WASHINGTON - Following the 2023 Opening Convocation on September 15, Howard University hosted a Community Cookout to welcome the University’s 18th president, Ben Vinson III, PhD. 

The air was filled with excitement and hope as the Bison community gathered to celebrate the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year and welcome President Vinson who officially took office September 1.  

With music from Howard University’s radio station WHUR, a lively buzz filled the air as students, faculty, and staff connected over games, food, and fun activities. The Yard was decorated with tents where caricature drawings, animal balloons, massages, and carnival-style games were offered. 

President Vinson walked the Yard, stopping to talk and take photos with students, faculty, staff and alumni who attended the event.  During his remarks in a brief program led by emcee and NBC4 reporter Molette Green, President Vinson shared his enthusiasm for having the opportunity to take on this role. 

“First and foremost, students are the lifeline of this University. Without them, this campus would not be full of the passion and creativity that makes Howard University thrive,” President Vinson said. “In turn, our faculty and staff also play a crucial role in keeping Howard University in position to be the great university that it is. I am so excited to work with all of our stakeholders to keep Howard moving forward.” 

Students were excited to fellowship with the new president and talk with him about his vision for Howard University. The cookout was not just a celebration of a new president, but also a celebration of the unity within the Howard University community. 

Michelle Taffe is a senior nursing major from Oklahoma. She was thrilled to attend the cookout and get a chance to meet Howard University’s new president.  

“I was happy to see our new president on the Yard engaging with us,” Taffe said. “He was very warm and welcoming.”  

Photo Credit: @ohshootnokks 

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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 two Schwarzman Scholars, four 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 PhD. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.