Omar McCrimmon, Norfolk State University- c/o 2003, Journalism & Mass Communications
Name : Omar McCrimmon
HBCU : Norfolk State University
Graduation Year : 2003
Major : Journalism & Mass Communications
Email : omccrimmon@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I was born and raised in Washington, DC - Northeast DC to be exact. My dad went to an HBCU (Virginia Union University - Go panthers!) So I was exposed to HBCU life at a very young age.
Omar McCrimmon, 38, Science/Public Health Communications and Outreach Director
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
For me, it was really a no-brainer that I was going to attend an HBCU. If your parents, grandparents, and/or other family members attended an HBCU, I kind of feel like you should continue the tradition, if you are able to do so.
It's true that HBCUs do primarily serve African-American students, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to have a limited cultural experience in your lifetime. Which is why I made the decision to participate in internships that exposed me to different cultures. Being a well-rounded person was/is extremely important to me as I navigate through society.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at Norfolk State University (Behold!) is something I will treasure for a lifetime. Once I started to get in the groove of attending classes, I Immediately noticed a sense of community and collaboration among the student body. The professors and faculty I encountered really helped nurture and guide me throughout my college experience.
2018 HBCU 5K, Howard University
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
The first thing that comes to mind is homecoming. My mind was blown. From the alumni that comes from all over, to the band - memories that will last a lifetime. Also, Black College Weekend at Paramount Kings Dominion was a ton of fun. I'm glad I got to experience it before it got cancelled.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
When I first got to NSU, my major was undecided. Then I met a man by the name of Richard Koonce who would change my life forever. I decided to start taking Journalism courses because I was leaning toward becoming a Journalism major, but wasn't 100% sure.
After turning in a couple of writing assignments, Mr. Koonce approached me after class one day and said "Have you thought about being a Journalism major?" I told him I was thinking about it but not really sold on the idea. He then told me "you are a great writer, you should consider it". That literally was the first time I ever heard someone say I was good at anything and I felt empowered. After meeting with him a few times during his office hours, I started to get an earful about the types of opportunities that are out there for Mass. Communications/Journalism students. I was sold.
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Norfolk State University
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Students: 7035
Under Graduates: 6,200
Post Graduates: 835 - Athletics: Norfolk State University ofers men and women's basketball, cross country, tennis and track and field; women's sports include bowling, softball, and volleyball; men's-only sports include baseball and football. Norfolk State University competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
- Notable Alumni: Jedidah Isler - 2003 - First African-American woman to receive a PhD in Astrophysics from Yale University in 2014** Karen Briggs - Violinist** Chris Brown - Track & field Star** Don Carey - 2009 - NFL defensive back** Evelyn J. Fields - 1971 - Former director of the Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps Operations and the NOAA Commissioned Corps. She was the first woman and the first African American to hold this position** Kyle O'Quinn - 2012 - NBA player for the New York Knicks** Tim Reid - 1968 - Comedian, actor, director** Randall Robinson - African-American lawyer, author and activist, who is noted as the founder of TransAfrica** J.B. Smoove - Actor, writer, and stand-up comedian, best known for role as Leon on Curb Your Enthusiasm** Chandra Sturrup - Track sprinter; Gold Medal Winner in the Olympics** Susan Wigenton - 1984 - Federal Judge, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey** D'Extra Wiley - Entertainment veteran, producer and former MCA Records R&B Artist for the 90's New Jack group II D Extreme**
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