
Commencement
Dear Howard University Graduates,
As the academic year draws to a close and the days warm with the promise of spring, it is with great excitement and heartfelt congratulations that we welcome you to commencement season. This is a time of joy, reflection, and pride — especially for the Class of 2025, whose journey through the College of Dentistry has led to this meaningful milestone. The determination, growth, and spirit you’ve shown have left an indelible mark on our campus community. We couldn’t be prouder of all you have accomplished. For our graduating dental students in particular, this moment marks a profound transformation — from the nervous excitement of your first days in dental anatomy to the confident, capable professionals you’ve become. You’ve faced the long hours, the rigorous training, the patient care, and the perseverance it takes to earn your white coat and walk across that stage. Now, your goals are within reach, and the world is ready for your skill and compassion.
Commencement is more than a ceremony — it’s a celebration of the hard work, sacrifice,
and dedication that have brought each of you to this point. It is also a powerful tradition
that honors not only academic achievement, but the community and support that made it
possible. That is why we have placed extraordinary care and effort into planning
Commencement Week — every detail, from logistics to lineups to ticketing, has been
designed to ensure that your moment is as memorable and meaningful as the journey that
brought you here. Commencement will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Quadrangle on
upper campus. Graduates should report to Greene Stadium at 8:00 a.m. sharp for lineup
and final instructions. Each graduate will receive four guest tickets for the ceremony. We
ask that families and guests plan accordingly and arrive early, as seating is limited. In the afternoon, we will gather once again to honor academic excellence and commitment to service at the Honors and Oath Convocation at 2:30 p.m. Each graduate will be issued fifteen guest tickets for this special ceremony.
Please note: Parking on and around campus will be minimal. We strongly encourage guests to use rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft to minimize congestion and ease access. If you will be bringing guests with mobility challenges, we’re here to assist — please contact us in advance at HU.student.activities@gmail.com so we can help make their experience as smooth as possible. To our graduates: the entire Admissions team remembers the day you chose Howard University — and what a journey it’s been. Watching you grow from eager first-year students into the poised professionals you are today is why we do this work. To the families, friends, and mentors: thank you for the support and encouragement you’ve given along the way. This celebration belongs to you, too. We can’t wait to celebrate this unforgettable season with you. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Warmly,
Dr. Reginald O. Salter
Director of Admissions
Howard University College of Dentistry
COMMENCEMENT WEEK TIMELINE
2025 Commencement Convocation Ticket Pick-Up Schedule
Howard University Main Campus Bookstore
Monday, May 5, 2025
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Graduates' Rehearsal
Cramton Auditorium
Tuesday, May 6th
1:00 p.m.
The University's Commencement Convocation
Main Quadrangle- Howard University's campus
Limited tickets are provided to the Graduates
Saturday, May 10th
10:00 a.m.
The College of Dentistry's Honors & Oath Ceremony
Burr Gymnasium- Howard University's campus
Saturday, May 10th
2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Post Doctoral Commencement and Recognition Ceremony
Armour J. Blackburn Center
Howard University's campus
June 27th
3:00 p.m.
Tickets will be distributed by the graduate to the people he/she would like to invite in the weeks leading up to the event. Currently, graduates may expect fifteen tickets (children age 3 and up are included in the ticket count) for the Honors & Oath Convocation and four for the Commencement Convocation.

Commencement Orator
LeVar Burton




