To honor Howard University’s chartering on March 2, 1867, more than 1,000 guests of the Howard University community gathered at the Marquis Marriott in downtown Washington, D.C. to honor the institution’s founding on March 2.
Comedian and actor Anthony Anderson (BFA ’22) served as the event emcee and singer and alumnus Kenny Lattimore served as the entertainment.
Anderson brought party atmosphere to a purposeful night: singing with the jazz violinist’s instrumentals of popular ’90s R&B songs and encouraging an impromptu dance break as hundreds of guests gathered on the dance floor after their three-course meals before the alumni award presentation.
There are more moments like this to come as we bathe in the majesty of The Mecca.” - President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D.
Anderson came to Howard in 1988, but didn’t finish due to a lack of funds to pay for tuition. In 2022, he returned to complete his matriculation at Howard.
“I had every intention of returning back to campus to get my degree,” Anderson said in his opening remarks. “Some of the best memories of my life were here in Washington D.C. on the campus of Howard University. This place is near and dear to my heart.”
Anderson’s 34-year process of earning his degree embodies the Charter Day Dinner’s purpose. It is Howard’s primary fundraising event to provide scholarships to students who struggle to pay for school and further their education.
![Anthony Anderson served as the master of ceremonies for the 100th Charter Day Dinner. (Source: Howard University)](/sites/magazine.howard.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2024-06/HBrown_240302_0398.jpg?itok=ssYAUSwo)
In a video, three recipients of scholarships made possible by funds raised at past Charter Day Dinners spoke of their gratitude to the donors who secured the path to their educational pursuits.
“We say thank you to the generous support of our alumni and friends of the University,” senior Monica Moore said in the video. “I am able to continue my studies and pour back into the University, living up to our motto of truth and service.”
Article ID: 2096
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