HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) — President George H.W. Bush had several ties to Hampton Roads, and one included a close professional relationship with Hampton University President Dr. William Harvey.
Dr. Harvey described President Bush as a man with values, adored his family, and of great character.
“He was the type of man that did what he thought was best for the people, not for the party, and unfortunately so many politicians today do what they think is best for the party,” said Dr. Harvey
Dr. Harvey met President Bush before he became president, but did not form a relationship with him until after he had appointed me as a member of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Harvey said Bush was committed to enhancing black colleges and universities
“He actually founded the UNCF United Negro College Fund Chapter at Yale when he was an undergraduate,” said Dr. Harvey.
In 1991 President Bush accepted Dr. Harvey’s invitation to deliver the commencement address at Hampton University.
Dr. Harvey said he had the opportunity to visit President Bush at the White House host him at Hampton University’s Mansion House.
“I think he was able to have a great influence on people because he was a people person if he would come into a room he would shake everybody's hand not just the VIP’s,” said Dr. Harvey.
He said what made President Bush so unique was his love of people and ability to connect with them no matter what their party affiliation was.
“He was the type of man that did what he thought was best for the people not for the party. Unfortunately, so many politicians today do what they think is best for the party,” said Dr. Harvey
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