Howard alumni and students chat with Vice President Harris before the Election Night Watch party

WASHINGTON, D.C – “Where else would she be on election night?” It’s a rhetorical question. Jennifer Thomas, an associate professor at Howard University, believes there is only one answer.

“Being surrounded by the people who support her and the university that supported her,” she adds.

Thomas is referring to the college that sits on a hill in this country's capital – Howard University.

It is one of the top historically black colleges and universities in the country; is sometimes referred to as the Black Mecca.

Vice President Kamala Harris graduated here in 1986. Harris describes her time on campus as her formative years and when she fell in love with politics.

40 years later, the vice president could become the first woman to become president of the United States.

“When we see her up there, we see a piece of ourselves in her,” said Howard alum Cameron Trimble.

Trimble is also the former director of digital engagement at the White House under the Biden administration. He has worked closely with Harris over the years.

They even share moments that only a Howard graduate would understand.

“We have this little Howard Alum saying and greeting where you say 'HU!' says. and the callback answer is, “You know!” You would catch her (Harris) walking through the West, or sometimes catch her leaving a meeting, and you would shout “HU” and she would shout like them : “You know!” “It's so Howard through and through,” Trimble said.

During Harris' time on campus, she was a member of the debate team and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“It was inaugurated a year before me,” said Professor Thomas.

This moment is special for the media, journalism and film lecturer, says Thomas.

Over the years, the two stayed in touch and supported each other from near and far.

“I think about my mother, who just passed away a year ago, how proud she was when she became vice president, and she kept saying, 'She went to your school, she went to your school.' Yes, mom, she went to Howard.” “She was so proud and I think if my mom were here today she would just be beyond herself,” says Thomas, holding back tears.

This moment is also historic for current students. For many of them, it is their first time taking part in a presidential election.

“There was a lot of action on campus regarding voting. We weren't being biased at all, just encouraging people to get involved in this way. That was inspiring to see,” Tariah Hyland said. She is vice president of the Howard University Student Association.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, these proud Howard graduates tell me that Harris has already made an impact, from The Yard to the White House.

“Thank you for showing up at a time like this,” Hyland said.

“As a bison, we are proud of you,” Thomas added.

And Trimble says there are no words to express his gratitude. “I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do and everything you will continue to do.”