WASHINGTON (March 1, 2019) – The Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Policy Center will host the inaugural installment of the Edgar Kemler Lecture Series, featuring Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, on Tuesday, March 5, beginning at 1:30 p.m., inside the Founders Library Browsing Room. Congresswoman Hayes comes to Howard University from the Fifth District of Connecticut and will serve as speaker for the lecture.

"The Walters Center is very excited to welcome Rep. Hayes to the Mecca. Her personal story is inspirational and our students and larger community need to hear stories like hers,” says Michael Fauntroy, Ph.D., acting director of the Walters Center and associate professor of political science. “She represents the kind of forward-thinking advocacy and leadership our country needs. We are happy to provide a venue for her to share her views."

Congresswoman Hayes was elected to represent the Fifth District of Connecticut in November 2018, making her the first African-American woman to ever represent the state of Connecticut in Congress. A few of the Congresswoman’s legislative priorities will focus on gun violence prevention in all communities, ensuring access to health care for as many Americans as possible, providing equitable access to education and opportunity for all students and working in a bipartisan way to bring positive change to the lives of every person in our community.

She is a graduate of Naugatuck Valley Community College, Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Bridgeport. She has earned a BA in history and secondary education, an MA in curriculum and instruction and a degree in administrative leadership.

The Edgar Kemler Lecture is supported by a grant from the Kelmer family, in honor of his time as faculty member within the University’s Department of Government, now known as the Department of Political Science, during the late 1950s. With this grant, the Walters Center will annually host an American political figure to address the university community on a significant public policy issue. This year, Congresswoman Hayes will discuss legislative options to improve educational outcomes and opportunities.

All Howard University students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Guests should around arrive early. Seating will be limited. The Edgar Kemler Lecture Series featuring Congresswoman Johana Hayes will be available to watch via livestream on whut.org and whur.com. 

For more information on the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Policy Center contact Carolyn Smith, crsmith2@howard.edu. 

Media contact: Ramzey Smith, Office of University Communications, Ramzey.smith@howard.edu

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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 four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. 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.