone extends a hand to you, you help others,” said Jones, the recipient of Norfolk State University Alumni Association’s National Alumnus of the Year 2008–2009.

In addition to her parents, Jones said Norfolk State University administrators such as Dr. Ruth Diggs, Dr. Herman Bozeman and Dr. Grace Setzer helped strengthen her desire to become a champion of education. “I learned from them the love of education and children,” said Jones. “All of us are parents. I think educators should continue to take the extra step beyond the classroom to assist our young people.”

Aside from studying, Glenn Carrington spent the latter part of his college years reviewing and negotiating contracts with promoters to get musical groups such as Kool & the Gang and Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds to perform on the campus of Norfolk State University. At the time, Carrington didn’t realize the volunteer role for his fraternity would serve as a training ground to become a successful lawyer one day.

“The experience taught me lessons in terms of understanding accountability, analyzing transactions and taking risks,” said Glenn, who learned firsthand the successes and hardships of generating crowds at concerts. Although Carrington declared his major as business and marketing, he would later venture into the legal profession.

“My professors took a huge interest in me at Norfolk State University. They recognized something special in students long before we saw it,” said Carrington, a former high school basketball standout who was recruited to NSU on a full athletic scholarship. Carrington was pursued by universities with strong sports programs like Wake Forest and Virginia State University, but heading to a historically black college was considered “a way of life.” His mother was a graduate of North Carolina Central University. An older sister graduated from Norfolk State University and one brother was a graduate of Virginia Union College. During the summer months at NSU, Carrington spent his time working for an insurance agency with plans to get a job as an underwriter after college. But a business law course with then Professor Wayne Parsons helped change the direction of Carrington’s career path.

“I had no ambition to apply for law school”, said Carrington. Dr. Parsons would often tell the young Carrington he should not limit his future aspirations. “He saw something exceptional in students,” Carrington added. Carrington said Parsons even went the extra mile to help him meet a tight application deadline to apply to the University of Virginia’s School of Law and served as a reference. Three years later, Carrington earned a law degree from University of Virginia’s law school in 1980.

He proudly acknowledges lessons of sacrifice, trust and teamwork were acquired through experiences while attending Norfolk State University. But some of the most precious lessons were engrained in him by his late mother Gladys Marie Brown Carrington. “If it weren’t for my mother, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She was a great confidence builder and major influence in my life,” added Carrington, who established an endowment in his mother’s memory that will hit the $50,000 threshold mark this year.

As a Norfolk State University newly appointed member of the foundation board, Carrington plans to share his leadership and vision to assist the college with its future direction. He wants the endowment to support students that face financial hardships. “These are the most challenging times for universities, specifically for historically black institutions. We need to support and sustain them so there’s a place to address the diverse needs of all students,” said Carrington.

During a visit to Norfolk State University on college day, High School Sophomore Brandy Rutledge and other prospective students entered into lines to learn about the academic programs based on their interests.

“I remember I was the only one in the line for mathematics,” said Rutledge who found mathematics both intriguing and challenging as a youngster. The student tour guide talked to Brandy about Norfolk State University’s offerings and escorted her to the mathematics department. Brandy left the campus with more than a college brochure. With a high school GPA of close to 4.0, she learned about the DNIMAS scholarship (Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences -- formerly Dozoretz National Institute for Minorities and Applied Sciences), an undergraduate program that offers eligible students in good academic standing a four year scholarship in the areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science. Brandy applied for the program and discovered she was accepted during the spring of her senior year. “I had never heard about the scholarship. I learned about DNIMAS through Norfolk State University. Having my education, books, room and board funded allowed me to concentrate on my studies. The bonus was graduating from college without debt,” said Rutledge who received a B.S. degree in Applied Mathematics and served as the student president of DNIMAS during her junior and senior years. After earning a degree at Norfolk State University, Brandy was accepted into a graduate program for biostatistics at Virginia Commonwealth University. Into her second year at VCU, Brandy’s mother read about the Gates Millennium Scholarship --- a program supported through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – that awards scholarships and fellowships to students from diverse backgrounds.

Once again, Brandy acted on the resourceful tip and found herself as one of the recipients in the first class to become a Gates Millennium Scholar in 2000. The scholarship assisted in the completion of a five-year doctorate program in biostatistics at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Today, Brandy is a Senior Biostatistician with Westat. She collaborates with researchers and investigators in various health disciplines designing studies, analyzing data and providing statistical support for different phases of clinical trials.

In her spare time, she mentors young people and advises them to take advantage of educational opportunities afforded to them. The concept of valuing education was reinforced after Brandy recently returned from vacation in Africa. One Ghanaian college had a three-year waiting list while other higher education institutions faced overcrowding in classrooms.

Brandy said NSU taught her to appreciate education.

“After attending Norfolk State, it was sort of an automatic step to aim for graduate school. I felt Norfolk State University had a vested interest in my education and making me successful at whatever I set out to achieve.”

Patricia Lynch Stith was at a freshman sock-hop dance at Norfolk State University when she glanced across the room and noticed a young man grooving by himself. Wearing a skirt, socks and sneakers she approached him. “I didn’t know very many people, so I went over and started dancing with him,’” she said. The individual she set eyes on was 18-year-old Melvin Stith. The two would become friends studying and writing for the Norfolk State University’s newspaper. The pair began dating after graduating from Norfolk State in 1968. Today, the relationship remains strong after 39 years of marriage.

“One of the fondest memories at Norfolk State University was meeting my wife,” said Mr. Stith, Dean of Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. Mrs. Stith is an Assistant Provost of Equity & Inclusion and an Associate Dean at of the Graduate School at Syracuse.

In addition to meeting lifelong friends at Norfolk State, the Stiths said Norfolk State University set the bar for students to aim for success. “Norfolk State University not only provided a great preparation and academic education, the institution instilled confidence so we could set our minds to strive for excellence,” said Mr. Stith, who completed four years in the U.S. Army ROTC program while obtaining an undergraduate degree in sociology. Mrs. Stith earned her bachelor’s degree in history. Following college, Mr. Stith served four years active duty with one year in Vietnam. During his military service, Mrs. Stith earned a master’s degree in history at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and later returned to her hometown of Norfolk, Va. The two married after Mr. Stith was returned from the military. Soon after, they took the advice of a college buddy who urged them to explore graduate studies at Syracuse University. There, Mr. Stith earned his M.B.A. & Ph.D and Mrs. Stith earned a second master’s degree in instructional technology at Syracuse.

Career opportunities led the couple to jobs in Florida where the two worked at universities such as University of South Florida, Florida A&M University and Florida State University. During Florida State University, Mrs. Stith received her Ph.D. Mr. Stith served as the Chair of the department of Marketing, and Dean of the College of Business for 18 years. Four years ago, the couple returned to Syracuse University.

As strong proponents of education, the Stiths consider Norfolk State a vital institution in bolstering the confidence and morale of young people and offering rich experiences in education. “Norfolk State allowed me to think big and dream about possibilities,” said Mrs. Stith. Four years ago, the couple gave a gift of $100,000 to their alma mater. The NSU Alumni House bears their name.

Mr. Stith said affirmation is critical to young people, particularly at historically black colleges. He remembers professors playing a pivotal role in the development of students. He witnessed instructors helping students with assignments so they wouldn’t drop a course. “Instead of tearing our kids down, we need to build them up. Norfolk State University and other black institutions provide an excellent education just the same as Ivy League schools,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade my Norfolk State University degree for anything.”

While based in the U.S., Colvin Gibson was a young executive at a former affiliate of Exxon Mobil, working on international assignments. The Far Eastern history course at Norfolk State University proved beneficial to helping Gibson better relate to the culture of employees oversees.

“The class at Norfolk State University prepared me. I’m indebted to Norfolk State University for my professional start and the credentialing that enabled me to make a living and contribute to this society,” said Gibson, who retired after 26 years at Exxon Mobil. He is currently a Management Consultant in Irving, Texas.

In the 1960s, it was mandatory for male college students to serve two years in the military. During the first two years of attending Norfolk State University, Gibson was enrolled in the U.S. Army ROTC and went on to take an advance exam to complete an additional two years in the program. Simultaneously, he earned a B.A. degree in history from NSU. Following college, he decided to serve two years of active duty in the U.S.

After his military service, Gibson was later recruited at the Exxon Mobil affiliate where he worked a number of managerial positions in human resources overseeing domestic and international operations. He said Norfolk State provided an exceptional education and instilled great leadership skills that paved the way to success in the military and corporate America.

“I had the notion of going to New York University, but I did not have the NYU money. I grew up in Virginia and at the time, it made the most practical sense for me to attend Norfolk State University,” said Gibson. He also attended the same church as several NSU professors and then president Dr. Lyman B. Brooks who Gibson considered all role models.

One of the most memorable occasions for Gibson at Norfolk State University is being awarded four medals during a special ROTC ceremony on campus. “I was surprised to get one and to get four awards was the absolute furthest thing from my mind,” added Gibson. Another highlight at the event was his visually-impaired grandfather attended the function and heard them repeatedly call out his grandson’s name to receive the honors.

Gibson, who has remained involved with the foundation and fund-raising efforts at Norfolk State University, urges young people to seek out opportunities and programs that will challenge their analytical skills and thought process.

“My professors were demanding and I admired all of them. I looked forward to classes and the exchanges that might not have been possible in large lecture halls,” said Gibson. Over the last three decades, he’s actively reached out to encourage fellow alumni to give back at a financial or personal level.

“Alums should be mindful and do all they can to do to help. When you look at some of the most prestigious institutions, they have substantial endowments which help set their universities apart from others to make it possible for the growth and development of their alma maters for years to come… We must do the same.”

Gregory Grimes was straddling the fence about his future during his high school years growing up in Ashland, Va. Like many students pondering the next phase of life, he leaned towards three options: getting a job, entering a branch of the military or attending college.

A cousin who was a year older attending Norfolk State University persuaded him to visit the campus. “I was invited to an orientation on Norfolk State University’s campus and was later accepted. What captured my interest was the strong sense of unity,” said Grimes, a first generation college graduate. As an African American male reared by a single mother, Grimes said the NSU experience played an integral role in helping him mature as a young man.

He found the administrators and older classmates as confidants and sounding boards. “These individuals helped with scheduling, registration and completing financial aid packets. The instructors provided guidance and they weren’t shy about slapping you on the hand to tell you, ‘Hey, this isn’t the way we’re going to do things around here.’ They provided an environment that helped me grow personally and professionally,” said Grimes.

He said Norfolk State University also provided him a sense of pride. In addition to pledging a fraternity, he became involved in campus and community programs in the early 1980s. One memorable activity he recalls was a demonstration to support legislation to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday.

Today Grimes, a computer science major, works as an Engineer to ensure that confidential data is retrieved, stored and secured within the U.S. Census Bureau.

The once reserved teenager raised in a small town now spends more than one-third of his time outside of work as national president of the Norfolk State University Alumni Association. At his workplace, he also helped orchestrate about 20 NSU alumni that meet quarterly. The group recently raised funds for the university as part of the kick-off campaign for the Tom Joyner School of the Month.

Grimes said the goal of the Association is to encourage people to reconnect or remain committed to the university’s mission of providing a quality education, and assist students who couldn’t otherwise afford college.

“I think about students who were in the same predicament as me. I would not have been able to afford a mainstream college education,” said Grimes. “Every child deserves a fair education to become a performer in this society. I just want to help those receive the same opportunities that were afforded to me.”