Over the weekend, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were voted in to replace President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the White House, and tributes and congratulatory messages for the duo have continued to pour in. Several words of encouragement have come from the HBCU community — specifically Washington, D.C.’s Howard University, where Harris graduated from in 1986.

“A new dawn has broken in America,” Howard President Wayne A. I. Frederick wrote in a congratulatory statement on the university’s website. “Senator Kamala Harris has swung her Howard hammer and shattered the proverbial glass ceiling into pieces that will not be put back together.”

Frederick further commended Harris’ historic win, writing, “From her first time running for representative of the Liberal Arts Student Council as a freshman at Howard University, to the nearly 20 years she broke through barriers serving as an elected official for the residents of California, Senator Kamala Harris has demonstrated her unmatched strength, determination and leadership in fighting for the people.”

“As the new Vice President-elect, we know she will continue advancing her vision of a nation where all people – regardless of race, creed, gender, background, or ethnicity – have access to equitable opportunities to grow and succeed,” the message continued. “At a time when the Black community is coping with the disproportionate social and economic impacts of COVID-19, a global reckoning with systemic racism, and the loss of some of our cultural and social icons, we are proud to call Howard University alumna Kamala Harris a monumental catalyst for collective joy and positive change.”

Frederick also congratulated President-Elect Biden and noted his record-breaking win.

“…I extend a sincere congratulations to President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. His life abounds with examples of the power of perseverance in overcoming a childhood disability, family poverty, and personal tragedy to devote his life to public service as a United States Senator, Vice President, and he now prepares to assume the highest office in the land.”

The university president is one of many who have congratulated Biden and Harris, the latter on making American history. When she assumes office this January, Harris will be the first-ever woman, African American and Asian American to serve as vice president.

Read Howard University President Frederick’s full statement here.