B2 The Afro-American May 25, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Howard University students celebrate commencement in nation’s capital
Howard University officals begin their commencement ceremony, held inside of the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Students of the largest graduating class of Howard University in its history gather on May 11.
Thasunda Duckett delivers a keynote address for the Howard University class of 2024.
Ben Vinson III attends his first graduation ceremony as president of Howard University.
The class of 1974 celebrates their 50-year anniversary.
By Ama Brown AFRO Editorial Assistant
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oward University’s (HU) commencement ceremony took place May 11 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The venue was filled to the brim with the largest graduating class in the history of HU, with more than 2,500 degrees conferred. Many of this year’s graduates were high school seniors who missed their graduation day due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began March 2020. The building overflowed with people wanting to show up for their graduates in person. In addition to this year’s graduating seniors, graduates from the class of 1974 were present to celebrate 50 years as Bison Blue Alum. President Ben Vison III led his first commencement since taking on the 18th presidency of the historically Black institution from Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, who served the university on an interim basis in 2013 before officially stepping into the role of president in 2014. The keynote address, delivered by Thasunda Duckett, president and CEO of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA). She spoke to them about having courage and told the group that courage is the way forward through all that life will bring you. Her honorary degree was given alongside those of J. Willard Marriott Jr., of Marriott Hospitality, Attorney Fred David Gray and astronaut Victor Jerome Glover.
Honorary degree recipient Attorney Fred David Gray enjoys the pomp and circumstance of the 2024 HU commencement ceremony.
Photos by Stephen Hopkins
Personalized caps dot the crowd of scholars.
The Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts provides a fond reminder of the “King of Wakanda,” who passed in 2020.
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