Commencement 2025 Recap

Howard University's 157th Commencement ceremonies honored the university's largest ever graduating class. LeVar Burton, one of the world’s most prolific and impactful artists, served as the Commencement orator. Burton, with a decades-long career that includes roles as an actor, director, producer, author, and podcaster, delivered a moving speech about resilience.

In his address, Burton encouraged graduates to embrace their future, and to not let fear paralyze them into inaction. He likened commencement to a continuation of the African tradition of the rites of passage.