Howard University held its 156th Commencement on Saturday, May 11, at the Capital One Arena.

Reanna Jones, a senior computer engineering major, expressed gratitude on social media towards the Howard University Alumni Association for awarding her a scholarship grant from the HUAA Emergency Fund.

She explained that this support was significant in reducing the financial burden on her family, especially her parents, who are also supporting her older sister through college.

The Howard University Alumni Association Emergency Scholarship Fund was established to help graduating seniors clear their balances.

More than 870 donors donated $194,974, which is 64% of the $300,000 campaign, that ended on May 8, 2024. Over 600 students received support from this fund to achieve their graduation dreams.

Howard University also tweeted a message of appreciation to TIAA President and CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett for being the keynote speaker at their 156th Commencement.

The university wrote, “Her stirring speech on resiliency and courage struck a personal chord with everyone in attendance and inspired our graduates. We are reminded of the value of tenacity, vision, and the significance of purposeful leadership by Thasunda’s impactful message. Her remarks have inspired our Class of 2024 to take on problems head-on and forge ahead, not only for themselves but also for those who will come after them.”

J. Willard Marriott Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Marriott International, Inc., was also recognized as one of the Honorary Degree recipients at Howard University’s 156th Commencement.

We sincerely thank @TIAA President and CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett for serving as the oratrix for our 156th Commencement. Her stirring speech on resiliency and courage struck a personal chord with everyone in attendance in addition to inspiring our graduates.

We are reminded of… pic.twitter.com/kLPGtdSUHK

— Howard University (@HowardU) May 11, 2024

Only 2 days left support our Bison Strong from Start to Finish campaign!

Meet Reanna Jones, a senior computer engineering major and 2024 Emergency Scholarship Fund Scholarship recipient.

Make a donation at https://t.co/X8BaLeApIh.#HowardUniversity #TheHUAA #BisonStrong pic.twitter.com/6AuHQrv7Lf

— Howard University (@HowardU) May 6, 2024