The Graduate School has launched its celebration of 50 years of Ph.D. Production - 1958 to 2008. The year-long celebration will commemorate the meteoric rise of the university from awarding its first Ph.D. degrees in 1958 (in the field of chemistry), to its current status as the nation's largest on-campus producer of African American Ph.D. recipients.   

 During the year, the Graduate School will sponsor special lectures, fundraising and alumni activities, and on graduation day, May 2008, award the doctoral degree to the 50^th Ph.D. Anniversary Class.  As a special commemorative feature, the Graduate School has announced 20 recipients of the 50^th Anniversary Ph.D. Assistantship. This one-time award is being given to Ph.D. candidates in their terminal year who have made stellar progress towards the completion of their Ph.D. degree, among other criteria. Each recipient will receive a stipend of $18,000.               

Also, in honor of the 50-year research legacy, the Graduate School will sponsor its Annual University-wide Research and Honors Day on April 2, 2007 in the Armour J. Blackburn University Center. This year, the event will feature a special 50^th Ph.D. Anniversary Research Day Lecture.  As in previous years, awards will be presented to faculty for top Ph.D. production, exemplary mentorship, and most grant acquisitions. Student participants will receive commemorative awards and commendations for best oral and poster presentations.  

Complete information on the 50^th Ph.D. Celebration events will be posted on the Graduate School web site, www.gs.howard.edu.