Before we continue, I’d like to ask you to join me, as well, in acknowledging a member of our Board of Trustees who, like Mr. Stokes, soldiered for us during his tenure in the United States Congress and soldiers today for us as well. He is a member of our Legislative Strategy Group which is another way of saying the group of trustee whom we entrust with carrying our message to Capitol Hill. He is a great, great friend of this university and he is an exemplar of the engaged and committed trustee, many of whom are with us this morning. Please join me in welcoming Jack Kemp.

Now the program provides for remarks by “Mr. H. Patrick Swygert, President.” Some of our guests and visitors might want to know why members of the Howard community winced a little bit when they saw “remarks” by me. They’re fearful that I will take this occasion to repeat my inaugural address of 1996. But I will not. This is far too important an occasion for that. Because today, we gather to acknowledge, as our chairman has already acknowledged, Louis Stokes.

It is very difficult to fully share with you all that he has meant to Howard University. But if his efforts were confined only to Howard University, they would be remarkable indeed. But his efforts have not been confined to Howard University.

When one reflects upon those persons or that person who has meant more over the past quarter of a century, more in terms of enabling minority youngsters of talent, skill and heart to pursue health science careers, it is very difficult to think of anyone who has done more than Louis Stokes.

Shortly after I was named president of Howard University by the Board of Trustees, one bit of advice was shared with me by a seasoned member of our community: “Get ye to Congressman Louis Stokes.”

I visited the Congressman and it gave me an opportunity to renew acquaintances. I first met Congressman Stokes as a newly minted Administrative Assistant to a newly minted United States Congressman, Charles Bernard Rangel, of New York. And I recall when we first met how open and engaging he was to me and supportive of Congressman Rangel. When we met again, I reflected upon some of those early days of the Congressional Black Caucus and all of his leadership and inspiration. That conversation segued into a discussion of Howard--its past, its present, and its hoped-for future. I said to him that, having read closely both the printed, written, and oral history of Howard University, I was well aware of all that he had done for our great institution. I promised that some day, some way, we would find a way to fully or more fully acknowledge him. Then he said to me, in fact, he interrupted me with, “Well, you know, …with the degrees, the acknowledgements, and celebrations. Each time I come to the Medical School, I walk across the campus and people are always so kind, so generous.

I said, “Well, that’s all well and good, but we have to do something, in my mind, that’s even more tangible and makes, indeed, a lasting statement. In just a moment, you’re going to view a video that demonstrates how we shared news of that more tangible expression of our thanks and appreciation with him. Suffice it to say, it was one of those rare opportunities when an intended surprise, in fact, was a surprise.

So, please, join me now as we present for you a short video presentation.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Greater Cleveland Growth Association for giving me this opportunity. I want to extend a special thanks to Chairman Patrick McCarran, and the President and Chief Executive Officer, Carol Hoover, and the members of the Board of Directors, who have all done such a wonderful job of keeping my appearance a surprise.

Now, there is one small aside. Earlier this morning I boarded the seven o’clock Continental Airlines flight to Cleveland. Much to my horror, on that flight was Congressman Louis Stokes. The Congressman turned to me and said, “Where are you headed?”

I said, “Well, I have a very important meeting to attend in Cleveland.”

Indeed it is a very important gathering in Cleveland.

Howard University was founded in 1867 and it has had an historic history since 1867—131 years of leadership for America. Indeed, we’ve expanded our vision for leadership for America and the global community. We’ve had many champions over those years, but none more of a champion that Louis Stokes.

There are many ways in which universities make known their appreciation and their affection for those individuals who have toiled in the vineyards to sustain those institutions. Now, this surprise, we have worked very, very hard to keep under wraps.

I would like to add Howard’s note of respect by sharing with you news that the new Health Sciences Library at Howard University will bear the name of the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library at Howard University. Our newest building.

VIDEO PRESENTATION
“THE CONSTRUCTION”
JUNE, 1999 – JANUARY, 2001

VIDEO PRESENTATION
“THE CONGRESSMAN – LOUIS STOKES”
1968 – 1998

[Continued Remarks by President Swygert]

As I said to Congressman Stokes at the groundbreaking, “Yes, he would get something more than a model.” And I think we’ve done so.

I’d like to take a moment again to acknowledge the individual who had the principle day-to-day responsibility of for making this vision into a reality. I don’t see him, but he’s here. I’m going to ask him to raise his hand and wave it a bit, so you’ll know, Bruce Costello. He’s surrounded by our colleagues, our general contractors-- Morris Easel, Essex, the Hillier Group, and Amos Bailey. And we’re just, just so delighted that they’re all here as well.

Let me also acknowledge take this opportunity to acknowledge those members of our Board of Trustees who are present. I want to thank Board of Trustee member Dennis Hightower who at the groundbreaking assisted us so ably and spoke so well that day.

Let me acknowledge trustees who are present and without whom this moment simply would not have been possible. I’m going to ask you to please hold your acknowledgement until I have concluded.

We have with us this morning, Dr. Carolyn Whitfield Broome, Dr. Elizabeth G. Early, Renee Higginbotham Brooks, Esquire, the Honorable Jack Kemp (whom you’ve met already), Mr. Robert L. Lumpkins, Dr. Charles J. McDonald, the Honorable Gabrielle Kirk McDonald, Mr. Reginald McGahee who is our Graduate Student Trustee and a senior in our School of Law, Dr. Floretta Dukes McKenzie, Mr. Cornell L. Moore, Esquire, Mr. Martin D. Payson, Esquire, Mr. Gerald D. Prothro, and Mrs. Phylicia Rashad. You’ve heard from our Chairman, Mr. Frank Savage. Also present are Ms. Breana C. Smith, who is our Undergraduate Student Trustee, Mr. Wayman F. Smith, III, Esquire, Mr. Glegg L. Watson, Mr. Gregory A. White, and the Honorable L. Douglas Wilder.

I would like for you to join me in acknowledging our Board of Trustees.

In addition, I’ve been told that we’ve been joined by the former Secretary of Energy and a great friend of Howard, the Honorable Hazel O’Leary.

Mr. Stokes is going to join me as we unveil a model of the plaque that will hang in the atrium in just a few weeks, just as soon as the fabrication process has been completed.

Lou, would you join me. And following this second unveiling, we’re going to hear from our honoree.

PRESIDENT SWYGERT UNVEILS PLAQUE

And now, ladies and gentlemen, another great pleasure—an opportunity to introduce to you one of this nation’s really great leaders, Congressman Louis Stokes.