It was a cold, wintry night when a group of loyal Hamptonians met to discuss forming an alumni chapter in the Northern Virginia community.  That initial meeting was held in Arlington, Virginia at the home of James and Lelia Freeman on January 15, 1979.

Interestingly, many of those in attendance did not know each other.  They shared a common bond, nevertheless, as Hampton alumni.  It was their connection to Hampton that brought them together.  The Northern Virginia Chapter (NOVA) of the National Hampton Alumni Association (NHAA) was formed more than a century after Brigadier General Samuel Armstrong founded the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in 1868.

Ironically, Wallace C. Arnold, who had been assigned to the Pentagon, was unanimously elected the first president of NOVA NHAA.  He helped form a strong organization and was on his way to also becoming a general in the US Army.

The installation of chapter officers was performed by Alphonso Knight, the alumni affairs director.  Others participating were Phillip F. Lee, president of the Middle Atlantic Region (MAR) and Thomas M. Childs, fundraising chairman of the MAR.  They were present to guide the group and help formalize the chapter.  George DuBose, III, a student at the time, was the photographer.  When the special meeting ended, there were 14 new members.  The new chapter quickly became part of the community.  Throughout the years, the membership continued to grow to an all-time high of over 100.

The organization supports Hampton University through Annual Giving.  This is done through personal contributions combined with a wide-range of fundraising activities, including the anniversary dinner dance.  NOVA members also hold key leadership positions at the regional and national levels of NHAA, Inc.

Realizing that students are our future, two scholarships funds have been established by chapter members.  They are in the names of James and Lelia Freeman and Major General Wallace C. Arnold.

Founding Members

Wallace C. Arnold ~ Cecil V. Bernard ~ Pamela W. Bernard ~ Brenda B. Cook
Douglas J. DePriest ~ Carolyn P. DuBose ~ James W. Freeman (Deceased)
Patricia Y. Hollinsworth ~ Louise H. McGregor ~ Nancy S. Smackum ~ Joshua Thomas
Shirley J. Vann ~ Arthur B. Williams, Jr. (Deceased) ~ Rebecca M. Wright