One of the most influential executives in the financial sector, Howard University Board of Trustees Co-Vice Chairman Mark Mason (B.B.A.’91), returned to campus to share the importance of “Answering the Call to Excellence,” from The Yard to the c-suite. For him, the call to answer in excellence, and truth and service, can sometimes be complicated, such as the day George Floyd was murdered. In this moment, he could have chosen to answer the call of justice with silence. Instead, he was influenced to take action by several individuals whose lives he has influenced the most, his children. They inspired him to publish a blog, entitled I Can't Breathe, which inspired others to use their agency to speak the truth. While his actions undoubtedly came with some controversy, they convinced many to speak out, even if they have a lot to lose. His words became highly visible, trending across the internet and sounding a clarion call for meaningful, systematic change.
“We must continue to speak up and speak out whenever we witness hatred, racism, or injustice,” Mason wrote in his post.
A recount of that story were part of the vice-chairman's remarks as the featured speaker during this fall's Opening Convocation. Mason took the audience on his journey through Howard to Citi, where he oversees financial management for a company with more than 100 million customers and $5 trillion in financial flows daily, the equivalent of Germany’s gross domestic product.
Adorned in full regalia, Howard’s Board of Trustees, faculty and cabinet members led the pomp and circumstance of the Opening Convocation to welcome the incoming, with remarks from Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., Board of Trustees Chairman Larry Morse (BA ’73), and Trustee Mason.
Mason gave the audience four ways to have fulfilling work and personal lives. First, he recommended using your voice to propose different ideas and inspire change. He noted that those who have access to information and perspective have a responsibility to share it.
“As the educated, we must be the educators,” Mason said.
He also advised that you allow yourself space to grow and engage in self-discovery, recognize the value of all your relationships, and recognize the power of education.
Article ID: 2266