Office of Alumni Affairs Announces Newest Members of Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition Society

08/20/2020

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University Office of Alumni Affairs has announced the newest members of its Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition Society. The 2020 class of honorees hails from 26 states and represents a diverse group of professionals who have continued to blaze new trails in their respective fields.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Forty Under 40 program annually recognizes exceptional young alumni who are excelling in their personal and/or professional endeavors. "Top Fortys" are the best and brightest graduates from Hampton University and include business professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, designers, athletes, community organizers, politicians, teachers, inventors and more. These professionals make a positive difference in their communities through their work, whether it be in their career or through volunteer efforts.

“It’s hard to believe that we’re already in year five of this program that puts the spotlight on the great things our outstanding alumni are doing,” said Pattie Bolton, Forty Under 40 program director. “This year’s group, as in years past, includes a unique mix of alumni who excel in their respective professions and are involved in various community efforts. We are excited to recognize these exceptional honorees.”

This year’s honorees and mentors of the year represent multiple career paths, including business owners, corporate executives and educators, as well as medical, law and media professionals, among others. They were chosen following a public nomination period that lasted from February 1 to April 5. Selection criteria included professional expertise and achievements, dedication to charitable and community initiatives, and commitment to supporting Hampton University.

“As we prepare to celebrate this newest edition of the Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition Society, we are reminded of the remarkable achievements many Hampton alumni have reached since their time at our ‘Home by the Sea,’” said Brint Martin, director of the Office of Alumni Affairs. “Hamptonians all around our country and world continue to reach new heights not only in their professional lives, but also in making a difference in their communities and we are glad to highlight this peer-nominated group.”

A virtual induction ceremony will be held fall 2020 to officially welcome the new honorees into the Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition Society. The ceremony will be streamed live on the Office of Alumni Affairs Facebook page @HamptonUAlumni. An official ceremony date and time will be released at a later date.

For more information about the Hampton University Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition Society, visit hampton40under40.com.

The 2020 Honorees:

*As seen on the above graphic 

Mr. Allister Primo, ‘06
Dr. Ashley Harris Hudson, ‘07
Atty. Ashley McFarland, ‘06
Mr. Brandon Tilghman, ‘05
Dr. Brittany Blackmon-Harper, ‘03
Ms. Candacé Jackson, ‘06
Mr. Christopher Lee, ‘10
Mr. DeShaun Thompson, ‘03
Dr. Elijah Heyward, ‘05
Ms. Elise Preston, ‘08
Dr. Erica Taylor Southerland, ‘05
Mr. James Yancy Merchant, ‘05
Ms. Jamila White, ‘02
Mr. Jaylian Williamson, ’16
Mrs. Jetaun Adkins Woodly, ‘04
Dr. Julia Stevenson, ’03
Ms. Kanasha Trent, ‘03
Atty. Khelin Eure Aiken, ‘07
Ms. Kiley Relf, ‘13
Mrs. Kristen Rogers Pope, ’04 
Hon. Kristen Gary Simmons, ‘03
Dr. Lori Singleton, ‘06
Ms. Marsha Wedderburn, ‘06
Dr. Nandi Shareef, ‘07
Mr. Nikkolas Smith, ‘08
Ms. Nineveh Haysbert, ‘04
Mr. Olukoya Davis, ‘03
Mrs. Ondrea R. Willis, ‘03
Atty. Paul Bromley, ‘05
Ms. Rachel Spivey, ‘09
Dr. Sarah Washington, ‘03
Ms. Shanitra Sanders, ‘03
Ms. Shawntá Hooks, ‘03
Ms. Shiona Turini, ‘03
Ms. Stacey Scott, ‘04
Ms. Stephanie Amoh, ‘04
Ms. Tahlia Gray, ‘03
Ms. Tiffany D. Tucker, ‘17
Dr. Whitney Phillips Arjun, ‘07
Dr. Zakia Woods McManus, ‘07

Mentors of the Year:

Mr. Crawford McGill, ‘98
Dr. Elizabeth Reay Oates, ‘96
Ms. Kryste’l Jordan, ‘99
Mr. Marcus Moore, ‘99