Dear Faculty and Staff:

On behalf of the Monarch Nation and our caring community, I am thrilled to officially kick off Monarchs Give Back 2025, a University-wide campaign centered on collective impact and service. This community-based initiative, envisioned and launched in Fall 2021 as part of my inauguration and in partnership with First Lady Marisela Rosas Hemphill, Ph.D., unites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners in our mission to address food insecurity. Over the last three years, our collective efforts have provided nearly 125,000 items of food to families and children experiencing food insecurity in Norfolk Public Schools (NPS), as well as ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï (±¬ÁϹÏ) students who rely on the Monarch Pantry. And, this year, we are setting our sights higher with a bold call to action: collect 100,000 canned goods or monetary donations by October 24, 2025, in support of NPS students and families and ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï students.

Feed the Lion: President’s Challenge (Now Through August 29)

As the official launch of the campaign, the President’s Challenge serves as a rallying call for every college/school, department, office, and organization to participate. Whether it is hosting a food drive, spreading awareness, or making donations, your involvement will help us reach this ambitious goal. In 2024, the Division of Research and Economic Development contributed the largest number of donations, totaling 15,195 items!

In the spirit of healthy competition, we invite each area of the University to participate in the President’s Challenge. The divisional team with the highest percentage of participation, based on food, donations, and service gifts, will earn bragging rights and an award. By focusing on the percentage of participation, we will level the playing field for divisions of all sizes. Most importantly, every contribution counts towards our collective impact on the lives of our students and those who attend NPS.

How You Can Help

  • and encourage others to donate and get involved.

  • through our official giving portal. $1 = 1 item.

  • Drop off your NPS non-perishable items at 1544 Webb Center or Innovation Research Park (IRP), Suite 106 located at 4111 Monarch Way or

  • Help us collect, sort, and distribute donations by signing up to be a volunteer.

  • For more information, please visit .

Thank you for your continued support, generosity, and partnership. Together, we will continue to make a lasting difference on our campus and in our community!

With Monarch Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President