WASHINGTON – Howard University is the proud recipient of $50,000 in direct emergency support from Vanguard who announced an effort that began in early May to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Additionally, Vanguard contributed $100,000 to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s COVID-19 HBCU Emergency Fund, which provides resources to ensure students and faculty have access to virtual learning tools, mental health support, and tuition assistance.

"This is an important contribution to assist Howard University students with navigating a very difficult time,” said Howard University School of Business Dean, Anthony Wilbon, Ph.D. “Vanguard's commitment to provide financial assistance for families in need and invest in our technology infrastructure during this COVID-19 crisis is very much appreciated. We value our partnership and look forward to even greater collaborations."

Vanguard also provided support to fellow historically black colleges and universities including Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, and North Carolina A&T State University.

“Vanguard believes that diversity, inclusion and belonging are essential to our success as a leader in the asset management industry,” said Crystal Hardie Langston, Vanguard’s Chief Diversity Officer. “Vanguard understands the important role Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in educating some of our nation’s most promising students, and we are dedicated to providing the resources necessary to ensure these vital institutions are given the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

Vanguard is committed to partnering with HBCUs and has established long-term commitments with marquee partnerships and conferences, including the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute and the HBCU Career Development Marketplace. Vanguard’s Black Professional Network (VBPN), a Crew Resource Group committed to engaging, encouraging, and supporting Black crew members in their personal and professional development, frequently engages with HBCUs to develop high-impact experiential learning initiatives.  In addition, Vanguard and VBPN has been a proud partner in Howard’s 21^st Century Advantage program which empowers first-generation students.

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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 studies in more than 120 areas 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, 11 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: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu