Commencement is one of Howard University’s largest events of the year, requiring significant planning across multiple departments within the university.
Princess Gamble serves as the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at Howard. She oversees the University Events and Protocol team and has played a role either directly or indirectly with commencement since she began at Howard four and a half years ago.
According to Gamble, commencement planning “begins right after it ends.” The planning operates on a nine-month production timeline. The process is primarily led by the University Events and Protocol team, but the Office of Facilities Management and the Office of the Provost are also involved.
Commencement is an effort driven by various leaders across campus, including school and college representatives for departmental recognition ceremonies, as well as the Office of University Communications. Some aspects of commencement planning begin very early on, such as securing permits and the ordering bleachers and staging.
“Commencement planning never really stops,” Gamble said. “But it heightens probably at around the nine-month timeline.”
Within the last five years, the location of commencement has changed almost every year. This is due to several factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, graduating class size and inclement weather.
In 2020, in-person commencement was cancelled and held virtually due to the pandemic. In 2021, it was held both virtually and in person at Greene Stadium on campus to allow for social distancing. In 2022, it was held in Burr Gymnasium due to inclement weather. In 2023 and 2024, it was held at Capital One Arena and last year it returned to The Yard for the first time since 2019.
The Yard is the traditional location for Howard University commencement, according to Gamble.
“Commencement has been traditionally on The Yard, and that was without question,” she said.
As the university has grown, The Yard is becoming less ideal space-wise for the number of students who are graduating. The first year the Capital One Arena was used was based on the president’s involvement with the space and the threat of inclement weather, according to Gamble. The Yard is always the first choice, but depending on the size of the graduating class and other external factors, alternative venues may be used.
When it comes to unfavorable weather, the university has a rain plan or inclement weather plan that is in place and constantly being worked on. In past years, the plan allowed for commencement to be moved to Burr Gymnasium.
However, due to the increasing size of graduating classes, there is a risk that the number of graduates may be too large for that accommodation to be made. Because Burr Gymnasium seats 2,600 and the graduating class can very well exceed that number, other options for inclement weather are constantly being assessed. The number of students graduating this year was not available when this story went to publication, according to the Office of University Communications and Gamble.
“That decision (to move indoors) is made within 48 hours of commencement,” she said.
Although Burr may not be big enough for Commencement Convocation all the time, it is oftentimes the perfect size for school and college recognition ceremonies, which happen in the days leading up to the final Commencement Convocation.
Recognition ceremonies are led by the staff within the specific school or college that the students are graduating from, and these ceremonies are often held in either Burr Gymnasium or Cramton Auditorium on campus. This is where students receive academic recognition, walk across the stage and receive their degree covers.
Ranyia Cox, a graduating senior business management major from East St. Louis, Illinois, says she hopes the virtual adaptation of her School of Business recognition ceremony goes smoothly.
“I want the livestream to be good since it is a ticketed ceremony; not everybody can come support me the way that they want to,” she said.
For Cox, graduation is coming early as she is finishing in three years instead of four. Coming into Howard, Cox had already earned her associates degree using dual credits while she was in high school, which allowed for her early graduation. Although she is proud of this accomplishment, she feels a bit disconnected from the graduating class.
“I’m not graduating with the class of 2027. I was prepared for that, but it’s still heartbreaking,” she said.
Overall, Cox is also looking forward to the senior week festivities hosted by the School of Business leading up to commencement.
Besides being hosted on The Yard, several other traditions make each Howard University Commencement Convocation unique and memorable.
“Another piece of tradition is the passing of the torch, and that is from our 50th reunion class to the graduating class as they become alums,” Gamble said.
Students also participate in “The Long Walk,” which is the processional that students take on commencement day as they move into their seats on the red carpet. There is also an alumni pledge that students take, which states that they will continue to support Howard in the future.
“When students first begin at Howard, they do a walk to be pinned. ‘The Long Walk’ at Commencement is the reverse of that,” Gamble said.
Students also play a small role in commencement planning. During the selection of the commencement speaker, which is primarily done through the Office of the Secretary and the President, as well as other cabinet members, student input is provided through the Student Affairs office.
“The speaker really is who resonates at the time and who is going to appeal and help motivate our students as they go out into the world,” Gamble said.
This year the speaker is Muriel Bowser, the seventh elected mayor of Washington, D.C.
Gamble also noted that students in the 1867 undergraduate assistantship program are involved in commencement and planning. According to her, they do ticketing, help manage guests and volunteer for the day. Students involved in the 1867 program declined to comment, stating that they would not be able to speak on behalf of the University Events and Protocol team.
“We’re working really hard to make it one of the most memorable days in a student’s life,” said Gamble.
For Candace Adams, a graduating senior psychology major from Harlem, New York, preparing for commencement was an extensive process as she planned for life post-grad while staying on top of school.
“I’ve been actively searching for a job or internship, particularly one that reflects my career path of working in the criminal justice system,” Adams said.
Adams shared that while it was a bit stressful, the last few weeks leading up to graduation reminded her of how close she is to completing this major milestone in her life.
“It’s mainly been a mixture of gratitude, sadness and excitement,” she said. “I will forever be thankful that I was able to have different opportunities and meet new people while at the Mecca.”
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore