Dear Howard University Community,

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Frank Savage (B.A. ’61, D.Hum. ’05), chairman emeritus of the Howard University Board of Trustees, visionary global financier, and indefatigable advocate for his alma mater. 

Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and raised in Washington, D.C., Chairman Savage embodied the perseverance that defines the Bison spirit. After graduating from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics in 1961, he earned an M.A. in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and broke new ground as the first Black professional in Citibank’s international division. Distinguished leadership roles at Equitable Life, Equitable Capital Management, and Alliance Capital followed, culminating in his founding of Savage Holdings LLC. Yet, no matter where his career took him — from building tennis courts in pre-independence Zambia through Operation Crossroads Africa to negotiating multibillion-dollar deals on five continents — Howard remained his compass.

Savage joined the Howard University Board of Trustees in 1994 and served as its chairman from 1997 to 2004. Under his stewardship, the University launched the successful “Campaign for Howard,” fortifying scholarships, faculty development, and capital projects that continue to shape the student experience today. His personal philanthropy set the pace: In 1999, he established the Frank Savage Endowed Scholars Program within the School of Business, empowering generations of Bison to pursue careers in global finance and beyond.

His service extended far beyond the Mecca. Mr. Savage held board appointments with Bloomberg LP, Lockheed Martin, Qualcomm, the New York Philharmonic, and the Council on Foreign Relations, among others, and he shared the insights chronicled in his 2012 memoir, “The Savage Way: Successfully Navigating the Waves of Business and Life,” with aspiring leaders worldwide. For his achievements, Howard conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Humanities in 2005, a Special Citation of Achievement when he served as the Charter Day orator in 2013, and he proudly carried the title of chairman emeritus.

We mourn the loss of a towering son of Howard whose life exemplified our core values of excellence, leadership, truth, and service. Memorial details and opportunities to celebrate his legacy will be announced shortly.

Committed to Truth and Service,

Ben Vinson III, Ph.D.
President