The Howard University graduating class of 2016 is about to receive what’s probably the best graduation gift anyone could ask for—a speech given by the president. Thursday, the students learned that President Obama will give the commencement speech at their spring graduation ceremony on May 7 in Washington, D.C.
President Barack Obama to deliver Howard University 2016 Commencement Address https://t.co/fS3ClsgHs2 #HowardU16 pic.twitter.com/wCDf52xIoR
— Howard University (@HowardU) April 14, 2016
“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,” said Howard’s president, Wayne A.I. Frederick, in a statement.
Howard University is a private historically black university that was founded in 1867. President Obama is one of six sitting U.S. presidents to deliver a speech at the university’s commencement ceremony, including President Lyndon B. Johnson. According to the statement, Obama was chosen as the keynote speaker because of his “commitment to education, especially to those who can least afford it.”
“As we look into the not so distant future, Howard will commemorate its 150th anniversary in March 2017, emboldened by a legacy of equality and inclusivity,” Frederick added. “President Obama’s own legacy gives the Howard Community great expectations for the leadership footprint it will leave on America and the globe.”