Dear Howard University Class of 2027,
Welcome home!
I must first extend an enthusiastic congratulations to The Hilltop on the occasion of its upcoming 100th anniversary. It is an incredible privilege to have my greetings to our new students published by such a historic and prestigious publication. Your longevity demonstrates just how essential you are to the furtherance of Howard University. I am eager to read more of your exceptional journalism this year, and in the years to come.
I am excited to join an institution with such a rich legacy, and as we embark on the start of this academic year, I want to encourage every member of this class and the entire university community to embrace the full spectrum of opportunities that Howard University has to offer. Our university is such an incredible repository of history, much of it housed within Founders Library and the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. As a university community, we collectively build on that firm foundation to reaffirm and extend the global impact of Black Americans, and others from the African diaspora, in these times.
No matter your mission, life’s journey or aspirations, Howard University can help you soar. I am here to help our entire campus – our students, faculty, staff and alumni – to reach their highest potential.
I may be new to Howard, but Howard surely is not new to me. The District of Columbia has been a second home of mine for many years, and I can vividly remember visiting our campus as a child with my mother, captivated by the breadth and depth of Blackness all concentrated at one institution.
As I become more acclimated to the university, I will be seeking out moments to engage with you and learn how we can make this first year especially memorable. Don’t be afraid to say “hello” if you see me on the Yard or anywhere else across campus! I’m a historian by vocation, so I’m eager to get to know you and what drew you to this special place.
I believe that our world needs Howard University at its maximum strength. At present, we are arguably the strongest we have ever been in our 156-year history, and I owe a sincere debt of gratitude to Dr. Frederick and his administration for their efforts in re-establishing Howard as one of the premier centers for higher learning and innovation. Succeeding Dr. Frederick at this historic juncture for the University is an honor, and I believe that we can, and will take Howard to new heights. And, we will do it together!
My best wishes to all of you for a successful year, and I look forward to meeting you all in person very soon. H-U!
Veritas et Utilitas,
Dr. Ben Vinson III
18th President of Howard University
