Howard University School of Social Work Celebrates 90 Years of Excellence

The Howard University School of Social Work (HUSSW) marked its 90th Anniversary during Homecoming 2025 with an unforgettable Open House Celebration, honoring nine decades of leadership and scholarship. The evening was filled with heartfelt reflections, inspiring performances, and moments of joy as we celebrated our past and envisioned our future together.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made the evening such a success — our presenters, musicians, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and guests. Your wisdom, creativity, and warmth touched hearts across the room and reminded us why Howard stands as a beacon for social work education and service.

The celebration began with a warm welcome from Dean Sheara Jennings, who set a tone of gratitude and reflection, followed by an inspiring message from Provost Anthony Wutoh, who congratulated the school on 90 years of academic excellence and national distinction.

Dr. Robert Cosby, who graciously served as our Master of Ceremony, guided the evening with grace and humor. His presence anchored the program and set a rhythm that carried seamlessly from start to finish. 

The atmosphere was lifted even higher by a moving musical performance from Robert Taylor, Jr., whose selections resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. His music provided both celebration and reflection — the perfect complement to a night filled with emotion and pride.

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening came through a series of historical reflections presented by Dean Emeritus Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe, Kimberly Dailey, and Stephen Broyles, each representing different eras in the School’s 90-year history. Together, they brought the story of HUSSW to life — from its founding years under Dean Inabel Burns Lindsay, through decades of transformation, and into the present moment of continued excellence. Their storytelling was powerful, weaving together legacy and the shared mission that defines the Howard experience.

We also heard heartfelt reflections from Philip Pratt, President of the HUSSW Alumni Association, and Nathanael Tharps, President of the Student Council Association, who spoke on behalf of alumni and current students. Their remarks reminded us that HUSSW’s greatest strength lies in its people — past, present, and future.

The evening concluded with Dr. Tracy Whitaker offering words of encouragement and vision, inviting everyone to carry the legacy of social work forward with purpose and pride.

After the program, guests gathered for a reception that filled the space with laughter, music, and community. Dean Jennings offered a toast to the future, celebrating the HUSSW's continued growth and commitment to preparing the next generation of social work leaders. Guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres, connected across generations, and participated in a fun raffle drawing that brought even more excitement to the evening.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our partners — the Howard University School of Social Work Alumni Association (HUSSWAA) and the Student Council Association (SCA) — for helping make this event such a success. We also offer special appreciation to Kornerstone Productions for outstanding audiovisual support; Focus Pocus Inc. for the captivating historic founders display; Lees Florist for the elegant floral arrangements; Charm Photography for beautifully capturing the evening’s highlights; and Aramark Catering for the delicious menu that brought everyone together in celebration.

Honoring 90 Years Through Giving

A highlight of the celebration was the official launch of the 90th Anniversary Fellowship Campaign — an initiative to raise funds for nine $10,000 fellowships to support the next generation of social work leaders. These fellowships will provide vital assistance to students who are continuing the legacy of service, leadership, and advocacy that has defined HUSSW for nine decades.

We invite alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to join us in celebrating this milestone by contributing to the campaign and investing in the future of social work education.

We invite you to make a gift to the Anniversary Fellowship Campaign

Our Heartfelt Thanks and Gratitude to Our Community

Our 90th Anniversary Celebration was more than a milestone — it was a moment of gratitude and renewal. The compliments and kind words continue to pour in, reflecting the lasting impact of an evening filled with heart, history, and hope.

As we look ahead to the next 90 years, we remain steadfast in our mission: to prepare social work professionals who lead with compassion, advocate with courage, and serve with purpose.

To everyone who joined us and contributed to this unforgettable evening — thank you for making it a true celebration of legacy, community, and the continuing urgency of now.

Click here to visit the full photo gallery courtesy of Charm Photography. To download photos use pin code: 6524