WASHINGTON – Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications students, faculty and alumni gathered at the National Press Club and online on November 13 for an evening of excellence, celebration and reflection.

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, school celebrated 50 years of disseminating truth through communication and providing community service through storytelling.

Anthony K. Wutoh, provost of Howard University, attended the event as an administrator and a proud parent. 

“My wife and I have entrusted our daughter to the School of Communications,” said Wutoh, bringing attention to Nadia Wutoh (HU ’25). “Howard exists to make a difference and to produce leaders in this country and in the global community. The School of Communications has done that successfully for over 50 years. This is not something we do because it is the right thing to do. This is something we must do because it is required of us by the world. I would like to thank the School of Communications for what they are doing for the community, country and specifically my family.”

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 can focus on media studies, health, legal and strategic communications, film, radio, podcasting and television, and even more niche majors and minors and immersive curriculums. Funds collected from the 50th anniversary celebration will go toward the school’s scholarship fund and the establishment of a new building that will house the Cathy Hughes School of Communications and the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. 

“The year 2021 marks a half-century in which the school has continued to excite, educate and engage thousands of students who span the arc of communications, from the arts to the sciences,” said Gracie Lawson-Borders, dean of Cathy Hughes School of Communications. “We’re not celebrating brick and mortar because that is not what makes a school come to life and thrive. It is not one person. It is not one event. It is not one issue that makes us who we are. The recognition of our 50th anniversary goes to every student, every faculty, every staff, every alumnus, every administrator and every friend who has been a part of the school’s history. All of us coming together to see the school thrive is what makes the difference.”

This event follows the Virtual Dance Party that streamed on Sirius XM and WHBU 96.3. Hosted by alumnus Jabari Johnson (B.A. ’09), the virtual audio event transported listeners through decades of music from the ’70s to 2020. The lineup of DJs included alumni DJ Magic (B.A. ’20), DJ Jordan Jetson (B.A. ’17) and the legendary Chris Washington (B.A. ’92).

To watch the 2021 50th anniversary gala, visit youtube.com/huchsoc.

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 14 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