A year full of milestones
Key moments include R1 designation, Homecoming 100
Howard University marked several accomplishments and events in the 2024–25 academic year. Here’s a roundup of some key moments, including record-breaking gifts to the University, women’s basketball reaching the WNIT and a new home for DAR.
Howard to celebrate 157th Commencement on The Yard
The Long Walk returns to The Yard on Saturday, May 10, as Howard celebrates its 157th Commencement Convocation! The orator is Emmy and Peabody award-winning actor, producer and literacy advocate LeVar Burton. Read More
Bison Strong from Start to Finish
To date, the Bison Strong campaign has raised $30,331 with 195 donors, clearing more than 200 senior accounts thus far. Through gifts and donations, the campaign aims to help students bridge the gap and ensure they can take the final walk to graduation. Read more
Women’s basketball reaches second round of WNIT
Howard’s women’s basketball team advanced in March to the second round of the postseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament, falling 76–56 to the College of Charleston. The Bison ended its season with a 22–12 record — 12–2 Mideastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) — and made its fifth consecutive MEAC title appearance. Read more
Boseman’s work shines during premiere
In a groundbreaking event, DAR in conjunction with the College of Fine Arts hosted the one-night-only premiere benefit performance of “DEEP AZURE” written by Chadwick A. Boseman (’00, BFA) at the “historic” Howard Theatre. Alumni and friends enjoyed a VIP post-reception that followed the March 27 staged reading. Read more
Howard achieves R1 designation
The American Council on Education designated Howard a Research One (R1) university in February, placing it among the 5% of universities known for “very high research spending and doctorate production.” Howard is the sole HBCU with R1 Carnegie Classification. Read More
2025 Charter Day breaks records
This year’s Charter Day theme, “The Power of Possibility,” proved to be more than a phrase. The Charter Day Dinner in February raised a historic $1.3 million to support graduating seniors by clearing their balances ahead of graduation. Read more
Eli Lilly and Company donates $1.1 million for scholarships
Eli Lilly and Company donated $1.1 million in January to establish student scholarships at five of Howard’s schools and colleges. As many as 12 Lilly Bison Scholarships of up to $10,000 may be awarded annually to cover tuition and fees. Read more
Vice President Kamala Harris makes historic presidential run
Vice President Kamala Harris (’86, B.A.), first HBCU graduate to make a major run for the U.S. presidency, concluded her campaign Nov. 6 with a rally on The Yard. She declared, “This isn’t a time to throw up our hands. It is a time to roll up our sleeves.” Read More
Homecoming 100 — a new look, new fun
Thousands of Bison alumni, family members, friends and supporters came back to The Yard in October for Homecoming 100, reconfigured to be family-friendly but full of the joyful Howard experience. Events included the first Alumni VIP Day Party, Greek Step Show, Divine Nine Homecoming Fundraising Brunch, Yardfest and more. Read more
The Oliver: DAR moves to new home
In October, the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) division moved into Howard’s newest building on campus, The Oliver, located at Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Street. The $40 million mixed-use facility symbolizes our important work in gathering people together around a common goal — supporting the greatest needs of Howard University and the community. Read more
Autodesk donates $5 million to College of Engineering and Architecture
Autodesk Inc., made an unrestricted $5 million gift in June to the College of Engineering and Architecture, the largest such philanthropic donation in CEA’s history. The global software firm’s record-setting gift benefits Howard’s state-of-the-art Design and Make lab. Read More