May 8 – 10, 2015

AL U M NIP ROFILE SDerek R.LewisSenior VP at Pepsi Developed love forHU at a Young ageBy Matthew White ’10Derek R. LewisPhi Orge VI)his Hamptonexperience in“special”.’88 (Ogresums upUniversityone wordLong before becoming thes e n i o r vice president and general manager ofPepsi North America Field Operations at PepsiCoAmericas, Lewis, a native of Washington D.C.,always knew that Hampton University would be hisdestination for undergraduate studies.“My love for Hampton started at a young age,” saidLewis. “It began with my grandfather Charles Perry,’38 and my aunt Joan (Perry) Johnson’79. I visitedthe campus frequently when my aunt was in school.It was during those road trips that I learned about therich history of Hampton Institute and absolutely fell inlove with the campus. I knew the Home by The Seawas the place to be. Combine that with the fact thatI would graduate the same year as my grandfather’s50th year anniversary class, it made my decision seemeven more special.”Looking back at his time at HU, Lewis fondlyremembers some events that helped shape him intothe person he is now; his time spent in the BusinessSchool which helped shape his career outlook,hanging out and enjoying time with the extensiveD.C. crew, being initiated into the Beta Chi chapterof Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (Spr. ’86), and andmeeting his future wife Sherene Lewis ’91, formerlySherene Kauffman.“First HU is one of the best campus environmentsaround when you consider its prime location, thewonderful aesthetics, and family atmosphere,” hesaid. “Second, would have to be the strong “PiratePride” that exists with students and alumni. It’s veryunique and un-matched when compared to peerschools. Finally, the Hampton brand is strong, healthy,and admired everywhere. The schools rich historyof high achievement has allowed each generation ofstudents to raise the bar for the next one, ultimatelycreating material growth opportunity going forward.”“Some of my best times were spent at the Union,the block, or in front of dorms like VC,” said Lewis.“Pledging Kappa Alpha Psi in 1986 was a gamechanger for me. I learned how to become a betterleader while striving for achievement both personallyand professionally. I also embraced the importance ofteamwork and focusing on others, versus being selfcentered. Serving as dean of pledgees for our Spring1998 line was transformational. The lessons I learnedduring that window were very relevant for me even Lewis has served his alma mater well. In Februarytoday. The entire experience changed my outlook on 2011, Lewis returned to his “Home by the Sea” toserve as the keynote speaker of Pepsi Co Day at HU,life.”which featured career information sessions, with moreLewis believes that his time as HU prepared him for that 500 students participating. High-potential studentssuccess in life and in the business world, stressing were able to interview for permanent positions withthe importance of what he calls the “3 R’s”, results, the company. Lewis also returned again in 2013 torelationships and reputation. Lewis suggests, with speak with Business school students.results it’s about delivering solid performanceconsistently, and doing it the right way. With “It was a proud moment to walk the campus withrelationships, building and maintaining key networks students. said Lewis. “Being back in Buckman Hall(inside and outside of work) is critical for collaboration gave me goosebumps. I felt extremely energizedand maximizing influence skills. Your reputation, coming back to a place full of fond memories andwhich stays with you forever, starts with developing experiences; a place that helped prepare me for myyour own personal brand. You completely own it, future. It was also great to be able to visit with Dr.no one else does. Lewis feels, “Hampton reinforced Harvey, and other key faculty and administrators.”these critical success enablers throughout my entireThere is one specific HU administrator that holds afour years.”special place in Lewis’ heart: Joy Jefferson ’86, viceLewis says there are three things that make HU president for external relations, who was Lewis'Student Leader Program big sister.unique.Hampton University Alumni Magazine7

AL U M NIP ROFILE SHamptonUniversity is oneof our priorityschools,” saidLewis. “HU alumniare representedin all divisionsof PepsiCo, weactively lookto hire newgraduatesevery year.“Joy was the first person I met when I arrived oncampus,” said Lewis. “She made a tremendousimpact on me and truly helped me set the tone formy experiences going forward. It is amazing nowthat after all of these years she and I still have a greatrelationship, and we are both in positions to keepHampton strong.”“When my family settled in central Florida we knewthis was home,” said Lewis. “So after receiving mylast promotion in 2012, I knew I couldn’t uproot themso I chose to commute. Because of the foundationand spirit that drives my family and the tremendouscompany that I work for I am able to be at theimportant events when they occur.”Lewis is proud of the strong relationship that existsbetween PepsiCo and HU as he was a campus hire ofPepsiCo in 1988.Because of his family strong sense of community,Lewis currently serves on the Board of Directors forFlorida Citrus Sports, Central Florida’s Boy Scouts ofAmerica, YMCA of Central Florida, and the Board ofTrustees for Lake Highland Preparatory School. Inaddition, he is a member of the Executive LeadershipCouncil and National Black MBA Association.“Hampton University is one of our priority schools,”said Lewis. “HU alumni are represented in alldivisions of PepsiCo. We actively look to hire newgraduates every year.”Lewis started out as an account representative inBaltimore, MD, and progressed through various salespositions of increasing responsibility that moved himaround the country, including multiple HQ roles.Lewis also received his Executive Master of BusinessAdministration degree from Xavier University (Ohio)in 1998.In his current position with PepsiCo Lewis leads thecompany’s North American operating business, andguides the field leadership in the Unites States andCanada.But with that comes the obstacle of his family livingin central Florida while work is based out of NewYork. However, Lewis says that “Team Lewis” hasconquered the geographical logistics.Its easy to see that Lewis’s family is rich is HUtradition.“Ultimately God had a plan in store for me in attendingHU,” said Lewis. “It was destiny. I met Sherene whilerecruiting her and her friends to come to a Kappa partywe had off campus. I was successful, and I guess youcould say the rest is history.”“I really believe thatproton therapyis changing theway we look attreatment optionsfor cancer.”*Chavis HarrisProstate Cancer SurvivorSuffolk, VAWorld-Class Cancer Care,Closer Than You ThinkHampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI) is now treatingcancer patients with proton therapy — an effective, FDA-approvedtreatment for a variety of specialized cancers. We’re currently treatingprostate, head and neck, pancreatic, brain, breast, pediatric andother cancers. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer,call the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute today.The couple have been happily married for 22 years.They have three children, son Devon 19, daughterJordan 16, and son Kellan 8. Both of Lewis’ in lawsare Hamptonians, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne & PatriciaKauffman ’68 as well as his wife’s younger sisterSherlon Kauffman ’97. 2014 Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute* Each patient’s experience with cancer and proton therapy treatment may be different.Talk with one of our HUPTI clinicians about whether proton therapy is right for your cancer.8Hampton University Alumni MagazineCANCERS TREATED:ProstateHead and neckPancreaticBrainBreastPediatric and other cancersLEARN MORE ABOUTPROTON THERAPYhamptonproton.org877.251.6838

AL U M NIP ROFILE SJaniceHaithHU Alum started as a introvert, now a navy leaderBy Leha ByrdWhen Janice Haith ’82 first came to budgets,” Haith said. “My course work andHampton University’s campus she described herself involvement in many campus activities, such as DeltaSigma Theta Sorority, Inc. forced me to develop myas an introvert.leadership skills, which enabled me to achieve specific“I was slightly shy so I would not readily engage goals and objectives.”in conversations with individuals I did notknow. I generally would not take the first step in Haith fondly remembers campus activities thatmeeting someone. I will now, depending on the ensured students were well rounded post HU,circumstances,” she said. “With the assistance of Dr. including seminars featuring Musician NoelGreer D. Wilson, I overcame my reluctance to speak Pointer and Poet and Activist Dr. Mayain public forums. That was a pivot in my personal life Angelou. Haith’s senior year roommate was Rochelleand critical to many of my jobs starting in 2001, as I Branch ‘82. She too, has fond memories of campuswas and still am requested to give public speeches and activities, specifically as it relates to their sorority life.The pair resided in Modulars, and Branch describesparticipate in panels.”their room as, “ground central with lots of people in anNow, Haith is Director of the Department of the Navy out all of the time.”Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO). She’s beenin the position for four years, and has been with “She put up with my crazy arts classes, paintthe Department of Defense since 1989. She works in the room and late night typing withoutinside the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., not far from her complaining,” said Branch, now an executive directorfor the Arts/Cultural Affairs Manager for the cityhometown of Washington, D.C.Pasadena, Calif.Although she says she’s not quite become an extrovert,Haith attributes her confidence and leadership ability Branch describes her friend of over 30 years as ato her time at HU. Her daily job is to oversee IT policy go-getter.development and address potential budget challengesresulting from new policy. She has to ensure policy “She was always willing to take the lead on projects,is executable beyond the Pentagon, specifically, the was extremely active not only with our sororityFleet--Navy Ships, Carriers, and Submarines and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. but also in other on- campusSystems Commands. She also handles personnel activities. I always thought of her as a person willingmanagement for her staff to enhance their professional to take on great responsibility, and still do,” Branchsaid.  “I am tremendously proud of her public servicecareers.record with the government. Her accomplishments“Hampton enhanced my critical thinking and analytical are admirable.”skills i

2014 HBCU of the Year at the fourth annual HBCU . love with the campus. I knew the Home by The Sea was the place to be. Combine that with the fact that I would graduate the same year as my grandfather’s . meeting his future wife Sherene Lewis ’91, formerly Sherene Kauffman.