WASHINGTON – For 50 years, the Howard University School of Communications has trained the nation’s top communicators and media professionals, from award-winning news anchors and journalists to filmmakers, public relations executives and researchers. This year, the celebration of the school’s 50 years of disseminating truth through communication and providing community service through storytelling will kick off with a series of events to raise funds for student scholarships and a new building.

“In our modern world, truth-telling has never been more imperative. The Cathy Hughes School of Communications provides a tremendous service to our society by equipping and empowering students to communicate the truth and give voice to the voiceless,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. “As we celebrate its 50th anniversary, we should pay tribute to the school’s tremendous legacy while also recognizing the important work that we still have to do over the course of the next 50 years. I am confident that Howard students, alumni and faculty will continue to change the shape of our society through the strength of their communications and storytelling.”

The 50th anniversary celebration will feature various fundraisers, such as a “50 days of 50 Alumni” recognition on social media, a virtual dance party held during the summer, a commemorative gift box, and an in-person and virtual gala on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the National Press Club. Funds collected from these activities will go toward the school’s scholarship fund as well as the establishment of a new building that will house the Cathy Hughes School of Communications and the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. 

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ‘School of C.,’” says Gracie Lawson-Borders, Ph.D., dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. “We encourage everyone to participate in our events and activities to recognize the five decades of academic excellence in communication and media. We will culminate our celebration with our gala event on November 13 in support of scholarships and a new building for our talented students.”

To many, the school is nicknamed the “School of C,” and in 2016 it was named the Cathy Hughes School of Communications (CHSOC) in honor of the radio and television mogul. The future of CHSOC is currently in the hands of students focused on the changing landscape of the field. As the University moves further into interdisciplinary studies and research, Bison are able to focus on media studies, health, legal and strategic communications, film, radio, podcasting and television, and even more niche majors and minors and immersive curriculums. 

For CHSOC alumni, this moment is a great one to see. To commemorate the milestone, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will host the fundraising for the CHSOC Scholarship Fund and various events with alumni chapters around the country.

“Many are able to live a better life because of Howard. The School of Communications has provided the professional blueprint for generations of Howard students and alumni,” said Sharon Strange Lewis, director of alumni relations. “As an alumna of Howard University’s School of Communications class of ’84, I feel a sense of pride and excitement when I think about the 50th anniversary of this prodigious department. Not only does this illustrate 50 years of enhancing academic excellence, but it is also 50 years of culture and everlasting community.”

To give to the scholarship fund or the building fund, visit www.communications.howard.edu/donate.

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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 more than 140 programs of study 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, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. 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.

Media Contact: Aaliyah Butler; aaliyah.butler@howard.edu