Seldom was any knowledge given to keep, but to impart; the grace of this rich jewel is lost in concealment.
~ Bishop Hall
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Welcome to the official website of the original, the legendary Hampton Institute University (HIU) Ogre Phi Ogre Class of 1973. We invite you to take a moment to learn more about us and why we are Ogres - a movement for equality and justice . We never thought about paving the way to name the incoming freshmen classes at Hampton. It was much more. We are a group of courageous critical thinkers who wanted to leave Hampton better than we found it and we accomplished that goal.
Now as we prepare for the "Big Pay Back" - our 40th class reunion , we have moved from a reactionary mode to a reflective one. We understand the value of an HBCU experience, an education 4 life . Within our website, we share our history, our plans for our reunion gatherings, our memories and reflections, our photos, and our love for each other realizing that eternal rest will not miss any of us.
We are reminded that within the rich legacy of any single HBCU is "the calling" -- resiliently resounding from the spirit of all alumni who walked on the sacred soil of HBCUs. We must continue to create defining, everlasting moments in our great history. As more recent graduates make their marks on the world, we reaffirm that we must ensure that the HBCU legacy continue its timeless, indisputable relevance.
Whether discovering unknown areas of study; realizing untapped potential; understanding our personal connection to a global society; valuing the strength of a close-knit Black college community; or merely understanding the possibilities of creating and nurturing life long friendships, the birth of Ogre Phi Ogre in 1969 left an indelible mark on the campus of Hampton Institute, in the hearts of our classmates, and in the hearts of all Hampton alumni.
Read about us then and now. Who knew that we would have judges, physicians, entrepreneurs, educators, administrators, bankers, military officers, government and corporate officials, international consultants, leaders of national organizations and the like among us? We all did! We are Ogres - remember!
If you have a comment, send your emails to hiuogres73_gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook!
In the Hampton spirit,
Norma
Norma J. Hatot
Class Leader 2013
Upcoming Events
"The Big Payback" - Our 40th Class Reunion
> read more
M.O.I.: Missing Ogres Investigation
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Shelly's EZ Website Building
Paulette's Blessed Energy
History
Ogre Phi Ogre Class History As Remembered by Sidney "Mundy" Ricks, Historian and Told to Ronald Carrington, Writer
August 11, 2006
Dear Ogre Phi Ogre Classmates:
During our 2003 Class reunion, I asked Sidney "Mundy" Ricks to send me his version of the origins of O phi O. As usual, he followed up with a handwritten letter with his recollection of the events leading to the establishment of what is now a Hampton legend, an ongoing class tradition - Ogre Phi Ogre.
Little did we know back in 1969, when we, as the 100th freshman class, graced the front steps of Ogden Hall, walked and laid on the water front, burned buildings, blocked entry for the board of trustees, and held trials, that we were setting a tradition of naming each entering freshman class. From that point forward, every fourth year freshman class would be named Ogre Phi Ogre. There had to be the first, the premier, the trendsetter, number one, us, the class of 1973, but I believe the count has already reached thirteen and beyond by now. This is an effort to tell the tale, as we know it, although it is subject to change.
I have met younger Ogres who do not know the origins of the fraternal order. We must preserve our history and tradition in order to enhance our future. This is an effort to do just that. As you read this documentary, the history of one of Hampton's modern traditions and legacies, please feel free to add or correct any of the information and send it to me. (You all know how to reach me.) We all have our personal perceptions and memories of what happened more than 30+ years ago. Now, let the story ring to the ears of our children.
The following reflections are based on the 2003 letter to me from Sidney (Mundy) Ricks:
As I write the events that took place, as best as I recall, I want you to understand that this has been told before, but due to the true nature of the founding of Ogre Phi Ogre, names and events were never put to pen. To this day, the true principle of Ogre Phi Ogre is in the hearts and minds of each of you.
In the beginning, we were all freshman. This meant wearing beanies, singing in front of Ogden Hall and generally, staying out of the way of any upper classmen. There had been a couple of events where some of the brothers had forgotten their places and a delegation of upperclassmen visited James Hall to set the freshman straight. There were multiple reports of freshman arriving at parties, the best way that they could, but only the ladies were allowed to enter. The brothers were turned away. Throughout James Hall, discontent was beating. Now, I am not going to act like our class was unique, but Hampton Institute assembled some of the best minds (for anything) that I have ever had the privilege to be a part of and many of us thought alike. It was out of that common struggle that Ogre Phi Ogre was born. Now, the events as I remember them.
It was a late night in James Hall; I had just settled in bed. My room faced the stairwell on the second floor, right across from the phone. As I drifted off to sleep, I seem to recall how you could always hear someone talking in James Hall. As I was about to count the last sheep, a loud knock came at the door. "Who is it?" I asked. "Dino", came the reply. As I put my robe on, I kept asking myself, Dino? When I opened the door, he started right in on me. "We need you up in the fourth floor, right away," he said. "Whats going on?" I asked. "We need you to settle an argument". So I closed the door and followed the brother upstairs to the room on the fourth floor. Before we got near the room, I could hear the shouting. Wherever I was going, it was serious. There must have 10 to12 guys in the room: Tonard Tims, NY; Tumbleweed, NY; Sears, PA; Rap Brown, NJ; Dino, DC; Sandy, VA; Charles Harris, VA; Doc Smith, PA; RoRo, DC, and me, VA. Somebody said, "Go ahead, and ask him". DJ said, "Can a Wildebeast beat an Ogre?" You must understand, I went through a summer program with these brothers, but it was after twelve midnight and besides I did not know the definition of an Ogre or a Wildebeast. I was quickly verbally assaulted and Dino went into an explanation. An Ogre was the toughest thing on earth but had one weakness, a Wildebeast. Hey, these brothers were serious. Someone countered, but no one could out shout DJ (David Jones, Snow Hill, NC.)
One thing led to another, and we started talking about the struggle of the Black man and our struggle as freshman. Someone, (I think it was Dino), compared our spirit to that of an Ogre. I wish I could recall the comment made by Tonard from the Boulevard because you know he was so colorful and funny. Tumbleweed put in two cents, Rap gave change, Sandy and Charlie both cited instances, and the consensus was things had to change. We decided to form our own organization with one qualification you did not care. You did not care about status, who had what, who knew what. It was truly all for one. Everyone thought this was a great concept. Now, to sell it to our brothers. How could we assemble the class? Could we get a scheduled meeting? It was then that Dino (Little Dino as he was affectionately known behind his back) said "Are we Ogres, or not? We need to get the brothers together tonight and talk about this." It was also during this time that a freshman had been arrested for being at the ROTC building with a bow and arrow. Now it was obvious to us what the brother was doing, but the school did not buy it. Recreating events of the American legacy was a part of Hampton's early history, but the brother was being detained by Hampton's finest. Remember, Vietnam was still raging. The next events will have to go nameless. (I hope the statute of limitations is in effect). Someone asked, "How are we going to get the entire freshmen class together tonight?" One of the brothers said, that in case of fire, we all have to assemble in Bemis Hall until Dean Campbell can account for everyone. Then someone said that pulling the fire alarm would send everyone to Bemis. Someone also said that tampering with a fire alarm was a federal offense. Before the word offense was out of his mouth, the alarm was ringing and the dorm was alive. There was already a bounty out for the phantom screamer. Now people were filing out of James Hall in all kinds of sleep attire and using an assortment of language to express their discontent.
The guy I felt for was Dean Campbell. You see, the Dean had to check each floor to ensure that everyone was out. All I could hear him say was, "This is a grave situation". As the boys filed into Bemis, Dino went to work explaining the Ogre concept. No dues, no constitution, no meeting just the proper attitude. Looking back on it now, what was expressed was a lot more colorful when equated to, be yourself now. It was in watching Dino that night that I saw some real meaning to the principles of natural leadership and the power of persuasion. It was that night and later events that would earn him the title, King of the Ogres. Anyway, the concept of O Phi O was well received and to show support for the idea, we all went over to the President Cottons house and knocked on his door. We wanted to know what was going to be done about our brother in bondage. Once satisfied with the President reply, we ended the evenings events with a toilet paper trashing of Harkness Hall. That evening started the tradition that each of us has carried throughout our four years to the present day. An Ogre tee-shirt was a part of the freshman wardrobe. It was the common thread. There is a classic picture in the 1973 yearbook of O Phi O. It was everybody. I was approached one Homecoming by students who were sincerely interested in the story of O Phi O. I could not believe it. In riding around campus, I was surprised to see banners proclaiming O Phi O; the spirit lives. There is even an Ogre Phi Ogre Homecoming float. Pride, respect, honor principles of the legacy that lives on in the hearts and minds of those who continue to fight for equality.
Thanks Mundy for the history, my brother. Who Knew?
The Big Payback
Ogres: Get Ready for "THE BIG PAY BACK"!
We are Ogre Phi Ogre #1 - the supreme, the teachers, the original! We set the pace, others look up to and follow us! Well, we just heard that the 40 Year Class for 2010 donated $250,000 to our Alma Mater. The NERVE! We can do better and this is how:
* Pledge now; send us your first installment. This strategy is one that keeps you on-track as you plan your gift-giving and allows your reunion financial committee to do your banking! We are banking at PNC Bank under Hampton Institute, Class of 1973.
* Join our mail in or on-line automatic deduction savings account. (This strategy is akin to the Christmas Saving Plan of years ago, but it is the 40th Reunion Ogre Phi Ogre Savings Club.) You can make this automatic recurring payment on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or whatever basis works best for you during the next 30 months. Track your contributions just as you would your bills paid on line. If interested, contact Shawne Carroll at shawnec_verizon.net or Gloria Rogers Parker at parkergroup_comcast.net so you can get detailed instructions and begin saving!
* Pledge now and claim your cash payment in whatever amount as GOOD for 2013 outside of the Savings Club Strategy by sending an email confirmation to HIUOgres73_gmail.com.
* Check with your companies for matching gifts. (Did you know some companies will match your gift up to $5,000 as a current employee or a retiree?) If you are interested in this strategy, please contact Wanza Lawson Barnes at wanzalawson_aol.com .
* Enrich our Ogre Phi Ogre Endowed Scholarship Fund by targeting your gift; make a difference! We can build this fund and advance our efforts to educate future Ogres.
Wouldn't it be great to go to a reunion and not have the "free will love offering" lecture? Wouldn't it be great to know that we are paid in full for our class gift to the university prior to arriving at our 40th Reunion? Wouldn't it be great to get at least 100 people (up from the 81 in 2008) to participate in our gift-giving strategy? Just imagine if 100 people participated using the sliding scale below based on 30 monthly payments of planning savings:
Number Monthly Contribution Total Savings:
of Contributors for 30 Months October 2010 to April 2013
40 $50 x 30 months $1500 x 40 = $ 60,000
60 $125 x 30 months $3750 x 60 = $225,000
100 $100 x 30 months $3000 x 100 = $300,000
100 $150 x 30 months $4500 x 100 = $450,000
50 $60 x 30 months $1800 x 50 = $ 90,000
50 $110 x 30 months $3300 x 50 = $165,000
Whatever amount you decide to give to our Alma Mater, PLEDGE NOW! PLAN NOW! Begin to leisurely COUNTDOWN TO 2013! Remember, we are OGRES and absolutely NO ONE does it better! Send your confidential pledge amount today to HIUOgres73_gmail.com! We will list the combined pledge amounts on our website as we count down to 2013 and send out quarterly updates! Dont be left out! Lets do this the OGRE way - in style, together! Yes, we can! Yes, we must! Hampton made much of what weve become possible. NOW ITS TIME FOR THE BIG PAY BACK!
In the Supreme Ogre Phi Ogre Hampton Spirit,
Bruce Mabine, Charles Harris, Sandy Howlette, and Sidney Ricks
Fund Development Strategy Leadership Team
Choose your method of donation:
Please contact Shawne Carroll at shawnec_verizon.net or Gloria Rogers Parker at parkergroup_comcast.net for detailed instructions and begin saving!
Name
Email Address
Donation Amount
Special
Instructions
$
Donation Goal: $250000
Happenings - Then and Now
It's Time for The Big Pay Back - Our 40th Class Reunion
Save the Dates May 10 - 13, 2013
Hotel TBD in Hampton, Virginia
Working Committees " Ask not what your class can do 4 u, but what u can do 4 your class!"
* Where is Everybody - Updating Contacts: Karen Coxe Burnette, Chairperson
* You Want to Do What - Weekend Activities: Jackie Stallings Evans, Chairperson
* Giving Back, Repaying Our Debt/Class Gift to HIU: Charles Harris, Sandy Howlette, Bruce Mabine, and Sidney Ricks, Co-Chairs
* Is This All - Another T-shirt - Finding the Perfect Class Gift 4 Us: Laurine D. Press, Chairperson
* Did I Miss the Class Photo Again - Photography Services: Benita Toler, Chairperson
Stay Tuned - More Will Follow, More Work To Be Done
MOI: Missing Ogres Investigation
Help us find our classmates! Complete the form under Contact Us!
We are missing too many classmates! We have listed a few of them, but if you know others, please send the contact information to us! We need all of our classmates, see the following partial listing:
A - I
J - Z
Ennis Allen, Jr.
Deborah Zee Anderson
Derrick Anderson
Nora Anderson
Warren Ansley
Martin Arrendell, Jr.
Herbert Artis
Carol Avery
Gloria Barber
Alvin Barley
Hilda Barnes
Darrel Benjamin
Paula Beverly
Linda Bethea
Agnes Bittle
Janet Bowman
Kendall Boyd
Herbert Breeden
Marilyn Brightful
Tanya Britton
Douglas Brogdon
Margaret Brothers
Sandra Brown
Alfa Brunner
Donna Bryan
Rosier Burke
Gilbretta Burrell
Cassandra Calender
Ruth Carson
Joan Carter
Joyce Clark
Roger Collins
Marion Copeland
Elaine Crawford
Fred Crutchfield
Kenneth Darden
Wayne Dashfield
Alma Davis
Cecil Davis
Troy Davis
Wilma Davis
Sharon Dorr
Edward Duncan
Brenda Edwards
Celestine Edwards
Michaele Edwards
Bernard Epps
Mildred Faulks
Brenda Fields
Judith Boykins Fields
Beebe Fleming
Charles Flowers
Carol Garrison
Brinda George
Johnett George
Carol Glascoe
Thavolia Glymph
Andrea Godfrey
Ruth Goldman
Deborah Graham
Robert Graham
Reginald Grant
Troi Graves
Vernae Green
Charlotte Hale
Leslie Hamilton
Beverly Hardin
Jacqueline Harper
Sanders Henderson
Hope Herring
Rene Hines
Esther Holimon
Joseph Holland
Dorothy Holley
Charles Horton
Curtis Hubbard
Edward Hunter
Reginald Jackson
Mae Jean Jefferson
Michael Jefferson
Segundina Jeter
Cecil Johnson
Cecilia Johnson
Conrad Johnson
Marian Johnson
Cathy Jones
John Jones
Joan Moody
Marsha Moorman
Charlotte Morris
Paul Morrison
Calvin Morrow
Brenda Morsell
Geneva Morton
Alease Motley
Marjorie Nesbitt
Lloyd Nickens
Earl Norman
Johnny Osborne
Ronald Parker
Lilly-Budd Patrick
Leon Pettigrew
Martha Reed
William Richards
Yvonne Rinehardt
John Ross
Vernon Salone
Larry Sanders
John Scott
Deborah Silver
Edward Simpson
Forrestine Sims
Leonard Singleton
Stephanie Smith
Sharon Stanley
Charlotte Stevenson
E. Nelson Taliaferro
Mary Frances Taylor
Curtis Terry
Ashton Thurman
Olga Jean Tine
Debora Tisdale
Kenneth Titley
Austina Trent
Frank Trinity-Davies
Carolyn Truitt
Perry Tucker
Beverly Turner
Lloyd Vaughn
Linda Vines
Sandra Walden
Sanfordene Walker
Valfredia West
Jerome White
William White
Nancy Whitted
Alfred Williams
Janey Williams
Paula Willis
Paula Wilson
Roslyn Winston
Clifton Wood
Leon Woodley
Regina Worley
Vivian Wrenn
Jacquelyn Wright
Edgar Yarborough
Deborah Yuille
How good is your memory?
How's your eyesight? Squinting is allowed!
Do you have total recall for faces and names?
(click to enlarge)
Our 60th Birthday Smooth Jazz Cruise PAR-TY January 23-30, 2011
Ain't No Stopping Us Now! We will always remember turning 60! Only the Ogre Phi Ogre Class of 1973 could pull this off. We celebrated our 60th Birthday for one solid week. After all, this was no ordinary birthday par-ty! It was a Smooth Jazz Cruise. We launched our celebration aboard the Holland America MS Noordam starting on January 23rd. After considerable deliberation, we finally decided to return home on January 30th. We had been up close and personal with Brian McKnight, Boney James, David Sanborn, Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler, Rick Braun, Norman Brown and many, many others, while we enjoyed the sun, fun, and each other in St. Thomas, Tortola, Nassau and Half Moon Cay. Who knew turning 60 would be so fabulous! We DID!
Photos
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