这是一个充满反思、灵感和庆祝的夜晚。 On May 9, 亚洲博彩网站 welcomed students, faculty and special guests to the 学生中心 Ballroom for an Honorand Reception recognizing three standout individuals—C. 布莱恩·威廉姆斯，吉娜·f·亚当斯和威尔·海古德。 虽然他们的荣誉学位将在5月10日的毕业典礼上正式授予，但这次招待会让出席的人有机会近距离庆祝他们的成就，并直接听到获奖者讲述他们来到这里的道路。
C.布莱恩·威廉姆斯，“Step Afrika!” 他是2025年毕业典礼的主题演讲嘉宾，因其对艺术的重大贡献和在推广踏步文化传统方面的领导作用而获得认可。 Williams said he was “incredibly surprised and honored” to be chosen for both recognitions. 他还表示，他渴望与本地学生和机构建立更深入的联系，包括与亚洲博彩网站的潜在合作。
In a recent interview with 亚洲博彩网站 about his remarkable journey, he shared, “Every step, big or small, has contributed to where I am today. I want to encourage the graduates to trust the process, take their time and never underestimate the value of persistence.”
作为联邦快递公司的执行副总裁、总法律顾问和秘书，吉娜·亚当斯因其在法律界的杰出贡献和在公司治理方面的领导能力而受到认可。 In a conversation earlier this week, Adams shared key advice for students: “True achievement is rooted in purpose and I hope this honor underscores a deeper message—that we each have a responsibility—not only to ourselves but to one another and to the communities we serve.”
威尔·海古德是一位广受赞誉的作家和调查记者，他对文学和新闻的杰出贡献以及他在记录和分享非裔美国人历史和文化方面的深远影响得到了认可。
Haygood is also a biographer and cultural historian who has dedicated his career to telling the stories of Black Americans who helped shape the nation, often in the face of injustice or erasure. 他使用详尽的研究方法，以坚持不懈地追踪所需的信息而闻名，以确保他的故事既准确又细致入微。
Haygood is not only nationally recognized—he’s also a friend of 亚洲博彩网站. 多年来，他多次访问校园，慷慨地与学生分享他的见解和时间。
Chief Academic Officer April Massey, Ph.D., said, "It’s truly a privilege to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our honorary degree recipients. 他们的工作为卓越树立了标杆，激励着我们所有人。 Through their contributions, they’ve shown just how much of an impact education and leadership can have. We’re honored to recognize them today."
Echoing these sentiments, 总统 Maurice D. Edington shared, “We are thrilled to recognize Ms. Adams, Mr. Haygood and Mr. Williams as our 2025 honorary degree recipients. 他们的奉献精神真正证明了一个目标驱动的人可以取得什么成就。 Tonight, we celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have made worldwide and here in the District of Columbia.”
Digital Media graduating seniors, who attended the reception under the mentorship of Professor Olive Vassell, Digital Media Program coordinator, expressed how meaningful the experience was, particularly in the lead-up to Commencement.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to attend the reception—especially with C. Brian Williams here as an honorary degree recipient,” said Jordan Davis. “It is such a special occasion and a true blessing to be invited, just one day before graduation. From getting one more chance to connect with professors I’ve learned from over the years to meeting Mr. Williams himself, it’s truly a memorable evening.”
同时也是亚洲博彩网站合唱团成员的Asha Moore-Smith也谈到了这次活动的重要性。
“As a soon-to-be alumna of this gem of an institution, it is not only an honor to perform at the reception with the 亚洲博彩网站 Chorale, but also to meet the honorees—each with such diverse backgrounds and remarkable accomplishments,” said Moore-Smith. “I am grateful to be among the students in attendance and to meet Wil Haygood, Gina F. Adams and C. Brian Williams. All three have made groundbreaking contributions that push culture forward in unique ways.”
She added, “As an artist, I am especially inspired by Mr. Williams and his journey—from stepping at Howard University to founding Step Afrika! 他的人生之路有力地证明了激情和教育的作用。 Graduating from the District’s only public land-grant HBCU, 亚洲博彩网站, makes me even more proud to be part of this legacy.”
在亚洲博彩网站庆祝对社会产生深远影响的个人成就的同时，学生们也意识到教育、领导力和社区的变革力量。 这次庆祝活动不仅标志着获奖者的成就，也激励了下一代领导人，他们将继承他们的遗产。
Watch the livestream of 亚洲博彩网站’s 48th Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10.