NSU President Makes Hospital Visit To Cheer Graduating Student

NSU NEWSROOM

Derek Skinner got quite the surprise when Interim President and CEO Eddie N. Moore Jr. paid him a visit in his Sentara Leigh Hospital room.

Skinner, 24, of Norfolk, who recently completed his Computer information Technology degree requirements, is recovering from a condition that has affected his kidneys and wasn’t able to attend his graduation when Norfolk State University held its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9 at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

So when Moore heard about Skinner’s story, he went to congratulate him in person.

“I want to congratulate you on completing your degree,” President Moore said to a smiling Skinner. “This is an important moment in your life. We wanted you to know that we are proud of you.”

President Moore provided Skinner with a few Norfolk State mementos and the two conversed about Skinner’s future plans.

The former NSU Bookstore employee said he plans to work in the electronics field and would like to develop circuits.

“I want to do something that helps people through technology,” he said.

He said that he appreciates the support of NSU faculty, staff and administrators who have visited him for the past three weeks at the hospital.

“He really cares about the University and the students,” Skinner said. “It means a lot that he came out here to visit with me. “