By Misha Cornelius
The Howard University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the re-naming of The Undergraduate Library in honor of The 17th Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA.
Board Chairman Laurence Morse, PhD, announced the building’s new name to a room full of Howard University trustees, alumni, staff and supporters of the University during the president’s farewell dinner held at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, D.C. on June 8. During the celebration, Morse also announced that Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially declared June 8 Dr. Wayne Frederick Day in D.C. The Wayne A. I. Frederick Undergraduate Library will receive its bold new lettering later this month.
“There is, perhaps, no place on the Hilltop more revered than the Upper Quadrangle-Main Yard, known affectionately as “The Yard,” said Morse. “The buildings bear names of those whose legacies loom large in the history of Howard University: The Founders, Rankin, Carnegie, Douglass, Childers, Blackburn, Locke. Now, the name Frederick will be added to this pantheon.”
Chairman Morse noted President Frederick’s selfless commitment to revitalize the University’s infrastructure, boundless presidential accomplishments, his bold vision under the Howard Forward Strategic Plan, and his continuous reminders to “be obsessed with the journey because no one destination will ever satisfy us.”
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this incredible recognition. Having the Undergraduate Library named after me symbolizes the years of dedication and hard work that we have collectively invested in the pursuit of academic excellence,” said Dr. Frederick. “This honor is not solely mine; it is a reflection of the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters who have made our University a place of distinction. Together, we have built a community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the belief that education can transform lives.”
President Frederick is slated to retire later this year after 10 years of service as president of the University and more than 30 years as a dedicated member of the Howard community. Under Dr. Frederick’s leadership as president, student enrollment reached its highest in the University’s history. Among many other significant contributions to the University and the campus community, financial aid to first-time in college (FTIC) students significantly improved under Dr. Frederick’s leadership, resulting in a dramatic improvement in student retention and graduation rates.
During his tenure, the University recruited, attracted and retained world-renowned faculty, expanding its academic offerings and investing in new curriculum programs and innovative centers. Dr. Frederick’s virtuous financial stewardship over the University’s assets and financial resources has led to a turnaround in the University’s fiscal health and an overwhelmingly positive financial outlook. Dr. Frederick also spearheaded the University’s $785 million infrastructure initiative that will visibly transform Howard University’s campus.