United States Senator Kamala Harris is set to return to her alma mater, Howard University to deliver the keynote address for its 149th Commencement Ceremony. "Throughout her trailblazing career, Senator Harris has demonstrated her commitment to youth in a variety of ways," said Howard President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick in a statement released by the university on Tuesday.
"She is a leader in mentorship programs, has authored legislation to fight child exploitation and unashamedly shattered both racial and gender barriers. As we exclaim the necessity of Howard University’s legacy—now more than ever before—and focus our vision toward the future, I have no doubt that our graduates will find Senator Harris thought-provoking and inspiring."
#BreakingNews: #HowardAlumna & United States Senator @KamalaHarris to deliver the 2017 Commencement Address https://t.co/fvQCS9gMag pic.twitter.com/Bhy7UQwQs3
— Howard University (@HowardU) March 28, 2017
Since Senator Harris graduated from Howard in 1986, she has become California's first woman and first African American Attorney General, and the nation's second African American woman to be elected to the United States Senate.
“Howard shaped, nurtured, and challenged me to soar on my chosen path, and I’m honored to speak to the class of 2017 to encourage them to pursue their own dreams and live up to the promise of Howard," said Senator Harris. “Howard University has instilled in generations of students the drive to serve others, and to truly believe that anything is possible."
Howard University's 2017 commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 13.