Presidential Statements 2022-2023

Service Never Stops

Service remains an indelible part of our University’s identity. We have taken our commitments to both truth and service with the utmost sincerity, and I suspect that to be at least a small reason for our continued success.

Service Never Stops

Service remains an indelible part of our University’s identity. We have taken our commitments to both truth and service with the utmost sincerity, and I suspect that to be at least a small reason for our continued success.

2023 Commencement Honorary Degree Recipients

I am pleased to announce that the University will confer six honorary doctorate degrees during the 155th Commencement Convocation. The ceremony will take place on the main campus of Howard University’s Upper Quadrangle at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

2023 Commencement Orator

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 46th president of the United States, will address the Class of 2023 as the commencement orator during Howard University’s 155th Commencement Convocation on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Howard University will also confer upon President Biden the honorary Doctor of Letters.

Celebrating National Nurses Week 2023

Once again, let us take this moment at the start of this year’s National Nurses Week to appreciate our nurses, a foundational pillar of our society.

155th Commencement Convocation Relocation

Due to inclement weather conditions, and with concurrence from the White House and United States Secret Service, I have decided to relocate this Saturday’s 155th Commencement Convocation to Capital One Arena, located in downtown Washington, D.C.

155th Commencement Convocation Opening Remarks

Good morning, and welcome to the 155th Commencement Convocation of Howard University.

While I know we were all excited to be back on The Yard for our first full-capacity commencement since the pandemic, we are grateful for the opportunity to utilize the beautiful Capital One Arena literally down the street from our campus.

Thank you, Howard Community 🎓

To the graduates, I especially want to extend my thanks to you for your understanding and grace as we navigated this situation. I sincerely hope our efforts made clear just how deeply proud this community — this family — is of each and every one of you.

Observing Memorial Day 2023

Memorial Day is a forceful and humbling reminder that the continued struggle for equality must be inextricably linked with an unrelenting passion for amplifying each other’s humanity.

Observing Memorial Day 2023

Memorial Day is a forceful and humbling reminder that the continued struggle for equality must be inextricably linked with an unrelenting passion for amplifying each other’s humanity.