Email from University of the District of Columbia

September 17, 2025, Issue 60

Welcome Back, Firebirds!

As UDC begins a new academic year, President Maurice D. Edington shares a message of encouragement and purpose. His words set the tone for the semester ahead and highlight the opportunities we have as part of UDC’s 175-year legacy. Watch the video and start the year inspired!

New Energy, Enduring Commitment: UDC’s Board of Trustees Expands

On Sept. 10, UDC welcomed new alumni members to its Board of Trustees with a swearing-in ceremony attended by civic leaders, faculty, staff and students. Bernard Grayson (AAS ’03 AAS ’04 BBS ’05 BBS ’12) and Tracey Jackson, PhD (JD ’18), join a third new addition to the Board, Josh Lopez (BA ’09 MA ’17), who had been sworn in earlier in July.

From Student Leader to Trustee: Allow Him to Reintroduce Himself

This fall, the Board of Trustees welcomes Kiran Terrelonge ’26 as its new student representative for the 2025–26 academic year. Elected by his peers, Terrelonge will serve as UDC’s student representative to the university’s highest decision-making body. He will participate in board committees, university functions, ceremonies and other governance-related projects.

SGA’s 2025–26 Leadership: Meet the Legacy Administration

UDC’s Student Government Association (SGA) formally installed its 2025–26 leaders on Aug. 29. Following an opening processional, invocation and welcome presided over by outgoing SGA President Kyle Nolan, President Maurice D. Edington administered the oath of office to incoming SGA President Kayleah Shelton. Chief Student Development and Success Officer Teri Little-Berry administered the oaths to the remaining officers.

UDC kicked off the semester with a week full of energy and connection. From campus events to student activities, Firebirds came together to start the year strong. Check out the video to see the highlights!

HBCU Teams Vie for Cyber Throne

Nineteen teams, six hours, one goal: protect American farmers from malicious hackers trying to disrupt the nation’s food chain.

This wasn’t the plot of the next big reality TV show—it was the first-ever Cyber and AI Capture the Flag competition. The event was a collaboration between PlayCyber, an esports company focused on cybersecurity games; the 1890 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the 19 land-grant HBCUs established by the Second Morrill Act; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Faces of UDC

Building a Greener DC: One Alumna’s Journey in Water Management

Before she started shaping a greener future for Washington, DC, Andrea Herrera Krug (MS ’15) tried to find her footing in a new country. She arrived from La Paz, Bolivia, in 2011—full of hope but facing the unknown: new culture, language and expectations. What she didn’t expect was that she’d find more than just an education at UDC. She found a community that believed in her.

In the News

WIA Report: Sabine O'Hara Receives Global Award for New Book on Food Security in Urban America
The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education: The University of the District of Columbia's Victor McCrary Elected Chair of the National Science Board
The Washington Informer: UDC Law recognized in Princeton Review's top rankings
National Jurist: CUNY, Albany, UDC lead 2025 best law schools for public service
The 51st: Opinion: Federal actions are pushing DC Jail to the breaking point
The Afro: Breaking cycles of poverty: The legacy of PATHS at UDC
The 19th: The care work of the courtroom: How women lawyers are fighting to keep immigrants safe
“Women’s Magazine,” KPFA-FM: Dr. Adanna Johnson on Wardrobe Wellness
DC News Now: UDC partners with DC police in new college credit program
Philanthropy News Digest: University of the District of Columbia awarded $4.3 million from Cisco

Athletics

Firebirds Take Flight

The UDC men’s soccer team is on fire to start the 2025 season!

The Firebirds opened their season with a 2-1 win over Shepherd University on Sept. 4, followed by a 3-1 victory against Goldey-Beacom College on Sept. 6.

UDC’s success on the field has attracted notice. The team soared in the first United Soccer Coaches Division II East Region Poll of the season, landing in 9th place. Additionally, Ignacio Lopez ’27 was recognized as the East Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Week, scoring UDC’s opening goal of the year and assisting on the game-winner against Shepherd. Teammate Sergio Becerra ’26 was also made the ECC Weekly Honor Roll with nine saves over two matches.

The Firebirds will host Slippery Rock University on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. at UDC’s Turf Field. Home games are free for students, faculty and staff with a valid UDC ID.

Seen in the Community

UDC advertisement at the Fort Totten metro station

UDC’s Brand Awareness Campaign Lights Up DC

This summer, UDC launched a bold brand awareness advertising campaign designed to make the university more visible than ever across the District of Columbia. The “Turning Potential into Power” campaign is everywhere, from Metro trains and neighborhood newspapers to the playlists streaming in your earbuds.

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