Page 9 - Hampton-Fundraising-Report-2025

E S T E E M E D D O N O R S :
Samuel Chapman Armstrong
Lifetime Giving Circle
A Legacy of Leadership and Giving:
The Hrabowskis’ Enduring Impact
on Hampton
Reunion Weekend at Hampton University is always a time of celebration, and in May 2025, it was marked by a moment of
monumental generosity. Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III ‘70 and Mrs. Jacqueline C. Hrabowski ‘70, a couple whose lives and
careers have long been synonymous with educational leadership, returned to campus to make a historic
$1 million donation. This transformational gift, announced during the festivities, is designated to support student
scholarships, furthering a legacy of giving that has already touched countless lives at the university.
Their philosophy of giving is simple yet profound: “To whom much is given, much is required.” It is a principle they have lived
by since their days as students on this campus. Their recent contribution builds upon a remarkable history of philanthropy,
including a $500,000 gift in 2020 on the 7th Annual Day of Giving, which was made in honor of their 50th class reunion and
supported The Jacqueline and Freeman Hrabowski Endowed Scholarship fund.
For the Hrabowskis, the act of giving is a deeply personal
one. Dr. Hrabowski reflects on the power of the Hampton
experience, noting that it not only prepared them
academically for graduate work at the University of
Illinois but also instilled in them a crucial “sense of self.”
Mrs. Hrabowski adds that her time at Hampton reinforced a
personal motto: “Let your work speak for you.” This belief in
integrity and commitment has guided their careers and their
philanthropic efforts.
Their dedication to Hampton goes beyond financial
contributions. Their support was recognized in 2018 with the
naming of The Freeman and Jacqueline Hrabowski Student
Success Center. This tribute acknowledges their unwavering
belief that the Hampton experience prepares students to
become leaders, and their giving is a direct investment in
that future.
The Hrabowskis are national education leaders. Dr.
Hrabowski, who served as president of the University of
Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) from 1992 to 2022,
has been a consultant on science and math education to
national agencies. Mrs. Hrabowski, formerly Vice President
of Corporate Community Involvement at T. Rowe Price, is a
dedicated community volunteer. They both understand the
critical need for alumni support to ensure that institutions
like Hampton can continue their mission.
When asked about what inspires them, Mrs. Hrabowski
points to lessons from her father about helping people,
regardless of financial means. Dr. Hrabowski shares a
similar sentiment, highlighting the importance of giving
both time and money. He passionately argues that alumni
have a responsibility to support their alma mater, and that
a single Hamptonian can inspire others to give, creating
a ripple effect of opportunity. The Hrabowskis’ actions
serve as a powerful testament to this belief, ensuring that
Hampton’s legacy of excellence and opportunity continues
for generations to come.
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