A Message From President Vinson III, Ph.D. - Charter Day

Dear Howard University Community,

As we navigate emerging societal issues and rapidly changing technology, we are meeting this moment through our unique form of research, pedagogy, scholarly activity, artistic production and social justice impact. With each new accomplishment, and with each graduating class, we are further positioning Howard to lead as a prototypical, next generation Historically Black College and University (Next Gen HBCU).

I cannot think of a better way to signify this moment than by connecting the powerful legacy of our history, with the full spectrum of our future through the 2025 Charter Day theme, “The Power of Possibility.”

This year, the University’s annual Charter Day Dinner will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025. I highly encourage you to purchase your tickets in order to participate in our signature fundraising event for student scholarships. The dinner will be preceded by our Charter Day Spirit Week festivities, beginning on February 23. The 2025 honorees for the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement are Nelson L. Adams III (B.S. ’74), Sunny Sumter (B.A. ’94), Donald A. Thigpen Jr. (J.D. ’74), and Trustee Christopher J. Tyson (B.Arch. ’98). Read more about their postgraduate achievements.

Prior to Saturday’s dinner, on Friday, February 28, the University will also convene for our Charter Day Convocation. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will serve as our Charter Day Convocation speaker. Mayor Bowser will also be presented with the President's Medal for Achievement during the Convocation. Serving in her third term, Mayor Bowser has focused many of her efforts on housing, small business growth, economic development, and public schools. She follows in the footsteps of several Bison who have led the city, including former mayors Walter E. Washington (L.L.B., ’48), Sharon Pratt (B.A. ’65, J.D. ’68), and Adrian Fenty (J.D. '96).

Again, please be sure to secure your tickets for the Charter Day Dinner. This constitutes a prime opportunity for you to help ensure that current and future Bison can fully realize the power of their endless possibilities.

In Truth and Service, 

Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. 
President