Campus News - Page 2

FAMU graduation speaker drops huge donation

Florida A&M University’s spring commencement delivered more than degrees this weekend. It also delivered a major investment in the future. Omar Goff, a FAMU alumnus and keynote speaker, donated $100,000 of his personal funds Saturday to support students at his alma mater. His gift immediately turned into something bigger. Two additional leaders matched his contribution, creating a powerful moment of giving at graduation that could impact generations of future Rattlers. A full-circle moment for a FAMU graduate Goff returned to campus not just as a speaker, but as a success story. A 2004 summa cum laude graduate, he now serves as an executive

Queen Latifah inspires graduates of nation’s largest HBCU

With confidence, humor, and unapologetic Black excellence, hip-hop icon Queen Latifah delivered a commencement address at North Carolina A&T State University that felt less like a traditional graduation speech and more like a masterclass in self-belief. Addressing the spring 2026 graduating class, the award-winning rapper, actress, and entrepreneur challenged Aggies to embrace what she called a “delusional amount of belief” in themselves—even when the world cannot yet see their vision. “You have to be delusional,” Latifah told graduates. “You have to have delusional amounts of belief and faith to dream beyond your wildest dreams.” Throughout the speech, Latifah reflected on her journey

Interim President and Chair Emerita Rosalind Brewer of Spelman College on The Future of HBCUs and Producing the Leaders of Tomorrow

By Tiffani R. Alexander Spelman College Interim President and Chair Emerita Rosalind Brewer will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during Howard University’s 158th Commencement Ceremony on May 9. Spelman College Interim President and Chair Emerita Rosalind Brewer. Photo courtesy of Spelman College.   “I’m really excited about receiving this honorary Doctor of Laws from Howard University.” said Brewer. “It means a lot to me. To be recognized by a fellow HBCU gives me great pride and honor, and actually to represent the students and graduates of Howard University means everything.” Coming from another highly regarded and much-loved HBCU, the renowned corporate

FAMU Faculty Selected for Stanford Medicine–HBCU Research Program

By Rachel James-Terry Jillian Pope, Ph.D.’s, selection advances university research priorities and national academic partnerships Florida A&M University (FAMU) faculty member Jillian Pope, Ph.D., assistant professor for the Department of Biological Sciences, has been selected to participate in the second cohort of the Stanford Medicine–HBCU Faculty Fellows Research Program, a competitive initiative designed to strengthen research collaboration between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and leading scholarship institutions. The 10-month program, developed through the Stanford Medicine HBCU Collective, focuses on expanding research engagement, scholarly productivity, and cross-institutional partnerships. The hybrid experience includes structured professional development, collaborative discovery opportunities, and national networking, culminating

Savannah State Journalism and Mass Communications Celebrates ACEJMC Reaccreditation

Courtesy of Savannah State University Savannah State University is celebrating a major academic achievement as its Department of Journalism and Mass Communications has earned reaccreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. The council took final action during its May 5 meeting at the Freedom Forum in Washington, D.C. The decision followed a rigorous, yearlong self-study process — an internal look at every phase of the department’s operations — along with a January campus visit and committee review of the program’s performance across ACEJMC standards. The reaccreditation reaffirms the quality of Savannah State’s curriculum, faculty, facilities,

Howard University Commencement Draws National Attention After Mayor Bowser Speech

A proud Howard moment meets a public reaction Howard University commencement became one of the most talked-about HBCU moments of the week after Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser received a mixed reaction during her keynote address at the university’s 158th Commencement Convocation. The ceremony took place Saturday, May 9, on The Yard, where Howard University celebrated the Class of 2026 and conferred more than 3,100 degrees during Mother’s Day weekend. The day included Howard’s historic Long Walk, proud families, university leaders, and a graduating class stepping into the next phase of its journey. But the national conversation quickly shifted after parts of the crowd

South Carolina State Launches $41.2 Million Campaign To Elevate Campus, Athletics And Research

SC State begins a historic fundraising push South Carolina State campaign momentum is building after the university officially launched a $41.2 million fundraising effort designed to expand student support, strengthen academics and athletics, and improve campus facilities. The five-year initiative, called The Power of SC State: A Capital Campaign to Elevate Excellence, is one of the university’s most ambitious fundraising efforts to date. South Carolina State said the campaign is focused on five major priorities: student scholarships, athletics enhancements, faculty and staff support, programmatic opportunities, and revitalized facilities. The campaign also arrives at a key moment for South Carolina State University. The Orangeburg

Magic Johnson inspires HBCU students at two commencements

NBA legend and business mogul Magic Johnson spent commencement season pouring wisdom, strategy, and motivation into HBCU graduates, delivering two impactful addresses at Tuskegee University and Stillman College centered on leadership, ownership, and preparing for the future. While each speech carried a different tone, Johnson’s core message remained the same: HBCU graduates must think bigger, move smarter, and position themselves to lead in industries rapidly being transformed by technology and economic change. At Tuskegee University, Johnson delivered what felt like a blueprint for professional success in the modern workforce. Speaking directly to graduates preparing to enter competitive industries, the Hall of Famer emphasized discipline, preparation,

Voorhees University freshman earns 1st place in national HBCU Smart Cities Program

A Voorhees University freshman student has earned 1st place in the National Pathway Community Foundation HBCU Smart Cities Program. Freshman Josephine Mulenga took the top spot in the program, a ten-week national initiative focused on “developing innovative, technology-driven solutions to real-world urban challenges.” “This outstanding accomplishment reflects the innovation and academic excellence we foster at Voorhees University,” said Dr. Edward Hill, Provost and Vice President of Voorhees University. “Josephine’s success demonstrates the power of experiential learning and the impact our students can have in addressing real-world challenges through technology and collaboration.” Josephine Mulenga(WIS News 10) The HBCU Smart Cities Program,

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger, 2026 Honorary Degree Candidate, Has Advice for Howard Grads

By Cedric Mobley As he prepares for receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Howard University, former Disney CEO Robert (Bob) Iger has advice for his fellow members of the Class of 2026. Though they are graduating, he counsels them to remain students. As technology and cultural dynamics transform marketplace, the workplace, and the nature of work itself, he said that students should lean into the change and constantly evolve. For two decades, Iger has served in numerous leadership roles at the iconic company, including CEO, chairman of the board of directors, executive chairman, president and chief operating officer,

Never Miss A Story

Covering HBCUS
and The African American Community