Attendees celebrating at the Howard University freshman send-off event in New Orleans.
New Orleans, LA, August 21, 2025
Attorney Charles Rice Jr. hosted the 12th annual send-off event for incoming Howard University freshmen from Louisiana. The gathering aimed to foster community support and connect new students with alumni and families. Notable guests included Howard alumni and local leaders who participated in engaging activities, celebrating the increased enrollment of Louisiana students at the university. This event underscored the commitment of alumni to aid prospective students in their educational journey at the distinguished institution.
New Orleans – Attorney Charles Rice Jr. hosted the 12th annual Howard University freshman send-off at his home on Saturday, July 27, 2024. The event welcomed incoming freshmen from Louisiana, aimed at fostering community and support for students preparing to enroll at the prestigious institution.
Among the incoming Howard University freshmen were students Hope Singleton, Amelia Griffin, Nyla Bridges, Anisa Cleggett, Laila Blondell, and Faith Femidy. The gathering not only provided a celebratory atmosphere for the students but also aimed to connect them with alumni and families invested in their future education.
Notable guests included Dr. Patricia Wright and Courtney Cola, who is a 2012 graduate of Howard University and currently serves as the director of marketing for Bragg Foods in New Orleans. This year’s send-off highlighted the commitment of Louisiana alumni to support prospective students, with both outgoing president Chad Kennedy and incoming president Courtney Cola actively engaging with families throughout the event.
Charles Rice Jr., who graduated from Howard University in 1986, is a prominent figure in promoting the university to students in Louisiana. As the principal owner of the Rice Group, LLC and a professor at the Southern University Law Center, Rice has made significant strides in increasing enrollment of Louisiana students at Howard, boosting the number from around 15 per year in 2013 to an average of 30 annually in recent years.
Howard University, based in Washington, D.C., is a renowned private research institution, recognized for its exceptional undergraduate programs as well as its distinguished schools of medicine and law. Each year, Howard sends numerous students to prestigious places like Harvard University’s School of Law and School of Medicine.
The freshmen send-off allowed for a platform of support, where students and parents could connect and share their expectations for the upcoming journey at Howard. Alumni members from the Louisiana chapter participated in group photo sessions, further strengthening the community bond between those who have attended the university and those just beginning their journey.
Overall, the freshman send-off event served not only as a celebration of new beginnings for the students but also as a testament to the dedicated alumni network committed to fostering the growth and development of future Howard University students hailing from Louisiana.
The event serves to welcome incoming freshmen, help them connect with alumni, and foster support among families as students prepare to enroll at Howard University.
The send-off was hosted by attorney Charles Rice Jr., a Howard graduate and local community leader.
The event was held on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
Notable attendees included Dr. Patricia Wright and Courtney Cola, a Howard graduate and director of marketing for Bragg Foods.
The number of Louisiana students attending Howard University has increased from about 15 students a year in 2013 to an average of 30 annually now.
Howard University is known for its undergraduate programs as well as its distinguished schools of medicine and law.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Host | Charles Rice Jr. |
| Date | July 27, 2024 |
| Location | New Orleans, LA |
| Incoming Freshmen | Hope Singleton, Amelia Griffin, Nyla Bridges, Anisa Cleggett, Laila Blondell, Faith Femidy |
| Alumni Participation | Chad Kennedy and Courtney Cola (Louisiana Alumni Association) |
| Growth in Louisiana Enrollment | From 15 students in 2013 to 30 students annually |
| Howard University Locations | Washington, D.C. |
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