FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 | 10AM-1PM | BLACKBURN BALLROOM
Dear Bison and Divine Nine Family, Welcome back to Homecoming, where we are celebrating Howard University as “Wildest Dreams!” I am deeply honored to extend a joyous and heartfelt welcome. Homecoming Week, including special alumni programing along with the Greek Step Show and the football game against the Morgan State University Bears, marks a significant milestone for Howard University alumni. Through the Divine Nine Homecoming Fundraising Brunch, you are demonstrating the power of Howard’s Greek organizations and their steadfast support for the potential and success of our students. The Divine Nine brunch is a time to gather, reminisce and reflect on the pivotal role that your decision to attend Howard has played in shaping your lives. Thank you to the Divine Nine members celebrating their anniversary and Golden initiation years and returning for this momentous occasion. Your unwavering commitment to leading the Howard University Lines of 2021, 2016, 2011, 2001, 2006, 1996, 1991, 1981, 1986 and 1976 is essential to the legacy and sustainability of our beloved University. For nearly 161 years, Howard University has been a beacon of learning and community for generations. The world is learning what Bison already know—the beneficiary of a Howard education and a member of this community are invaluable. Thank you once again for being part of the University’s proud legacy and for returning home to The Mecca to make the 2026 “Wildest Dreams” Homecoming unforgettable. Enjoy! In Truth and Service,
Vice President Development and Alumni Relations
JENNIFER C. THOMAS is an associate professor in the Department of Media, Journalism and Film and director of the Annenberg Honors Program at Howard University, her alma mater. She encourages her students to see the humanity behind the headlines, to interrogate systems of power with rigor and fairness, and to tell stories that might otherwise go untold. She earned a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Columbia University. A Fulbright Specialist scholar, and former Scripps Howard Foundation AEJMC Teacher of the Year, she is an award-winning veteran broadcast journalist and former CNN executive producer who led coverage as the 9 am producer during the September 11th Terror Attacks. She is a media consultant, published author, press freedom advocate and international speaker with the State Department’s U.S. Speaker Program. Jennifer has served as the invited guest to several international locations, including Lithuania, Tanzania throughout South Africa and Nigeria where she served as the country’s keynote speaker for World Press Freedom Day. At Howard, she has supervised award-winning student coverage of National Conventions and presidential elections, produced live election specials for PBS’s WHUT TV, and reported from the U.S. Mexican border with the U.S. Border Patrol. Jennifer is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. initiated at Alpha Chapter, Howard University, where she also served as Miss Howard.
Sponsored by
PROGRAM Mistress of Ceremony Ms. Jennifer C. Thomas Director, Annenberg Honors Program Cathy Hughes School of Communications
Invocation Dr. Bernard Richardson Dean Rankin Memorial Chapel
Welcome Remarks Ms. Michelle Wright and Mr. Silas Elwood York, Jr. Committee Co-Chairs
Divine 9 Unity Steps Show Mr. Kylan McFail Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life & Leadership
Closing Remark Mrs. Princess Gamble Vice President Development and Alumni Relations
Alma Mater
Fourth Annual Divine 9 Homecoming Committee Members Ms. Michelle Wright Marie L. Young, M.D. Mr. Silus E. York Mr. Solomon Isaacs, Jr The Honorable Melanie Shaw
Mr. Chauncey Manson, III Ms. Sharon Drake Mrs. Khadijah L. Muhammad Mrs. Deborah Peaks Coleman Mrs. Janet Hailes
Ms. Monica McEaddy Mr. Gary D. Rodwell Mr. Derwin Gray Mrs. Janet A. Brabham-Hailes
Alma Mater Reared against the eastern sky Proudly there on hilltop high, Far above the lake so blue Stands old Howard firm and true. There she stands for truth and right Sending forth her rays of light, Clad in robes of majesty O Howard, we sing of thee. Be thou still our guide and stay Leading us from day to day, Make us true and leal and strong Ever bold to battle wrong. When from thee we’ve gone away May we strive for thee each day, As we sail life’s rugged sea O Howard, we’ll sing of thee.
Sponsored by When you scan and purchase your book, part of the proceeds will benefit the D9 Homecoming Fundraising Brunch.