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April 23, 2025, Issue 57

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C. Brian Williams to Deliver Commencement Address

UDC will hold its 48th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. C. Brian Williams, the founder and executive producer of Step Afrika!, will give the keynote address. Williams is originally from Houston, Texas. In 2022, he was honored as a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest recognition in folk and traditional arts in the United States. His work is prominently displayed at the Smithsonian's Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Find out more about this year's ceremony.

Fresh, Healthy and Local—MOM’s Organic Is Here

After much anticipation, MOM's Organic Market on the Van Ness campus is officially open for business. To mark the occasion, UDC and the new retail kid on the block held a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 4. According to UDC President Maurice Edington, the MOM's initiative perfectly exemplifies UDC’s strategic plan, “Delivering on the Promise.”


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David A. Clarke School of Law Ranked #2 Nationally for Graduates in Public Interest Law

The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) has once again been recognized among the top institutions for legal education. In the U.S. News & World Report rankings released on April 8, UDC Law is ranked #2 in the nation for the percentage of graduates entering public interest careers and #19 for clinical training, affirming its leadership in preparing attorneys committed to public service, equity and justice. 


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Vice President for Research Honored by American Association for the Advancement of Science


Vice President for Research and Professor of Chemistry Victor McCrary has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Election as an AAAS Fellow honors individuals whose efforts to advance science or its applications are “scientifically or socially distinguished.” McCrary is recognized for his decades-long leadership, advocacy and enduring commitment to diversifying the pipeline of workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 


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Alum Drives Global Procurement and Alexa Innovation at Amazon   


From classroom problem-solving to powering innovation at one of the world’s biggest tech giants, Lalindra (Lali) Jayatilleke is now shaping the future of technology as a senior product manager at Amazon.


"At my first job after graduating, my colleagues included graduates from schools such as Cornell and MIT. I realized that the name of the school you attend does not determine your career trajectory; what matters is what you do with the opportunities your school gives you."  


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Message From Maurice: A Season of Growth and Renewal at UDC


In his latest Message From Maurice, President Edington reflects on the 11th annual Accomplished Women in STEM and Health event last month and offers encouragement to the UDC community as the semester ends.


"Firebirds, as we charge through the final stretch of the spring semester, know that you're an integral part of this season of growth for UDC. Whether you’re a senior gearing up for graduation, a faculty member planning your last few weeks of lessons, or a staff member supporting on-campus events, I invite you to stretch. Feel the energy. Test your limits. And together, let’s turn potential into power."


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The Social Spotlight

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Free Your Mind: Black Psychologists Unite


The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) and the psychology program hosted a student meet-up event at the Van Ness campus on April 5. Dr. Garrick Beauliere, president of the D.C. chapter of ABPsi, organized the event. Professor Benson G. Cooke, who teaches counseling and psychology at UDC, participated, as did Dr. Edwin Nichols (center of photo), one of the founders of ABPsi. The event included panels featuring students and professionals, speed networking opportunities and information about ABPsi.

'Delivering on the Promise' In Action

UDC is actively addressing food injustice, one market at a time. The university's farmers markets in Wards 3, 5, 7, and 8 showcase local farmers and small businesses, providing memorable food and cultural experiences from around the globe. Each location offers unique activities for families to enjoy. Visitors can look forward to fresh produce, world cuisine, art, live performances, horseback riding, certified farmer demonstrations and educational field days, among many other exciting experiences. Discover more about the different locations in the latest CAUSES newsletter.

In the News

Athletics

The University of the District of Columbia Men's Soccer program welcomed back over 40 alumni for an exciting and celebratory alumni game on the new turf field on April 4. The event brought together Firebirds from various eras, from the 1980s to last season's championship team. The match was filled with highlights, laughter, and competitive energy as former players laced up their cleats once again. The program plans to make this event a yearly tradition to continue engaging its vibrant alumni community.

Cheer on your fellow Firebirds at an upcoming sporting event! See the full Athletics calendar.

Events


  • April 28: Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival
  • May 6: Music program presents its student recital
  • May 13: 2025 Commencement


View All Upcoming Events

Seen on Campus

The 2025 UDC Spring Career Fair, held on the Van Ness campus on April 8, presented students and alumni with an opportunity to connect with potential employers, explore various career paths and enhance their professional networks.

Seen in the Community

UDC Chorale at Wizards game

On April 12, UDC participated in the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade. The university has been a sponsor and active partner of the Festival for 15 years. Regarding the yearly celebration, Senior Adviser for University Events and Protocol Lee Brian Reba said, “I love that UDC is part of the festival. The festival reminds us that we’re not just in the city—we’re of the city. And that’s a distinction worth celebrating.”

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