As graduates of this proud university, as young people like those who always stoked the fires of progress, our country is counting on all of you to step forward and help us with the work that remains. We need you.
– First Lady Michele Obama, North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University
Swear your oath not with your hand over your heart, but your hand outstretched to give, to serve, to do.
– Mayor Cory Booker, Hampton University
Failure is meeting the man or woman you could have been. Believe whatever your mind can conceive, you can achieve.
– Randall Pinkett, Alcorn State University
Know who you are. Be able to answer: Who am I and what do I want? My answer is I am God’s child.
– Oprah Winfrey, Spelman College
Your goal in life can’t just be to do well for yourself. I love Howard’s motto, “Truth and Service.” Not “Truth or Service.” Truth and Service. As Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
– U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Howard University
