Howard University: A Legacy of Truth and Service
Howard University, a private, federally chartered, historically Black research university in Washington, D.C., stands as a beacon of academic excellence and social justice. Founded in 1867 with the motto "Veritas et Utilitas" (Truth and Service), Howard has a rich history of educating leaders and scholars who have made significant contributions to the United States and the world. The university offers a comprehensive range of programs across 14 schools and colleges, fostering a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment.
Historical Overview
In the immediate aftermath of the American Civil War, members of the First Congregational Society of Washington envisioned establishing a theological seminary to educate Black clergymen. This vision quickly expanded to encompass a university. Congress chartered Howard University on March 2, 1867, naming it in honor of General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War hero and the commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau. Early funding came from endowments, private benefaction, and tuition.
The university played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Alain Locke, chair of the Department of Philosophy, penned The New Negro (1925), a work that helped usher in the Harlem Renaissance. Ralph Bunche, the first Nobel Peace Prize winner of African descent, chaired the Department of Political Science. Beginning in 1942, Howard University students pioneered the "stool-sitting" technique at a local cafeteria that denied service to African Americans. Stokely Carmichael, also known as Kwame Ture, a student in the Department of Philosophy, coined the term "Black Power."
Howard has faced challenges throughout its history. The Great Depression brought financial hardship, and in 1989, student protests erupted over the appointment of Lee Atwater to the board of trustees. In recent years, the university has addressed concerns about financial management and leadership.
Academics and Programs
Howard University offers more than 130 areas of study across its 14 schools and colleges, providing students with a wide range of academic opportunities. The university is committed to excellence in truth and service. Howard has produced Schwarzman Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, Truman Scholars, Pickering Fellows, and Fulbright recipients.
Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard
Howard is a leader in STEM fields, with the National Science Foundation ranking it as a top producer of African-American undergraduates who later earn science and engineering doctoral degrees. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in social work, business, and communications.
- College of Medicine: Internationally recognized for training competent and compassionate physicians who serve medically underserved communities.
- School of Law: A leading advocate for social justice, having produced numerous influential lawyers, judges, and public officials.
- Health Sciences Division: Includes the Howard University Hospital and the Colleges of Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.
Howard University provides students with a strong academic foundation and hands-on opportunities that prepare them to excel in their chosen fields.
Campus Life and Traditions
The 256-acre campus in northwest Washington, D.C., is often referred to as "The Mecca," a vibrant hub of academic and cultural activity. Howard University is home to WHUR-FM 96.3, a commercial radio station, and WHUT-TV, a public television station. The university also has a student-run radio station, WHBC.
Howard University has many academic and social Greek letter organizations on campus.
Howard University boasts a number of prominent traditions:
Read also: Discover the scholarship at Howard University's History Department
- Homecoming: The most prominent cultural tradition of the institution. Over 100,000 alumni, students, celebrity guests, and visitors are in attendance. Traditional events include the Homecoming Football Game and Tailgate, Pep Rally, Coronation Ball, Greek Step-Show, and Fashion Show.
- Springfest: An annual tradition created by the Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA) to celebrate the arrival of spring. Springfest events traditionally include the Fashion Show, Talent Show, Vendor Fair, Poetry Showcase, Beauty Conference, Charity Basketball Game, and a major community service event.
- The Bison Ball and Excellence Awards: An annual black-tie gala hosted by the Howard University Student Association (HUSA), where students, faculty, organizations, and administrators are honored for their accomplishments.
Research and Resources
Howard University is an R1 research institution, providing students with hands-on opportunities. The university's most prominent research building is the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB), a state-of-the-art facility.
Other research centers and resources include:
- The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (MSRC): A repository for the documentation of the history and culture of people of African descent.
- The Beltsville Center for Climate System Observation (BCCSO): A NASA University Research Center focused on climate system observation.
- The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center (RBC): Enhancing international engagement for the Howard University community.
Howard University is the publisher of The Journal of Negro Education, which began publication in 1932. The Howard University Bison Yearbook provides students with a year-in-review.
Notable Alumni
Howard University has produced a multitude of distinguished alumni who have excelled in various fields, including:
- Politics and Government: Kamala D. Harris (Vice President of the United States), Elijah E. Cummings (U.S. Representative), David Norman Dinkins (Mayor of New York City)
- Arts and Culture: Zora Neale Hurston (author), Taraji P. Henson (actress), Toni Morrison (Nobel laureate)
- Science and Technology: Dr. Patricia Bath (ophthalmologist and inventor), Beth Brown (astrophysicist)
- Civil Rights and Activism: Kwame Ture (civil rights activist)
Howard University has also produced many firsts, including Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court justice.
Read also: Explore Howard County Community College
Admissions and Financial Aid
Howard University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. Seventy-two percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid.
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