Meet Javondlynn Dunagan

I chose Hampton because it was the only HBCU that had my major, Gerontology, which is the study of aging. Consequently, the major was eliminated after my first semester. However, choosing Social Work as my major turned out to be a divine decision. Although I had never seen our beautiful campus prior to freshman orientation, the college catalog convinced me that I was making the right choice. Since stepping foot on campus 39 years ago in August 1984, I have not had one regret. Hampton was everything I could have imagined and was the perfect fit for me!

During my matriculation at Hampton, I learned a few invaluable lessons. My mom always told me that my friendships during college would develop into lifelong relationships. She was soooo right!. I learned that the college professors, campus workers, administrators, and lunchroom ladies were like our extended family members. They showed us that they cared about the students in a variety of ways. It was quite evident that big corporations and graduate schools valued the Hampton educational experience which resulted in amazing job opportunities and graduate school acceptances. I also learned that Hampton was a safe space to fail, figure it out and soar during all four years. I also was very active in our Illinois Pre Alumni Council which was a direct connection to our Chicago Hampton Alumni Chapter. The Chicago alumni friendships, connections and networking have proven invaluable over the years! Lastly, I realized that my Hampton friends and professors were some of my biggest cheerleaders next to my family.

When I left Hampton and immediately enrolled in graduate school at the University of Chicago, I walked into my classes with a level of confidence that was unmatched. Hampton made me believe that I could conquer any challenge coming my way post Hampton. I excelled in graduate school and my 25 year federal law enforcement career BECAUSE of the foundation that I received at Hampton. I also left with a sense of HBCU pride that I continuously brag about 365 days a year. Hampton also instilled in me a strong desire to recruit students to my HBCU, remain active in my alumni organization, and donate money to the school for scholarships.

I am inspired to live a life of service and being a philanthropist. I try to model my servant spirit after the late Mother Theresa and my late mother, Patricia Dunagan, both of whom lived a life of selfless service to others. Although I have dreams of becoming a philanthropist at the level of three people I admire, MacKenzie Scott, Warren Buffet and Tyler Perry, I am inspired daily to give financially with the resources I have right now.

In ten years, as a subject matter expert on Situational Awareness and Responsible Firearm Education, I plan to be a worldwide speaker educating the world on safety education. I also plan to be a millionaire philanthropist who is known worldwide for changing lives!