5-star basketball prospect, Makur Maker commits Howard University

One of the top high school basketball recruits in the country made history Friday, announcing he will play for Howard University, a historically Black university.

Makur Maker is No. 16 on the ESPN 100 list for 2020. As such, Maker is the first five-star prospect to commit to an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) since ESPN began ranking prospects in 2007.

"I need to make the HBCU movement real so that others will follow," Maker tweeted. "I hope I inspire guys like Mikey Williams to join me on this journey. I am committing to Howard U & coach Kenny Blakeney."

Maker, a 6-feet 11-inch center, chose Howard over his three other finalists: UCLA, Kentucky and Memphis, according to The Undefeated.

ESPN reports Maker "averaged 14.7 points and 7.9 rebounds while shooting 73% on 2-pointers last spring and summer with Dream Vision on the Adidas grassroots circuit."

Howard University Creates Emergency Fund to Help Students Impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic

Historically Black Howard University in Washington, D.C., has established a scholarship fund to help students who are facing financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The university has heard from students and parents who have lost jobs or are facing other hardships related to the COVID-19 outbreak. All of the money in the fund will be used to give immediate, need-based scholarships to prospective May graduates in all 13 schools and colleges of the university, to assist them as they continue working towards their diplomas as planned.

The university has already taken steps to help students by refunding portions of students’ room and board, waiving seniors’ graduation fees, and returning fees for student activities, parking, and labs. The university is asking alumni to support the fund. Donations to the Howard University Alumni Association Emergency Scholarship Fund may be made here https://alum.howard.edu/emergencyfund.

“We have all been impacted by COVID-19, but Howard students have been hit especially hard,” says Sharon Strange Lewis, director of Alumni Relations whose daughter graduated from Howard University in 2017. “As a Howard alumna and the parent of a Howard graduate, I understand the level of excitement, anticipation, and pressure students feel when they’re about to graduate. This fund was created to support those graduating students who have experienced unforeseen hardship caused by the outbreak. Our hope is that each gift, no matter how small, will allow us to do something great for these students.”

Howard University cancels graduation

Howard University is canceling its graduation and will transition to online coursework after the school announced its first case of coronavirus.

A guest who attended the Howard University Charter Day Dinner tested positive for COVID-19. The DC Department of Health is investigating the case and as a precaution, the university is asking everyone who attended the March 7 dinner to monitor and report to their doctor if they experience flu like-symptoms, according to a letter from Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick.

Howard is canceling its graduation and all class reunions as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

[SOURCE: WLJA]

Howard University receives $10 Million: Largest gift in its history

Howard University proudly announces a generous $10 million gift from the Karsh Family Foundation to endow its prestigious and highly competitive Bison STEM Scholars Program, which will be renamed the Karsh STEM Scholars Program (KSSP). Founded in 2017, the program is designed to increase the number of underrepresented minorities earning a Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. in a STEM discipline. This is the largest gift in Howard University history.

A portion of the gift establishes the Lomax KIPP Scholarships, a unique, debt-free financial aid program for graduates of KIPP, the Knowledge is Power Program, a nationwide network of high performing public schools in underserved communities. Lomax KIPP Scholarships are named in honor of Michael L. Lomax, CEO and President of United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and a longtime distinguished advocate and inspiration for African American students seeking higher education.  

“We are grateful to Martha and Bruce Karsh for their transformative investment and support of  our students and our vision to create a diverse workforce of highly-skilled scholars equipped to take on careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. “When we created this program, with the support of the Board of Trustees, we envisioned building a model program to demonstrate how higher education can serve as a pipeline to diversify STEM fields nationally, but we knew it wouldn’t be sustainable without external resources. This gift will ensure that Howard can train the nation’s brightest students who desire to obtain their Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. for generations to come.”

The Karshes’ gift will support the overall program and ensure its future viability to fund cohorts of approximately 30 scholars per year. The announcement arrives just as applications for the fourth cohort are streaming in prior to the Jan. 30 application deadline.

“We are excited to endow this visionary program at Howard,” said Martha and Bruce Karsh.

“Simply put, we believe education, expertise and research in STEM fields will define mankind’s future, and we are proud to be able to help Howard attract and support the best and brightest students for its already renowned program.”

According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Howard University is the No. 1 baccalaureate institution of African American science and engineering doctorate recipients.

Each year, the program attracts hundreds of competitive high school students who are interested in careers as research scientists, physician scientists, policy makers and corporate leaders. Scholars selected for the program receive a scholarship that covers 100 percent of the tuition and fees associated with attendance. The program provides an inclusive learning environment to challenge students, through rigorous coursework, mentorship and immersion experiences. 

“Thanks to this generous gift, the Karsh STEM Scholars Program will realize its full potential to cultivate a workforce pipeline of talented students from underrepresented communities who are well equipped to become leaders in the global STEM community,” said KSSP Program Director Ronald Smith.

The Karsh Family Foundation was founded in 1998 by Bruce A. Karsh, Oaktree Capital Management co-founder and co-chairman, and his wife Martha L. Karsh, an attorney and designer. The Foundation’s philanthropic focus and mission is educational equity and opportunity; to date, it has made gifts and pledges of approximately $250 million to support education and scholarship at all levels.

“We are inspired by Dr. Lomax’s passion to remove all obstacles for underserved students, and his relentless passion to advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” said Martha and Bruce Karsh. “We share his vision of creating a more equitable and affordable education system from preschool to graduate school, and we are proud to honor his name with this scholarship at an institution as prestigious and historically significant as Howard University.”

Martha Karsh serves on the board of the KIPP Foundation along with Dr. Lomax, where together, they have collaborated to secure scholarships and other educational support for KIPP graduates and African American students. The Lomax KIPP Scholarships help make college more accessible to deserving students and is unique in that it promises a debt-free education for its recipients.

“Thank you, Martha and Bruce for helping to build a pipeline of KIPP students to HBCUs and for believing as I do that ‘a mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in,’®”said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF. 

Two Lomax KIPP Scholarships will be awarded each year. Each scholarship will cover the gap between financial aid and the cost of attendance, ensuring students have full coverage to graduate debt-free in four years. The first recipients will be selected this spring, entering Howard University in fall 2020. The gift also designates on campus support for all KIPP alumni at the Uuniversity. Currently, 53 KIPP graduates are enrolled at Howard University.

“We are filled with gratitude for the continuous support the Karsh family, Dr. Lomax and Howard University have given to our KIPP students,” said Richard Barth, CEO of the KIPP Foundation. “This scholarship and our partnership with Howard will ensure more KIPP students have access to a phenomenal college education and the opportunity to pursue their passions." 

KIPP surveys show that, at HBCUs like Howard, KIPP alumni report a stronger sense of belonging and stronger health outcomes, and are more likely to have a mentor and to seek out academic supports than students at non-HBCUs. And, KIPP’s early data indicates that KIPP alumni enrolled in HBCUs experience higher 1st to 2nd year persistence rates than peers with similar academic backgrounds enrolled in other colleges. The Karsh gift will fund a shared on-campus persistence advisor for KIPP students; a program that makes a significant difference in the success of first-generation college students. In addition, this donation establishes Howard University as one of almost 100 college partners for KIPP.

Applications are currently being accepted for the fourth cohort of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program at Howard University. The deadline to apply is Jan. 30.  Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit the Karsh STEM Scholars Program website: karshstemscholars.howard.edu. 

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 70 Fulbright Scholars. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

About UNCF and Dr. Lomax

Founded in 1944, UNCF, which is the nation’s largest scholarship provider to students of color and was founded on the principle of providing equal access to higher education, has always held true to its motto—A mind is a terrible thing to waste®—over time, raising $5 billion to help more than half a million students graduate from college. UNCF annually awards 10,000 scholarships—$100 million a year—to deserving, students, often the first in their families to go to college. Since 2004, under the leadership of Dr. Lomax, UNCF has raised more than $3 billion and fought for college readiness and education reform through partnerships with reform-focused leaders and organizations and worked to further advance HBCUs with Congress, the administration and the Department of Education.  Before joining UNCF, Dr. Lomax was president of Dillard University in New Orleans and a literature professor at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. He serves on the boards of the KIPP Foundation, America’s Promise, the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of African American History and Culture and the Studio Museum in Harlem.

About KIPP

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of 242 public charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. KIPP schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students. Started in 1994 as a middle school program, KIPP has since expanded to enroll 100,000 students in all grades from Pre-K through high school. Nationwide, KIPP students complete their bachelor’s degree at a rate comparable to the national average for all students and approximately three times higher than the average for students from low-income families.

Media Contact: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu or Maria Alcon Heraux, mheraux@kipp.org

Stephen Curry partners with Howard University to launch first Division 1 golf program

In a historic stride forward to grow the game of golf, six-time NBA All-Star and Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation co-founder, Stephen Curry, announced his commitment to Howard University today, with a pledge to support the establishment of the university’s first NCAA Division 1 golf program for the next six years.

Inspired by Howard senior and golfer, Otis Ferguson IV, whom Curry met during a campus visit earlier this year, Curry was compelled to act when Ferguson shared that his impassioned solo crusade to get a golf team at Howard proved unsuccessful. An avid golfer himself, Curry tapped into what is increasingly becoming his defining trait— the distinctive ability to connect and empathize with anyone, anywhere, and made the unprecedented decision to help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. Utilizing his unique position, Curry will introduce and increase access to elite golf at a historically black college, furthermore calling on sport and community giants like Under Armour, Callaway, Eat. Learn. Play., among others, for help with equipment, uniforms, and more.

“Golf is a sport that has changed my life in ways that are less tangible, but just as impactful,” said the NBA star. Adding, “It’s a discipline that challenges your mental wherewithal from patience to focus, and is impossible to truly master, so when you hear about these passionate student athletes who have the talent but don’t have a fair shot at the game, it’s tough. I feel really honored to play a small role in the rich history of Howard University, and look forward to building their first men’s and women’s golf teams with them.”

Howard University aims to debut the first men’s and women’s golf teams in the 2020/2021 academic year, with resources strategically allocated for talent scouting and training to have a competitive Division 1 team in place for its inaugural season, joining Howard’s other 19 Division 1 teams. The university previously had a Division 2 golf team and various intercollegiate and intramural club teams.

“Howard University is honored to partner with NBA Champion Stephen Curry to launch what is sure to become one of the best golf programs in the country,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. “This program will expose the campus to a game with numerous benefits. Golf is unique because it can be played through various ages of life. Grandfathers can play with granddaughters. Expanding the competitive opportunities for student athletes, especially in arenas where they are underrepresented, is consistent with the university’s strategic plan.”

Curry will be joined by Howard University’s President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Athletic Director, Kery Davis, CEO of Callaway, Chip Brewer, and Howard student, Otis Ferguson IV, in a historic tee-off today in Washington, D.C.

Howard University Appoints Andrea D. Jackson As Dean of The College of Dentistry

Howard University has elevated Andrea D. Jackson, DDS, as dean of the College of Dentistry where she had been serving as interim dean since July 2018.

"It is a great honor and I am proud to serve as dean of the Howard University College of Dentistry," said Dr. Jackson. "Our college has trained more African-American dentists than any other dental school in the United States."

Dr. Jackson completed both her bachelor's degree in zoology, and doctor of dental surgery degree at Howard University. She then completed a certificate in general dentistry at Howard University Hospital, and certificate and master of science degree in prosthodontics at Georgetown University School of Dentistry.

Through more than 30 years of service at Howard University, Dr. Jackson has served in positions of increasing responsibility at the college including most recently as interim dean, associate dean of clinical affairs and professor and chair of the Department of Prosthodontics.

"As interim dean, Dr. Jackson has performed admirably, and gained the trust and confidence of faculty, students, and staff alike," said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick . "We congratulate Dean Jackson as she assumes this new role of leadership for the College of Dentistry."

Dr. Jackson has served in various capacities with national dental organizations, including the Joint Commission on National Dental Board Examinations, the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments, and the American Dental Education Association. She is a diplomat in the American Board of Prosthodontics, a fellow in the American College of Prosthodontists, and a fellow in the American College of Dentists.

Howard University College of Dentistry is the nation's fifth oldest dental school and one of only two HBCU dental schools in the nation. It serves as the only dental college in the District of Columbia.

A bachelor's degree or three or more years of undergraduate education with the necessary pre-requisites is required for admission to dental school. The pre-doctoral dental program is four years, which is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Howard University awards the DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree at the end of its four-year program.

Media contact: Alonda Thomas, Alonda.thomas@howard.edu

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University visit www.howard.edu

HOWARD UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS CHADWICK BOSEMAN TO DELIVER 2018 COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

Howard University President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, announced today that actor and alumnus Chadwick Boseman will deliver the keynote address during Howard University’s 150th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2018.  Mr. Boseman will address members of the Class of 2018 and their families, University trustees, officers, faculty, staff, and alumni.  Howard University will confer upon Mr. Boseman the University's highest honor, an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.    

“It is an incredible honor and privilege for the Howard University community to welcome back home one of its native sons, Chadwick Boseman, to deliver the 2018 commencement address,” said Howard University President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. “He has played some of the most iconic African Americans that have transformed history, including Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Howard’s own Thurgood Marshall. His recent role in the blockbuster film “Black Panther” reminds us of the excellence found in the African diaspora and how Howard continues to be a gem that produces the next generation of artist-scholars, humanitarians, scientists, engineers and doctors. Mr. Boseman exemplifies the monumental heights and levels Howard graduates can achieve by using the skills and knowledge they acquired at the university.” 

“I’m excited to return to the Mecca in celebration of the achievements of our illustrious students,” said Boseman. “Let’s listen, learn and build with one another.”

A native of South Carolina, Chadwick Boseman graduated from Howard University and attended the British American Dramatic Academy at Oxford, after which he began his career as an actor, director and writer. Boseman can currently be seen starring as T'Challa/Black Panther in the worldwide phenomenon Marvel Studios' "Black Panther." He made his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the African superhero in Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Civil War,” in May 2016. He will reprise the role again for Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” later this month. Boseman's breakout performance came in 2013 when he received rave reviews for his portrayal of the legendary Jackie Robinson in Warner Bros’ “42” opposite Harrison Ford.  Boseman received the 2014 CinemaCon Male Star of Tomorrow Award, was named one of the Top 10 Best Movie Performances of 2014 by Time Magazine and was awarded a Virtuous Award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for his portrayal of James Brown in Universal Pictures’ “Get on Up.” 

He previously starred in the title role of Open Road Films’ “Marshall” alongside Josh Gad. The film tells the story of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases as the Chief Counsel to the NAACP. His other feature film credits include: the revenge thriller “Message from the King,” Summit Entertainment's “Draft Day” opposite Kevin Costner, independent psychological post-war drama “The Kill Hole” and Gary Fleders’ drama “The Express.” 

Boseman and his writing partner, Logan Coles, a fellow Howard alum, have written the script for Universal Pictures’ “Expatriate,” an international thriller set around a 1970s plane hijacking. Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight)has recently signed on to direct the project, in which Boseman will star.

“We are extremely pleased that Chadwick Boseman has accepted our invitation to address the class of 2018,” said Howard University Board of Trustees Chair Stacey J. Mobley, Esq. “His words as one who has walked the same halls as our graduates will truly resonate and inspire them to reach for the stars.”

Howard University’s graduate programs in business, education, engineering and social work increased in the annual national rankings by U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” listing. The College of Engineering and Architecture increased the to the top 12 percent of engineering colleges in the nation with a No. 132 ranking, a 66-point increase over the past three years. The Howard University School of Social Work ranked No. 30, up eight spots from last year, moving the program within the top 15 percent of programs in the nation. Howard’s School of Business ranked No. 78, following a rank of No. 92 in 2017. The School of Education moved up to number 105, up 15 places from last year’s ranking. 

Fired Howard University employees allegedly misappropriated $369,000

Howard University said Monday that six employees dismissed by the school had misappropriated $369,000 in financial aid.

The new revelation comes after Howard students ended a nine-day sit-in that was sparked by the allegations of financial aid mismanagement.

Howard released a report last year that showed a number of employees had received grants from Howard and tuition remission that added up to more than the total cost of attending the university.

A report released by the university on Monday alleged that six employees — whom Howard has refused to names in accordance with its policy — received $90,000 in employee tuition benefits and $279,000 in university grants.

The historically black university in Washington, D.C., said it will continue investigating its financial aid office, and is looking into federal student aid to see if there was noncompliance with policies and procedures.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Howard University sit-in comes to an end as settlement is reached

A 9-day sit-in at Howard University has come to an end after negotiations ended in a settlement between students and administration. Howard University’s president Wayne Frederick , the board of trustees and student representatives came to an agreement after several days of negotiations.

Seven of the protesters’ nine demands were addressed, but both the university president and trustees will not be stepping down.

The full Statement of Commitments is below:

• The deadline for submitting the institution’s $200 housing deposit was extended to May 1, 2018. A community wide announcement of the extension was already shared on April 1, 2018.

• If the housing deadline extension results in a significant number of students requesting on- campus housing, the Quad renovation will be delayed to accommodate additional occupancy.

• Howard will engage students in examining the adequacy of on-campus housing to meet Howard’s housing policy that states: “All Howard University first year (0 or 1 completed semesters of post- high school education) and second year (2 or 3 completed semesters of post-high school education) students under the age of 21 will be required to live on campus, unless living at home with a parent or guardian,” and measure against bed availability.

• Students will have a voice in selecting the student ombudsperson. The ombudsperson will be a graduate student who will be located in the Blackburn Center, and will report to the VP for Student Affairs and is expected to attend the Board Student Life and Affairs Committee meetings to make reports.

• The health and well-being of our community is of critical importance, and the Board and administration want to be supportive of the well-being of our students. Howard will implement the Proposal for a Joint Student-Administration Task Force to Enhance Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Services, dated April 1, 2018. Counseling provided under this Proposal will place emphasis on helping students overcome the anxiety of reporting sexual violence to the authorities. The Task Force will be co-chaired by a student and review the process for intake and will report to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

• The Board recognizes the cost of tuition is an area of utmost importance to the entire Howard community. Howard will commit to making a recommendation to the Board to consider holding undergraduate tuition at current levels for the academic year 2019-20 while working with the Tuition Rates and Fees Committee, which already includes student representation, to assess tuition and fees for academic year 2020-21. As part of this process, the University will make comparative data used to inform its decisions available to the student body.

• While Howard’s goal has always been to ensure the safety of our campus community, a separate task force, co-chaired by a student, will be created to undertake a comprehensive review of the Howard Department of Public Safety, focusing on its engagement with the Howard student body, the use of force, training and whether there is a need for armed officers. The task force shall be represented by administration, faculty and student stakeholders, will include experts in criminal justice, and will set forth the process and timeline for its work. The task force will be established by July 1, 2018.

• The Board agrees to establish a task force, co-chaired by a student, with representation from the Howard student body and Howard administration to review existing grievance mechanisms at the University, and best practices at other universities, and establishing a grievance system that holds faculty, administrators and students accountable in their language and actions towards anyone in the Howard community. Any inappropriate behavior goes against Howard’s core values and will not be tolerated by the Howard community. Howard will maintain the existing anonymous hotline as a channel to report such grievances. Professors will be reminded of their obligations to advise students of how to avail themselves of the grievance process for questioning grades.

• The Board is committed to fostering and maintaining an academic and living environment that is free of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other forms of interpersonal violence. As part of our commitment, we recently thoroughly assessed our Title IX policies and processes, gathered student, faculty and staff feedback during this process, and unveiled last year a new interim Title IX Policy on Prohibited Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment. To further support this critical area for our campus community, a task force, co-chaired by a student, will be established with representation from the Howard student body, faculty and administration for the purpose of examining the current climate on Howard’s campus around sexual assault, sexual harassment and interpersonal violence and providing feedback to the administration on changes in policy and process as appropriate to improve student safety and prevent sexual assault, sexual harassment and interpersonal violence. Included in the scope of work of the task force, working with the Office of the Provost, is consideration of instituting a mandatory 1-credit course with a curriculum designed to emphasize prevention of sexual assault, sexual harassment and interpersonal violence. Every reasonable action will be taken to start up the task force so that it can begin its work before April 30, 2018. For the sake of clarity, the proposal to establish Howard University Hospital as a site for rape kit examinations of victims of sexual assault is a matter of local law and is not part of this commitment. The University will provide transportation to sexual assault victims to Washington Hospital Center, the location where rape kit examinations are administered.

• Howard will support a student-led effort to establish a food pantry in the LeDroit-Shaw community and will allocate money for that purpose. Student volunteer involvement in service to, and fundraising for, the food pantry will be encouraged. Students are commended for the concern shown for the greater LeDroit-Shaw community and at Howard, we always want to be good community stewards. A plan for the food pantry will be submitted by students to the VP for External Affairs by June 1, 2018. While the University has a long history of commitment to and involvement in the community, the University will consider by June 1, 2019 the establishment of a community development organization which might allow for more inclusive community engagement on select real estate projects where no contractual obligations currently exist (not involving existing real estate holdings or immediate core development opportunities). The University’s Ethics Policy requires that it comply with “the requirements of [all] laws.” As a party to eight collective bargaining agreements, the University is subject to the National Labor Relations Act relating to fair labor practices. The University will continue to draw on the resources of the School of Law’s Fair Housing Clinic to assist members of the community.

• Subject to approval of the Board Governance Committee, a Board Committee on Student Life and Affairs will be established on which trustees, including student trustees, the President of HUSA and other appropriate stakeholders, will engage with the student body, providing a forum to convey concerns regarding all aspects of student life to the Board as needed. The Howard administration will create more opportunities for dialogue with students and the Committee will establish a mechanism for such engagement.

Howard University says 6 were fired for stealing funds

Howard University President Wayne Frederick said Wednesday that six people had been fired in Sept. 2017 for allegedly misappopriating funds, but questions still remain one day after an anonymous whistleblower said the financial aid office stole $1 million. A whistleblower named people accused of getting tuition benefits to cover the cost of taking classes while receiving grant money in a Medium post late Tuesday, which has since been removed.

Howard University won't confirm how much money may have been misappropriated, but did confirm Wednesday that Frederick had been notified in Dec. 2016 that there may be been some misappropriated funds. In the statement, Frederick said he alerted an independent auditor, which found in May 2017 that between 2007 and 2016, several university employees were given grants and also tuition remission that equaled more than the cost of the university.

Six people have been fired for "gross misconduct and neglect of duties." While the now-deleted Medium post named names, Howard said it was against protocol to reveal employee names and the school said "they don't release any student information, as we are governed by FERPA," CBS affiliate WUSA-9 reports. A lawyer for one of a student employees named released a statement through his attorney saying he has "done nothing illegal or wrong."

Howard told WUSA-9 that law enforcement is not involved at this time because they are still wrapping up the investigation. "We intend to report anyone involved for criminal prosecution, as appropriate," the school said.

Frederick also outlined several new policies that have been enacted since then, including that access to the financial aid module has now been limited to a small number of appropriate senior University individuals, with adequate third-party review and appropriate segregation of duties, WUSA-9 reports.

Read more: Howard University says 6 were fired for misappropriating funds

Howard University records the biggest upset in College Football history

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

Some guest just don't follow the rules. UNLV (University Nevada Las Vegas) paid HBCU Howard University $600,000 to show up and get beat up in Las Vegas, but the Howard Bison (1-0) had other historical ideas.

Led by the little brother of Cam Newton, Caylin Newton and Coach Mike London the Howard Bison defeated the UNLV Running Rebels 43-40 recording the biggest upset in college football history based on the betting line. Newton threw for 140 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 190 yards and two touchdowns to lead his team to victory.

UNLV was favored by 45 1/2 point over Howard and no team that was a 45 plus point Underdog had ever won. To put into perspective how much of an underdog Howard was a $100 bet would have won the person betting $55,000.

“It’s a very humbling experience to be a part of something that you can talk about forever,” London said, between responding to “a gazillion text messages” and breaking down the win with his mother.

“My players, the guys, I’m telling you, they are sky high right now regarding confidence, in terms of belonging,” London went on. “We talked about how this was a business trip. This wasn’t the old typical I-AA, it’s your money game, and we’re going to be cannon fodder for this team. We came here to win the game, and that’s what happened.”

This marks the first time that Howard has beaten a team in College Football's top division the FBS.

SENATOR KAMALA HARRIS CHALLENGES HOWARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATES TO FORGE A WAY FORWARD

United States Senator Kamala Harris delivered the commencement address Saturday morning at Howard University, urging students to go to the front lines to fight for the nation’s deepest values of justice and equality.

“History has proven that each generation of Howard graduates will forge the way forward for our country and our world, and now graduates it is your turn,” Harris said.  “You are graduating in a very different time than you arrived a few short years ago.”

The Howard University alumna applauded the members of the class of 2017 for their social activism as college students, including their contribution to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and participation in the roiling protests of social injustice throughout the country.

“You students have joined the fight for justice — you protested,” Harris said. “From the streets of Ferguson to the halls of the United States Congress, you have lived the words of James Baldwin, ‘There is never a time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now.’”

Harris is both the first African-American and first woman to serve as Attorney General for the state of California. She is the second African-American woman in history to be elected to the United States Senate.

The University has marked the 150th anniversary of its founding throughout the academic year. Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick has said the establishment of the University constituted one of the most noteworthy accomplishments in the history of American colleges and universities.

“It is evident that the success of Howard University is the result of a labor of love and a deeply-rooted desire to pursue a very radical idea, ‘education for all,’” Dr. Frederick said at the ceremony. “As we grapple with the uncertainties of this nation, Howard University will fervently provide solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.”

Howard University conferred 2,173 degrees, including 318 master’s degrees, and 105 Ph.Ds. More than 375 students received professional degrees in law, medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. Howard University has the only dental and pharmacy colleges in the District of Columbia. The 2017 graduates represented 47 states and 39 countries; 157 graduates were from the District of Columbia.

This year’s commencement celebration featured an all-women list of honorary degree recipients.

Anna Pauline “Pauli” Murray was posthumously recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws. Murray, a 1944 Howard University School of Law graduate, was a quiet force behind some of the most iconic civil rights and social justice events of the 20th century. She was one of the founding members of the National Organization for Women. Murray was also the first African-American woman ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1977.

Maureen Bunyan received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Bunyan is an award-winning journalist and news anchor who is a founder and board member of the International Women’s Media Foundation, and a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists. In her remarks, Bunion said opportunities for Blacks in the mainstream media were born out of the urban rebellions of the 1960s. She urged students to hold the media accountable and to promote the interests of African Americans, immigrants, and other marginalized people.

Howard University also celebrated one of its own renowned scholars. Dr. Eleanor W. Traylor received an honorary Doctor of Letters. Dr. Traylor is a Howard University graduate professor of English and an acclaimed scholar and critic in African-American literature and criticism.

Dr. Traylor said Howard inspired her vocational commitment “to prepare the next generation for its work – seriously, relentlessly, and even ruthlessly.”  She said the institution had “mapped a way out of no way on the road to excellence” in its 150-year history. “The real beauty of this day is equaled only to that day when the idea of our University was born.”

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Over the past 20 years, the University has produced four Rhodes Scholars, nine Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, over 80 Fulbright recipients, 22 Pickering Fellows and one Schwarzman Scholar. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.

Beyonce giving scholarships to four women

Beyonce Knowles announced today that she will be giving away four scholarships via a posting on her website:

FORMATION SCHOLARS

To add to the celebration of the one-year anniversary of LEMONADE, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter announces the establishment of Formation Scholars awards for the 2017-2018 academic year, to encourage and support young women who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold, creative, conscious and confident.

Four scholarships will be awarded, one per college, to female incoming, current or graduate students pursuing studies in creative arts, music, literature or African-American studies. The schools selected for participation are Berklee College of Music, Howard University, Parsons School of Design and Spelman College. All details and application deadlines are available directly from the colleges.

Howard University campus opening at Google in diversity push

Google is trying something new to boost diversity.

The tech giant is partnering with Howard University to launch "Howard West," a three-month summer program open to rising juniors and seniors studying computer science.

The 25 to 30 students selected for this summer's program will be taught by senior Google engineers and Howard faculty on Google's Mountain View campus and will receive a stipend for housing and other expenses in Silicon Valley.

Alanna Walton, a junior majoring in computer science at Howard, said students are excited about the program.

"There are no HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) on the West Coast. To bring a whole bunch of black students to the West Coast to learn is a great experience," she told CNNTech. "Pretty much the whole campus understands how big this is."

Google (GOOG) plans to expand the program to other historically black colleges and universities in the "near future." Howard called the move a "major step forward" for Google's efforts to recruit and keep diverse talent.

Read more:Howard University campus opening at Google in diversity push

Meet Cameron Clarke: Howard University's Fourth Rhodes Scholar

Howard University President Frederick announces another Rhodes Scholar to add to its legacy of producing Rhodes Scholarship recipients.

Cameron Clarke has been selected as one of 32 students nationwide to receive the prestigious 2017 Rhodes Scholarship.  Clarke is a double biology and community health major from Jersey City, New Jersey, living in Richmond, Virginia.

When he first enrolled at Howard University in the fall of 2013, Clarke arrived on campus as a high achiever with 42 advanced placement credits.  Clarke’s mother played an instrumental role in encouraging him to attend the University.

“I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want to look like I was following my older brother to college, who is a 2016 graduate of Howard,” said Clarke.  “My mom was the one who persuaded me to even visit.  It wasn’t until I arrived on campus for the Weekend at Mecca that I realized how much black intelligence was on this campus.  Some of the smartest, most dynamic people I had ever met were here in the same place.”

It was that moment that reassured Clarke that he was at the right place to take advantage of the numerous scholastic and research opportunities the University offered.

As a researcher at Howard University’s W. Montague Cobb Research Laboratory that maintains a national repository for African-American skeletal remains, Clarke has assisted in developing a database to combine information for the Cobb collection and the New York City African Burial Ground.

“Howard’s secret is that it has as many, if not more opportunities than a lot of Ivy League schools,” said Clarke.  “You have a lot of professors within your departments who will allow you to conduct independent research and gain publication experience as an undergraduate, which is amazing for both graduate school applications and your own intellectual development.”

With multiple research experiences already to his credit, Clarke has participated in faculty-led research at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia through a Howard-National Science Foundation grant, in addition to studying at Columbia University’s School of Public Health.  This summer, Clarke conducted research at the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Cancer Research, as an Amgen Scholar.  Currently he works as an intern in the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, conducting science policy research for members and staff.

“This is definitely a great opportunity,” said Clarke.  “I’m ecstatic to receive this honor, and to have the chance to study primary health care and public health.”                                            

After graduating from Howard next summer, Clarke will undergo a two-year program at the University of Oxford in England.  Ultimately, Clarke plans on going to medical school, working in public health policy and doing clinical research.

“We are extremely proud of Mr. Clarke's accomplishment,” said President Frederick.  “Mr. Clarke's academic pursuits will lead to solutions in the broader society that are needed ever more so today. Cameron is the epitome of Howard University's gift of solutions to the world.”

The Rhodes Scholarship program is designed to provide special educational opportunities for future world leaders over a two-year period at Oxford University in England.  Only 32 scholars (two from each of the 16 U.S. districts) are selected annually, based on scholastic achievement, leadership ability, strength of character and physical vigor among other qualifications.  Once admitted to Oxford University, Rhodes Scholars have the opportunity to read for the Oxford B.A. in any of a number of subjects or may be admitted to read for a higher degree. In some cases, study is extended to a third year.

“We are excited to add Mr. Clarke to our Rhodes Scholarship-caliber of students. He will be our fourth Rhodes Scholar that now includes scholars such as Mark Alleyne (1986), Carla Peterman (1999), and Marianna Ofosu (2003),” said President Frederick.

Media contact:

Assistant Director, Media Relations

Anthony Owens

anthony.owens@howard.edu

(202) 870-9208

New Howard University poll: Trump still at 2% of black vote

2016 NNPA-Howard University National Black Voter Poll

Results, Findings and Analysis

Despite his "outreach" to black voters and despite what Donald Trump and many conservative sites would have you believe, Trump's percentage of the black vote is not growing in any way. As a matter of fact according to a poll of over 21,000 black voters conducted by Howard University he is still stuck at 2% of the black vote.

The nation's largest and oldest trade association of Black-owned newspapers, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), and the nation's leading academic and research Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Howard University, have announced the results of the National Black Voter Poll. Over 21,200 telephone calls across the United States were made by the NNPA-HU national polling center on the campus of HU to Black American telephone numbers throughout the United States from October 23-30, 2016.

Here are a few highlights:

• 94% of those polled plan to vote in the upcoming election
• Of those who plan to vote:
  • 89.8% will vote for Clinton
  • 2% will vote for Trump
  • 0% Johnson
  • 0% Stein
  • 7.2% for others
• The top issues that are influencing Black American voters include:
  • Economy and jobs
  • Income inequality
  • Race and race relations
  • College affordability
  • High Quality Education in Pre-K-12
• Party Affiliation
  • 82 % Identify as Democrat
  • 2% Identify as Republican
  • 9% Identify as Independent  (67% normally vote for Democrats, 5% normally vote Republican, 28% normally don't vote for either major party)
  • 7% Identify as Other

Other more detailed information about the poll will be released at the press conference.
SOURCE National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Howard University Announces the Cathy Hughes School of Communications

Howard University president, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, today announced a multi-million dollar gift to its School of Communications from Alfred C. Liggins III, President and CEO of Radio One, Inc. This notable contribution was made through the Catherine L. Hughes and Alfred C. Liggins III Foundation and establishes that the School will be named in honor of Cathy Hughes, Radio One founder and Chairperson, and former Howard University staff member. An official ceremony to announce the naming of the “Cathy Hughes School of Communications” will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2016, at Howard University.

“The Howard community is thrilled that Mr. Liggins has chosen to honor his mother, Ms. Cathy Hughes, in this manner for her pioneering work in the field of communications,” said Dr. Frederick. “The gift will have a transformational impact on the School’s commitment to serve the communications industry and as a high-level producer of diverse media specialists.” He went on to acknowledge that Ms. Hughes is well known for her accomplishments at the School and University, particularly at WHUR-FM where she created the popular, urban music format known as the “Quiet Storm.” She is also the School’s third Time Warner Endowed Chair.

The donation recognizes the extraordinary vigor of Howard’s School of Communications and its faculty, students, staff, and alumni. It demonstrates Ms. Hughes’ and Mr. Liggins’ firm beliefs in the role that the School plays in providing and sustaining a range of educational and leadership alternatives for African Americans within the communications sector. In 2013, the School reorganized its undergraduate programs and departments, graduate studies, and interdisciplinary options. Now in its 45th year of existence, the School proudly boasts four progressive departments: Communication Culture and Media Studies; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Media, Journalism and Film; and Strategic, Legal and Management Communication.

The Catherine L. Hughes and Alfred C. Liggins III Fund at Howard University will assist the School in acquiring cutting-edge technology and equipment, which will support its academically rich programs. Radio One invites its supporters and business partners to join its effort to promote and support Howard-educated communication leaders who will continue the cycle of influence and upliftment personified by Ms. Hughes. Donations should be made to Howard University and designated for the Cathy Hughes School of Communications.

As Howard University approaches its sesquicentennial anniversary, its enthusiasm about the next 150 years is heightened by the generosity of Ms. Hughes and Mr. Liggins, and the legacy that they are graciously leaving behind.

Howard University: Only HBCU in national college/university rankings

Howard University, the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to be ranked on U.S. News & World Reports’ Best Colleges Ranking of National Universities, is #124 in the 2017 Edition rankings, which were released today. This represents an 11-point improvement from last year’s overall ranking of #135.

Howard was one of the two institutions that showed the greatest improvement in ranking nationally. The University was one of six universities that went up 10 points or more last year. The latest rankings represent a two-year increase of 21 points. (http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/howard-unive...)

Additionally, Howard University once again was ranked #2 on the Top 10 List of Best HBCUs. It was also ranked #82 among Best Colleges for Veterans and #83 among High School Counselor Rankings.

Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick stated, “We are very pleased to see progress in the improvement of our ranking status. However, we realize that Howard University is often faced with specific challenges because of our mission. For instance, student retention is a challenge since most of our students who do not finish on time do so because of financial reasons and not because of academic reasons.

In the fall of 2016, Howard admitted a smaller class despite the fact that the University had a 21% increase in applications. This decision was made so that we could increase aid to our neediest students. In the long term, the University remains committed to academic rigor and providing an enhanced academic environment with high-quality teaching and research.”

The U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings take into account the following categories: Undergraduate Academic Reputation, Student Selectivity, Faculty Resources, Graduation and Retention Rates, Financial Resources, Alumni Giving, and Graduation Rate Performance. For more information about U.S. News & World Report’s ranking methodology, visit http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/ranking-criteria-....
Howard University remains one of the nation’s leadership universities. Howard is a comprehensive research university as well as a premier Historically Black University. One of its many great achievements is that it is able to successfully provide an excellent education to a diverse array of students who often come from very challenging economic, geographic and educational backgrounds. The value of Howard University’s contribution to the nation and the world is evident in the many stellar alumni of the institution who are in leadership roles throughout society.

Dr. Frederick noted that “It is important to note that this improvement in the rankings is the result of a lot of hard work by faculty and staff at the University. Please join me in extending a profound thank you to all faculty and staff for their invaluable contributions and commitment.”