Students Await Obama's Arrival
Shivonne Foster
8/17/07, Hilltop

At the beginning of every school year Howard's Opening Convocations serve as a formal welcome back to classes for the academic school year. Presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama will give the 140th Convocation address at this fall's highly anticipated ceremony, held in Cramton Auditorium on September 28 at 11 a.m.


Senator Obama recently visited Howard's campus for the Democratic Debate on June 28 also in Cramton Auditorium, hosted by Tavis Smiley.

"I think it's wonderful that Obama is showing support for an HBCU," said Jennifer Foster, a junior legal communications major. "I was excited that he was here for the Democratic Debate, and I think it's great he's coming back."

It is anticipated that the Howard community will support Opening Convocation tremendously, with an audience exceeding the size of years past.

"I definitely think the turn-out will be huge, it's like having a celebrity of the moment come to Howard," said Shannon Miller, a junior marketing major. "Students will be coming in large numbers."

Miller, who did not attend last fall's convocation, said she would like to attend this year's and is curious about which topics Senator Obama will cover in his address to the university.

"This could be considered a publicity move, if Obama's address this year relates less to education and is more so about politics and campaigning," Miller said.

But with the coming election, it is inevitable that the senator with drop some politics in his speech.

"I am unsure of the topics Obama will discuss," said Reuben Irwin, a first year law student. "I expect him to discuss both his presidential campaign and education, and am interested to see how he will discuss the two."
Students who are eager to participate in voting in the 2008 Presidential Election are excited to see how Senator Obama will address his audience at Howard.

"It's wise of Obama to come, and perhaps it is an attempt to round up votes," said Foster, who is unsure which presidential candidate she will vote for. "I anticipate him talking about race issues and gender issues, in a balance between politics and education."

She continued, "I believe that since most students at Howard can vote, it is important for all of us to become familiar with the people who could possibly represent us."

Foster explained that she missed last year's Opening Convocation for work, but would not miss this year's and plans on being at Cramton Auditorium early.
"I predict there will be an enormous turn out," she said, " they may have to turn some people away."

In addition to accepting the invitation as speaker for Opening Convocation, Senator Barack Obama will also receive a Doctor of Laws honoris causa at the ceremony.