Convocation: Sierra Williams

On Friday September 23, 2011, Howard University celebrated its 144th Opening Convocation. The orator was Michael Lomax, President of the UNCF. It was very important to hear what he said and for anyone else who spoke. “ A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” That was one of the first things that caught my attention. It is important to note just because students are in colleges, doesn’t mean they are always doing their part; or that the college or university is doing their part either. Graduates from HBCU’s are more likely to give back to the global community and earn degrees. HBCU’s are very important to underrepresented students because they help us achieve our goals. This is the reason that HBCU’s are necessary. The United Negro College fund wants to double the number of graduates from universities. One thing noted by Dr. Lomax, was that some schools are too focused on what they used to do, and not as focused on what they have to do. Despite the mission statement of an HBCU, they are all different and some are doing better than others. Dr. Lomax, wants all HBCU’s to perform at the top of their game. One way to help these schools do better is for alumni to give back and help out. Only 11% of alumni give back to Howard University, which means the other 89% talk the talk. When I am an Alumni of Howard University, I plan on giving back. “ Even sacred ground can lose ground if it is not taken care of.” Howard is a sacred place, and while it is doing very well it is important that we call take care of it. The future of Howard is in our hands. The main idea of convocation was to welcome the class of 2015, and to acknowledge Historically Black Colleges and Universities and how they can help scholars achieve great things; as long as everyone puts full effort into making it a good learning community.