Charter Day 2025

Charter Day Dinner Emcee and LaRue V. Barkwell Award Recipient

Emmy Award nominee Anthony Anderson (B.F.A. ’22) (L) returned to serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Entertainment.

Carrie Hackney (B.M.Ed. ’71) (R) received the LaRue V. Barkwell Capstone Distinguished Service Award, presented to an “individual whose purpose comes alive in service to others.â€

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Anthony Anderson headshot beside Carrie Hackney headshot
Founding of IMÌåÓý¹ÙÍø

IMÌåÓý¹ÙÍø was founded on March 2, 1867, by Civil War hero Gen. Oliver O. Howard, who also served as its president and leader of the Freedmen’s Bureau. President Andrew Johnson approved the University Charter on the same day to create an institution dedicated to the betterment of humanity.

Since 1867, the Howard campus has grown from a single frame building to 256 acres of land across the District of Columbia and Maryland. With our main campus located in northwest DC, the School of Law, School of Divinity and Howard's research facility, each has dedicated campuses nearby. In all, more than 120,000 degrees and certificates have been awarded.

Charter Day Convocation Speaker and Livestream

Mayor Muriel Bowser headshot

Friday, February 28, the University convened for our Charter Day Convocation. We were pleased to have Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as our Charter Day Convocation speaker. During the Convocation, Mayor Bowser was also presented with the President's Medal for Achievement.

Charter Day Weekend’s Important Dates

Faculty holding hands and singing at Charter Day convocation 2024

158th Charter Day Convocation

Date:
Friday, February 28, 2025

Time:
11:00 a.m.

Location:
Cramton Auditorium

Charter Day Guests Posing In Front of HU Photo Background

Charter Day Dinner

Date:
Saturday, March 1, 2025

Time:
6:00 p.m. - Reception
7:00 p.m. - Dinner and Program
10:00 p.m. - Dance Party

Location:
Marriott Marquis
901 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20001

Take a Look Back: Charter Day Over the Years

Read About IMÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Charter Day