sandee Howard University has changed its name to College of Fine Art following the honour of alumni Chadwick Boseman in the presence of President Wayne A. I. Frederick.
Chadwick Boseman had a remarkable career as an actor, writer, and producer and this inspired many people around the world.
This news comes right after the announcement of actress and alumna Phycilia Rashad being named Dean of the college.
Boseman, who was an undergraduate student in 1997 led a student demonstration to prevent the absorption of the College of Fine Art to the College of Arts and Sciences.
However, this was just the beginning as Boseman’s passion for the arts and his Howard University. He graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor’s of arts degree in directing.
“When Chadwick Boseman returned to campus in 2018 to serve as our commencement speaker, he called Howard a magical place. During his visit, I announced our plans to re-establish the College of Fine Arts and he was filled with ideas and plans to support the effort in a powerful way,” said President Frederick.
Walt Disney Company’s executive chairman, Bob Iger, is working with Howard to lead fundraising efforts for the new building and an endowment in Boseman’s honour.
“Chadwick’s love for Howard University was sincere, and although he did not live to see those plans through to fruition, it is my honour to ensure his legacy lives on through the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts with the support of his wife and the Chadwick Boseman Foundation. I’m also elated to have the support of The Walt Disney Company’s Executive Chairman Bob Iger, who has graciously volunteered to lead the fundraising effort to build a state-of-the-art facility and endowment for the college,” he added.
This new building will hold the fine arts college, the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, the University TV station, WHUT, and the radio station, WHUR 96.3. Iger is committed to ensuring Boseman’s legacy is cemented, developing a friendship with the late actor after the success of Black Panther.
“We are very excited. This is the right thing to do. Chadwick’s love for Howard University was sincere, and although he did not live to see those plans through to fruition, it is my honour to ensure his legacy lives on,” Frederick said.
Furthermore, the Walt Disney Company’s executive chairman, Bob Iger aired his remarks saying, “Through his tremendous example, he inspired millions to overcome adversity, dream big and reach beyond the status quo, and this college named in his honour at his beloved Howard University will provide opportunities for future generations of artists to follow in his footsteps and pursue their dreams.”
The parents of Boseman, Caroline and Leroy also issued a statement about the tremendous honour, saying, “Chadwick would be overjoyed by this development. His time at Howard University helped shape both the man and the artist that he became, committed to truth, integrity, and a determination to transform the world through the power of storytelling.”
The widow, Simone Ledgeward-Boseman shared in the excitement. “Chad was a very proud Bison. The re-establishment of the College of Fine Arts brings this part of his story full-circle and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire young storytellers for years to come,” she said.
Chadwick Boseman passed on last year after a long battle with colon cancer at the age of 43.
