A Monthly Newsletter from the Office of the President
BISON BEAT October 2016 | Volume 5 Issue 9
HOWARD HOSTS 93RD ANNUAL HOMECOMING
October 2016 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | PAGE 1
Dear Howard University Community, Howard University – since its inception – has been known for forthrightly addressing the disparities and social ills that affect local and global communities. The University has a legacy of breaking barriers and creating opportunities. This institution was a unique undertaking in many ways. In November 1866, there was a vision for a seminary that trained preachers of color. By December 1866, the plan was to establish a normal and theological institution for the education of preachers and teachers of color. These goals – seemingly narrow compared to the Howard University that we know today – likely resulted from deeply rooted doubts based upon a lack of knowledge about the academic prowess of African Americans. Before either plan was brought into fruition, a greater final vision for a “university” for the “education of youth in the liberal arts and sciences and other departments” was approved. This notably grew to include law and medicine.
While the end of the Civil War, the emancipation of enslaved people and impetus for ensuring education for freedmen contributed to the founding of Howard University, the institution’s semi-centennial coincided with the entry of the United States into World War I. By the time we celebrated Howard’s 50th year, the physical environment had changed dramatically from what was once farmland to a campus with several buildings to accommodate instruction in all of the school’s disciplines. The centennial was celebrated only two years after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law on Aug. 6, 1965. Howard University’s Sesquicentennial Celebration presents a unique opportunity to honor not only individuals who have started our legacy, but also individuals who have worked tirelessly to propel this institution forward. Howard University has always been ambitious – an attribute that I do not envision us forfeiting anytime soon.
PAGE 2 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | October 2016
In preparation for Howard University’s 150th year, we have decided the best way to explain the unique hybrid of Howard University’s rich legacy, our trailblazing present and the promise of our future is: “The Time is Always Now.” The great moments in Howard’s history were not “history” at the time. For Howard, these are the moments that have made all the difference, moments where challenges are overcome, opportunity is recognized, and the future is built. To act, to learn, to give, to serve, to excel – at Howard, the time always has been and always will be, now. Excellence in Truth and Service,
Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA President
Inside AROUND CAMPUS 4
Sesquicentennial Celebration Countdown Begins
5
Howard Releases Sesquicentennial Celebration Events Listing
6
President Frederick Issues Call for More Alumni Donors
7
Linda Johnson Rice Launches Johnson Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship Speaker Series
8
Howard’s 93rd Annual Homecoming Recap
October 2016 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | PAGE 3
AROUND CAMPUS
Sesquicentennial Celebration Countdown Begins
SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION COUNTDOWN BEGINS
150th Anniversary Celebration T H E T I M E I S A LWAY S N O W
Oct. 2 officially marked 150 days until the 150th Anniversary Celebration. The theme for the Sesquicentennial Celebration is “The Time is Always Now."
PAGE 4 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | October 2016
Howard Releases Sesquicentennial Celebration Events Listing The Ralph J. Bunche Center and the Howard University School of Law have planned events in celebration of the University’s sesquicentennial. Mark your calendars now, and look for more details throughout 2016 and 2017. THURSDAY, NOV. 17
Ralph J. Bunche & the Israeli/ Palestinian Conflict, Then and Now” and “20th Anniversary Celebration of the R.J. Bunche Center Ralph J. Bunche, namesake of the International Affairs Center on Howard University’s campus, diplomat, founder of the HU Political Science Department and co-founder of the United Nations, was integral in the mediation of relations between Palestine and Israel, for which he won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1950. On this evening, discussion will center around the legacy of Ralph Bunche and examine the current status of the Israeli/Palestinian relationship.
THURSDAY, FEB. 23
APRIL DATE- TBD
HU and Black Internationalism Howard University and Global Leadership for the 21st Century Around the World Invited speakers include faculty and students who will share their research and personal experiences from different regions of the world on the subject of Black internationalism, how HU has contributed to a larger Black consciousness movement and the reputation of Howard University around the world.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 15 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
Women of HU Around the World WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25
Howard University, the AntiApartheid Movement & the State of South Africa Today
President Frederick will provide the final keynote. He will discuss his vision for HU as a leader in producing global citizens who are prepared to be agents of change in the 21st century.
This session will be dedicated to the contributions of the women of Howard University and examine the many ways they have influenced the world.
From Houston to Murray: Pushing Beyond Constitutional Equality, Moving Towards Justice The School of Law (through the Constitutional Law Center) will host a one-day symposium that not only examines the legacies of Houston and Murray, but also considers the 21st century implications of their work.
HU alumni and professors will discuss the role of the HU community in the anti-apartheid movement, activities on campus, mobilization of activists, etc. They will also discuss the state of South Africa since the fall of apartheid and how the HU community can continue to support the people of South Africa who were most affected by the apartheid system. October 2016 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | PAGE 5
Alumni Participation Rate Last 10 Fiscal Years
President Frederick Issues Call for More Alumni Donors President Wayne A. I. Frederick has issued a call to increase the percentage of alumni who give back to the University. While the University reached 10 percent alumni giving in fiscal year 2016, Dr. Frederick would like to see more. In order to achieve this goal, Development & Alumni Relations will focus on increasing undergraduate and graduate alumni participation to 15 percent in fiscal year 2017. This requires approximately 114 percent more alumni donors than in fiscal year 2016.
PAGE 6 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | October 2016
15%
Development and Alumni Relation’s goal to increase donor participation by 15% in 2017.
Linda Johnson Rice Launches Johnson Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship Speaker Series Johnson Publishing Co. Chair Linda In Q&A format, Johnson Rice will discuss Johnson Rice will visit Howard University many topics, including the unique challenges and rewards of owning a family on Nov. 9 to launch the John H. Johnson business and how a business competes Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship Strengthen a culture of entrepreneurial activity Speaker Series, across the University among students, faculty, named in honor of staff, alumni and community business owners. her late father. John H. Johnson was the business and journalism pioneer who founded Johnson Publishing Co. in 1945 and produced the iconic Ebony and Jet magazines. Monique Greenwood, business innovator and owner of Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns, award-winning journalist and former editor-in chief of Essence Magazine, serves as the inaugural John H. Johnson Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship at Howard University, which is housed in the School of Communications.
and adjusts when technology changes the game. This event, along with other events and workshops in the speaker series, is free and open to the public. The series also will feature high-profile business owners to serve as entrepreneurs-in-residence.
Johnson Publishing Co. and the Johnson family established the John H. Johnson Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship in 2016. According to a statement by Johnson Rice, the Chair was created “to strengthen a culture of entrepreneurial activity across the University among students, faculty, staff, alumni and community business owners.�
October 2016 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | PAGE 7
Howard’s 93rd Annual Homecoming Recap Howard University celebrated its 93rd Annual Homecoming week, titled “Blueprint: Recognizing the Past, Celebrating the Present, Embracing the Future,” from Oct. 18-23. Thousands of people came out to celebrate one of the most nationally renowned HBCU homecomings. Here’s a glimpse of events that took place leading up to and during Homecoming:
October 2016 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | PAGE 9
PEP RALLY – OCT. 18
Hundreds filled Greene Stadium for the pep rally, which featured performances from Howard’s Showtime Marching Band and the Bison cheerleaders; D.C. rapper Shy Glizzy; and Fast Life Yungstaz, the originators of the popular song, “Swag Surfin’.”
HOMECOMING 5K – OCT. 15
About 50 runners sprinted and walked around Howard’s campus during the Homecoming “On the Run” 5K walk/race.
LGBTA RENAISSANCE
COMMITTED TO BREATHE TOWN HALL – OCT. 19
The Committed to Breathe Town Hall was a panel discussion about policing, shifting anti-Black attitudes and using love to overcome challenges. The panel included Lisa Crooms-Robinson, J.D., professor of law; Bahiyyah Muhammad, Ph.D., associate professor of criminology; student activist Kamau Waset; Police Chief Brian Jordan; and Ronald E. Hampton, who retired from the Metropolitan Police Department for the District of Columbia.
The 2nd annual LGBTA Renaissance Reception recognized the accomplishments of individuals in the LGBTA community on and off Howard’s campus. The event raised awareness and funds for LGBTA student scholarships and research for undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Two students, Amber Broaden and Jubria Lewis, received scholarships from the Lavender Fund, founded by the University’s Graduate Trustee Christopher Cross.
HOMECOMING FASHION SHOW – OCT. 20 The 2016 Homecoming Fashion Show, titled “Untitled to United,” featured appearances by Matt the Violinist, the Duke Ellington drum line, Howard Gospel Choir and Howard University Fine Arts Dance students. Howard alumni Khala Jones and Ron David were among the show’s designers. The show also included a surprise guest experience with Howard alumna Yandy Smith-Harris.
GREEK STEP SHOW – OCT. 21 The winners of this year’s show, titled “Renegade,” were:
First Place: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chapter, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter Second Place: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS – OCT. 21 President Wayne A. I. Frederick addressed faculty, students and alumni in the Howard University School of Business Auditorium. Topics of discussion included enrollment, finances, Howard University Hospital, student engagement, career services, real estate development and campus planning, fundraising, philanthropic landscape and the Sesquicentennial Celebration updates. Some key points discussed were: •
INTERNATIONAL YARDFEST – OCT. 21
Thousands crowded Howard University’s upper quadrangle for International Yardfest 2016, titled “Made in the Mecca,” to enjoy live performances by Faith Evans, Common, Fabolous, Wale and Philadelphia rapper Lil Uzi Vert.
President Frederick has no desire for Howard
University to manage or operate a hospital, but
emphasized that health professionals must have a • •
space to practice their clinical work.
In the last 18 months, the real estate value at the University has totaled $48.2 million.
President Frederick and Laura H. Jack, vice president of development and alumni relations, have increased alumni outreach efforts and will continuously do
as the University approaches its Sesquicentennial Celebration.
HOMECOMING GAME – OCT. 22
The Howard University Bison hosted the North Carolina A&T University Aggies. The Aggies won 34-7.
PRESIDENTIAL PARTY – OCT. 22
President Wayne A. I. Frederick hosted the 2016 Presidential Party on Oct. 22 at the Newseum. The event, which featured multiple DJs on two levels, also included a reception for donors. October 2016 | Bison Beat Monthly Newsletter | PAGE 11
Bridging the Gap PLEDGE CARD A $25 MILLION STUDENT AID CAMPAIGN
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