By Gregory L. Coleman
Howard University News Service
Ben Vinson III pledged to make improvements in areas of need and to uphold the values of “Excellence in Truth and Service” while holding everyone accountable during his inauguration as Howard University’s18th president.
“It’s not always what an institution does that can produce the type of uplift that Howard is known for,” Vinson said during his convocation speech, “rather it’s why we do it that generates new questions, that sparks creative innovation and that spins different insights, that encourages profound solutions that spur answers. This is the Howard way.”
The convocation on Saturday at Cramton Auditorium concluded Inauguration Week, which featured a Call to Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson; a Howard University Student Association reception; a four-part faculty forum series on diversity and the diaspora; an arts celebration; and other activities.
President Vinson’s wife, Yolanda M. Fortenberry, an associate professor for the Department of Biology at Case Western University, his parents and his family were all in attendance for the ceremony. Students, faculty, alumni and presidents from other colleges joined them in filling Cramton, including former Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick who also participated in the video tribute. Video messages from Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser to 2022 alumnus and actor Anthony Anderson offered words of encouragement to the new president.
Danielle R. Holley, former dean of Howard’s law school and new president at Mount Holyoke College, delivered in-person greetings, along with Suzanne M. Rivera, president of Macalester College.
“He is a community builder,” said Rivera, who was a part of the committee that selected Vinson to take the reins as president of Howard University. “He listens carefully and seeks to more information frequently before coming to a decision. He is someone who takes care of his people and fosters connections, while doing the hard work of leading.”
The Rev. Dr. Bernard Richardson, dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, offered the benediction and prayers for Vinson while the Howard University Concert Band played the music of the day, directed by two-time Howard alumnus, and director and music educator Michael Fitzhugh. The melodies of the Howard University Concert Chorale, led by educator Eric Poole, moved the audience, especially Brittany Johnson’s rendition of “Bless Me.”
Speaking of music and the bands, Vinson had high praise for the Howard University Showtime Marching Band, mentioning the half-time show during the 23-20 near-upset against Northwestern University’s football team.
“At half time, our Showtime band showed up and showed out against Northwestern’s band. We won that!” exclaimed Vinson, drawing applause from the audience. He mentioned the band’s pride and excitement with their performance and their actions. This led to a much bigger message from Vinson.
“What I’m getting at is, where Howard goes, legacy follows,” he said. “Wherever we show up, what we stand for and what we have represented for years opens opportunities to begin necessary conversations, new conversations and maybe even to engage in a little bit of social healing.”
Since coming to Howard from his former role as provost and vice president at Case Western University, Vinson has been a consistent presence at many Howard activities, including the Truth and Service Classic and the homecoming game against Norfolk State. For his first convocation as a Bison in September, Vinson enjoyed a packed house in Cramton followed by celebration on the yard. The opening convocation allowed the campus community its first look at the newest president of Howard University.
Towards the end of the inauguration ceremony, the crowd rejoiced in the alma mater and concluded the festivities with high hopes for the new regime under President Ben Vinson III.
Gregory L. Coleman is a reporter for NewsVision and HUNewsService.com.
