This writer attended Hampton University’s 143rd commencement, and ran into my favorite professor, Dr. Francisco Coronel. Check out our interview.
What are some memorable moments at Hampton U?
In 1993 I was granted tenure and full professorship. I was the first Hispanic to get tenure and professorship in the field of marketing in an American University. Since 1995, I have taken students in study trips to Europe, Latin America and Asia. In 2008, I was selected to serve as director of Strategic Marketing for Latinos for Obama, serving in NYC. In 2013, I was awarded the E.L. Hamm Distinguished Teaching Award, which honors faculty that distinguishes himself [or] herself in being great teachers.
Are there any tips you would give to graduates?
The best students I have known, including you, are proactive, use their time well and are focused on the task at hand.
Was anything said Sunday at the graduation that can be applied to your life now?
The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, gave a wonderful speech that is relevant to all. She warned us that the cigarette companies spend more than a million dollars per hour in advertising! The ad agencies focus on children and young adults; therefore I must ensure that my children do not smoke. The probability that a person starts smoking after they are 25 years old is less than 1 percent. Can you imagine the impact of $27 million dollars in advertising per day?
How important is giving back to your community?
Service is the essence of life. Giving back to the community through service is edifying, and gives a sense of greater purpose to our lives.
You have a young daughter, would you want her to attend Hampton U? And why?
I would be blessed if my daughter went to Hampton. The faculty of Hampton is world-renowned; the location of the campus is paradise like; and we have the best president. What university can boast a president that has lead an institution to continuous progress for 35 years? Hampton is a premier university that focuses in education for life. The student center, the cafeteria are state-of-the-art buildings.
How does it feel, knowing you are being interviewed by one of your former students?
I feel elated! Since you were a freshman, I knew you were going to do great in the world of business, however you did it faster than I expected. Congratulations, Joi!
