(Washington, D.C.) – On Saturday, March 5, Howard University hosted 92nd Charter Day galas with 1,700 guests who gathered at the Washington Hilton. Celebrating the 149th anniversary of the University, the annual fundraiser is a must-attend event in the nation's capital. President Wayne A. I. Frederick celebrated notable successes from the 2015-2016 academic year. Howard Alumna and CNN News Anchor Fredricka Whitfield was the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The University honored four alumni for their extraordinary accomplishments in their respective fields: Gina F. Adams, Esq.; The Honorable Ras J. Baraka; Michelle D. Bernard, Esq.; and Paulette Brown, Esq. Artis G. Hampshire-Cowan, Esq., former senior vice president and secretary to the Howard University Board of Trustees, received the distinguished service award.

This year’s Charter Day celebration marks the 149th anniversary of the charter enacted by Congress, and subsequently approved by President Andrew Johnson on March 2, 1867, which established Howard University.

On Friday, March 4, Howard held the Charter Day Convocation with keynote speaker Ta-Nehisi Coates. He charged students to work hard and maintain fortitude.

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. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 30 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.