President Barack Obama will deliver one of his last commencement addresses as president to the 2016 graduating class of Howard University in Washington, D.C., according to the White House.
The commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, and needless to say, the HBCU is excited to have him.
“It is an extraordinary honor and privilege for the Howard University community to welcome President Barack H. Obama to our campus to deliver the 2016 commencement address,” Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick said in a news release. “The President’s commitment to education, especially for those who can least afford it, dovetails with Howard’s commitment to provide these same students with a rigorous, intellectually-stimulating, and academically-challenging educational experience.
“As we look into the not so distant future, Howard will commemorate its 150th Anniversary in March 2017, emboldened by a legacy of addressing disparities that are inextricably intertwined with this nation’s legacy of equality and inclusivity. President Obama’s own legacy gives the Howard Community great expectations for the leadership footprint it will leave on America and the globe,” the university president added.
Howard will also be conferring the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws—its highest honor—on Obama.
“His will be compelling words of encouragement for our students as they move forward with their commitment to truth and service,” Stacey J. Mobley, chairman of the Howard University board of trustees, said in the release. “President Obama’s world leader insights and his commitment to justice, equality, and inclusivity will make this year’s commencement ceremony historic and uniquely special for everyone who has contributed to Howard University’s legacy.”
Obama is also scheduled to give commencement addresses at Rutgers University’s New Brunswick campus in New Jersey on May 15 and at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado on June 2.