Please visit back for the listing of his speeches.
Gathered colleagues and assembled guests: I want to leave you with this: In March of 1867, we were born to lead. We were born to be an engine of change and a force of good. I am mindful of these tasks today. I recognize that education without purpose does not forward our humanity. I know that purpose is easily lost amidst the cacophony of issues that swirl around us every day. But we must not lose it, because it is part of the essence of what we do here at Howard.
Howard—we have the imagination, the fortitude, the brilliance, and the confidence. Let us journey together to our newest, boldest horizons yet. I charge this audience to focus on excellence, to embrace and uphold our University’s value of truth and service, to build and foster our sense of community, and to not let barriers stand in our way. We need you at maximum strength.