Black On Campus
Higher Education and the African American Experience

Old School Friday: Howard University’s First Commencement Exercises

December 3rd, 2009 by Ajuan Mance

howard_university_from_robert_n_dennis_collection_of_stereoscopic_views_2

Howard University in the late 1800s.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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From the June 9, 1881 issue of The Christian Recorder

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

BY E.P.C.

Howard University, under the administration of President Patton, is rapidly improving. She had, on the 13th inst., Class Day exercises for the first time in her existence. This certainly speaks well for the institution, and also reflects a good deal of credit on the class of ’81. The exercises were unexceptionably fine. The class consists of seven, representing Pennsylvania, Missouri, South Carolina, Connecticut and Washington, D.C. The young men seem to be full of zeal and energy; their aim is “onward.” As they have equipped themselves so nobly, may it be their highest ambition to alleviate the condition of the race with which they are identified.

Posted by Ajuan Mance

Posted in African American Students, African Americans, Black Colleges, Black History, Black Students, Higher Education, Howard University, race

One Response

  1. Kaeden

    Superior thiinnkg demonstrated above. Thanks!