Vividly bright and shining is a definition that suits the Class of 1983 very well. To be radiant means to outshine in strength, intelligence, energy, dominance, and positive force.
The colors red and gold reflect the outstanding character of the Class of 1983.
Gold, the color of the sun at its peak, is characteristic of the lasting value of the members of the class of Hampton Institute and the outside world. The vibrant color of red denotes spirit and unity. The Class of 1983 is a radiant beam of light which continues to shine even after its members have graduated from Hampton Institute.
Cited from the Hampton Institute 1981 Yearbook
We met as strangers
… in 1979 with the common goal of continuing our education and earning a higher degree from a prominent HBCU. Freshman year was filled with learning who was from what part of the country and making connections in that way. However, by the time four years passed, we were no longer separated by regions but forever connected by the common bond of being Hamptonians, the memorable times shared, and the friendships that would grow beyond the grounds of what was etched in our hearts as Hampton Institute.
Hampton University holds many fond memories for us all! We connected with friends for life. We have furthered our educations, developed and changed careers and retired from those careers, and experienced weddings, births, and deaths. We have retold stories of times gone by. Yes, 1983 charted the foundation for who we would become.
No matter your geographic location, it is through this website, homecomings, and reunions we are able to connect with those we knew and did not know from our class; develop new personal and professional connections; and, retell the stories you said you would never mention again!
Through this site, we will do just that - Reconnect and Unify the Radiance Class.
The year was 1979 when we arrived as the largest incoming freshman class on the campus of Hampton Institute, a diverse group from different cities, states, countries, etc. A tradition had been established for the freshman class to “select a class name and mission to bring students together and foster a sense of unity and team spirit.” The freshman class has the option to take the senior class name which at the time was UBIQUITY. We declined that name and chose our own.….RADIANCE!!!!!