Two WWII Veterans Receive Their Degrees during Howard University Commencement

Howard University held its 136th Commencement Convocation on Saturday, May 8, conferring 2,200 undergraduate, graduate, doctorate and professional degrees. Two additional degrees were awarded to Charles D. Butler Sr. and Judge Albert Matthews, who were unable to graduate because of their active military duty during World War II. Butler, was a history major in good standing in the College of Liberal Arts when he was called to active duty for the U.S. Army three months before graduation. During his military service, Howard sent a letter to Butler’s mother stating he had completed the requirements for graduation with the Class of 1942. The letter was discovered some 62 years later by his family while going through some old papers.

And, Matthews was a Howard student in good standing with the classification of junior in the School of Engineering when he was called to active military service in WWII in 1943. Both men were present to receive their diploma.

Oratrix Ann Fudge, the highest ranking African-American executive in the advertising industry, serving as the chairwoman and chief executive of Young & Rubicam, delivered the graduation address. Recounting her personal journey from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business to senior executive of Kraft Foods, Fudge told graduates to “take the road less traveled.” Do not select a path based on its popularity or others expectations. She said choose what feels right then pursue it with persistence and determination.

Fudge received a Special Citation of Achievement, and honorary degrees were given to the Honorable William H. Frist, M.D., William R. Harvey, Ph.D., and Mr. August Wilson.

Frist, Majority Leader of the United States Senate, (Doctor of Laws). A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Medical School, he is the first practicing physician elected to the Senate since 1928. He serves on the following committees: Finance; Rules; and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).

Harvey, president, Hampton University, (Doctor of Humane Letters). Having served since 1978, his tenure is the longest of any sitting college or university president in the country. A graduate of Talladega College and Harvard University, Harvey has led Hampton through tremendous expansion, resulting in more than 70 new programs.

Wilson, playwright, (Doctor of Humanities). Wilson is the author of "Jitney," "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom," "Fences," "Joe Turner’s Come and Gone," "The Piano Lesson," "Two Trains Running," "Seven Guitars," "King Hedley II," and "Gem of the Ocean," all of which have been produced on stages across the country and around the world, as well as on Broadway. He is a recipient of numerous awards including two Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony and a Presidential National Humanities Medal.

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