Howard University’s 147th Commencement Convocation was held on Saturday, May 9, 2015, with Ursula M. Burns, chairman and chief executive officer of Xerox Corporation, delivering the 2015 Commencement address on the upper quadrangle of the University’s main campus. The University also awarded honorary degrees to award-winning actor and director, Morgan Freeman; president of Spelman College, Beverly Daniel Tatum; and, philanthropists Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown.
“We’re honored to have such an esteemed and influential group of leaders, representing a variety of interests, talents, and backgrounds to present to our 2015 graduating class,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University in a statement to press. “Our students and guests will undoubtedly be moved by these leaders’ personal convictions, perseverance, and what they’ve achieved for the benefit of others. Their stories will help inspire our stud
ents to leverage their Howard education for the benefit of the world they’ll set out to change,” added Frederick.