Beyond the Yard: Alumni and Donor Newsletter

Summer 2025 Issue

Explore the latest Alumni + Donor Newsletter to see the latest alumni highlights, learn how to join in on the Orange Blossom Classic reception, find out how to start planning for the future, and more.

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Group of 4 Howard alum

This Issue’s Features

OBC Alumni Reception banner

Bison vs. Florida A&M opens football season

Welcome to the Orange Blossom Classic reception

Register now for the alumni reception, part of the Labor Day Weekend festivities, as our Howard football team kicks off the 2025 season on Saturday, August 30 against Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic! Also get football game tickets now and reserve your room by August 1.

Hilltop Highlights

Students bring home $1 million grant from Goldman Sachs win

Howard students led the way in bringing a $1 million grant to the University by winning the fifth annual Goldman Sachs Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Program. The Howard five — Keyla Arrechea, Jordan Atkins, Aaron Harrison, Kadijah Mansaray and Jada Rabun — competed against 11 other HBCU teams.
Goldman Sachs describes the program as “A semester-long, immersive introduction to key financial concepts and their real-world applications which culminates in a case study competition.”

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Howard Manor: Brand-new Bison living one block from campus

Beautifully renovated, never-before-lived-in studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms are leasing now. Alumni who qualify can lock in rents far below Ward 1 market rates while living steps from the Georgia Avenue–Petworth Metro and The Yard.

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Alumni Spotlight

Giving

Class Reunion Annual Fund returns to The Yard

The classes of 2000 and 2005 will celebrate their 20th and 25th reunions during Homecoming 2025. Both classes are raising funds respectively to support Howard students through scholarship funds and campus improvements.

Please make your donations by clicking the links below:

Howard University Class of 2000 25th Reunion Class Gift

Howard University Class of 2005 20th Reunion Class Gift

Celebrating 10 years of the Lavender Fund

For 10 years the Lavender Fund has empowered LGBTQ+ students through scholarships, advocacy and community. Founded by Christopher Cross, the fund celebrates a decade of progress, visibility and lasting impact on campus culture, student inclusivity and continued excellence.

Bison in the South embodies unity and pride

Bison in the South, Howard University’s inaugural three day spring homecoming in New Orleans, embodied alumni unity and pride — while raising crucial funds for Region V (Dallas, Houston, Central Texas, Louisiana) operational and scholarship needs. It is designed as a rotating “Alumni Homecoming in the South,” strengthening our Bison family.

August is Make-a-Will Month

Have you started planning for the future? Do you need to create or update your estate plan? Download the Estate Planning Checklist to find out. When you visit Wills Planner on the planned giving website, you can view videos to assist with the online tool and create your plan for FREE. Don’t wait! Let today be the day you plan for the future! If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Quina De Laine, Planned Giving Officer.

Athletic Spotlight

Chris Tucker with Bison alum

Bison at the Beach supports HU Golf

The annual fundraiser, hosted in Atlanta, raised more than $1 million for the men’s and women’s teams. The campaign goal to create an endowed fund to ensure the golf programs perpetuity was achieved. More than 100 alumni and friends participated in the weekend events to ensure its success.

Upcoming Events

July

July 26 — Howard Day at the Mystics, Washington, D.C.

August

August 10 — Legacy Reception, The Oliver, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
August 17–24 — Bison on the Vineyard (BOV), Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
August 29 — Alumni Reception (Orange Blossom Classic Weekend), 6–9 p.m., Miami
August 30 — Orange Blossom Classic, Miami

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