FLORETTA DUKES-MCKENZIE
A TRIBUTE
2015 COMMENCEMENT
WHITE HOUSE SECRETARY OFFERS “LIFE LESSONS FOR SUCCESS”
UDC SIGNS HISTORIC AGREEMENT
HOLA! CUBA
The Magazine of the University of the District of Columbia
Leadership for the Future
University President Ronald Mason and Board Chair Embrace Bold “Journey to 2020” UDC RESEARCH, TRAINING AND SERVICE PORTFOLIO
TOPS $21 MILLION
|
FALL 2015
DR. CLEVELAND L. DENNARD PLAZA The University of the District of Columbia’s Dennard Plaza offers an environmentally-friendly gathering place for social interaction. It enhances the campus eco-system and includes creative lighting and artistic water features.
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CONTENT FALL 2015 // VOLUME 1 NO. 2
THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DEPARTMENTS
PRESIDENT Ronald Mason, Jr., J.D.
4 Letter from the Chair
EDITOR-AT-LARGE Evola C. Bates Chief of Staff, Office of the President
5 By the Numbers
54
6 Student Writers
MANAGING EDITOR John Gordon, Jr. Director of Communications
7 Alumni’s Work
CO-EDITOR/WRITER Dianne Hayes Hayes & Associates Media Services
8 Comic Book Shines Light on Civil Rights Movement
CONTRIBUTORS Christopher Anglim, University Archivist Jonetta Rose Barras, Freelance Writer Susan Bodiker, Freelance Writer Denise Slaughter, Assistant to the Provost Adrienne Washington, Freelance Writer Eric Zedalis, Sports Information Director
10 Board of Trustees 16 Community College – Reclaiming the American Dream – I nspiring Students through International Exchange
DESIGN THOR Design Studio www.thor.design
20 Commencement 2015
46 58
Life Lessons for Success By John Gordon, Jr.
24 Faculty Dr. Mohamad Sepheri
By Staff Writer
28 A Tribute
FEATURES
42 Traditions
UDC Founders’ Day By Dianne Hayes
60 Advancement 66 Alumni Affairs
Leading By Example By Susan Bodiker
Floretta Dukes McKenzie By Jonetta Rose Barras
30 UDC’s Land-Grant Mission
68 Faculty and Staff Notes
33 Homeland Security
70 Class Notes
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58
INTRODUCING RONALD MASON, JR.
HOLA! CUBA
REMEMBERING MALCOLM X: 50 YEARS AFTER THE AUDOBON BALLROOM
35 UDC Research, Training and Service Portfolio Tops $21 Million
72 UDC Foundation
BY JOHN GORDON, JR.
37 The Authors
74 In Memoriam
40 Accreditations
76 Athletics
BY DIANNE HAYES
BY JONETTA ROSE BARRAS
Gil Scott Scholarship By Charlotte Fox
78 Arts ON THE COVER President Ronald Mason, Jr. and Board of Trustees Chair, Elaine Crider work together to implement Vision 2020 strategic plan.
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The Arts are Alive at UDC
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER TEP Photography CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Iwan Bagas Melvin Bogard Jay Morrow Tyler McCoy Rogers Barrington C. Scott Leslie Malone Portia Wiggins PRINTING Westland Printers The University of the District of Columbia is the only public university in the nation’s capital and the only urban land-grant institution in the United States. The University supports a broad mission of education, research and community service across all member colleges and schools, which include the Community College, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the David A. Clarke School of Law.
www.facebook.com/UofDC @udc_edu
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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Firebirds Rise Again!
impeded the University’s ability to advance. sensitivity to the needs of students, faculty, and staff. He is a champion of student success and excellent in customer service. Equally important, Mr. Mason is dedicated to the
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University’s mission as a pacesetter in urban education, ensuring that it offers affordable
described as a large bird with ma-
and effective undergraduate, graduate, pro-
jestic plumage that emits a bright
fessional, and workplace education. The
red, orange, and yellow light, that
Board of Trustees is confident that we chose
represents a turbulent flame of the
well. President Mason gives us hope that we
past. In folklore, the Firebird is comparable to
are moving in the right direction to build
the Phoenix, rising from the ashes and project-
upon the legacy and vision of Myrtilla Miner
ing a narrative of survival and hope.
more than 160 years ago. With Mr. Mason at
versity of the District of Columbia, I sense an electric air of excitement that I have not felt before. I hear it in conversations with faculty, staff and students. Even visitors notice it. This new excitement, this electricity results from a shared belief and shared hope that the University of the District of Columbia is on the rise and, like its mascot, Firebird, it has survived turbulent times. These feelings of bright possibility can be attributed to the arrival of Ronald Mason, Jr., J.D., the school’s 9th president, selected during an intensive national search that involved a review of 90 applications by a cross-section of the University stakeholders, including distinguished leaders in higher education, business and government. The Board of Trustees chose Mr. Mason because of his exemplary career. He is a proven, highly motivated, accomplished and exceptional professional, uniquely suited to assume leadership of the University. Already, President Mason has demonstrated his ability to effect change at the University, shifting the lexicon to student success, excellence, and accountability. He is not afraid to tackle difficult issues that previously
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The University of the District of Columbia has embarked on a visionary transformation to become an academically competitive public university. These are some of the facts and figures that tell the UDC story.
He is moving deliberately, with purpose and
he Firebird is a mythical creature
When I step onto the campus of the Uni-
By The Numbers
Dr. Mason is a champion of student success and excellence in customer service. He is dedicated to the University’s mission as a pacesetter in urban education that offers affordable and effective undergraduate, graduate, professional and workplace education.
the helm, there can be little doubt that the Firebird truly is on the rise, illuminating the landscape of public higher education in the District of Columbia, and around the world. Don’t take my word for it. Read in this issue of Legacy Magazine, President Mason’s thoughts about his new role and his plans for the future. We also recognize the hardworking Board of Trustees and pay tribute to the late Floretta Dukes McKenzie, 2015 Distinguished Alumna of the Year. Faculty research, our Homeland Security Program, books written by members of our distinguished faculty, the University’s land-grant mission, and other exciting activities that have occurred in 2015 are all featured. I hope you enjoy this issue of Legacy Magazine.
Elaine A. Crider Board of Trustees Chair
no.7
NUMBER OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKING IN CLINICAL TRAINING AMONG ALL U.S. LAW SCHOOLS
5100
105’
21 20,000 8 TONS 773
FACULTY RESEARCH PORTFOLIO IN EXCESS OF
$
APPROXIMATELY
MILLION
SQUARE-FOOT GREEN ROOF ON TOP OF BUILDING 44
THE HEIGHT OF THE NEW STUDENT CENTER’S TOWER
NEW STUDENT FALL ENROLLMENT
(33% INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR)
OF TOP QUALITY PRODUCE GROWN AT UDC RESEARCH FARM WWW.UDC. EDU
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STUDENT WRITERS
BY TIFFANY BRIDGET T AND OSIRIS REBOLLO
Student Government Association
bles- Gordon unveiled the work for his September art show entitled “Tesserae” at the University of the District
of Columbia (UDC), a room filled with fam-
(USGA), Joniece A. Barnes has
ily, friends, faculty members, and students
three goals for her presidency –
eager to witness his works applauded him.
restoring school pride and faith,
improving communication between students,
Undergraduate Student Government Association officers (left to right): Anjanette Shelby, Treasurer; Joniece
Tesserae is a word that means a small stone,
administration and staff, and facilitating activ-
Barnes, President; Tsholofelo A. Motshwane, Vice-President; and Mulenga Chileshe, Secretary.
or particle of glass. With over 30 art pieces on view, excitement filled the room as people
ities that will include all students.
witnessed first-hand the amazing portfolio of
“My administration began working to achieve these goals immediately. We have
the USGA's Student Events
ripped pieces of paper transformed into art
had reasonable success thus far in our efforts,
and Special Events (SASE)
masterpieces.
though not quite as much as we hope to achieve
committee believes that
Robles- Gordon said the process of creating
going forward,” said Barnes. One of those steps
building community is key
the art on view began years before the show.
began with student engagement with a “Chat
to student engagement. To
“Tesserae was the continuation of four pieces
and Chew,” a chicken and biscuit social event
date, the organization has
(the four long works on wood) I created in
at the beginning of the fall semester. It allowed
helped organize the back to
late 2010. At the time I'd been developing an
returning, and new students to meet the USGA
school week in September,
interest in fashion and wanted to apply the
executive board members and for the board to
which consisted of game
technique I was becoming comfortable in
identify future student leaders. “I am looking
day and pool party. SASE is
with dress forms. In July 2015 Daniel Venne
me. I admire these artists because of their
also working on having consistent events every
approached me about possibly having a solo
passion, depth of skill and their willingness
not want to graduate without having the next
USGA Treasurer Anjanette “Anjie” Shelby,
week. In addition it is focusing on more com-
show at UDC. I agreed and eventually decided
to share themselves with the world at large.”
group of leaders in place to continue to make
shares Barnes mandate for change. “I want to
munity outreach initiatives involving students,
to feature my 'fashionistas,' as I call them.
Robles-Gordon’s stepfather, Taiwo Iman,
UDC better,” she said.
be a change, you can't say you want things to
such as volunteering at soup kitchens, clothes
I use magazine paper as my pigment. For
recognizes the lengths his son undergoes in
drives, and participating in fitness events.
for the next group of leaders. We (USGA) do
PHOTO BY IWAN BAGAS
he New President of the University
hen alumnus Alanzo Ro-
PHOTO BY AUDREY LEW
W
BY MELVIN BOGARD AND X AVIER BIAS
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Eager Crowd Applauds Alumni’s Work
PHOTO BY IWAN BAGAS
PHOTO BY JAY MORROW
Leading the Way to Change
to increase student pride.”
Barnes, a senior health education major
change without being there to see it change.”
source material I used magazines as well as
creating his masterpieces. “It takes a lot of
TOP: Faculty, students, and staff enjoy the art at
whose responsibilities includes, overseeing the
Shelby, a 51-year-old mother and business
For Kia Ray, Senior Class vice president
fashion blogs looking for basic silhouettes. I
patience, I sat with him during one of his
UDC’s Gallery 42. At left: CAS Dean Dr. April Massey.
executive officers and liaison between students
management major, had been out of school for
serving her peers is paramount. “A great leader
went about crafting specific feelings for each
sessions, creating these art pieces take hours.”
ABOVE: Installation of alumnus Alanzo Robles-
and administration, said, “If students do not
several years and is considered a non-traditional
also needs to be a great follower. I listen to
piece, exposed rigidity, whimsy, making sure
Art is very important to Robles-Gordon,
Gordon’s one-man show “Tesserae: Form & Function.”
want to participate in the process for change,
student. Her changes would start with asking
other students needs and how their needs can
each girl's pose matched her intent."
a vital part of his life. “Art is my stabilizer, my
LEFT: Mixed-media artist, Alanzo Robles-Gordon, ‘11
tell me and I will be that voice for you.”
for more classes to be available to those with
be best met and I take it back to whomever
Robles-Gordon takes his inspiration from
saving grace. Through art I communicate with
(BFA). “Art is my stabilizer, my saving grace. Through
Another accomplishment by Barnes and
busy lives. Shelby said she understands the
can rectify it.” Ray continued, “They (student
a host of sources. “My influences range from
myself, and the world while documenting my
art I communicate with myself and the world, while
her administration occurred during the 20th
challenges students face with a lack of available
body) have confidence in me to carry out the
fashion, 90's film and television, literature,
life. My self-expression takes the form of poetry,
documenting my life.”
Anniversary of the Million Man March on Oct.
classes. She believes this can be resolved by
mission of our senior class and to look out
daydreams, to deconstructions of intense
paper collage, and mixed-media sculpture.”
10th. Barnes said, “I'm proud to say that The
hiring more professors. With the right changes
for their best interests. What people need to
emotion. I love stumbling on old art magazines
Professor Daniel Venne, co-coordinator of
work is inspired, meticulously crafted, and
University of the District of Columbia was well
Shelby said that, “UDC can be the University
understand –staff and faculty – if students
and National Geographics. Artists such as
the art program, praised his former student’s
a joy to behold. His exquisite sense of color
represented during this event by our students.
where Dreams Come True.”
weren't here, there wouldn't be a need for
Salvador Dali, Geoffrey Holder, Frida Kahlu
efforts. “We are very proud to host this exhibi-
dazzles the eye and his innovative sense of
any of them either."
and Maynard James Keenan have influenced
tion by alumnus Alanzo Robles-Gordon. The
design speaks for itself."
These events, and others like them are designed
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Meanwhile, Jahwon E. Corbett, chair of
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Comic Book Shines Light on Civil Rights Movement
max on the steps of City Hall. “Congressman John Lewis is a true advocate for justice,” says Shelley Broderick, Dean of UDC
Congressman John Lewis and Co-Author Andrew Aydin Discuss Book At UDC
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David A. Clarke School of Law. “We are thrilled to celebrate his life and work in 2015, during
he University of the District of
the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
Columbia’s College of Arts and
for which he risked his life.”
Sciences, and the David A. Clarke
April Massey, Dean of the College of
School of Law and the presented
Arts and Sciences, adds that Lewis’ book
civil rights icon, Congressman John
chronicles his college days as a leader of the
Lewis as the as the featured speaker for the
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
spring semester “Big Read” lecture series on
(SNCC) and the youngest person to speak at
February 12th. The distinguished legislator
the historic 1963 March on Washington and
and his co-author Andrew Aydin discussed
expressed her excitement over the inclusion
their award-winning book, March as part of the
of such an amazing work in the College’s “Big Read” series.
University’s observance of African-American
book is rooted in Lewis’ personal story and
History Month.
reflects on the highs and lows of the broader
“This engagement extends in exceptional
“March” is a vivid first-hand account of
civil rights movement. It spans his youth in
ways the intent of our lecture series—the
Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human
rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with
use of literature to knot academic interest
rights, meditating in the modern age on the
the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the
and civic engagement,” Massey says. We
distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow
Nashville Student Movement and their battle
are pleased to share the Congressman’s
and segregation. With illustrations by New
to tear down segregation through nonviolent
remarkable and inspiring story with a new
York Times bestselling artist Nate Powell, the
lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning cli-
generation of students.”
For more on the Arts, see pages 78-79.
1000 WORDS
We are all familiar with the old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” which speaks to the power of photography to capture images that often transcend our ability to express with language. It’s through the photographer’s lens that we are able to see beyond the ordinary and to view our everyday surroundings from a different perspective. The following images not only illustrate the University’s physical aesthetics, but also capture the spirit of teaching and learning that exists in this place. Congressman Lewis and his co-author Andrew Aydin sign autographs and chat with student photographer and senior IT major Eric Gray, Jr.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Senior architecture major Theodore Wilhite is the
pride. “We need to make sure that students
student representative to the Board of Trustees.
see themselves as part of the vision and then get students to buy into the vision,” he said. As a board member, Wilhite said, “I don’t vote for my personal preference, but will listen
Under their leadership—with an eye toward
to students” and advocate for what they want.
the future—everyone is on board to make the
Everything should be “student-oriented,”
University a first-class higher education insti-
Wilhite said, because any decisions that are
tution. Offering 49 undergraduate degrees and
made “must support academic excellence.”
certificates and 19 graduate degrees and certi-
Student-Focused Leadership BY ADRIENNE T. WASHINGTON
A
fications, low-cost, excellent higher education
A New Focus
is what the city’s diverse population wants to
People with long-term knowledge of the
ensure job growth in the Washington region,
University’s operations report a more cohe-
the University’s leaders affirm.
sive Board of Trustees than those of the past.
“ Everything should be student-oriented, because any decisions that are made must support academic excellence.”
– “THEO” WILHITE
“Our board really thinks very deeply about costs, and is mindful that every dollar raised has an impact,” Castillo said. She added that the board encourages the administration to find ways to lessen the burden on students. An impressive, straight shooter, Castillo says she wants to be sure that the trustees, the administration and the faculty recognize that “our ultimate customer-client is the student.” “I come to the board of trustees with a focus on students,” she said. “I know that the decisions we make impact people.” Castillo is now the national director of the Minority Business Development Agency of the
Over the years since UDC was chartered in
They seem eager to set aside old attitudes
1974, merging three previous institutions, the
and personal agendas and pull together to
likes to get involved in the details of problem
University of the District of Columbia has had
improve the University.
solving the issues.
U.S. Department of Commerce. She said she
periodic challenges. Inadequate funding and
“The University has been challenged by
All the board’s efforts are proven worth-
varying leadership in the vision for the University
reputation issues,” Crider said, but the goal is
while, Castillo said, especially when she wit-
among business and political leaders complicated
to provide better services and quality programs
its future and damaged its reputation. Now,
that will “ultimately gain the respect of higher
trustees have a clear plan of action to ensure that
education and the District of Columbia.”
nesses student successes that “really move That cohesiveness and cooperation “allows each member to voice their concerns,” and
you,” such as the performances during the recent UDC Founders’ Day program.
the University is a school in which students take
The UDC Board of Trustees is comprised of
“it liberates the issues that come up to make
As a UDC trustee, Castillo said she detects
pride and have a greater leadership role. Wilhite
members appointed from various stakeholder
the best decisions for the university and for
“an upward track” in the leadership changes
says it is especially important that students help
groups. In the past, the differing agendas of
what is in the best interest of the community,”
she has seen. “I think that we’re in a much
Crider added.
better place; going from the distinction of not
to define what is meant by “demand-driven”
those groups led to divisiveness, but the current
private tour of the new student
planning process. Members of the Board of
curriculum, degrees and programs that are
board “embraces that diversity,” Crider said.
center at the University of the Dis-
Trustees are particularly excited about their
referenced in the strategic plan.
trict of Columbia included a look at
“student-centered, demand driven” Vision
student Board of Trustee member
2020 strategic plan.
In addition to Dr. Crider, the board of trust-
just surviving but thriving.”
Making Tough Choices
“I have a very stressful job,” she said, “and
ees includes vice chair Christopher Bell, Dr.
Alejandra Y. Castillo, who has been a UDC
at the end of a long day, we get no remuneration
Students First
Gabriela Lemus, Reginald M. Felton, Jerome
trustee for more than two years, agrees.
[for] sometimes being at meetings for six hours;
Theodore “Theo” Wilhite’s office,
The strategic plan, the trustees say, is their
“This year, we’re going in with renewed pur-
Shelton, Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry, Major
“This board has not been afraid to make the
but [along] with my colleagues on the board,
which happens to be the largest among all of
roadmap to transform the nation’s only urban
pose, understanding our place and role as
Gen. Errol Schwartz, Jim W. Dyke, Alejandra
tough decisions,” she said. “We took care of
we bring all of our tools and resources to the
the trustees.
land-grant institution to a top-tier, world-class
student leaders,” said Wilhite, a senior archi-
Castillo, Theodore Wilhite, Dr. Anthony C.
the housekeeping issues and now we can see
table because we believe in this institution.”
school that, according to Crider, aims “to attract
tecture major who was elected by his peers to
Tardd, Joshua S. Wyner, Barrington Scott,
what the future can be,” which includes at-
students from all corners of the world.”
the Board of Trustees in May.
and Gwendolyn Hubbard Lewis. President
tracting new talent.
“And that’s as it should be,” noted Board Chair Dr. Elaine A. Crider, saying that Wilhite’s office could quickly become the center’s hub, a
The University of the District of Columbia—
“First and foremost, I identify with the
place where students can turn when they need
with its 5,100 students and its 257 full—and
mission of this institution and understand the
extra resources.
Ronald Mason is the ex-officio member as university president.
Those tough decisions, guided by the Vi-
city’s only public institution of higher learning
sion 2020 plan, included consolidating class-
“truly be integrated in the neighborhoods where it stands.”
part-time faculty – has entered a new era not
importance of making it affordable. I am proud
Crider said this board embraces a new
es and reducing majors, reducing staff and
In conversations with major leaders
only with new facilities but more importantly
of the University of the District of Columbia
style of leadership. It feels comfortable dis-
raising tuition to make the University more
and stakeholders at the University of the
with visionary leadership and a new president,
and proud of this city.”
agreeing without being disagreeable. This
“demand-driven” and sustainable in the future.
District of Columbia, you will hear a “stu-
Mr. Ronald Mason Jr., who has the support of
is a board that respects one another,” she
Castillo said that the trustees do not make
dents-first focus” about the University’s
the 15-member Board of Trustees.
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One of Wilhite’s biggest goals is bringing the students together to increase campus
proudly stated.
Acknowledging the diversity of the District, Castillo would like to see the campuses of the
decisions lightly on troublesome issues.
Community Outreach Trustee Barrington Scott, an alumni representative to the board, also wants to see
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11
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
member and vice chair of the Alexandria
for excellence in a several categories. “It was
City School Board.
powerful, and our pride and energy fed off each other,” he said. “It raised our morale and
She was the only board member to vote
empowered our student leaders.”
against the tuition increase because so many students have trouble paying current costs.
Looking Toward the Future
Serving students is her top priority, and she
more collaborative outreach activities that would “bring the DC community together,” such as the Parklawn Festival hosted jointly with the University. “I like the direction we’re going in with improvements on campus, a new student center and great outreach programs,” he said. Scott said he brings expertise on understanding the dynamics of the District to the board and a clarity of vision. “People look at the University as making a positive impact not only on DC, but globally while keeping its obligation to the African- American community as well, since it is an HBCU.”
“ We want to see the University of the District of Columbia respected not only as the premier public institution for the nation’s capital, but also as a model that draws students from all corners of the world.”
is looking forward to the university’s imple-
Wilhite pointed out that “students who
mentation of proposed innovations, including
worked through the trenches” have wit-
online curriculum and distance learning.
nessed a “360-degree change” in some of the
To that end, she is enthusiastic about fol-
university administrators and leaders’ rela-
lowing [UDC’s] Vision 2020 plan which is in
tionships with student leaders. Now they feel
line with the Department of Education and
their input is more welcome, and they want
the White House best practices models, and
to get involved and “feel active.”
prepares students for jobs in the 21st century.
Wilhite says “I am determined to foster
She plans to pay particular attention to the
relationships with other students across
relationship with the UDC Community College
the board, and to improve communications bodes well for the University’s future.
to “see that it is in line with where the University
Wyner says, noting that the former president
is going.”
of Jackson State University was able to double
“We’re very fortunate,” said Van Dyke. “I
college, to the law school.” In the past, he
from the flagship campus, to the community
As one of 35,000 alumni, Lewis says, “I
graduation rates at that school in a few years.
think this board is reflective of the overall focus
said, some students have felt slighted and
want to support the alumni association and
“UDC has good things going for it, but we
and sends a clear message about our aspirations
not included.
give them what they feel they need to be excited
all must acknowledge that we can do even
for the future and the potential we have for our
The other items on Wilhite’s agenda include
about supporting the University.”
better, and we have to ask ourselves whether
community college program and the entire
finding ways to provide affordable tuition,
the students got what they came for—a strong
University. We’re looking forward to taking it
housing and transportation for students as
life after they leave.”
to a whole new level.”
the cost of living in “one of the most expensive
Student Success Joshua Wyner, a trustee board member for
During his trustee tenure, Wyner says,
about 18 months, is the vice president for
“I’ve been really impressed with the board and
Vision 2020
the College Excellence Program at the Aspen
each of my colleagues’ commitment to doing
Approved by the Board of Trustees last spring
body includes older, working or low-in-
Institute which is focused primarily on aca-
what’s right for the school and students.” With
after a university-wide planning process,
come students. She said she would like to
demic achievement. “Leading higher educa-
a new president and the board, he added, “our
“UDC’s Vision 2020 is a “forward-focused
see a change in how students are statistically
tion institutions to improve student success
leadership team is well positioned to improve
“Roadmap for Renewal, Innovation, Success
judged as being successful. The main criteria
is what I do for a living,” he said.
student outcomes; that’s why we’re around.”
cities in the nation” continues to rise. Dr. Crider said UDC’s unique student
and Sustainability” that provides a compre-
for success currently focuses on a student’s
“I’m from DC, and the notion that the city
Wyner pointed out that three-fourths of
hensive plan “to fundamentally improve and
ability to finish college in four years, which
needs a very strong public institution of higher
students in higher education attend public
sustain higher education for the residents of
she believes is unfair.
education is incredibly important. We have
institutions, including community colleges,
the District of Columbia.”
to make sure we’re doing the best we can on
yet 75 percent of them are “under resourced.”
As a public, historically black, and land-
from high school without any of the daily
behalf of the students and the local economy.”
“Community college, that’s where the
grant institution, the University’s responsibility
stresses of life,” Crider said. “Therefore, it
Much of his work focuses on improving stu-
America of tomorrow will be. These are the
is to build a diverse generation of competitive,
takes longer to earn a degree for these working
dent success at community colleges nationwide
students we will rely on to be leaders of their
civically engaged scholars and leaders.
parents, often holding down minimum-wage
like the University of the District of Columbia.
communities, to be voters, to be good parents,
Even though UDC is an HBCU, Wilhite
jobs and juggling multiple aspects of their lives.
The organization is also involved in college
and if you believe in the promise of education,
said, “We’re not using the term to be exclu-
But they have made a commitment to their
representative on the board of trustees, says,
presidential searches, so it is no surprise that
we have to challenge ourselves to do even better
sive, but focus on how we are inclusive and
education, so instead of not being viewed as
“The University was here for me when I needed
he was on the search committee which picked
by them,” he said.
part of America, and understand our role in
successful, these students should be celebrated.”
it. I wouldn’t be here today without the knowl-
UDC’s new president, Mr. Mason.
Raising money for student affairs is one of his goals. “I always wanted to give back to this university.” He also sees his trustee service as a tribute to his mother, Anna Frazier Scott, who graduated from Miner Teachers College in 1952 and passed away earlier this year.
Alumni Pride Gwendolyn Hubbard Lewis, also an alumni
– DR. ELAINE CRIDER
Ten-year veteran trustee Jim Van Dyke was
a global world.”
“Our students are not freshly graduating
“We want to see the University of the Dis-
edge, skills and preparation I received at UDC.”
“I’m so delighted that Mr. Mason has
once included on Washingtonian magazine’s list
Wilhite wants to capitalize on some recent
trict of Columbia respected not only as the
Lewis is founder and executive director
joined us as a leader considering what he
of “150 Most Powerful People” in the DC region.
successes with the student government that
premier public institution for the nation’s
of the Concerned Citizens Network of Alex-
accomplished, and my greatest hope is to see
He says the background and commitment of
tripled its delegation to the 2015 NASAP Lead-
capital, but also as a model that draws students
andria (Va.). She has previously served as
a similar improvement in student success,”
Josh Wyner and his fellow board members
ership Institute, where they were recognized
from all corners of the world.”
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13
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
UDC Board of Trustees 2015-16
A special thanks to Mary Thompson and Joseph Askew
The University of the District of Columbia’s Board of Trustees is comprised of an accomplished group of professionals who represent
for their years of dedicated
a diverse mix of expertise in fields including education, government, business, law, and community leadership. The 15-member board
service to the Board of Trustees.
is responsible for University governance.
OFFICERS
MEMBERS
Dr. Elaine A. Crider
Ms. Alejandra Castillo
Mr. Ronald Mason, Jr.
Chair
(Esq.)
(Esq.), Ex-Officio
We owe our interim president,
Dr. Anthony C. Tardd
Dr. James E . Lyons, a hearty thank you for his leadership in stabilizing the University, guiding us through the development of Vision 2020 and launching our self-study process. He will always be remembered by our University family.
Mr. Christopher Bell (Esq.)
Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry
Major Gen. Errol Schwartz
Vice Chair
(Student Trustee)
Dr. Gabriela Lemus
Mr. James W. Dyke, Jr.
Secretary
(Esq.)
Mr. Reginald M. Felton
Ms. Gwendolyn Hubbard
Treasurer
Lewis*
14
Mr. Theodore Wilhite
FA L L 2 01 5
Mr. Barrington D. Scott*
Mr. Joshua S. Wyner (Esq.)
Mr. Jerome Shelton* *Alumni-elected representative
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15
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• High-quality associate degree and certificate programs designed as a direct pathway into middle-skill jobs, earning a living wage; • Providing open access to a college education; • Serving as a community anchor, the partner of choice for education, workforce training, and economic development initiatives; working closely with business and industry partners, government agencies and community organizations; • Ensuring transparency and accountability with regard to resource allocation and return on investment; • Publishing appropriate mission-based
UDC-CC: Reclaiming the American Dream
Exploration At its very core, higher education is about workforce development. A college education prepares an individual to enter the workforce with varying levels of competency, from associate’s degrees to professional degrees and doctorates. It is also about exploration. Exploring
BY JOHN GORDON, JR.
our world, our environment, and our humanity. UDC-CC is incredibly fortunate to have the nation’s capital to explore. Faculty and students
T
use the resources of D.C. to explore career op-
We help our students get connected through internship and service learning opportunities.
success indicators utilizing vetted, reliable, predictive analytics and data. UDC-CC believes in serving students first. The goal is to provide students with high-quality classes, relevant curriculum, exceptional instructors, first-class customer service, and facilities that are safe, comfortable and that inspire learning. In the broadest sense, the focus is on student completion and success rates, as well as high-post graduation rates of income and employment.
he University of the District of Colum-
staff that are second-to-none. To work at a
where none previously existed. The programs
tions, global citizenship, history, philosophy,
bia Community College (UDC-CC)
community college is a vocation—a calling. Our
are relevant, dynamic, and engage students at
government, art, science and the world of pos-
hensive community college. Our future goal is
is one of the nation’s youngest com-
faculty and staff demonstrate their commitment
the center of the teaching and learning expe-
sibilities outside the classroom.
to become a first choice institution for District
munity colleges, but one of the most
to our student success on a daily basis.”
rience. UDC-CC is committed to preparation, exploration and service.
significant and uniquely structured
Community colleges are uniquely American
on a campus offering bachelor’s degrees and
institutions; they are our contribution to the
master’s degree programs, and a law school.
higher education landscape. Research universi-
Preparation
“We are currently an emerging compre-
residents as an integral component of the
Service
UDC system.”
As students gain discipline mastery and
A 21st Century Urban Comprehensive Community College.
explore new potential and possibilities for
Accredited as a branch campus of the Uni-
higher education lies in its ability to serve.
UDC-CC’s value as a public system of
As an integral component of the University
ties were first organized in Germany; residential
At UDC-CC, students are prepared for life
themselves, it becomes critical for them to
versity of the District of Columbia, the
The UDC System includes a service-oriented
of the District of Columbia system, our mis-
colleges were founded in France and England; and
and upward social mobility. The goal is to
understand the concept of service—giving
plan is to continue to develop programs
land-grant University, a social justice law
sion is to provide open access to high-quality
community colleges were founded in the United
ensure that students are prepared for seam-
back, making their world a better place. As
and services that will enable it to become
school, and a comprehensive community
affordable education that leads to a B.S. degree
States in the early 20th century. The concept, as
less transition into aligned degree programs
service learning has been a staple at the Uni-
a full-service comprehensive community
college. United as a system, it’s destined to
at the university or entry into middle-skill
it was envisioned in the Truman Commission
at UDC, with an understanding that time and
versity, it is a new option for UDC-CC. Ser-
college. As a 21st Century Urban Com-
become a strong center of innovation and
employment earning a living wage. D.C. res-
Report of 1947, was to create a college serving
resources are precious commodities for stu-
vice Learning integrates community service
prehensive Community College, UDC-CC
strength in a city that is rapidly transforming
idents are served through programs that are
the needs of democracy and the needs of the
dents. Consequently, UDC-CC is redesigning
within programs, providing students the op-
serves the intellectual, vocational, civic
itself into a trend-setting municipality. The
offered in Wards throughout the city.
citizenry grounded in the local community. In
programs to include promising new pedago-
portunity to earn college credit while volun-
and social needs of District residents by
UDC System will produce well-educated
“UDC-CC students are remarkable,” said
the last half century, community colleges have
gies with a keen focus on learner engagement
teering in the community. This type of ped-
providing services and programs built into
citizens, whose skills and adaptive thinking
Dianna G. Phillips, Provost of UDC Commu-
grown to become a vital link providing the op-
and accelerated discipline mastery.
agogy emphasizes critical thinking, personal
the fabric of city neighborhoods. Fully
acumen will ensure their intellectual devel-
nity College. “As a whole they are intelligent,
portunity for upward mobility for more than half
tenacious, and talented. They attend UDC-CC
the undergraduates in America today.
”We help our students get connected to their
reflection, civic engagement, and teaches a
formed, UDC-CC will be identified by sev-
opment and enable their competitiveness in
chosen career fields through internship and
heightened sense of community awareness
eral distinctive features including:
the marketplace, providing economic stability
because they understand the value of a high-qual-
UDC-CC was founded to uphold the ideal
service learning opportunities,” Phillips said.
and engagement. In essence, Service Learn-
• High-quality associate degree programs
for future generations—a gateway to upward
ity affordable education and they are determined
of open access to higher education. It serves an
When faculty and students are excited about
ing provides an opportunity for us to give
that align with and allow students to transition
mobility—and allowing the middle-class to
to succeed. Additionally, we have a faculty and
ascendant population, providing opportunity
back and inspire the next generation.
into UDC bachelor’s program;
re-claim the American Dream.
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teaching and learning, anything is possible.
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17
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Inspiring a New Generation of Students through International Exchange
to help enhance the center to develop both
equipped and more competitive when applying
and Innovation if a partnership is created by
current and future business leaders of Haiti.
for career and business opportunities.”
both universities.”
The CEI provides a range of business devel-
“I gain so much more than I pour into a
opment services. It offers training for local
Long-Lasting Effects
country,” Dr. McCollum says. “On this trip, I
consultants and analysts, facilitates businesses
Haiti promises to have a profound effect on all
gained a lot from sharing in this cultural and
transitioning from the informal to the formal
of its visitors. DeQuan Palmer was so inspired
educational experience with my Business
economy, and provides advanced managerial
by his visit to Haiti, he has committed to join-
student, DeQuan Palmer. It was wonderful
training. From classroom training to hands-
ing Dr. McCollum on future trips to Haiti. “The
seeing his eyes light up when we entered Haiti.
on-case studies, the CEI gives entrepreneurs
lasting effect is giving. When you give, you
He had many questions about the culture, the
the skills necessary for businesses to succeed.
receive,” Dr. McCollum explains. “By giving
education, the values, and the economy. It was
r. Walter McCollum, Associate Profes-
there are many students from different walks
“Creating a student exchange partnership will
and sharing, we are sowing the seeds of social
also intriguing to see him try to calculate the
sor of Business at UDC Community
of life, with unique experiences, and from dif-
be a win-win for both UDC and Quisqueya
change. It is very important for students to see
gourde exchange rate to the U.S. dollar. This
College, visited Quisqueya Universi-
ferent countries. When students are afforded
University” Dr. McCollum says. “Students from
the giving and sharing concept in action.”
was a life altering experience for Palmer that
ty, Port au Prince, Haiti, to explore
the opportunity to gain cultural awareness
both countries will be exposed to a heightened
“I feel more encouraged to go back to the
he will always remember. The Haitians have
opportunities to establish a student
by travelling to another country to engage in
cultural experience that they would not have
United States and finish my degree after vis-
nothing in many cases, but all are joyful and
exchange program so UDC students will have an
the culture firsthand, their lives are impacted
gotten in their own country. Additionally,
iting Haiti,” explains Palmer. “I would like to
peaceful. I’ve made a lifelong commitment to
opportunity to experience the richness of the
forever. This was the case with DeQuan Palm-
students will be introduced to an educational
come to Haiti for a semester to take classes
impact social change in Haiti and will continue
Haitian cultural and educational experience.
er. He was able to attend meetings with Dr.
experience that will help them become better
and earn a certification in Entrepreneurship
to share this experience with my students.”
When an earthquake struck Haiti on Jan.
McCollum at Quisqueya University in Haiti
12, 2010, it changed the lives of more than 3.5
and observe how serious students are about
million people. Dr. Walter McCollum has been
their education. He also had the opportuni-
leading a cultural and educational delegation of
ty to meet other college students and learn
doctoral students to Haiti for the past five years
from their experiences and culture. This is
to effect positive social change in the lives of the
priceless for a student who has never travelled
Haitian people. During Spring Break this year,
abroad before. Palmer visited a children’s
he took one of his UDC Community College
orphanage; seeing how children, who have
Business students, DeQuan Palmer, with him
no families, live with very little resources. “I
to Haiti to be exposed to culture in the poorest
think when students from the United States
country in the Western hemisphere. Palmer
can experience an impoverished country, they
had never been outside of the United States
become a little more grateful for what they
This summer four University of
and was in awe with the commitment Haitian
have,” says Dr. McCollum.
the District of Columbia students
D
UDC STUDENTS EXPLORE GREAT WALL OF CHINA AND BEYOND STAFF WRITER
in China—a financial commitment valued between $1.2 and $5 million dollars. All studies are also credit-bearing. The University of the District of Columbia students had an opportunity to participate in a special two-week study program utilizing part of a 400-scholarship award to students in Congressional Black Caucus districts by the Chinese government. The two-week study program was sponsored by the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), and two hosting Chinese universities: Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) in
students have for earning an education. Palmer
Dr. McCollum met with the Director,
indicated, “It is amazing how Haitian students
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
will do anything to earn a quality education
(CEI), Etzer Emile, at Quisqueya University to
Scholarship Network a consortium of 42 Historically Black Colleges
and some students in the United States don’t
discuss possible opportunities of partnering
and Universities (HBCU).
Beijing; and Hangzhou Wanxiang Polytechnic (HWXP) in Hangzhou. During their study program, University of the District of Columbia
were awarded scholarships to
students participated in classes studying the Chinese language and
travel to China through the China
their history, economy and culture. In addition to visiting Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai, UDC students toured historic sites in China, including the Great Wall.
value education.” Haiti’s educational system is
Dr. Walter McCollum (left) and Associate’s Business
with UDC to establish a student exchange
not equitable for everyone, and is designed to
degree student DeQuan Palmer (Center) visit Haiti .
program. The university officials in Haiti
mentation of 1,000 scholarships awarded to HBCUs by the
2008 by Mr. C.H. Tung, former Chief Executive of Hong Kong and
The Network was formed in 2014 to facilitate the imple-
The China–United States Exchange Foundation was founded in
are very excited and eager to have continued
Chinese government, and was announced in November 2013
current Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative
pay for an education in primary and secondary
young men to earn an education, because
discussions for such a partnership. This would
by China’s top government official in charge of education, Vice
Congress for the People’s Republic of China.
school, unlike the United States where students
they are the future leaders to change the face
provide an opportunity for UDC Business stu-
Premier Liu Yandong.
are afforded a free public education. Due to the
of their country. Without an education, they
dents to take accelerated courses at Quisqueya
cost for Haitians to earn an education, many
will have no power to effect change in Haiti,”
University for a semester and earn a Certificate
lations firm a specializing in Strategic Public Relations between
to improve communications and enhance understanding between the
people remain illiterate because they do not
says Dr. McCollum.
in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The
the United States and China and based in Washington, D.C., and
peoples of China and the United States.
perpetuate illiteracy. Students in Haiti have to
Wilson Global Communications, an international public re-
The Foundation seeks to foster a strengthened and improved relationship between the United States and China, and was established
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
representative to the China-United States Exchange Foundation in
Cultural Awareness
at Quisqueya University has been backed by
Hong Kong, manages and coordinates activities of the program in
between the public policy arena, think tanks, academia, media and
Haiti by supporting young men between the ages
Cultural awareness is important in the edu-
both former Presidents Clinton and Bush.
partnership with the Ministry of Education in Beijing, China.
business communities of both countries, and launched a special
of 16-25 through mentorship and educational
cational process. In most classrooms in col-
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund recently made
opportunities. I am paying for several Haitian
leges and universities in the United States,
a $914,000 grant to Quisqueya University
have access to resources to pay for an education. “I have made a long-term commitment to
18
FA L L 2 01 5
The 4-year scholarship commitment covers the cost of tuition, room and board for 1,000 American students from HBCUs to study
To accomplish this goal, the Foundation promotes open dialogue
initiative in the U.S. with Wilson Global in 2010 to develop inclusive program opportunities for diverse Americans in China.
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19
COMMENCEMENT 2015
served as president of Fisk University. While on a League of Nations trip in 1930, a Liberian chief named Jeh saved his grandfather’s life. His father, Jeh Vincent Johnson, is a well known architect. Fortunately, the younger Jeh’s parents ignored that counselor’s advice, somehow getting him into Morehouse College. There he began experiencing critical life lessons, including, “You have it within you to do more than you know—mentally and physically. “I am living proof,” he told UDC graduates and
From Mediocrity to a Man On Fire
White House Secretary Inspires Graduate with “Life Lessons” for Success BY JOHN GORDON JR.
H
others in the audience. going nowhere. “You are looking at somebody
“In my freshman year I had a 1.8 GPA (Grade
who was a C and D student. A ‘C’ growing up in
Point Average). The first semester of my soph-
my house was a gift.
omore year, I had a 3.0 average. It helped that I
“The only time in my entire life that I heard my mother utter a four-letter word was when
got the car my dad promised. The second semester my average was 3.5.”
she got my report card,” Johnson continued,
“The first semester of my junior year my
adding that a high school counselor advised his
GPA was 4.0. The second semester it was 4.0.
mother, “Don’t think about college for your son.”
My senior year it was a 4.0,” Johnson said to
That conclusion seemed logical. Johnson
applause from the audience. “I arrived a boy
never successfully completed math beyond the
and left a man on fire. Someone with self con-
3. Sixty percent of life is trying—no one get the job or wins the race without being willing to try first.
growing up, the two lived across the street
4. The key to advancement is doing everything you can at each step along the way, with energy, excellence and a smile. 5. Look for mentors; we all need mentors. Seek out mentors; do not assume they will seek you out. 6. Treat others as you would have them treat you. Treat everyone with the courtesy and respect that they deserve. 7 Always do the right thing; the right thing can be the hard thing. The right thing is not the expedient thing.
10th grade. “I took 9th grade math in 9th grade
fidentce who believed he could do anything.”
and flunked. I took it again in 10th grade and
Johnson aimed to share that fire and the
indirectly supervising more than
authority. That road to power and prestige
passed. I took 10th grade math in 11th grade
passion it fuels. Interim President James E.
8. Consider a career in public service.
200,000 federal workers involved
was not smoothly paved, however.
and passed. I took 11th grade math in 12th grade
Lyons, Sr., told those gathered at the Walter
and flunked the New York State Regency exam,
E. Washington Convention Center, that after
9 Honor your family; never forget what they have done for you.
but graduated.
receiving the invitation to serve as the com-
cyber security, while controlling a $38.2 billion
in his commencement speech, unspooling 10
“And, I didn’t care.” That attitude seems
mencement speaker, the man who has his finger
budget. Jeh Charles Johnson, appointed in
lessons learned and wisdom gained, he worried
perplexing considering his lineage: His grand-
on the pulse of this country’s security during an
December 2013 by President Barack Obama
his parents and convinced a few folks that he was
father, Charles S. Johnson, a sociologist also
age of international terrorism, called asking if
FA L L 2 01 5
“I no longer pretend to know what’s on
of that fact,” said Johnson, who is married
Homeland Security, is a man with clout and
As Johnson told the 2015 graduating class
mattered to them.
2. You must make your own mistakes but you must learn from those mistakes.
as the fourth secretary of the Department of
of the University of the District of Columbia
wanted to hear what was on their minds; what
the minds of young people. I have two col-
ment in the president’s cabinet,
in everything from immigration,
he could meet some of the students. Johnson
1. You have it within you to do more than you know—mentally and physically.
e leads the third largest depart-
to emergency response, secret service, and
20
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM JEH CHARLES JOHNSON
10. Follow the rules and you will see and do great things in your post graduate life that you can’t possibly comprehend today.
lege-aged kids who repeatedly remind me to Susan DiMarco, a dentist by profession; from each other. But he often has joked that it took three years of dental appointments to convince her to go on a date. “I come from the era of Aretha, Otis, Dionne, Diana, Luther, Smoky, Curtis, Marvin, Jackie, Sam and Dave. I am talking to you all about the 1950s and 1960s,” continued Johnson. “My kids say Dad that music is from your time. Now I find my son listening to the very same thing and take pride in saying my time is your time.” Translation: There will come a point in students’ development when generational differences will not matter and where the advice being given will prove relevant. To think otherwise might be a mistake. But offering Lesson #2, Johnson said “You must make your own mistakes. But you must learn from them.” “Neither I nor anyone else can teach you to avoid mistakes. You will make your own bad choices and investments,” he said before listing a few possibilities: “Those uncomfortable shoes you bought for today,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
WWW.UDC. EDU
21
Undoubtedly, Johnson made a few of his
he became the first African American elected
race without being willing to try first.” He
own, as evidenced by his initial academic ac-
partner at the law firm of Paul,Weiss,Rif-
urged students to perform each task in their
tions. But after he left Morehouse, he attended
kind,Wharton & Garrison LLP. From 2009
post-graduate lives with “energy, excellence
Columbia Law School, went on to become an
through 2012, he was general counsel of the
and a smile.” Seek out mentors, treat others
assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District
Department of Defense. President Obama
as you would have them treat you and to “con-
of New York, and General Counsel of the Air
pulled him out of retirement.
sider a career in public service,” he continued,
Force during President Bill Clinton’s admin-
“Sixty percent of life is trying,” John-
calling out John Lake, II, who received an MS
istration. When he left government in 2001,
son said. “No one gets the job or wins the
in Homeland Security and was one of the top
1000 WORDS
15 out of 5,650 cadets being commissioned this year; he will serve as a “cyber war officer in the Army cyber command.” Two lessons shared by Johnson appeared invested with extra importance: “Always do the right thing. Be honest with people, never lie. Most of us are lousy at being deceptive.” Not doing the right is “corrosive on your own dignity, your own spirit, your own feeling of your self-worth.” Among those right things is honoring your family: “Your parent, your children, your grandparents, your brothers and sisters. Never forget what they have done for you.” Johnson certainly has not. As he ended his speech, he returned to connections but also reminded graduates of the distance that has been traveled by the country, UDC alumna Reverend Rosetta Bryson delivered the 2015 Commencement Invocation (left); Respected clinical
and specifically African Americans. “My father
and industrial psychologist Dr. Edwin J. Nichols (right) received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
is 84 years old; he graduated from college 62 years ago. When he was born his grandfather, an emancipated slave, was still alive. In the short span of his life he has seen the advent of the TV, color TV, the word processor…the Internet, the IPod, the Iphone, the Ipad, defeat of the Nazi Germany, collapse of the Soviet Union, the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965…and a black man in the Oval Office.” Johnson said his mother, now 82 years old, grew up on Maryland Ave. in Northeast Washington, D.C. and still recalls with excitement seeing President Franklin Delano Roosevelt ride past her in an open car with the dog and secret service agents. “She has lived long enough to see her C and D son become a protectee of the United States Secret Service.
National League for Nursing CEO, Dr. Beverly Malone (middle) was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science Degree; Senior Class President, Leon Lockett (right) presented the 2015 Class gift.
22
FA L L 2 01 5
“Today,” Johnson continued, “you face the rising sun and a new day begun.”
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23
FACULTY
School of Business and Public Administration: Dr. Mo’ is In It to Win It Dr. Mohamad Sepehri is the new dean of the School of Business and Public Administration.
UDC’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship (CUE). The objective of The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship is to inspire and guide students and the community at large to recognize and appreciate the value of enterprise.. The center will provide educational guidance and coaching services to help start-ups and small/ family business owners succeed. In the early stage of its operation, the center is seeking up to $10 million in capital to endow its operations to achieve its stated goals and objectives. The center’s mission is to enhance and foster
BY STAFF WRITER
G
With more emphasis on student entrepreneurship, Dean Sepehri is also excited about
awareness about the integral role that entrepreneurship plays in our society and economy.
Dr. Mo has a unique combination of academic and business experience, with an extensive background in global business operations.
university and the country being tops in the global marketplace. “We can’t say ‘we’re not going to win, so why start.’ No, we have to try.” Clearly, Dr. Mo’ has a passion for international business collaboration and relationships and a history of building them. He has a unique combination of academic and business experience, with extensive background in strategic management/leadership and broad experience in international and global business operations. Dr. Sepehri has a Triple-major Ph.D. in Management, Higher Education Administration, and Strategic International and Political Economy from Indiana University, Bloomington. He says he started out working with computers before going to school and launching
enial Dr. Mohamad Sepehri tells
accreditations. “Such accreditations will en-
reaccreditation from the Association to Ad-
It plans to generate peer–reviewed research,
his academic career. In 1989 he went to JU
everyone — colleagues, students
hance the quality and reputation of the SBPA
vance Collegiate Schools of Business in 2009
invite visiting entrepreneurial scholars, and to
as an assistant professor of Management &
and visitors alike — “Just call me
and UDC by leading to greater national and
and 2014 respectively for that HBCU.
play an important leadership role in growing
International Business, and served as division
‘Dr. Mo’.”
international visibility, an increase in quality
When Dr. Mo’, an avid sports fan who
the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the District
chair twice, before becoming the associate dean
This informality might seem
research and scholarship faculty, and more
sometimes speaks in a coach’s metaphors,
unusual for such an esteemed educator, but
opportunities for global outreach,” he wrote.
resigned from JU after 26 years of service, his
Garnering numerous accolades and awards
the new dean of the School of Business and
“In addition, these accreditations will en-
colleagues gave him a rousing sendoff that
during his career obviously adds to Dean Sepeh-
Public Administration at the University of the
tice new students to enroll in the programs at
included awarding him a custom made ath-
ri’s confident demeanor that these goals can
District of Columbia says, “I’m always a little
SBPA. They will open the doors for new joint
letic jersey with his name and a number on it,
be reached.
on the funny side.”
and collaborative programs with other inter-
which they immediately retired in his honor.
national universities and programs.”
“Symbolically, it meant a lot to me,” he said.
Then he adds, “But I’m the most serious
of Columbia and beyond.
“Everybody knew ‘Dr. Mo’ in Jacksonville. I was very comfortable there,” he said. Still, he
Some talk a good game, but Dr. Mo’ can
The school also wrote a farewell notice
wanted the challenge of working in Washington,
prove that he’s got the requisite top-player
that read, “Sepehri will be remembered for
D.C., and bringing his expertise to UDC in which,
The School of Public and Business Ad-
stats to walk the walk. “I’m new here, but I’m
his calm demeanor and sense of humor, along
he says, “I saw excellent potential.”
ministration maintains accreditation by the
not new to the game; I don’t think I can do this,
with his ability to be a person of high integrity
Accreditation Council for Business Schools
I know I can because I have,” he says.
and personal ethics.”
person when it comes to achieving excellence and top-tier accreditation.”
and Programs (ACBSP) while the school is submitting its report for initial accreditation
Even so, “I know I can’t do it alone; it takes teamwork.”
With a nod of confidence, he says, “I have patience, persistence and passion, and I don’t
Speaking of ethics, Dean Sepehri intends
give up easily. Once you believe in yourself,
to add supplementary ethics courses to the
students will believe in you and the community will believe in you, and we can all claim victory.”
of the Master of Public Administration by the
Under his leadership as associate dean
SBPA curriculum in order to bolster the
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs,
at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of
school’s bid for higher accreditation. “Eth-
and Administration (NSPPA). Dean Sepehri
Business and director of the Graduate Busi-
ics are part of the vision” of creating future
“We cannot let our guards down; others
wrote in the summer SBPA newsletter that he
ness Programs, Dean Sepehri achieved and
business leaders, as the UDC’s Vision 20-20
are really competitive, and we have to prepare
the District of Columbia to hold a national news conference that launched the agency’s 2015 Volunteer Income
intends on maintaining and pursuing varying
maintained the top tier of accreditation and
strategic plan states.
ourselves to win,” Dr. Mo’ says, referring to the
Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
24
FA L L 2 01 5
Add competitive to his list of attributes. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen selected the School of Business and Public Administration at the University of
WWW.UDC. EDU
25
FACULTY
and then director of the Graduate Business Programs in 2009. In that latter role, he helped transform the graduate school, which expanded to offer a Doctor of Business Administration, along with the accelerated one-year Master of
“ In order for an institution to survive, every part of it must be able to grow and change.” – DR. SANDRA G. YATES
Business Administration and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. In the evolution of the Executive MBA program, Sepehri initiated the annual international
This includes attracting and hiring business
Dr. Mo’ takes the helm from Dr. Sandra
trip to meet with corporations aboard. Last
professionals and doctoral faculty, which
G. Yates, who is retiring after her 18-month
year the JU students set up a ticket marketing
costs money. For example, SBPA’s accounting
tenure as acting dean of SBPA and more than
program for movie theatres in Italy; the most
faculty is all CPAs.
44 years at UDC in various administrative and
recent trip was to Peru.
“As someone told me, he could hire an
teaching positions.
Dean Sepehri prefers a hands-on manage-
English professor for about $40,000 a year,
“Not only was I able to carry on the fine
ment style that is actively engaged with the
but you can’t get a PhD in business for under
work that was started many years ago when
student body. In fact, he says, “I’m not one to
$120,000.”
SBPA began to educate the next generation of
sit behind a desk; I like to walk around and see what’s going on.” After all, he adds, “we’re not here for ourselves; we are here for the students.”
SBPA Forges Pathways and Partnerships to Self-Sufficiency BY STAFF WRITER
F
and Psychology faculty guide the team on identifying the most appropriate community linkages and appropriate referrals. Currently, the PATHS program serves 1,700 residents in the District of Columbia. All of the participants in the program are referred by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Economic Security Administration (ESA). Eleven staff members are employed by the PATHS program, including four graduates of the UDC Master’s of Public Administration
or the past 16 years, the School of
DHS, ESA staff are provided through the
(MPA) program. The PATHS program cur-
Business and Public Administration
School of Business and Public Administration
rently offers experiential learning opportuni-
(SBPA) has been changing lives for
(SBPA), Institute of Human Service Delivery.
ties through internships for students enrolled
those in need through its memoran-
The MOA funds the job skills training
in the MPA, Social Work and Counseling and
dum of agreement (MOA). Under
offered by PATHS. The job skills train-
the agreement, the Paving Access Trails to
ing programs include Home Health Aide
Under the guidance of a licensed clini-
Psychology programs.
Still, he is up for the challenge and pleased to
business leaders, but more importantly I was
be at UDC. Although he may miss Jacksonville,
able to do this with the help of outstanding
“Washington, D.C., is the greatest city, and [he
faculty, staff, students, and more recently an
Higher Security (PATHS) program, housed
(HHA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA),
cian, the Social Work and Counseling and
and his wife] have always wanted to be here.”
active Board of Advisors,” she wrote in the .BIZ
in the School of Business and Public Ad-
Hospitality and Food Safety/Management,
Psychology students conduct case record
newsletter which she started.
ministration (SBPA), administers job skills
Microsoft Office, Entrepreneurship and
reviews of PATHS customers. Records are
He says he sees himself more of a coach
Besides, his daughter and grandson live in
than a quarterback, and is well aware of the
nearby Silver Spring, Md., so he is now “lined
“In order for an institution to survive, every
training to Temporary Assistance for Needy
Child Development Associate (CDA). In
assessed and evaluated by the licensed cli-
tasks before him and the school. He under-
up to babysit, and enjoying wonderful meals,”
part of it must be able to grow and change,”
Families (TANF) and low-income residents
2015, new courses in Social Media, Social
nician. The clinician, students and PATHS
stands that rapidly elevating the accreditation
he says smiling and patting his belly.
Dr. Yates says. SBPA will undoubtedly benefit
in the District of Columbia.
Entrepreneurship, Anger Management and
case managers collaborate to recommend
Critical Thinking Skills were offered.
the most appropriate work placements for
level of the SBPA will take resources not yet
Dean Sepehri says, “People like me, im-
from Dean Sepehri’s passion for international
The Agreement is two-fold. First, the
available to the city’s only public institution
migrants, spend most of their lives away from
business, experiential learning and entre-
PATHS program provides job skills training
In addition to job readiness, job search
of higher learning. An investment in human
family, so I don’t want to spend the rest of my
preneurship, she added. “He sees where we
programs to assist low-income residents to
and job placement services, students receive
The student internships engage students
capital is especially necessary, he points out.
life away from family.”
need to go.”
become self-sufficient. Secondly, the PATHS
referrals for domestic violence, child care and
in active learning that demonstrates the
program provides technical assistance to the
housing. The PATHS program also provides
relevance and importance of their respec-
managers and staff Department of Human
transportation assistance for customers and
tive curriculums and enhance academic
Services ives DHS, ESA managers and staff.
knowledge and skills assessments.
achievement.
As mandated by the Personal Respon-
Customers in the PATHS program also
Students learn to become critical thinkers
DR. SANDRA G. YATES RETIRES
sibility and Work Opportunity Reconcil-
receive college counseling. PATHS customers
and tolerant of diversity and civic responsi-
iation Act, DHS seeks to provide training
are encouraged to enroll at the University of
bility. Furthermore, the PATHS internship
After 44 years of dedicated service at the University of the District of Columbia, Dr.
and employment support services that will
the District of Columbia (UDC) during any
improves the student’s interpersonal skills and
Sandra G. Yates, former Acting Dean of the School of Business & Public Administration
enhance customer’s ability to improve their
point of their skills training program. The
increases awareness of current social issues
has retired. During a career at the University that began in 1971, Dr. Yates has managed
employment prospects. DHS provides ser-
PATHS program pays the application fees
as they relate to academic areas of interest.
several academic units, including the Department of Business Education and Office
vices to help TANF participants overcome
for customers who submit an application
Administration and the Department of Education; taught graduate and undergraduate
barriers to obtaining jobs that provide full
to enroll in the University.
courses in business, education, and office administration; and developed curriculum
benefits and offer opportunities for wage
PATHS also offers mental health
Overall, the PATHS program provides
and training for personnel in government and private industry. As Chairperson of the
progression. Among the barriers confronted
screenings to its customers. A licensed cli-
human resources to address the needs of
Department of Education, she spearheaded the re-opening of the University’s Child
by TANF customers are low levels of basic
nician with the PATHS program along with
the District of Columbia community. It also
Development Center while helping to maintain the successful growth of the Institute of
skills and a lack of adequate employment
faculty from the Department of Counseling
engages community and business partners
Gerontology and the Early Childhood Leadership Institute, and setting the stage for the
skills training.
and Psychology administers the mental
as co-educators in providing rich learning
The job skills training programs are
health screenings to identify the presence
experiences for students and fosters an
managed through the PATHS program.
of at least one or more behavioral health
ethic of service and civic participation in
Training and technical assistance for the
disorders. The clinician and Counseling
UDC students.
teacher education programs that have ultimately been accredited by NCATE.
26
FA L L 2 01 5
each customer based upon the assessment.
Experiential education opportunities exist for both students and faculty.
WWW.UDC. EDU
27
AUGUST 19, 1935 – MARCH 23, 2015 ADEPARTMENT TRIBUTE TITLE
McKenzie was a mentor to Dr. James Williams who
Howard where she earned her masters; she got
McKenzie photo from Dunbar High School
served as a former President of the UDC National
her doctorate in education from George Wash-
yearbook, 1952.
Alumni Society (UDCNAS).
ington University. She was loaded for bear as she
to conduct her life’s business. That assumption would be wrong.
Floretta Dukes McKenzie The Master Knitter
BY JONET TA ROSE BARRAS
F
journeyed to the top of the education industry.
calls from principals, asking parents to call
She rose through the ranks, crossing ju-
the school immediately about a late or absent
risdictions and bureaucracies: from a teacher
child. She sought to halt social promotions,
After the family moved to D.C., eventually
in Maryland, to a counselor and teacher in the
before the issue became a cause for D.C. Council
locating to the middle-class community of
DCPS, to Area Assistant Superintendent and later
members. She was also ahead of the tech-teach-
River Terrace, Dukes went to the city’s public
Deputy Superintendent in Montgomery County
ing, having pushed for the use of computers in
schools. In 1952, she prepared to graduate from
Public Schools, to Deputy Assistant Secretary
the classroom. Equally important, McKenzie
the prestigious Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior
in the U.S. Department of Education, and then
never begrudged parental involvement in
High School. She had been a stellar student:
Chief State Education Officer and Superinten-
member of the orchestra, playing the cello and
dent of DCPS. At the education department,
alma mater to help her corps of teachers and
“Once she called me into her office and said
winning music awards. She also participated in
Spinner recalled that when there was a “special
administrators secure the additional training
‘I want the best damn community involvement
the Fleur-de-lis. While a symbol often seen in
offering to other states around community and
they needed. “She made the university a special
and parental involvement program in the
coat-of-arms of various monarchs, at Dunbar,
parental involvement, McKenzie told Maurice
contractor,” said Spinner, noting that McKenzie
country,’ ” recalled Spinner. “I said so you want
the Fleur-de-lis was an organization “where
Sykes to get someone from [D.C.] to assist with
had an understanding and appreciation for the
this stuff on paper or do you want the reality.
they taught us to be ladies,” said Thornhill, who
development of the application.
role of the past in perfecting the present and
She said ‘Both.’”
graduated from the school in 1961.
“She was trying to connect the local efforts
program decisions.
future. “She was strategic.”
McKenzie may have seemed fully ready
Interestingly, in her senior yearbook, Dukes
with the national,” continued Spinner, who
And, when McKenzie spotted talent, she
for the job, but before retiring from DCPS in
wrote that she fancied herself becoming a law-
eventually worked alongside McKenzie in
wasn’t shy about helping to sculpt those indi-
1988, she confessed to the Washington Post
yer. “My impression was that Floretta was very
DCPS. “I was very fortunate to grow up as a
viduals. James Williams, a D.C. Teachers College
that she had made mistakes but “learned to be
methodical, very analytical and systematic in
professional under tutelage of strong Afri-
alumnus, had worked on the sorting floor of a
unflappable. I worked on my style.”
the way she did things,” continued Thornhill.
can-American women. I was in my 50s before
local U.S. post office before joining the DCPS.
“The school system used to be in the paper
I had my first male supervisor.”
He later went to New Jersey, but eventually
often and in a very negative way,” she continued.
But Dukes didn’t make it to the legal pro-
loretta Dukes McKenzie “knew how to
Group and sitting on the boards of directors for
fession. She enrolled in the D.C. Teachers
McKenzie eventually recruited Sykes into
came back to DCPS. McKenzie’s helped him
“A lot of citizens congratulated me on not being
knit ideas, people and policy togeth-
several corporations, including PEPCO and the
College—a predecessor institution of the
the DCPS. “She put us on a trajectory to be a
climb the leadership ladder, ultimately choosing
in the paper.”
er in a way that was seamless,” said
Marriott Corporation.
University of the District of Columbia. Two
[national leader] in pre-kindergarten. Sykes
him as principal of a high school. When Dayton,
That invisibility may have worked against
Connie Spinner, head of school and
A woman with an expansive personality,
schools — Wilson Teachers College, which had
became her early childhood czar,” said Thorn-
Ohio, looking for a deputy superintendent,
her, however. McKenzie has received very little
chief executive office at Community
McKenzie seemed to have made only friends
been for whites, and Miner Teachers College,
hill, a former vice president of the UDC Board
asked McKenzie for a recommendation, she
citywide recognition for her enormous contribu-
College Prep Academy Public Charter School
during a nearly 50-year career. Patricia Mc-
which educated blacks — merged in 1955 to
of Trustees.
in the District of Columbia.“She was genius at
Guire, president of Trinity University-DC,
create D.C. Teacher’s College.
creating partnerships with all of the various
called her a model for “the steady, committed
entities that would make a difference in the
offered Williams. He eventually became that
tions to education. Williams nominated her for
“Part of what McKenzie represented was
city’s superintendent, moving to other systems
UDC’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.
Miner had grown out of Myrtilla Miner’s
an appreciation for history and local context,”
before ending his career as head of the Buffalo,
Despite being bedridden by Parkinson, she was
discrete school leader who focused on the right
determination to educate young black children.
said Spinner. She understood the social-political
New York public schools. “Each step of the way
determined to attend the ceremony. Unfortu-
lives of young people. She did it…like I have
things—teaching and leading—and avoids the
Her effort was fought aggressively and vocifer-
context that this unique school system sat in,
Floretta McKenzie was there. The majority of
nately, Williams received a call from one of her
never seen before or since,” added Carrie
pitfalls of politics.
ously by other whites in the city. While it changed
and she could capitalize on it.”
African Americans and some white who became
family members reporting she wouldn’t make
superintendents, [she] had something to do
it. He accepted the award on McKenzie’s behalf.
with it,” said Williams, a former president of
That was the beginning of her end.
Thornhill, treasurer of the Dunbar High School Alumni Federation. The 1956 D.C. Teachers College graduate held leadership positions in the U.S. Department of
“Her example,” McGuire continued,
names several times, in 1929 Congress accredited
“should be the case study in school leader-
it as Miner Teachers College. It was responsible
ship programs for how to lead with integrity,
for educating thousands of African-American
Nurturing, Shaping And Building Leaders
durability and respect.”
teachers. “Most of our colleagues and friends
The place where McKenzie may have had
McKenzie also dramatically improved
that other, less deserving, local leaders, have
had been D.C. Teachers College graduates,” said
her greatest impact was in the DCPS. She
DCPS student achievement. She took the
had buildings named for them. But she hasn’t
believed that public education wasn’t just a
Competency Based-Curriculum program that
had that honor. A school should bear her name, “At least that,” said Spinner.
Education, the Montgomery County, Maryland
the UDC alumni association.
Many people who knew McKenzie lamented
Public Schools and the D.C. Public Schools. At
The Detour
Spinner, a 1969 graduate of the college, who met
her death on March 23, 2015, she had thoroughly
That reputation might suggest the second
McKenzie while she was at the department of
Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade experi-
had been piloted by former Superintendent
saturated public education, building important
daughter of Ruth and Martin Dukes Sr.,
education; Spinner, a DCPS employee, worked
ence. Rather it continued through post-sec-
Vincent Reed and expanded it; some people
alliances at the local and federal levels while
born Floretta Lillian Dukes on August 19,
on a project related to that system.
ondary years.
have called CBC an antecedent to the current
Jonetta Rose Barras is a freelance writer,
nurturing new leaders. She also made her mark
1935 in Lakeland, Florida, scoped out edu-
After McKenzie received a bachelor’s in
McKenzie pushed staff development which
Common Core Standards. She introduced an
whose work appears in numerous publications
in the private sector, launching The McKenzie
cation early as the field in which she wanted
science from Teachers College, she went to
was aligned with recertification. She used her
anti-truancy program, using robo telephone
including The Washington Post and USA Today.
28
FA L L 2 01 5
WWW.UDC. EDU
29
RESEARCH
UDC Research Farm, Greenbelt, MD features three aquaponic systems, five hydroponic demonstration systems, specialty crops and ethnic crops programs to
PHOTO BY LESLIE MALONE
teach efficient urban food production methods.
a showcase for green infrastructure, a storm water system will harvest rainwater and capture water runoff and drip irrigation is embedded to provide water in the plant boxes and beds. are a part of the larger Cooperative Extension System, a program under the National Institute
PHOTO BY LESLIE MALONE
of Food and Agriculture of the U.S. Depart-
Antonio Harrison proudly displays a persimmon he picked during the 2015 CAUSES HarvestFest at the University’s Muirkirk Research Farm in Beltsville, MD.
UDC’s Land-Grant Mission and the Spirit of Public Engagement
ment of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension is a nationwide educational network that brings research and knowledge of land-grant institutions to people in their homes, workplaces and communities. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 created the Cooperation Extension Service (CES), where representatives
In 2014, the five land-grant centers of
known as extension agents were tasked with
CAUSES collectively served 35,000 program
teaching the community and disseminating
participants, ages 5 to 95, and awarded 1,207
research-based information on various topics,
workforce development certificates. The land-
such as: nutrition, agriculture, small business,
grant centers consist of the Center for Urban
youth development and personal finance.
CAUSES offers a wide range of programs that serve individuals and organizations in our community and beyond.
In late September, the University broke ground on a 3-acres farm in Ward 7 on a 3-acres urban farm in Ward 7, which will include aquaponics, community garden plots, a pollinator garden and a farmer’s market. The Sustainable Urban Agriculture certificate program has certified 53 community members from the greater metropolitan Washington since its inception in 2014. Participants learned how to farm in small spaces, how to start an urban agriculture business, how to “add value” to produce grown in an urban environment, how to market their produce and products and how to manage food waste. This represents the urban food system solution
• Grant funding has almost doubled to more than $4 million per year for research
coined “urban food hubs.” Given the urgent need to focus on global
Agriculture & Gardening Education; the Center
In CAUSES, the extension agents – known
for Sustainable Development which includes
as community educators – provide practical
the Water Resources Research Institute; the
information to small business owners, youth,
• The urban agriculture research farm fea-
billion people join this planet over the next 15
College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences
Center for Nutrition Diet & Health which
consumers, and others in communities of all
tures three aquaponic systems, five hydroponic
years, CAUSES is positioned to find effective
includes the Institute of Gerontology; the
sizes. These community educators respond to
demonstration systems, specialty crops and
urban agriculture and urban sustainability
Center for 4-H & Youth Development; and
public inquiries from community focus group
ethnic crops programs to teach efficient urban
solutions that meet local and global needs,
BY PROFESSOR WILLIAM HARE
the Architectural Research Institute.
meetings and listening sessions to identify
food production methods.
making cities more livable and their people
T
and community education.
food and water security as an additional two
Collectively, the five CAUSES centers part-
critical issues germane to the community,
• In 2014, eight tons of top quality produce
healthier. In 2014, CAUSES developed the
nered with 65 DC schools, 28 faith communities
then conduct research based informal, non-
were grown for food banks like Bread for the
Urban Food Hubs concept. Food security
he community is the classroom for
a traditional land-grant institution with an
and community centers, and more than 3,376
credit workshops and other educational events
City and DC Central Kitchen, and for the
demands a diversified food system that in-
the College of Agriculture, Urban
urban environment. CAUSES offers a wide
community volunteers. The Centers offer
to increase knowledge, change behavior or
prestigious Hay Adams Hotel.
cludes urban communities as locations for
Sustainability and Environmen-
range of programs that serve individuals
such diverse services as workforce develop-
attitude and ultimately improve economic,
tal Sciences (CAUSES), which
and organizations in our community and
ment programs in food safety, waste water
environmental and social conditions.
• On track to receive EPA certification
food production, food preparation, food
for the Environmental Quality Testing
distribution and waste reduction and reuse.
embodies the urban land-grant
beyond. It works with more than 80 different
management and green infrastructure; to
UDC students benefit from the experien-
Laboratory, which will offer soil and water
The CAUSES concept tests the feasibility of
mission of the University of the District of
schools, faith communities, homeless shelters,
nutrition education and composting programs
tial learning opportunities provided by our
testing services in DC for the first time in
small-scale urban food systems that include
Columbia (UDC) – earning this designation
community gardens and farmers markets to
in schools; assistance with farmers markets,
land-grant centers. They develop marketable
the city’s history.
these four key components. In addition to
in 1967. Being a land-grant and public insti-
bring its work where fellow DC citizens live.
entrepreneurship training and community
skills through student and faculty research
Inaugurated a 20,000-square-foot green
improving food security, the Urban Food
tution makes the University of the District
CAUSES offers research-based academic and
gardens; and assessment services to determine
collaborations, interactions with residents
roof, which sits on top of Building 44 on the
Hubs also contribute to job creation, small
of Columbia uniquely different from other
community outreach programs that improve
soil, plant and water quality, lead contamination
and community organizations, and leadership
Van Ness campus. In addition to food-bearing
business development and urban sustain-
Washington, D.C. colleges and universities.
the quality of life and economic opportunity
and other environmental hazards.
opportunities.
plants, intensive climate-friendly vegetation
ability in its economic, social/cultural, and
As the nation’s only urban land-grant in-
of people and communities in the District of
grown on the roof provides coverage that
environmental/physical dimensions.
stitution, UDC must marry the aspects of
Columbia, the nation and the world.
30
FA L L 2 01 5
Coexisting with the academic programs, the community outreach programs of CAUSES
Here are a few examples from over the past three years:
will help to naturally cool the building. Also
The heart of the CAUSES Urban Food
WWW.UDC. EDU
31
RESEARCH
Hubs is high efficiency food production sites
composting, water management, and related
home; in the heart of the nation’s capital. For
that utilize bio-intensive, aquaponic and
approaches to minimizing pressure on urban
more information on CAUSES, visit www.udc.
hydroponic production methods. Co-located
land and infrastructural systems.
edu/CAUSES.
with these urban food production sites are
CAUSES prides itself on being connected to
commercial kitchens that serve as business
people and places right in its own neighborhoods
Professor William Hare is the Associate Dean
incubators and training facilities for food
and around the world. Because of its success,
for Land-grant Programs in the College of Agri-
processing and nutritional health-related
universities and cities from all over the world
culture Urban Sustainability and Environmental
activities. Given their location in urban neigh-
have begun to approach UDC to learn how
Sciences. He is a research/extension scientist
borhoods, direct marketing to local small
to replicate its work. Current international
and grant administrator with over 15 years of
businesses and farmers markets support food
collaborations include Aruba, Malawi, Liberia,
excellent leadership, management and landgrant
desert areas, and the Urban Food Hubs also
Germany, and Haiti.
University experience in the specialty areas of
focus on waste reduction and reuse through
But the work always begins right here at
NICHOLAS D. TONEY is
else. The principles I learned were integrity and patience. It requires
proud to be called an urban
patience when the weather isn’t kind to you and integrity when you
farmer. Being a part of CAUS-
are not kind to your crops. I also feel that farming makes you more
T
working across disciplinary boundaries. The cyber security curriculum in the Homeland Security program is supported by well-regarded faculty research production in the area. Dr. Angelyn Spaulding Flowers, program coordinator for the homeland security graduate program, publishes in the area of cyber security policy, threats and response. Her
he goal of the Homeland Security
recent publications on cyber security have
Program at the University of the
appeared in peer- reviewed journals including
District of Columbia is to build an
IEEE journals and the Journal of Homeland
enduring capacity for STEM quan-
Security and Emergency Management. She
titative and qualitative research
has previously served on the Academic Advi-
methods in the social sciences. While many
sory Board for Weapons of Mass Destruction
Universities emphasize the natural science,
and Terrorism for McGraw-Hill Publishing Company’s Contemporary Learning Series.
ES means that lessons are put
self-sufficient as an individual. It is by far one of the most difficult jobs
engineering, and math disciplines of STEM
into action for the 18-year-old
in the world.”
in homeland security, the undergraduate and
Her subject matter expertise is recognized
graduate programs at the University of the
internationally, as evidenced by the invitation
District of Columbia are in the vanguard of
to serve on the Scientific Program Committee
“My friends and family were first amused by the fact that I’m
emphasizing the social science research dimen-
for the First International Conference on
land-grant institutions and the
farming, but now they respect it because I save tons of money for my-
sions of science and technology in homeland
only one with an exclusively
self and for them whenever I harvest from the farm. It’s amusing to
security. The Master of Science in Homeland
Homeland Security department Chair, Angelyn
the Advisory Committees for the Fourth Cyber
urban focus.
my friends and family because they never knew someone who moved
Security is one of the newer programs at the
Flowers is the only African-American and the only
security for Energy and Utilities Conference
passed stereotypes about farming as an African American in order to
University of the District of Columbia, but it
woman selected to serve on the Scientific Program
in the United Arab Emirates where she served
be more conscious about what is in the food.”
is also one of the fastest growing. It admitted
Committee for the First International Conference on
as a Conference Speaker. Dr. Sinclair Jeter,
its first seven students in the spring of 2011.
Anti-Cybercrime held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last March.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice while
researcher’s assistant at the 143-acre UDC farm in Beltsville, Md. – a leader among
The farm offers a glimpse of agriculture, which can serve urban communities including apple orchards that supply food for pantries, a shipping container filled with fish that makes food and fertilizer, and
Gaining the unique experience did not come without some teasing and misunderstanding among peers.
An avid reader and honor student with a 3.41 GPA, Toney is a
Anti-Cybercrime in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and
a Co-Principal Investigator for the
member of the psychology club and the African-American Trap
Four years later, 54 students have entered the
Shooting organization. His love of nature extends beyond CAUSES.
program which has 19 graduates and a current
dents who have been employed
Mondays and Wednesdays, my job is to manage the health and
He is known to run four to five miles in the mornings in a park near
student enrollment of 28. Taking advantage
in career fields, but want to
development of all plants on the Green roof. In other words, I sweep
the Potomac River. “At the moment, I am putting more of an effort to
of its location in Washington, D.C., the Home-
change fields, and students
graduate computer science
the floors, water the plants, transplant the plants into bigger pots
start a garden closer to where I live so I will be spending more of my
land Security program is able to integrate
currently employed in one
student, has published a
time getting it together.”
the expertise of experienced practitioners as
of the many homeland
peer-reviewed article on
adjunct faculty, speakers, mentors, and some
security areas seeking to
the problem of terrorism
of the fellow students who work in a variety of
enhance their knowledge
in virtual worlds. Dr. Jian
HLSC agencies.
and skills.
greenhouses with specialty crops. “My responsibilities are very straight forward,” said Toney. “On
if needed, and harvest the produce. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, my job is to manage the development and growth of five different species of trees for an experiment to determine the effectiveness of irrigation systems on DC’s urban sidewalks.” The sophomore psychology major is a DC native with a family
Toney raves about his UDC experience and the supportive faculty that helped make his work a reality. “UDC has a wonderful staff and opportunities for internships,” Toney said. “Overall, I love the tuition rates because I feel more in
The student population in the graduate
In addition to a set of
Scholars Leadership grant, in conjunction with an under-
Hua, Information Science Program (School of Business and Public Administration)
program in Homeland Security is as diverse as
core courses intended to pro-
the field itself. Almost one-third of the students
vide a comprehensive grounding
gist or a plant geneticist,” he said. “Afterwards, I will invest more
were born and raised external to the United
in this diverse field graduate students
thing,” he said. “I feel the best when the job is done and the skills
money into stocks and small businesses, then begin constructing
States. This includes Africa, the Caribbean,
may group their electives in concentration
at the CREATE DHS Center of Excellence at
from that job becomes a part of my wide variety of experiences.”
a web network of income. Overall, my number one goal in life is to
and the Middle East. Forty-three percent of
areas to provide more in-depth knowledge in
the University of Southern California, and
be mentally, physically, and spiritually sound. For my family and my
the students are female, representing a six
a specific area. Specific focus areas identified
has applied for a second time. Both times,
community, I will use the money I earn to create better opportunities
percent increase over program alumni. The
by students include: terrorism and count-
he requested a homeland security graduate
and economic mobility to impact the African diaspora.”
program also has a mix of students directly
er-terrorism; community disaster resilience;
student as his student partner providing a DHS
entering from undergraduate programs, stu-
and cyber security.
funded research experience for a HLSC grad-
hailing from the South, who he says emphasizes responsibility, respect, and integrity. “Yes I receive credit, however, credit is not the most important
“Working on the farm is like working on your life. It has its ups and downs, but overall you can prevent what happens next. Farming teaches you strong principles that you wouldn’t appreciate anywhere
32
soil nutrition and water resources management.
Homeland Security at the University of the District of Columbia
The strength of the UDC’s cyber security efforts is a strong research agenda coupled with
FA L L 2 01 5
control of my debt after college.” “My goals for the future are to become either a biogerontolo-
was selected for summer DHS faculty-student research collaboration
WWW.UDC. EDU
33
RESEARCH
Extremism; and, Crisis Communication and Disaster Resilience. The goal is a broad dissemination of knowledge. Therefore, these prospective concentrations, as well as the current HS-STEM concentration can be added to compliment any degree. Two principal challenges to increasing the numbers of underrepresented minorities in homeland security related science and technology research areas are awareness and financing. Particularly at the undergraduate 2015 UDC Homeland security graduate, Second Lieutenant John Lake (far left) was among the top 10 percent of
level, students are simply unaware of the
ROTC Officers commissioned nationally. He is currently a student in the U.S. Army’s Cyber Basic Officer Leadership
abundance and variety of careers in homeland
Course, where he is training to be a Cyber Warfare Officer.
security. To mitigate that issue, two seminars a semester are hosted at UDC on a homeland related issue or topic. These interactive pre-
UDC Research, Training and Service Portfolio Tops 21 Million BY JOVITA WELLS, JD, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS
U
nderpinning and building upon
continually challenge themselves, engage our
spective students in DC-area community
the University of the District of
students, and raise UDC’s research profile:
colleges toward the pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. In addition,
Columbia’s academic, land-grant,
School of Engineering and Applied Science
the project will expose DC-area high school
research initiatives that are conducted through
One of the areas of increasing excitement
UDC faculty to current trends and research
its various centers, institutes and programs
and research success at UDC is the School
in biomedical engineering.
and workforce programs are extraordinary, innovative and diverse
students, UDC undergraduate students and
uate student. The cybersecurity initiatives in
through IPSJ, was just beginning its first Sci-
sentations are open to all students. The goal
in the fields of sciences, social sciences, en-
of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS).
the Homeland Security Program compliment
entific Leadership Award (SLA) for Minority
is to increase student awareness of the field.
gineering, humanities and agriculture. It
According to Dr. Devas Shetty. The fields of
Nian Zhang, PhD., Associate Professor of
the information assurance initiatives in the
Serving Institutions from the Department of
The second issue is financial. For students,
is the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP),
Engineering, Technology and Computer Sci-
Electrical Engineering, was granted an NSF
University’s computer sciences programs.
Homeland Security, Science and Technology
this financial disadvantage can be seen in
established to centralize the coordination of
ence are transforming the world in ways nev-
Research Initiation Award. The project will
The Assurance Research Center for Trusted
Directorate – Office of University Programs.
their ability to participate in internships.
the research and sponsored programs portfolio
er before imagined. The advancements made
support improved ability to incorporate an
Information Computing (ARCTIC), in the
The purpose of this initiative was to increase
The overwhelming numbers of internship
on a campus-wide basis, that helps engender,
in the previous decades, the pace of change
integrated supervised learning, reinforce-
Department of Computer Science (School of
minority representation in the homeland
opportunities are unpaid. They offer valuable
monitor, evaluate, and report on the Univer-
and innovation are now accelerating at an ex-
ment learning and unsupervised learning to
Engineering and Applied Science), is a desig-
security science and technology research
educational and networking opportunities.
sity’s myriad activities. The OSP provides
ponential rate.”
enhance error-based systems. Dr. Zhang’s
nated Center of Excellence for information
areas. UDC was tasked with creating an en-
However, they are often beyond the reach of
leadership, information, training, services
SEAS graduates are prepared for high-de-
project will combine match-based learning
assurance by the National Science Foundation
during capacity in the social and behavioral
students who are more likely to be relying on
and support to the University community—
mand careers in engineering and computer
with error-based learning to obtain the best
(NSF) and DHS.
sciences HS-STEM research area. This was
Pell grants and their own ability to engage in
faculty, research associates, students, and
science through individualized learning in
of both. This project will benefit society by
The Homeland Security program, both
accomplished through a combination of
paid employment to stay in school. The ability
staff—in the acquisition and administration
small classes, mentoring, and close collabora-
reducing the global carbon footprint and will
the graduate degree and the undergraduate
undergraduate curriculum enhancements,
to obtain a paid internship, such as the ones
of externally funded projects that advance
tion with faculty and other students ultimately
serve as a model for other resource-intensive
concentration is part of the Criminal Justice
student scholarships which included paid
offered to our HS-STEM scholarship recipi-
the instruction, research, and public service
leading to an extraordinary success rate on
manufacturing processes.
Program in the Division of Social and Behav-
research opportunities, and most importantly,
ents and the summer research students can
mission of the University.
engineering board examinations. Students
ioral Sciences, College of Arts and Science.
a nation-wide summer HS-STEM student
be instrumental in increasing the number of
It is the faculty and staff of UDC who
are exposed to research, design and discovery
Dr. Paul Cotae, Professor, Electrical Engi-
The Institute for Public Safety and Justice
research assistantship program.
underrepresented minority students in the
fuel the expanding research and sponsored
projects tackling today’s challenging problems
neering, was awarded support by NSF for his
(IPSJ) is the research, training, and evaluation
The summer research program offered the
HS-STEM research opportunities. This in
programs portfolio, which simultaneous-
and developing innovative solutions important
Performance Data Driven Methods and Tools for
infrastructure the Criminal Justice Program.
opportunity to participate on multi-disciplinary
turn can lead them to careers in the field. The
ly connects the University to prestigious
to industry or government.
Computer Network Defense through Network
When the graduate program in Homeland
student research teams utilizing computer
ability as undergraduates to engage in research
grants and resources and provides solutions
Security began, the University, using its
modeling and analytic programs to shape and
is an invaluable asset for future employment
to real-world issues and experiential learning
Institute for Public Safety & Justice (IPSJ),
conduct their research. The themes included,
or graduate school opportunities.
was in the final phase of a multi-million dollar
right-wing extremism, cyber-attacks or other
cooperative agreement with the Department
attacks on critical infrastructure, biological
of Homeland Security – Federal Emergency
terrorism, community disaster resilience, as
Management Agency (FEMA) to develop
well as others.
Science project. The project will contribute to the Army’s mission of keeping economic
opportunities for our faculty and students.
National Science Foundation Funds New Academic and Research Initiatives
The undergraduate and graduate programs
We salute all who take on this additional work
Lara Thompson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
attention; it will assess the health of larger com-
in Homeland Security at the University of the
to improve the learning and training taking
of Mechanical Engineering, SEAS was one of
puter networks to identify and prioritize their
District of Columbia continue to grow and
place at UDC and to address the needs of the
three SEAS faculty to win a National Science
weaknesses for effective responses given limited
deepen their capacity for STEM social science
region, nation, and beyond.
Foundation grant in 2015. Her award funds
resources. The project also supports graduate
and military strategic areas from untoward
and then implement a training program
The University is currently in Phase I of
research as one of the University’s major com-
Faculty researchers brought in more than
the “Integration, Cultivation, and Exposure
students in their advanced research, and allows
designed to increase the legal preparedness
its second SLA-MSI Award. It will continue
mitments to creating an environment where
$20 million in funding last year and have
to Biomedical Engineering” project which
undergraduate interns to work next to faculty
of state, local, and tribal governments to
to build on the capabilities achieved under the
students are mentored to engage research,
raised the ante with another $21 million in
has as its goal to enhance existing academic
and graduate students while participating in
address disasters whether natural or man-
first award but will add two new undergraduate
publications, professional development and
funding during 2015. This issue of Legacy
infrastructure by integrating new courses
advanced research. The goal is to increase the
made. Simultaneously, the University, again
concentration areas: Terrorism and Violent
civic engagement.
highlights just some of those researchers who
in Biomedical Engineering, cultivating pro-
number of underrepresented minorities, HBCU
34
FA L L 2 01 5
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35
RESEARCH
students participating in summer programs at various Army Research Centers. Dr. Sasan Haghani, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering, was awarded a three-year grant by the National Science Foundation, “Targeted Infusion Proposal: Course Development for a 21st Century Smart Grid Workforce.” His project will prepare students to fill the serious shortage of qualified workers in the power industry in the next few years because of an aging workforce in this sector. The project will develop Smart Grid technology curricula that will enhance the engineering and computer science programs and train students who can join the 21st Century Smart Grid workforce. One of the broader impacts of the project includes
OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS FY 2015 REPORT OF GRANT ACTIVITIES COLLEGES/SCHOOL/DIVISIONS Awards Number Awarded
Amount Awarded
Division of Academic Affairs
2
$284,000
Division of Career Services
1
$2,400
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
7
$6,053,200
College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES)
21
$7,153,860
School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA)
1
$3,312,825
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
9
$1,565,900
Division of Student Affairs
6
$1,492,127
School/Division
The Authors: University Faculty Publications
UDC Community College
integral part of a renewable energy minor.
Grand Total
An additional project goal is to develop short
8
$1,410,106
55
$21,274,417
Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s
education among UDC faculty and graduate
emerging area of Smart Grid.
of Science in Cancer Biology, Prevention and
students and DCPS middle science teachers.
illustrate how decentralized, relatively lowcost technologies can lead the way.
BY STAFF WRITER
marily on the resource side of the production
Product Design for Engineers
process. The real constraint is on the “sink”
By Dr. Devdas Shetty
side of the economic process where emissions
courses that will establish UDC as a premier training center for the energy workforce in the
the characteristics of the New Economy and
The University of the District of Columbia is proud to present a sampling of recent titles—published since 2010—written by our distinguished faculty.
increased enrollment of students in the STEM disciplines. The developed courses will be an
new technologies that are consistent with
Control. These degrees are designed to enhance
must be absorbed and waste products must
Intended to serve as a primary text for Prod-
be processed. Until now, this focus on ‘sinks’
uct Design, Capstone Design, or Design for
has been mainly overlooked.
Manufacturing, Product Design for Engineers
“We have largely ignored the context sys-
explores techniques for managing innovation,
tems within which all economic production
entrepreneurship, and design. Students are
take place,” said O’Hara. “These systems are
introduced to the creative problem-solving
real whether we are talking about the physical
method for product success through case stud-
context of our natural environment or the so-
ies that explore issues of design for assembly,
College of Arts and Sciences Projects funded by the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation
scientific knowledge and career potential for
Dr. Freddie Dixon, Professor of Biology, and
individuals preparing to become biologists,
Principal Investigator of the STEM Center
Physics and the New Economy
biomedical/cancer researchers or health care
for Research and Development: Increasing
By Dr. Sabine O’Hara and Dr. Thomas
cial context of our communities and societies.
disassembly, reliability, maintainability, and
professionals. The Department has the phi-
Minority Students in STEM is again pro-
Kakovitch
Economic production impacts both.”
sustainability. The book’s interdisciplinary
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a wide
losophy of providing undergraduate research
vided support from the National Science
range of programs and according to Dean
experiences to all biology majors, enabling
Foundation. The STEM Center is designed
April Massey, we are continuously reviewing
them to enroll in competitive advanced degree
our offerings to guarantee that our programs
programs and specialized career pathways.
are relevant and forward reaching. The ma-
“To have balance in nature, a source
approach, step-by-step coverage, and helpful
Dr. Sabine O’Hara, dean and director of the
must have a sink. If sources are flooding in
illustrations and charts provide mechanical,
to stimulate student intellectual ambition
College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability
continuously, the sink can only take so much.
industrial, aerospace, manufacturing, and au-
and enthusiasm to complete a STEM de-
and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) and
We are running out of sinks,” said Kakov-
tomotive engineering students with everything
gree, provide faculty with activities that will
Director of Land-grant Programs for the
itch. The production of goods and services
they need to design cost-effective, innovative products that meet customer needs.
jors we offer are enhanced by our flexible and
Dr. Lena Walton, Associate Dean, College of
expand their teaching and research skills in
University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
create waste and emissions that accumulate
expanding menu of minors, concentrations,
Arts and Sciences and Professor of Education,
order that they will become better prepared
and Environmental Science Professor Thomas
when they have nowhere to go, or no sinks.
“Overall the book is well structured and
and program options. Likewise, the College’s
was awarded a six year grant by the National
to impart knowledge and assist in the devel-
Kakovitch, collaborated to publish Physics
The availability of these universal sinks to
contained required chapters on Product De-
expanding slate of experiential possibilities
Science Foundation Noyce for Project Fire-
opment of students’ skills as they forge suc-
and the New Economy. The book explores the
process these byproducts of the economic
sign,” said Dr. Ramin Sedaghati, Concordia
offers opportunity for students to tailor their
bird, Reinventing STEM Teaching, (Project
cessful mentor/mentee relationships and
relationship between physics and economics,
process is the crux of the matter. Once re-
University, Department of Mechanical and
educational journey to fit individual inter-
FRST). Her multi-year project will utilize
provide innovative support activities that
to address how our mindsets and models
leased, waste and emissions accumulate in
Industrial Engineering. “The book generally
ests, strengths, and needs. CAS faculty and
research-driven best practices to prepare as-
complement student learning and faculty en-
must change to ensure a sustainable path of
the environment.
presents the material in a systematic way with
staff are readily available to provide individ-
piring District of Columbia public and charter
hancement. The STEM Center will improve
economic development.
ualized academic experiences and research
middle school teachers to meet state require-
recruitment, retention and graduate rates
experiences that create the foundation for
ments for licensure in secondary science. Her
the careers our students envision and that
cohort model will strengthen middle science
support the futures they are pursuing.
Physics and the New Economy describes
adequate number of practical design examples,
As described in the book, everything the
a new model of production and new tech-
which should be understandable by undergrad-
of STEM student by providing them with a
economy produces is physical. While econ-
nologies that can alleviate pressures on
uate students in Mechanical Engineering.”
rigorous research and mentoring program
omists have warned of physical constraints
environmental and social sink functions
Dr. Shetty serves as dean and professor at
teaching and learning, adhere to newly-fash-
and specialized learning activities that trans-
that will limit the production of economic
and move us in the direction of sustainable
the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
The Biology program within the College
ioned Next Generation Science Standards and
late to increased academic performance and
goods and services, Kakovitch and O’Hara
development. The book offers examples of
at the University of the District of Columbia. He
of Arts and Sciences offers two programs:
enhance the infrastructure for research and
graduation rates.
argue that these constraints do not lie pri-
economic production that use innovative
is the author of three books and more than 200
36
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37
RESEARCH
scientific articles and has obtained six patents.
vision, biometrics, and information theory.
characteristics? Could it be a force? These
Malcolm X started after leaving his senior
growing up in rural Pennsylvania and learned
markable rise from poverty led to conserva-
His research work has been cited for contribu-
Advanced-level students in electrical engi-
are the questions Thomas Kakovitch ad-
position in the Nation of Islam. Bailey was
the importance of family, how to appreciate
tory studies and tours of Europe and Africa
tion to the understanding of engineering surface
neering, mathematics, and computer science
dresses by way of story in Collegium: A Novel
newsletter editor for the OAAU, which was
what you have, and the importance of hard
before he established himself as a fixture on
measurement, for intellectual achievements
will also find this book useful as a secondary
of the Fifth Force.
founded the year before Malcolm X was
work. He offers important tips on how to
the New York scene. His efforts as a music
in mechatronics, and for contributions to
text book or reference.
Many readers may remember Thomas
assassinated. In this highly readable book,
achieve personal and professional success
publisher were bold and groundbreaking,
“This book does present a large collection
Kakovitch’s previous novel, The Fifth Force,
Bailey presents historical gems that include a
through the strategies in this guidebook to
and his quiet, unassuming personality set
of important concepts, of mathematical,
which explored the physical nature of force
never before published article that Malcolm
living. Regardless to what you are trying to
him apart from most of his peers.
geometrical, or algorithmical nature, that
prior to the existence of mass, electric charges,
X presented for publication the day before
accomplish, your mission will be much easier
In only a decade as a professional musi-
are frequently used in computer graphics
weak and strong nuclear charges. Now, from
he was assassinated. Further, Bailey recalls
with the tools and strategies found in The
cian, he earned the respect and admiration
and image processing,” said Dr. Rolf Klein,
the same writer comes Collegium, the book
Malcolm’s thoughtfulness and gentleness as
Master Plan: Ten Secrets to Success.
of his colleagues and served as a mentor to
University of Bonn. “These concepts range
that asks by way of story where in our solar
a revolutionary, Pan-African leader, master
This book starts as a biography of how to
numerous aspiring young players. Gryce’s
from graphs through manifolds to homology.
system is the best location to curve space to
teacher, and loving husband and father. A.
overcome hardship and make the best out of
sudden disappearance at the start of the 1960s
Of particular value are the sections dealing
minimize the elapsed time needed to have
Peter Bailey, was one of the last individuals
all situations. By applying some hard learned
left the jazz world wondering about his fate.
with discrete versions of classic continuous
communication across the vastness of the
to speak with Malcolm X on the day that he
lessons from Dr. Slack, readers garner a little
Few were aware of his change of identity and
notions. The reader finds compact defini-
universe? How do we initiate such inauguration
was assassinated and he was also a pallbearer
bit of wisdom using the best approaches cur-
professional rebirth. Misinformation about
tions and concise explanations that often
in communication? What happens to those
at Malcolm X’s funeral.
rently available to learn how to be successful.
Gryce abounds and rumors have circulated
appeal to intuition, avoiding finer, but then
civilizations who have translated the original
In other words, how to pick up our bootstraps
for decades. Years of research and dozens
necessarily more complicated, arguments.
message? Do they attain the equal rights in the
and teach ourselves to be successful through
of interviews were conducted for this book,
As a first introduction, or as a reference for
assembly of nature, Collegium?
product design.
Digital and Discrete Geometry: Theory and Algorithms By Dr. Li M. Chen
a combination of wisdom, strategy, contin-
resulting in a biography that finally tells the
professionals working in computer graphics
Colorful characters, a secret operation
uous improvement strategies to reach ever
true story of this often overlooked figure and
or image processing, this book should be of
and a plot that spans from Washington, DC
higher circles of achievement, networks and
illuminates his contributions to one of the
considerable value.”
to China combine to illustrate how prog-
opportunities.
richest periods in jazz history.
The book, Digital and Discrete Geometry: The-
ress is not a smooth structure path, it also
Dr. John Louis Slack is currently the Di-
Winner of the 2003 Award for Excellence
ory and Algorithms provides comprehensive
consists of potholes of failures and how life
rector of the Public Health program at the
from the Association for Recorded Sound
coverage of the modern methods for geometric
undergoes modifications before it emerges
University of the District of Columbia.
Collections, the first edition has now been
problems in the computing sciences. It also
as a successful experiment.
updated with new information from another decade’s worth of research and never-be-
covers concurrent topics in data sciences including geometric processing, manifold
fore-seen photographs.
The Master Plan: Ten Secrets to Success
learning, Google search, cloud data, and R-tree for wireless networks and BigData. The author investigates digital geometry
This book is as rare as the subject matter itself: a scholarly work that is also quite readable. The research done by the author is meticulous
Dr. John Louis Slack
and sensitive.
and its related constructive methods in discrete geometry, offering detailed methods and algo-
Many people never fulfill their potential,
Sharing information has long been one of
rithms. The book is divided into five sections:
but it’s not because they lack intelligence or
Michael Fitzgerald’s passions, evidenced by
drive. They just never develop a master plan
his earlier career as a music educator as well
to enjoy and achieve success. Dr. John Louis
as by his involvement in founding “Current
geometric computation and processing; and
Slack shares 10 proven strategies to help you
Research In Jazz,” the first open access journal
advanced topics. Chapters especially focus
We may not be alone in this vast universe.
on the applications of these methods to other
Humans have evolved from animals to theo-
types of geometry, algebraic topology, image
reticians. No other species has accomplished
Witnessing Brother Malcolm X: The Master Teacher – A Memoir
build a master plan in this inspirational au-
processing, computer vision and computer
so much in such a short time. We are innova-
By A. Peter Bailey
graphics.
tive. We adapt. We change. One fundamental
basic geometry; digital curves, surfaces and
Collegium
manifolds; discretely represented objects;
By Dr. Thomas S. Kakovitch
tobiography. You’ll learn how to identify pre-
Rat Race Blues: The Musical Life of Gigi Gryce
requisite strategies to building a master plan;
By Michael Fitzgerald
in the field of jazz studies. Fitzgerald is the electronic services librarian at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), home to the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives.
exhibit qualities that make others believe in your abilities; harness social and emotional
Gigi Gryce was a saxophonist and composer
In addition to managing all Web resources and
Digital and Discrete Geometry: Theory
belief is that there was an original message
In Professor Bailey’s “Witnessing Brother
intelligence; and respond to new situations
who worked with some of the best-known
services for the university, he is also involved
and Algorithms targets researchers and pro-
in the universe the first set of information
Malcolm X,” the author and journalist speaks
and life transitions.
names in jazz during the 1950s, including
with the archives, and he has been instrumental
fessionals working in digital image processing
released in nature. What hidden informa-
from personal experience as a 20-something
By building a plan and always focusing
Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Max
in bringing two significant collections to UDC.
analysis, medical imaging (such as CT and MRI)
tion did the first message contain? Could the
and founding member of the Organization
on it, Dr. Slack overcame every obstacle
Roach. His many compositions remain a
He has also started a jazz research lecture series
and informatics, computer graphics, computer
primordial sets of information have physical
of Afro-American Unity, the secular group
and achieved true success. He looks back at
part of the jazz repertoire today. His re-
now in its second year.
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39
ACCREDITATIONS
were offered at the University of the Dis-
is required to use EPA–approved methods required
pact on the community and citizens of
trict of Columbia.
by regulation. Because the District of Columbia is
the District of Columbia. Twenty mem-
Dr. Devdas Shetty, Dean of the University’s
not a state, there is no state level EPA accrediting
bers of the community, alumni, and an
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences,
body; therefore, the EQTL had to acquire NELAP
Advisory Board comprised of nurses,
says ABET criteria focus on what students
accreditation, which has more strenuous require-
doctors, and other healthcare members
experience and learn. He describes the ABET
ments, including annual recertification.
spoke positively about the program’s
accreditation process as a comprehensive
Equipped with high-end analytical technologies
value to the community, and healthcare
review of program curricula, faculty quali-
with water quality models, the EQTL is not only
to underserved populations. Many of
fications, facilities and institutional support
essential for research and training needs of faculty
the external participants shared their
and are conducted by teams of highly skilled
and students, but directly benefits the community by
personal and individual stories; how-
disciplines. The ABET accreditation is the
UDC’s Environmental Quality Testing Lab Receives National Accreditation
Following an extensive on-campus review
ultimate benchmark for engineering educa-
The College of Agriculture, Urban Sus-
“This is only the first step in a long process and
and evaluation, ABET, which is the accred-
tion, and demonstrates the University of the
tainability and Environmental Sciences
we are not yet certified for all key substances. The
The RN-BSN Nursing Program has received high marks from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
itation body for engineering and computer
District of Columbia’s strong commitment to
(CAUSES) has received the full accredita-
NELAP accreditation is, however, a huge step for
The three member accrediting team,
of excellence by ACEN, for the RN-
science, has granted continued accredita-
providing students with a quality education.
tion of the Environmental Quality Test-
the University and for the District of Columbia,”
led by Dr. Jan Boundy, Dean of Gradu-
BSN Nursing Program is an eight year
tion status for the programs in the School
SEAS’ program value is further evi-
ing Laboratory (EQTL) by the National
explained Dr. Sabine O’Hara, dean of CAUSES. “To
ate Programs, College of nursing, Saint
award effective until the year 2023.
of Engineering and Applied Sciences
denced by the successful job placement of
Environmental Laboratory Accreditation
my knowledge, it is the first time that the District of
Francis Medical Center College of
The program is housed in the College of
(SEAS). ABET is the global accreditor of
its graduates. While 30 percent of graduates
Program (NELAP) Accreditation Council.
Columbia is home to a certified environmental testing
Nursing in Peoria, Illinois spent several
Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and
college and university programs in applied
pursue graduate programs in engineering,
NELAP accreditation is the highest nation-
laboratory and we will soon be open for business.”
days reviewing records and interview-
Environmental Sciences (CAUSES),
science, computing, engineering and tech-
computer science and management, the
al laboratory accreditation achievable.
Spearheaded by Dr. Tolessa Deksissa, the Lab-
ing administration, faculty, and stu-
and the Director of Nursing is Dr. Pier
nology. It assures that college and univer-
majority of UDC’s engineering students
The New Hampshire Environmental
oratory technicians Sebhat Tefera and Yacov Assa
dents to determine the program’s qual-
Broadnax.
sity programs meet standards to produce
are recruited directly into the workforce
Laboratory Accreditation Program (NH
were invaluable to the certification process. “NELAP
ity and effectiveness. The program met
The program is a 3-4 semester pro-
graduates who are ready to enter critical
by major companies.
ELAP) awarded primary NELAP Accredita-
accreditation is a testament to the dedication and
all six standards of excellence, without
gram (depending upon prior course work
Abet Accredits Programs in School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
professionals from industry, academia and government, with expertise in the ABET
providing research based solutions and supporting science based policies that impact the residents of the District of Columbia.
ever, the common themes revealed: “this program availability, affordability, excellent clinical opportunities, and the unwavering support of the nursing faculty”. This successful re-affirmation
technical fields that are leading the way
“The ABET stamp of approval is valida-
tion to the EQTL of Washington, D.C., which
commitment of our competent staff as we continue
any noted deficiencies and received
an applicant may have) and affords any
in innovation and emerging technologies.
tion that UDC produces graduates who are
is located on the University of the District
to build quality programs at UDC to improve the
recognition as excellent program for
licensed nurse (AA Graduate or Diploma
Engineering Accreditation Commission of
well-qualified to enter the job market and
of Columbia’s Van Ness campus. The lab is
quality of life and economic opportunities for our
providing degree opportunities for area
Graduate) an opportunity to obtain a
ABET accredits engineering programs and
equally competitive with those from other
now certified for testing minerals and trace
District residents,” stated William Hare, associate
nurses who lack the Bachelor’s Degree
Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. The
Computing Accreditation Commission ac-
local area institutions,” says Shetty. “Our stu-
metals in potable and non-potable waters in
dean of programs, CAUSES.
in Nursing. The six standards included
major requirement for acceptance is a
credits computer science. School of Engi-
dents are well-placed in both government and
accordance with the provisions of the National
The Lab is also supported by of the Department of
an evaluation of the program’s mission
current license to practice in the Nursing
neering and Applied Science’s (SEAS) reac-
industry at major companies like Intell, Apple,
Environmental Laboratory Accreditation
Energy and Environment, which provided $600,000
and administrative capacity; the quality
Profession.
credited programs include bachelor degree
Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup-Grum-
Conference (NELAC) Standards.
though a three year Memorandum of Understanding
and credentials of faculty and staff; pol-
“The reaffirmation of our accredita-
programs in Civil Engineering (BSCE),
mand, Booz Allen Construction and the U.S.
as initial startup funds for the Lab.
Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and Me-
Patent Office,” he proudly asserts.
icies and services for its students; the
tion has been a tremendous recognition
Quality Testing Lab was constructed to
“We are grateful for the partnership forged and
quality and currency of the program’s
of our hard work; from the faculty and
Opening in 2012, the Environmental
chanical Engineering (BSME) and Bache-
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental
give District residents a convenient and
appreciative of their commitment to utilize our lab
curriculum; human and physical re-
students, to the University’s commitment
lor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS).
organization recognized by the Council for
affordable way of testing water and soil for
services to benefit District residents,” said Hare.
sources for the program; and how well
to the success of the RN to BS nursing
The reaccreditation of our engineering and
Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
environmental contaminants and other
The certification of the lab will directly benefit D.C.
the program assess and make appropri-
program,” stated Dr. Pier Broadnax, BSN
computer science programs indicates the
More information about ABET, its member
impurities; and to serve as an unbiased
residents by giving them a local option for common
ate changes or improvements. The pro-
program director. “The general public has
strengths of our academic offerings, some
societies, and the accreditation criteria used
monitor of surface, ground and municipal
assessments such as water quality and soil quality
cess included an opportunity for third
also demonstrated their support, sharing
of which have been accredited since 1976,
to evaluate programs can be found at www.
water quality in D.C., helping to protect water
testing. Currently, residents must pay for these lab-
party (external stakeholders) to make
stories of the role we’ve had in improving
when the first engineering degree program
abet.org.
resources and human health. The Laboratory
oratory services outside of the District.
comments regarding the program’s im-
the health of District residents.”
40
FA L L 2 01 5
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41
TRADITIONS
The Founders’ Day celebration was presided
“I think 100 years later we are just like
over by UDC Interim President James E. Lyons,
Myrtilla Miner,” Henderson said. “We are driven
Sr., Ph.D. Greetings were offered from Elaine A.
by similar ideas. People are calling us cranks,
Crider, D.H.Sc., Chair, UDC Board of Trustees;
but we are striving to spark our own revolution
Phil Mendelson, Chairman, Council of the Dis-
right here in DC public schools and at UDC.”
trict of Columbia; and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
A dedicated teacher, Myrtilla Miner was
Those who sat in the packed audience
born 200 years ago on March 4, 1815. Con-
were moved by songs performed by students
sidered by some to be the “mother” of public
from the Myrtilla Miner Elementary School
education in the nation’s capital through her
Glee Club directed by Martin R. Ford, AA,
desire to see children educated regardless of
BMEd.; as well as the University of the District
race, creed or class. The seeds for higher education she planted
goals and objectives. The award is named after
Ms. Reatha Cook Haden, for the Dr. Cleveland
in founding her school has transitioned through
the former President of District of Columbia
L. Dennard Distinguished Award, presented to
of Excellence in Education” was meaningful
a series of mergers including the District of
Teachers College.
an individual who has demonstrated long-term
for students and participants who attended
Columbia Teachers College, the Federal City
the institutions that preceded UDC.
College, and the Washington Technical Institute
Mr. Selvon Malcolm Waldron, for The Hon-
University of the District of Columbia. The
into a single management system under the
orable Ronald H. Brown Distinguished Leader-
award is named in honor of the former Pres-
University of the District of Columbia.
ship Award, awarded to an individual who has
ident of Washington Technical Institute.
“I am very committed to having a UDC that won’t just be here now, but for the next generation
Honoring the Legacy of Myrtilla Miner BY DIANNE HAYES
S
commitment and outstanding service to the
and the generation after that,” Mayor Bowser said.
Today, UDC offers more than 50 undergrad-
demonstrated outstanding leadership in his/her
“UDC for me is not an academic discussion.
uate and graduate academic degree programs
profession and whose work has contributed to
Dr. Floretta Dukes McKenzie, for the Distin-
My mother went to UDC as a married woman
through the College of Arts and Sciences, the
the improvement of one’s community and its
guished Alumni of the Year Award, presented to
with five kids and a full-time job. She was able
School of Business and Public Administra-
citizens on a local, national and international
an active member of the UDC National Alumni
to change the trajectory of not only her life but
tion, the School of Engineering and Applied
level. The award is named in Honor of former U.
Society for five (5) years or more and who has
the lives of her five children because she was
Sciences, the College of Agriculture, Urban
S. Secretary of Commerce and former Chairman
demonstrated extraordinary participation
able to improve her education.”
Sustainability and Environmental Sciences
of the University of the District of Columbia
in the association through contributions
“She worked for many years in the gov-
(CAUSES), and the David A. Clarke School
Board of Trustees.
to the Alumni Society, including increasing
ernment and retired as the chief nurse at St.
of Law. In addition, it also prepares students
Elizabeths (Hospital). That is the path that
through its Community College.
we want to make sure that students at the
The 2015 Founders’ Day Awards were
University of the District of Columbia know
presented by UDC Community College CEO
that they can chart for themselves.”
Dianna G. Phillips.
tudents,faculty,alumniandWashington
The convocation address was presented
-DC dignitaries came out in full force
by DC Public School Superintendent Kaya
2015 Founders’ Day Honorees:
for the bicentennial birthday celebra-
Henderson, who reminded the audience of
Mr. Maurice Sykes, for the Dr. Marjorie
tion of UDC’s Founder Myrtilla Miner.
the challenges that Myrtilla Miner faced from
Holloman Parker Distinguished Educator’s
Honoring the unyielding tenacity of a
naysayers including Frederick Douglass to fol-
Award, presented to an individual whose laud-
woman who worked against all odds to create
low her dream of creating a “school for colored
able contributions as an educator have made
opportunities for African-American girls, had an
girls” in 1851 – which became the foundation
a discernable difference in the city or nation’s
even greater significance as the foundation for
for public education in DC.
schools, colleges, universities or private insti-
“Frederick Douglass called her a ‘crank.’ He
UDC – an institution that has undergone several
– KAYA HENDERSON, DCPS CHANCELLOR
This year’s theme, “Celebrating a Legacy
of Columbia Chorale.
UDC Founders’ Day
“ One-hundred years later we are just like Myrtilla Miner… We are driven by similar ideas… and striving to spark our own revolution.”
tutions of learning.
thought she was crazy,” Henderson said. “She
transformations and touched so many lives. What was once the Miner School for Col-
decided if that’s the kind of crazy I’m supposed
Patricia M. Myers, Ed. D., for the Dr. Paul
ored Girls evolved into Washington, DC’s only
to be then I will be that kind of crazy. From
Phillips Cooke Lifetime Achievement Award,
public university, offering a pipeline to higher
that one-room school house Myrtilla Miner
presented to a faculty or staff member who has
education through a community college, under-
This year marked the 200th birthday of
sparked a revolution that flourished despite the
consistently demonstrated exceptional loyalty
Student Leaders deliver joint presentation honoring the legacy of Myrtilla Miner. Pictured left to right are Jino P.Ray,
graduate programs, and law school. Few would
UDC Founder, Myrtilla Miner who was born
obstacles. Douglass came back and corrected
and extraordinary commitment, dedication and
Student Bar Association; Tamon George, Graduate Student Government Association; Theo Wilhite, Student Government
doubt that Miner would be proud.
on March 4, 1815.
his misconception.”
servicetotheadvancementoftheUniversityandits
Association; Natasha Bennett, Board of Trustees; and, Dianne Hawkins Community College Student Government.
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FA L L 2 01 5
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43
TRADITIONS
ARTS AND SCIENCES
in a reserved section exclusively designated for Path Maker Awardees. Dr. Samuel E. Myers is awarded the Myrtilla Miner Award for Exceptional Service to Society. This award is bestowed on the person the President of the University determines has demonstrated exceptional lifetime service to the residents of the District of Columbia and the nation. Three students are awarded the first Humanitarian and Civic Engagement Award, Students from the Myrtilla Miner Elementary School Glee Club perform “I’m Talkin’ Education” under the direction of UDC Alumni, Martin R. Ford (AA, BM.Ed).
which will be presented annually to students who have demonstrated a commitment to activism, social responsibility, civic participation and advocacy for the welfare and benefit of the
Setting New Standard for Preparing the Next Generation of SpeechLanguage Pathologists
T
he College of Arts and Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology program has long been applauded for its commitment to a high quality experience for its students. The pro-
gram is a recognized UDC Center of Excellence and a fully accredited professional program
University of the District of Columbia and the
(CAA -- Council on Academic Accreditation
greater community.
in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology,
membership participation, enhancing the
and to an employee of the University of the
image of the association, showing professional
District of Columbia who have consistently
The recipients this year are:
accredited continuously since 1981). Since its
ethics of the highest caliber, and engaging in
supported the University and its students
• Mr. Nuah Siaka, College of Agriculture,
inception, the Speech-Language Pathology
the community.
through their commitment to philanthropy.
Urban Sustainability & Environmental Sciences
program at UDC has been a strong compet-
The Award highlights the importance of alumni
• Ms. Marcha Theilma, UDC Community
itor across the region and nationally, both
Dr. Sandra G. Yates and Dr. LaVerne Earley
and employee giving. Each year, the names of
are awarded the PathMaker Award. This inau-
selected recipients will be prominently dis-
gural award is given to an alumnus or alumna
played on the Dr. Cleveland L. Dennard Plaza
College • Mr. Albert A. Ortiz, UDC David A. Clarke Law School
in attracting students and producing highly
Accredited in 1981, the speech-language pathology program is distinguished as the first professional training program at a historically Black college and university (HBCU) and has been designated by the University as a center of excellence.
has broadened its reach throughout the DC metropolitan community. Program students, faculty, and staff are serving the speech, language, and hearing needs of residents young and old via a full service on campus clinic, cross-region placements for student training, and community partnerships. During academic year 201415, through its screening initiative alone, the program provided roughly 1000 screenings in senior and preschool centers around the city. Visit us on the web at http://www.udc.edu/ cue/ms_speech_language_pathology to learn more about the program and available services.
competitive and sought after graduates. These outcomes bode well for program graduates and the profession. Our students complete this program expertly prepared and ready to
This document, printed in the Founders’ Day program booklet, is a replica of a handwritten letter from the Frederick Douglass Papers, which is part of a collection of materials located at the U.S. Library of Congress.
enter and elevate the profession. Moreover, the program has benefitted doubly from the successes of its students. Student outcomes, which include 100% student success rates on
One day forty years ago, while publishing “The North Star” newspaper in Rochester, N.Y., a young
national examination, progression to degree,
lady called at my office to consult with me and to obtain my opinion as to the feasibility of estab-
and employment, feed program accreditation
lishing here in Washington, a school for the education of colored girls. She said she had an idea
and standing. Equally as important, program
of establishing such a school herself. I was at the time of her visit, busily employed in mailing my
graduates provide an amazing pipeline for our
paper, but the purpose announced was so novel and startling as to cause me to stop my work and
own staffing needs. Currently 60% of program
to look up with amazement at the lady.
faculty/staff are UDC alums. With faculty
The word “crank” now in common use was employed only to designate a certain point of
expertise that crosses children and adults and
thinking. But had it been in use of now, I should pronounce this lady a full member of that large
disorders of speech and language, Dr. Wanda
and growing family.
Mitchener-Colston (MS ‘73) is guiding the
I soon saw however that she was not about to be disposed of. She possessed those quali-
44
program to new heights. Program alums are
ties which never fail to command respectful attention. She was educated. She was refined, dignified and in earnest. I saw too that my
pacesetters for evolving pedagogies that meld
amazement at the boldness of her enterprise had but little effect on her mind, so I began to argue against her undertaking. I pointed out
theory and practice, bridge the clinical and
the danger and hardships that awaited her, and the certain failure of her measure. She listened to all I had to say, but finally and firmly
sociocultural elements of the profession, and
responded “I shall try it” and try it she did. She encountered all the dangers and hardship I predicted, but she persevered and victory
integrate requirements for efficacy-based, in-
UDC alums taking lead in SLP preparation include (left – right): Prof. Myesha Carter, BS 2004, MS 2006; Dr.
crowned her efforts.
ter-professional, and research-driven patient
Richard Kalunga, MS 1998; Dr. Wanda Mitchener-Colston, MS 1973; Dr. Natalie Ottey, MS 1995; Dr. Angela Brad-
care. With new faculty and staff, the program
ford-Wainwright, MS 1997; Mrs. Weynshet Demessie, BS 2010.
FA L L 2 01 5
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PHOTO BY TYLER MCCOY ROGERS
UDC PRESIDENT
Ronald Mason Leadership for the Future
BY DIANNE HAYES
Behind his pleasant smile and demeanor is a man on a mission. A seasoned administrator, UDC President Ronald Mason Jr. has been preparing his entire life for an opportunity like the one presented to him to lead the only public university in the nation’s capital, serving more than 5,100 students. 
46
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47
Mason recently served as president of
public institution for the nation’s capital, but
African-American freshman at Jesuit High
the Southern University and A&M College
also an example that draws students from all
School in New Orleans.
System in Louisiana, providing oversight for
corners of the world.” When it comes to his core values, the answer
its five campuses. He brings nearly 35 years of
is simple – it is all about the students.
experience in higher education management,
He carried his family’s love and support with him even when they couldn’t always be there for games and activities.
legal representation, public policy, community
His student-centered approach is at the
He recalls scoring the winning points in
development coordination, and urban renewal.
heart of his desire to continue efforts to build
the last few minutes of an intramural football
an institution that develops the best prepared
game and watching the crowd rush the players,
students, which encompasses quality faculty and
but no one came to him except the dean of
staff, active alumni, a strong DC constituency
admissions from Columbia University, who
and outreach to public and charter schools to
had come to recruit him.
He is also the former president of Jackson State University and worked as senior vice president, general counsel and vice president for finance and operations at Tulane University. An attorney, activist for the underprivileged, educator and administrator, President Mason comes to UDC with his eyes wide open to the opportunities and challenges awaiting him. UDC Board Chair Dr. Elaine A. Crider points to Mason’s track record of community involvement and “unique experience” with Louisiana’s “highly charged politics as “an asset” that will serve him well to “navigate” the political dynamics in the nation’s capital. “I am very excited to have President Mason here,” Dr. Crider said. “He brings a wealth of experience, not just as an HBCU president, he has also handled significantly challenging political environments. There are concerns that the university has to address and improve. I believe that it is something he is equipped to handle.” “I am most excited that he is an operations person. In addition to being an attorney, he has been involved in university operations. He knows firsthand what good operations processes are and what the university must have in place. “With a new policy direction and a new president to guide this university to be a university of choice and be respected as a stateof-the-art university, our hope and our dream is to operate in a way to attract the best of the best in the District of Columbia. We want to see UDC respected not only as the premiere
48
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President Ronald Mason Jr. Age: 62 Hometown: New Orleans, La. Family: Married, father of three, one daughter and two sons Education: Undergraduate and law degree from Columbia University, Harvard Institute of Educational Management Higher Education Experience: President of Southern University and A&M College system, 20102015; President of Jackson State University, 2000-2010; Tulane University various administrative roles during 18 years including corporate secretary, general counsel, vice president for finance and operations, senior vice president, and founder and executive director of the National Center for Urban Community at Tulane and Xavier universities Hobbies: Weightlifting, calisthenics, writing music lyrics, renovating houses, and tennis Personal Philosophy: “Do the best you can with each and every day.”
strengthen the pipeline of future students.
“He called me on the side and started
His arrival comes with anticipation of
talking,” Mason said, who was the only Afri-
visionary leadership to develop partnerships
can-American student on the field. “He talked
Since July, President Mason has kept busy getting to know students, faculty, and staff; monitoring new
that will provide a bridge to the district’s public
me into going to Columbia. It was my first time
Student Center construction; and, rolling-out his plans to implement Vision 2020.
schools and collaboration with city programs
on an airplane. It changed my life.”
to make higher education more accessible.
Mason received his B.A. degree in History
“I welcome Ronald Mason to the District
and J.D. from Columbia University. He also
through which he was able to harness the
were set up, apartments were repaired, and
of Columbia and look forward to collaborat-
earned an advance degree from the Harvard
resources of both institutions to bring about
programs were put in place to help residents
ing to develop programs and initiatives that
Institute of Educational Management.
social and economic change in New Orleans.
obtain business loans.
will create pathways to the middle class for residents and the entire student body,” said
He is married and has a daughter, Nia, and sons, Jared, and Kenan.
DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser. “I congratulate
While serving as Tulane’s highest ranking
Mason also created the Campus Affiliates
administrative officer, he helped formulate a
Program, which brought 600 students and 100
policy that would make involvement in urban af-
faculty to help with job skills and job-readiness training, tutoring, and teen counseling.
the board of the University of the District of
Making a Mark in Higher Education
fairs a high priority for the university. Mason
Columbia for selecting a leader with a wealth
After finishing law school, Mason returned to
and Tulane’s President Eamon Kelly drafted a
Mason served as the Southern University
of experience as they work to transform the
Louisiana to work for the Southern Coopera-
proposal for a modest neighborhood-improve-
System president from 2010 to 2014. Prior to
District’s public university.”
tive Development Fund in Lafayette. While
ment scheme and submitted it to the U.S. De-
that, from 2000-2010, he was president of Jack-
acting as a community organizer, he met an
partment of Housing and Urban Development.
son State University in Mississippi, the state’s
The Man Behind the Mission
official with the Ford Foundation who later
That proposal caught the attention of U.S.
largest HBCU, where he grew the enrollment U
The eldest of six, Mason was born and raised
went on to become the president of Tulane
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
with a student enrollment from 6,400 to 91,00
in New Orleans to hard-working parents who
University. He was so impressed with Ma-
Henry Cisneros, who offered Mason an opportu-
students when he departed.
valued family and education. His father was
son’s work that he asked him to become Tu-
nity to direct and manage the Housing Authority
As an educational leader, Mason has been
a mailman and his mother was a homemaker
lane’s legal counsel.
of New Orleans. At the time, it was one of the
involved in numerous organizations including
and became a cook when his siblings got older.
Mason spent 18 years at Tulane working
most beleaguered public housing agencies in
serving as chairman of the Educational Testing
“We didn’t have a lot of money growing up,
in various administrative capacities including
the nation. Faced with a high murder rate, drugs
Service; chairman of the White House HBCU Ad-
but my Dad’s primary investment was putting
senior vice president, general counsel and
and intense infrastructure problems, fraud
visory Committee’s subcommittee on Increasing
us through Catholic school,” Mason said.
vice president for finance and operations.
and scandal – Mason made impactful change.
Black Male Baccalaureates; the American Uni-
His willingness to make his mark and to
He was founder and executive director of
He brought in qualified leadership and
versity of Nigeria board of directors and finance
carve out new paths began early in life. An altar
the National Center for Urban Community
set up a residents’ advisory council in order
committee member; Thurgood Marshall College
boy and popular athlete, Mason was the first
at Tulane and nearby Xavier universities,
to give tenants a voice. Police substations
Fund, board of directors member; Council For
WWW.UDC. EDU
49
UDC PRESIDENT REVEALS VISION 2020 EXECUTION PLAN As a member of the White House Board of Advisors for Historically Black Colleges and Universities,
BY STAFF WRITER
Mason has discussed key education policy issues with President Obama.
USING SPORTS METAPHORS FOR
rates that are 17 percent for African
his Vision 2020 presentation during
Americans and 2.7 percent for whites.
the Fall Convocation, University of the
Mason said. “The talent we recruit is
46 percent from three wards of the city,
when the program was developed in 2012. “If
Mason, Jr., shared his game plan,
our students, members of the ultimate
non-traditional age students, and 10
you just take Louisiana for example, 74 percent
“Winning in 2020: Building a Champi-
Firebird Nation.”
percent registered as international.
of the people in jail are black, over 90 percent
onship Team,” to take the University to
are men, pretty much a national phenomenon
the next level.
or two ways.” “There is no science that says black men are
His numerous honors and awards include the Mayor’s Medal of Honor from the city of New Orleans; the Martin Luther King Lifetime Achievement Award from Dillard, Loyola, Tulane and Xavier universities; the Columbia University John Jay Award for distinguished professional achievement; the Mayes Johnson Award from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education; Educator of the Year, Thurgood Marshall College Fund; Alumnus of the Year, Columbia College, Columbia Uni-
“ There are a lot of good things going on here, but sometimes the noise gets in the way of truth.”
the audience filled with students, alum-
America,” he said.
ni, board members, faculty and staff.
— RONALD MASON, JR.
well-thought-out Vison 2020 strategic
systemic change, and establish a research policy
plan, he pointed out that it is missing
institute to educate the public about the impact
the blueprint on “how to get there.” Mason’s presentation covered topics including recruitment and retention – es-
Stars” program, which identified young men
pecially successfully retaining incoming
with low GPA and SAT scores, but who exhibited
freshman, developing servant leaders
positive traits based on recommendations from
in support of all students, strengthening
counselors or pastors and personal interviews
internal operations, improving gradu-
for admission to the university.
ation rates, and helping students to be prepared to compete globally. He also plans to work to surpass
Mason presents as an open book and can be
the national average annual salary
found meeting with students, faculty and
of graduates receiving federal aid 10
versity; and the Citizenship Award from the
staff, alumni, DC leaders and any of UDC’s
years out from $34,000 to $45,000.
Louisiana Bureau of Governmental Research.
stakeholders, seeking input and insight as
dentials of value in the labor market
the university.
and in life, but we also want to bind
truth to the conversation about the relationship between America and African-American men.
Even before his official first day, Mason
our graduates together by a culture of
Educating and developing African-Ameri-
In addition, it was designed to increase the
made a few trips to begin getting acquainted
enlightened self-interest,” Mason said.
can males has long been one of Mason’s pas-
number of college degrees and the number of
with people to learn more about expectations,
Mason acknowledged the existing
sions. He has served as a national spokes-
African-American male teachers.
goals and desires from various groups.
challenges facing the University and
person and on numerous panels to discuss
The “Five-Fifths Agenda” was based on the
“I’m talking to everybody,” Mason said. “City
remedies to improve the lives of young Afri-
three-fifth compromise between Southern and
Council members, the mayor, board members,
affluence on one side and 18 percent
can-American males.
Northern states. It stated that three-fifths of
staff members, students, and alumni, just to
poverty on the other – (2 percent above
the population of slaves would be counted for
get a sense of it. There are a lot of good things
the national average). Other factors
representation purposes.
going on here. Sometimes the noise gets in the
include disparity in unemployment
Responding to national crisis of high incarat Southern University, Mason spearheaded an
“The goal of the Five-Fifths agenda is to
initiative “Five-Fifths Agenda for America,” a
make America whole by reclaiming and devel-
demonstration project with the goals of bringing
oping black male human capital,” Mason said,
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25 percent.
10 GOALS FOR FIRST YEAR VISION 2020
the population it serves, which has
Ultimately, Mason’s implementation of Vision 2020 calls for a focus on measured student outcomes through:: • Strong leadership and culture
+ Successful Middle States Reaffirmation
• Guided learning pathways and well-paying jobs • Intentional focus on improving
+ Title IV Good Standing
teaching and learning • Strategic data uses to improve
+ Finalize Productive Union Contracts + Organize and Staff System-wide Office of Student Support + Assess and Coordinate Academic Progress System wide + Organize and Staff System-wide Office of Shared Services
practice and closing equity gaps • Partnerships and structure aligned to define student outcomes in and outside of the institution He also addressed the need to work on the University branding. “We have brand challenges,” Mason said. “It’s gotten better in the last couple of years. It is something we
“We not only want to offer cre-
he works toward developing his plan for
Commitment to Helping AfricanAmerican Males
ceration rates of African-American males, while
graduation rate from 16 percent to
While Mason acknowledged the
lish HBCUs as institutional bases for long-term
The UDC Vision
Mason’s targeted goals for 2020 includes improving the blended
Board of Trustees Chair Elaine A. Crider,
else, then there must be something wrong in
Southern University piloted the “Hidden
mentals before you move on.”
“Today, UDC is on a journey … I
as she introduced President Mason to
of this issue on America’s future.
“You have to lock down the funda-
can feel the excitement in the air,” said
born to make bad choices more than everybody
The “Five-Fifths Agenda” was also to estab-
American Dream 2.0 Coalition member.
prised of 56 percent part-time students,
District of Columbia President Ronald
and you can only explain those statistics in one
Aid to Education board member; and the Gates
“This is the home field we play in,”
The University of the District of Columbia’s talent pool of 5,286 is com-
+ Three-year Financial Plan + Assess, Update and Organize Policies and Procedures + Assess, Upgrade and Modernize Business Processes + Organize and Staff Office of External Affairs
will work on, because the perception is not the reality of where we are as an institution.” In order to reach the goals set for Vision 2020, Mason highlighted his team of “servant leaders” who are enlisted to implement the strategies for success. He summed it up with a quote from President Barack Obama, “We did not come to fear the future, we came here to shape it.”
way of truth.” “There’s a lot of noise that we will have to work our way through.”
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51
At the core, Mason hopes to have all involved parties working toward the same goal of unencumbered student success. “To be a model public institution of higher learning in the nation’s capital means different things to different people based on my conversations,” Mason said. “If you ask me what it
1000 WORDS
means, I think first it means you offer a pathway to success to every student who wants to be PHOTO BY TYLER MCCOY ROGERS
successful. That applies to higher graduation rates, higher job placement rates, and stronger student support systems. It means having strong relationship with the business community. It implies that you can run business like a business, and that you can process students in ways that the processing doesn’t get in the way of doing the other things you have to do. It means that you have the right things in the right order.” “It’s all about the students and everything ties in to that.”
His approach is one of transparency with
better by them, both in terms of their experience
a goal of uniting all invested parties to move
as customers but also the support they need
With a background shaped by mentors
UDC forward.
from the institution in order to be successful
including a priest, economist, corporate lawyer
“It is an interesting combination of chal-
in life with whatever path they choose to take.”
and civil rights activist, they all helped to shape
lenges and opportunities,” Mason said. “The
To alumni: “I think it’s time that we started
his view of the world and career experiences.
opportunity is to be the national model for
to think about one UDC. There’s a lot of roots
Mason brings passion, enthusiasm and opti-
public institutions of higher learning. The more
to this tree, but at the end of the day there’s
mism to his new role at UDC.
I talk to people, the more I realize how real that
just one tree. We need to start figuring out a
When asked if he is up for the challenge,
opportunity is. On the other hand, the challenges
way to value those roots while at the same
Mason stated, “I’m supposed to be here. As I
are very deep. There is a schizophrenia of sorts
time embrace the tree.”
look back over more than 30 years of my career,
about what UDC is and what it wants to be.”
And for faculty, Mason has met with many
it all got me ready for what I think this job is. I’m
“The first challenge is to get everybody on
faculty members individually, and has met reg-
at a place in my career, level of understanding,
the same page, whatever that page is for UDC
ularly with the President of the Faculty Senate.
energy and wisdom that we can make a run at
now and what it will be five years from now.”
“You’ve got to know the people, you’ve got to
this and actually pull it off. I’m excited about
Mason points out a particular opportunity
know the players and I’m getting to know them.”
the potential of it and ready to get to work.”
to strengthen the pipeline to UDC. “One of the big opportunities is that UDC offers a higher education system that at least structurally, is tied indirectly with the K-12 system. If you can connect the dots on the continuum of learning, you have a real opportunity to connect with students, which has to be a part of the conversation.” Mason is focused heavily on student success and improving the graduation rate with a keen understanding that those accomplishments require support from all levels. His message to students: “We commit to do
52
FA L L 2 01 5
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Tyler McCoy Rogers is a second-year student at the University of the District of Columbia Community College, majoring in graphic design. The DC native plans to major in photography. Rogers took it upon himself to capture the initial activities, press conference and visits of President Mason. Rogers discovered his interest in photography at the age of 6 when he was given a disposable camera as a gift. He can frequently be found capturing Washington, DC from his unique perspective.
WWW.UDC. EDU
53
HOL A! CUBA BY JONET TA ROSE BARRAS
Even before U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced the restoration of diplomatic relations between their two countries, the University of the District of Columbia, through its David A. Clarke School of Law, sealed its own historic deal. It signed a memorandum of understanding creating an exchange program between it and the University of Havana, which many call Cuba’s Harvard. From the outside, securing that pact may have seemed
affairs at UDC, who, in July with a group that included
serendipitous. It wasn’t. It is testimony to years of hard,
other faculty members from the flagship and community
visionary work, vigilance and the continuing influence
college campus, also went to Cuba.
of the UDC--its faculty and its graduates.
nation and securing the MOU may have begun when “We
gressive community does. It’s an extraordinary place in
had [actor] Danny Glover do a program on the Cuban 5,”
our hemisphere.” Shelley Broderick, dean of UDC’s law
said Broderick.
school told Legacy Magazine.
54
FA L L 2 01 5
UDC’s most recent journey to the Caribbean island
“We have had a lot of interest in Cuba as every pro-
A group of intelligence officers, the Cuban 5 were
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for the two
arrested in 1998, as they reportedly sought to infiltrate
universities,” said Valerie Epps, vice president of student
anti-Cuban organizations in Miami. They were subse-
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55
At the University of Havana, from left: Rafael Cox
munities to reinstate diplomatic relations
that when Broderick’s husband died two years
Epps agreed, noting that she expects the
Alomar, professor at the University of the District of
and remove trade and other embargoes. But
ago, there were legal documents in place that
relationship to extend to all of UDC. “That’s
Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law; Law School
those mostly fell on proverbial deaf ears.
enforced implementation of his wishes.
the reason the interim president went on
Some of that was changing as Broderick
“In Cuba they haven’t done that,” explained
the [June] trip.” She said in July she and her
council member; and James Lyons, former interim
and her team prepared for their visit, and
Broderick. “It’s pretty much left up to the doctor.”
colleagues focused their attention on arts and
president of UDC. (Credit: Jocelyn Lyons)
there was excitement in both countries.
Broderick said UDC’s law students and fac-
culture, speaking with faculty engaged in art
“They really put on the dog for us, and we
ulty will help prepare a report on best practices
restoration and architecture, for example. Some
were extraordinarily appreciative.”
in senior law and provide “model legislation”
members of the group visited the American
for the review of the University of Havana
embassy. Dr. Hermina Peters and I attended
faculty and students.
a July 4th celebration at what would be the
Dean Shelley Broderick; Mary Cheh, D.C. Ward 3
PHOTO BY JOCELYN LYONS
Broderick said the UDC team met with “the rector, who is in effect the president of the University.” They also met with the law
Further, as the country opens its doors to
official residence of the the American ambas-
and challenge people in government, who
school dean and several faculty members.
the rest of the world, particularly the United
sador. “We got to meet others ambassadors
abuse their authority, or who fail to use their
They provided orientation over a three-day
States, foreign investors are sure to follow.
from embassies in the community.
positions to help the people who depend on
period. It included a review of the legal system,
Cubans realize they “have to develop new
them most,” Rieser continued.
explanations of the judiciary and a tutorial on
laws that give international investors a level
how laws are made.
of comfort.
“I was lucky to find Antioch when I did, and what I learned in those two years had a lot to
There is much to praise about Cuba—its
“We are going to be working with them on
do with every career decision I’ve made since.”
people, its culture, and some of its policies. For
those kinds of things,” said Broderick. Cuban
“I was in a dream world because of all the possibilities,” added Epps.
The Way Forward The bridge to Cuba is a two-way blessing. Stu-
Broderick said during Rieser’s first UDC
dents there could come to the United States
appearance, he spoke to a packed room. Rep-
for courses during the summer months. Stu-
resentatives from the Cuban Interests Section,
dents from UDC could go to Havana. Obvi-
essentially the country’s embassy, were in the audience and “talked [with her] about an exchange” between UDC and the University of Havana, “where Fidel Castro went 70 years ago.” They asked her whether she wanted to visit. “I said ‘I want to go at the earliest time.’ The original plan to go in May didn’t work out,
“ There is a simpatico between us [UDC] and the University of Havana Law School. We don’t see ourselves as having all the answers. We see ourselves as partners.”
ously there is “massive enthusiasm for this opportunity,” said Broderick. Over the next several months, the two universities will complete the framework for the law school exchange program. But already faculty members and select students are preparing to begin research around legal issues of
quently convicted of several charges including
was helping the White House think differently,
and we went in June.” Also on that trip were
conspiracy to commit espionage and to commit
and changing the way we and the Cubans talk
interim UDC president James Lyons, Professor
murder. Two of the three were released from
to each other– which was a process that took
Rafael A. Cox Alomar and D.C. Council mem-
prison in 2011, and returned to Cuban.
several years.
ber Mary Cheh, a constitutional lawyer who
routinely used the phrase ‘in keeping with
represents Ward 3 in which UDC’s flagship
the values of the revolution.’ We speak more
On Dec. 17, 2014, the other three prisoners
“It involved meetings between Sen. Leahy
were turned over to the Cuban government.
(D-Vermont) and Fidel and Raul Castro, and
In exchange for their freedom, Alan Phillip
other Cuban officials in Havana, New York
Gross, a Cuban-American contractor was
and Washington,” Rieser told UDC law school
allowed to finally come home. He had been
students last spring before the school signed
held in a Cuban prison allegedly for spy-
its MOU.
ing—although he denied involvement in any
– SHELLEY BRODERICK, LAW SCHOOL DEAN
campus is located. “The University of Havana greeted us with
importance to Cubans for which the UDC has a level of expertise. Broderick said many university officials
in terms of the values of our Constitution.” example, it was providing free health care to
officials have little to worry about. A fairly liberal
But UDC could very well use such a phrase.
its citizens long before Obama won passage of
institution, the Clarke School of Law has built
Its success has, in no small measure, resulted
the Affordable Health Care Act. Its law school
a solid reputation on speaking for the dispos-
for the retention of the values and somewhat
The Meeting
students are guaranteed a job upon graduation.
sessed, the distressed and the disenfranchised.
revolutionary actions of its founders and early
Equally important, Rieser is a graduate
When Fidel Castro visited the United States
But, as can be imagined, its economy has strug-
Its students helped to free dozens of Louisiana
financial supporters including Charlie and Hilda Mason and Edgar and Jean Cahns.
open arms,” said Broderick.
of Antioch law School, the predecessor of the
back in the mid-20th Century just after he
gled, exacerbated by a seemingly uninterrupted
residents who were disadvantaged by the near
When Broderick learned of what she de-
David A. Clarke Law School. Critical to his
and his comrades’ successful revolution,
migration of its young citizens, many to the
disintegration of the Louisiana State prison
scribed as “the rapprochement,” she invited Tim
development, he said, was the law clinics, pio-
most Americans, particularly those in Wash-
United States.
system following Hurricane Katrina. UDC
Rieser, a member of U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy’s
neered by UDC and that continue today. Back
ington, D.C., were excited and embraced him.
That latter reality has resulted in a large
staff, to speak at the university.
when he attended, he worked with tenants and
But soon after that trip, the unsuccessful Bay
population of senior citizens. In fact, Cuba has
Central American immigrants.
of Pigs was launched, and things between the
one of the fourth largest such communities in
“There is simpatico between us and the
whose byline has appeared in numerous pub-
such activities.
Rieser was no ordinary staffer. He had been
“We have a rich legacy,” said Broderick, “and we are moving it forward.”
students also have offered their expertise in places like Arizona and Mississippi.
Jonetta Rose Barras is a freelance writer
intimately involved with negotiating Gross’s
“My experiences in those clinics made a
U.S. and Cuba turned sour very fast. Over the
Latin America, noted Broderick. The United
University Of Havana Law School,” said Brod-
lications including The Washington Post, the
release and that of the remaining three Cuban
lasting impression on me. I think most import-
years, there have been calls from political,
States, especially the District of Columbia, has
erick. “We don’t see ourselves as having all the
Washington Examiner, the Washington Times,
intelligence officers. “An important part of it
ant, it reinforced in me the need to question
cultural, artistic and humanitarian com-
various protections for the elderly. Consider
answers. We see ourselves as partners.”
and USA Today.
56
FA L L 2 01 5
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57
O
n the 50th
Five decades after watching “my first man
ic murder of three Arab-American students
slave, every suffragette set the pace for those
anniversary of
taken in front of my own eyes,” Shabazz said,
in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
who came after,” she noted.
M a l c o l m X ’s
she still remembers, and just couldn’t attend
“We are all alike because of this crisis”,
As a Muslim ambassador and the daughter
assassination,
the previous week’s commemoration. Today,
she said. “We are witnesses to various kinds
of one of the most renowned civil rights leaders,
the eldest
Shabazz is a writer, teacher, mentor — and a
of slaughter, globally.” She went on to say
Ambassador Shabazz was able to bridge the gap
daughter of the
daughter still trying to clarify her father’s place
that it was dangerous to think of those on
between these two communities
revolutionary
in history. She said that she was disturbed
the other side of the world as “them”, and
civil rights
by the tendency for modern day activists to
we are “us”.
While Ambassador Shabazz was the keynote speaker, there were other participants in the
leader said she wanted to be as far from the
distort her father’s words to
event. Arab America president Warren David
stage of New York City’s Audubon Ballroom as
support their own agenda.
said his organization wanted to celebrate Black
she could. Rather than attend commemorative
While the UDC pro-
History Month because many Arab countries
events at the spot where her father lost
gram marked Black History
are in Africa and many Arab Americans and
his life, Attallah Shabazz opted instead to
Month, it was also an occa-
African Americans share the Muslim faith.
perform humanitarian service in the Central
sion for African and Mus-
Sadly, both communities are “denigrated for
American nation of Belize, where she serves
lim-Americans to discuss the
their ethnicity,” David said.
as Ambassador-at-Large and advisor on
challenges and adversities
“The challenge of creating a unified com-
International Cultural Affairs. A week later,
that both groups faced in the
munity belongs to everyone,” said Interim
she returned to the United States and spoke
past and still experience to-
Humanitarian and author Attallah Shabazz reflects on the life and legacy of her father Malcolm X at the
University President, Dr. James Lyons, who
at the University of the District of Columbia
day. The timing of the event
University of the District of Columbia where an audience of more than 500 people braved frigid temperatures,
considers Black History month as part of our
at an event co-hosted with Arab America,
was somewhat symbolic, as
snow and ice to hear her words.
collective community heritage. “The strug-
“From Ferguson to Chapel Hill: Together We
the anniversary of Malcolm’s
Stand for Justice.”
assassination on February
Ambassador Shabazz spoke about what it
Although Ambassador Shabazz was only
21st converged with upris-
was like to grow up in her household. “I didn’t
six years old at the time of her father’s death,
ings in Ferguson, Missouri
grow up with an anti-anything.” According
she described the personal impact of that
over the police shooting of
to her recollection, representatives from the
tragic moment as a “post traumatic syndrome.”
Michael Brown, and the trag-
church and the community would regularly
50
visit her father to ask his opinions or advice on a range of topics, and he would accept them all,
REMEMBERING MALCOLM X:
regardless of their background. “I do what he would have done, and that is human service.” Shabazz said her father’s message has been
YEARS AFTER THE
AUDUBON BALLROOM
58
FA L L 2 01 5
misinterpreted over the years. “I understand people needing to hold onto the strength they associate to him. However, they do him a disservice, an injustice, when they excerpt him and redefine them in their way, and not as he is,” she said. Shabazz reminded her audience that the struggle against injustice isn’t new—it didn’t
“ We get to write our own message. Don’t let someone else define us. When the headline is wrong – correct it.” — ATTALAH SHABAZZ
gles and accomplishments of any one group of people should be shared by everyone. We must all strive to broaden our perspectives by considering what we have in common and by listening to each other more closely.” Shabazz asked listeners, Arab- and African-Americans, to introduce themselves to the people sitting next to them and behind them. “By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you brothers and sisters,” she said. “Work together, stay united, don’t let the next crisis divide you,” she urged. “We have a responsibility to each other.” Everyone has a stake in dialogue betweendiverse peoples, Shabazz said. “We get to write our own message. Don’t let someone else define us. When the headline is wrong—correct it.” Shabazz urged listeners to commemorate her father’s May 19 birthday, not Feb. 21, the
start in Ferguson or Chapel Hill. “We’re walking
day of his death, and to spend that day doing
on behalf of those who came before us, every
direct service for others.
PHOTO ON OPPOSITE PAGE: The Audobon Ballroom where Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965 now houses The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Educational
Center, located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. The Center, which opened in 2005 on the 80th anniversary of Malcolm X’s birth, serves as an oasis of support in the ongoing struggle for human rights social justice.
BY JOHN GORDON, JR.
WWW.UDC. EDU
59
ADVANCEMENT
CAMPAIGN DONORS
Advancing the Cause BY STAFF WRITER
MILLION DOLLAR MATCH CAMPAIGN
T
The response from the University of the
have attained a 3.5 accumulative GPA and have
District of Columbia family was great and
been leaders in the university community and
propelled UDC to reach its goal – raising $1
the community at large.
he District of Columbia City Council
million for scholarships. The District Govern-
approved $1 million to be matched
ment matched those efforts bringing student
with private fundraising by the
scholarships to a total of $2 million.
The Hercules Scholars selected by the University were: Joseph Baggett
ORGANIZATIONS
Bell, Melvin
Colbert, Tracey A.
Fowler, Melvin C.
Holmes, Ernest A.
Community Connections, Inc.
Bell, Walter R.
Coleman, Marcella B.
Franklin, Beverly M.
Holsendorff, Earl F.
K. Dixon Architecture, PLLC
Bennett, Joyce A.
Conley, Rosalind A.
Frazier, Alvin A.
Holt, Elizabeth Joan
Live to Give Charitable Trust Fund
Bennett, Roberta
Cousin, Carolyn
Frimpong, Clement D.
Hood, Yvonne C.
Bing, John D.
Covington, John D.
Gadson, Michiko D.
Hornig, Joan
Minority Women In Science D.C. Area Network
Blagmon-Earl, Laverne
Crews, Kimberly
Galarraga, Omar J.
Horton, Lesa
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
Blain, Delores R.
Crooks, David E.
Ganganna, Prema
Houston, Ann E.
Blaine, Morrise B.
Curtis, Daisy T.
Gellhorn, Gay
Humphrey, Jean W.
Research Development Services, Inc.
Blanchard, Myrtho M.
Dales, James W.
George, Yvonne L.
Hunt, Bernard W.
Bostick, Herman F.
Daugherty, June S.
Golden, Willa M.
Hunt, Jerome
Spectrum Management
Bowen, Viola M.
Daughton-Stewart, Frankye A.
Gordon, Catherine R.
Hunt, Williett
Standard Office Supply
Boyd, Kelita T
Davis, Stephanie S
Gordon, John
Hyman, Diane C.
Unity Health Care, Inc.
Bradley, Arthur R.
Dawkins, Emon E.
Goshay, Annie M.
Hyman, Lester S.
Verizon Foundation
Bragg, Giles G.
Deksissa, Tolessa
Goyal, Tarsaim L
Inyama, Benyi F.
Vermont Avenue Baptist Church
Brandon, Bridget L
Dhuria, Harbans L.
Goyal, Tarsaim L.
Irizarry, Diana M.
Braveboy, Norma J.
Diatta, Adama
Grady, Carrie P.
Irving, Howard C.
Brooks, Charles E.
Dixon, Freddie M.
Grady, Paulette
Jackson, Thelma E.
Broome, Sylvia H.
Dixon, Wanda Regina
Gray, Thelma W.
Jacobson, Lisa
Brown, Robert A.
Dolphin, Sandra
Green, Eva S
Jefferson, Patricia M.
Browner, Adrian Christine
Dorsey, Detra
Green, Eva S.
Jenkins, Johnella T.
Bruce, Eugene R.
Doshi, Kanaiyalal
Green, Patricia Diane
Jenkins, Michael D.
Bullock, Norma L.
Douglas, Frederick A.
Greenidge, Keith A.
Jeter, Sinclair V.
Bullock, Thomas H.
Doumbia, Moussa
Gross, Mary J.
Johnikin, Lewis
Burke, Beverly J.
Drayton, Debra D.
Guest-Joyner, Sabrina
Johnson, Andrew A.
Burton, Janet
Dunham, George S.
Haden, Reatha Cook
Johnson, Katherine Coleman
Bussey, Gilbert I.
Dyke, James W.
Haile, Marie
Johnson-Thompson, Marion C.
Butler, John D.
Dyson, James R.
Hair, Shoko Bennett
Jones, Gail R.
Butler, Johnny H.
Eba, Andre E
Halback, Joe A.
Jones, Melinda E.
Byrd, Alton B.
Edelin, Hazel V.
Hamilton, Marilyn A. L.
Jones, Rashidah (Robin)
Canal, Marilyn
Edmondson, Julius
Harmon-Martin, Shiela F.
Jones, William H.
Cappell, Angela
Ekeocha, Christopher Amahim
Harris, Lindi
Jowers-Barber, Sandra
Carlson, Nancy
Elliott, Ayana Myeem
Harris, Mary Ann
Joyner, Denise
Carney, Vernice S.
Ellison, Sara R.
Harrison, Elgloria A.
Kelleher, Jean Cole
Carrington, Doris J.
Epps, Valerie L.
Harvey, Barbara S.
Kenner, Sandra B.
Carroll, Emily T.
Ezeani, Eboh C.
Hayes, Harry M.
Khatri, Daryao S.
Carter, Saundra M
Fang, Josephine A.
Haynes, Wanda
King, Edna M.
Cartwright, Joseph V.
Farmer, Shurron
Henderson, Jennie Q.
King, Ruby Eustashia
Chase, Melvin R.
Farrow, Dorcas A.
Hendrick, Giana M.
Kirksey, Ericka Michelle
Chastang, Linda
Felstein, Harley
Herron, Georgia C. J.
Kokonis, Louis P.
Chatman, Michelle
Fleming, Bernice R.
Hider, Evelyn L.
Korey, Judith A.
Chatmon, Michael J.
Fleming, Jeffery
Hill, Jon M.
Koskinen, John A.
Chavous, Beverly B.
Fletcher, Lois J.
Hill, Marcella W.
Krauthamer, Helene
Choates, Arthur J.
Floyd, Ronald E.
Hill, Sylvia I. B.
Lacy, Gwynette P.
Christie, Tranesha A.
Ford, Alma M.
Hillman, Analcherie Olivia
Lancaster, Charlynn
Chung, Ellen M.
Foster, Cheryl A.
Holloman, Charlotte
Lancaster, Johncie L.
University of the District of Co-
After the University announced that it
lumbia during the 2015 and 2016
had reached its goal, it was announced that
fiscal years. The Council agreed to match
the District Council included another $1
University fundraising dollar for dollar up
million in the FY 16 budget to be matched
to $1 million. Last academic year, the Office
by the University beginning October 1, 2015.
of Advancement and the UDC Foundation
University supporters can look forward
as well as the David A. Clarke School of Law
to another big push in the fall to meet the
Melvin Bogard
Alfred, Ivarene Beverley
conducted many outreach efforts to alumni,
District Council’s challenge.
Junior, Journalism/Mass
Allen, John W.
Media Major
Allen, Mark L.
staff and donors through our Annual Fund program and through the University’s first direct mail solicitation. Using a combination of mail and email, OUA contacted all alumni, staff and donors multiple times.
UDC -TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION “SCHOOL OF THE MONTH” Through the efforts of the University Advancement and the UDC Foundation, the
Senior, Human Development Major; Minor: Early Childhood Education
Anderson, Major L.
Andreas Smith Junior, Business Management Major
Armstrong-Doweary, Ingrid R. Ashford, Maxine Askew, Joseph I. Ayankoya, Taiwo A.
HBCUs to co-market and fundraise with for
Harold Yapaway
a month, while the Foundation partners and
Senior, Water Resources Management
Ayegbusi, Sunday Bankston, LaHugh Barash, D. Scott Barber, John A. Bardin, David J.
a unique marketing and public relations op-
Barry, Mamadou A.
portunity for the University. The Foundation also provides scholarships to four students at
The Hercules Scholars were announced
set aside $1 Million to be matched with private
the selected University. The Hercules Scholars
on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and each
fundraising by the University. The response from the
Awards, named after the father of radio icon
received a $1,500 scholarship. The Tom Joyner
University was great and propelled UDC to reach its
Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show,
Foundation marketing relationship with the
goal – raising $1 million for scholarships.
are awarded to full-time male students who
University continues through December 2015.
FA L L 2 01 5
Anyu, Julius
Ayankoya, Betsy
the winning institution. This distinction offers
60
Aikens-Thompson, Antonell K.
Alston, Sharon
Tom Joyner Foundation. The TJF selects
the advocacy of Council Chairman Phil Mendelson,
Afantchao, Yao M.
Allmond, Kenya O.
selected as the “School of the Month” by the
The Council of the District of Columbia, through
Abney, Horace J.
Alexander, Sheila J.
University of the District of Columbia was
University donors focus on raising funds for
INDIVIDUALS
Barry, Carrie Barry, Mamadou Alpha Barton, Leroy Beasley, Debbie Rose Belanger, Charles A. Bell, Christopher
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61
Lane-Pixley, Cotina
Mims, Barbara C.
Piper, Robert F.
Smith, E. King
Vanderslice, Lane
Lawson, Connie H.
Mingo, Antoinette
Pittman, Shirley M.
Smith, Jeanette H.
Vasquez, Leonel Ubaldo
Ledbetter, Sislena Grocer
Mobley, Helen P.
Pittman, Wanda J.
Smith, Leonard G.
Vinson, Rochelle K.
Lee, Clarence Franklin
Moffett, Jared E.
Plummer, Frances M.
Smith, Lorraine J.
Waggie, Alemayehu B.
Lee, Philip
Monk, Delores A.
Polk, Margaret
Smith, Shirley R.
Walker, Edward L.
Leith, Lucia J.
Monroe-Lord, Lillie
Posey, Isadora J.
Smith, Therrell C.
Walker, Ercell Marie H.
LeMelle, Tilden
Moore, Portia L.
Postell, Claudia J.
Sogbohossou, Missi
Walker, Jerilynn D.
Lewis, Janice M.
Moore-Weathers, Jacqueline R.
Powell-Persaud, Toni L.
Somersille, Elizabeth A.
Waller, Carolyn R.
Prescott, Herman S.
Soto, Milenia I.
Walters, Toni
Proctor, Iris L.
Spears, Darrell C.
Ward, Anthony H.
Prudente, Karen G.
Staley, Harry L.
Ward, Bernita A.
Quander, Joseph A.
Stancil, David W.
Warner, Katherine L.
Tom Joyner, Sybil Wilkes and J. Anthony
Raheem, Robert A.
Steed, Kenneth A.
Warner, Mary Elizabeth
Brown of the famous Tom Joyner Morn-
Reba, Lee Brian
Stevenson, Marilyn Hill
Washington, Adell S.
ing Show (TJMS) held their nationally re-
Redmond, Thomas E.
Stewart, Latresa
Watson, Addie L.
nowned radio show in the University of the
Redmond, Walter J.
Stilkind, Edward [Ed] I.
Watson, Colin E.
District of Columbia Theatre of the Arts on
Reed, Caroline L.
Stockton, Laura L.
Webster, Connie M.
May 15. There was an energized and excited
Reed, Charles E.
Sudah-Murphy, Badiya H.
Wells, Jovita D.
audience of several hundred consisting of
Reeder, Keneth P.
Sullivan, Samuel
Weston, Elizabeth H.
UDC staff, alumni, friends of UDC and the
TOP LEFT: UDC Law alumna and DC Council member LaRuby May (left) joins fellow graduate Charles “Choo”
Reeder, Monica J.
Sumby, Renee D.
Wheatley, Marian
fans of TJMS from across the city.
Smith (center) to welcome Tom Joyner and Sybil Wilkes to Firebird Nation.
Reid, Arthur M.
Sutherland, Beulah T.
White, Dovough S.
Reid, Malva D.
Sykes, Alice
Rhodes, Robert
Lewis, Ronald F. Lewis-Drumgoole, Peggy E.
Morris, Warren H.
Lieber, Gary
Mosby, Johnnie M.
Little, Eunis Ray Lovinggood, Jacqueline
Muhammad, Alverda A. Murphy-Phillips, Felicia
Lucas, Barbara L.
Musgrove, Louis G.
Lund, Charles C.
Musgrove, Mildred L.
Lyles, Michael
Myers, Carleton Jesse
Lyons, Deborah L.
Neil, Latisha
Lyons, James E. Madison, Lorenzo A.
Nesmith, Barry T. Noel, Ruth M.
Malone, Leslie
Nottingham, Winston C.
Marshall, Hazel B.
Nwosu, Constance
Marshall, Julia P. Marshall, Victor Dupre
Oglesby, Lolita Kay Ojiaku, Ngozi C.
Martin, George S.
O’Neill, Moira K.
Martin, Taunya M.
Onwuzurike, Gladys N.
Mason, Ronald Massey, April Mastropaolo, David V. Maxwell, James T.
Ossei-Agyeman-Yeboah, Afua D. Osunsade, Adewola Page, William T.
McBryde, Christina
Paige, Patricia A.
McCrae, Jessie L.
Panor, James G.
Mcdow, Mildred B. McDowell, Dorothy H. McDuffie, Timothy B. McInnis, Patricia McKenzie, Alton Anthony Mckinney-Russell, Marcia A. Mclaughlin, Versey L. McNair, Helen V.
Park, Gemma R. Parker, Clarence L. Parker, Ronald M. Patterson, Charles Patterson, Denise L. Patterson, Ulrich D. Payne, Alfredda H. Perez, Cesar A.
McNeil, Alice D. McNeill, Emogene S. McQueen, Alan L.
Persaud, Vishnu K. Perta, Joseph M. Peters, James P.
Melton, James J.
Peters-Jones, Nadene R.
Meskel, Tesfaye Miles, Annette Deborah Miller, Erwin C.
Pettiford, Willie F. Petty, Rachel M. Phaire, Dorothy W.
Miller, Marjorie D. Miller-Bartley, Mercedes B.
62
Morris, Lois J.
FA L L 2 01 5
Pierre, Webs
THE TOM JOYNER MORNING SHOW COMES TO UDC
The show aired on campus as part of the
BOTTOM LEFT: UDC alumnus George “Ty” Simpson who presents a $5,000 check to the Tom Joyner Foundation
White, Robert L.
Tom Joyner Foundation (TJF) “School of the
towards a Political Science scholarship. Simpson is President of Spectrum Management LLC, a DC based compa-
Tabb, Sharon L.
Williams, Jason L.
Month” designation. Several prominent residents
ny specializing in Real Estate Development and Facility Management.
Richmond, Deneen
Tate, Jean Dutch
Williams, Bertha H.
appeared on air with the legendary personalities
Rinehart-Guest, Shirley
Tate, Rosemary
Williams, Calamity Jane
Roach, Hildred
Taylor, Alfred O.
Williams, Claude W.
including Choo Smith, UDC Alum and basketball
Rogers, Michael C.
Taylor, Essie B.
Williams, Ella
Rogers, Hattie M.
Taylor, Harris M.
Williams, Ernesta P.
Rosenstein, Peter
Terra, Judith F.
Williams, George C.
Ross, Sylvia R.
Thomas, Patricia A.
Williams, Gregory Q.
Rosser, John R.
Thomas, Catherine A.
Williams, J. Leon
Russo Marfia, MaryAnn
Thomas, Charisse L.
Williams, Jacqueline S.
Salmon, Erroll D.
Thomas, Philip J.
Williams, Marian O.
Sambo, Adiaha J.
Thomas, Reesie A.
Williams, Marvin A.
Samhan, Muhammad H.
Thomas-Toure, Phyllis (Okolo) E.
Williams, Roz (Rosalyn)
Samuel, Brenda E. Schittone, Joe Scurlock, Carol Seymour, Shauneille Z. Shands-Strong, Sandra Shedrick, Delora Shelton, Jerome Shepherd, Moses Shuler, McAdo Simmons, Sabrina L. Slaughter, Denise B. Slocum, Derek E. Smith, Curtis L.
Thompson, Mary Catherine Thompson, Paul Thornhill, Carrie L. Thorstenson, Patricia C. Tidline, Ava M. Tolbert, Effie A. Travis, Theresa N. Tull, Knox W. Turner, JoAnn I. Turner, Rose H. Tyler, Pamula G. Umrani, Hana
champion who played with the Harlem Globe-
Regional Vice President, Marc Battle presented
the District of Columbia and the crowd
trotters; Virginia Ali, owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl;
a check in the amount of $50,000 on behalf of
delighted in the interaction with J. Anthony
Council Chair Phil Mendelson, and; newly elected
our local utility. Alum Ty Simpson presented a
Brown as he roamed the aisles, and Tom
Council Member and David A. Clarke School of
check for $5,000 to support UDC.
Joyner fraternized with his Omega Psi Phi
Law alum, La Ruby May. UDC Alum and PEPCO
It was a great day for the University of
fraternity brothers.
Wilson, Vanessa Michelle Wingfield, Margaret A. Winstead, Joseph S. Witherspoon, Audrey L. Womack, Sandra E. Wood, Inez G. Word, Maurice L. Wrenn, Veronica S. Wright, R. Russell Xu, Jackie Yates, Sandra G. Yehualashet, Tesfaye
UDC Alumni Mark Battle presents a $50,000 scholarship donation to the Tom
Zeytinci, Ahmet
Joyner Foundation from PEPCO, where Battle is the Regional Vice President.
Tom Joyner broadcasts live from UDC’s auditorium.
WWW.UDC. EDU
63
ADVANCEMENT
WHERE THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ALUMNI ARE LOCATED
KAPPAS @ 75 28 BROTHERS OF KAPPA Alpha Psi
THERE ARE 33,000 GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and
fraternity, Inc. returned “home” to
its predecessor institutions. The District of Columbia is home to 17,749 (53 percent) of UDC
UDC to celebrate the 75th anni-
alumni. Nearly 10,000 (26 percent) reside in Maryland. Our alumni reside in all 50 states and
versary of the Beta Kappa Chapter chartered at Miner Teachers’ College
Puerto Rica and Guam.
Election of Alumni Trustees After a month long campaign three candidates were elected as Alumni Trustees on the UDC Board of Trustees. Gwen Lewis Hubbard, ’77 ,’89, Jerome Shelton, DC Teachers College ’71, and Barrington Scott, ’91, were elected by more than 1,100
Along with the District and Maryland, 93 percent of our alumni reside in 15 states including
on February 21, 1940. Seven decades of Kappa men were
Florida, New York, California, Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia. There is enough of a concentra-
represented at the Saturday morning breakfast and tour
tion of alumni in key states that state alumni societies could be created as part of the National
of the Van Ness campus. Walter Daniels, senior English
Alumni association. UDC alumni reside throughout the city, with 45 percent living in Wards 3 and
major from Washington DC. is the current chapter Pole-
4, and 49 percent residing in Wards 5, 7and 8. Based on median income in the District, UDC Alumni
march and Nat Davis is the alumni Advisor (see photo #4).
2
generate $1.2 billion in economic impact.
alumni who participated in the election. While participation in the election was low, it was 76 percent better than the last election in 2010. This year’s results come after a number of outreach efforts, an extended nomination process, and a candidate forum that was shared in emails to alumni. Each Alumni Trustee is elected for a five-year term, which means the next
1
election will be conducted in 2020.
3
Alumni Database The spring mailings to alumni for the alumni trustee election and for the LEGACY Magazine reveals that there is still much work to do in updating the alumni database. There were far too many returns. An accurate up-to-date alumni database is essential to building a solid alumni network. The University will continue outreach to alumni, who are being asked to help by updating contact information. If you did not receive any information on the
Washington DC: 17,749
Texas: 450
New Jersey: 311
Maryland: 9,063
North Carolina: 423
Illinois: 220
Florida: 613
Georgia: 386
South Carolina: 205
turned because of an inaccurate or incom-
New York: 587
Pennsylvania: 385
Ohio: 197
plete address. To update your information,
California: 564
Virginia: 342
Michigan: 190
alumni election during the period January- March it means either you are not in the Alumni Database or your mail was re-
please email your information to alumniupdate@udc.edu.
64
FA L L 2 01 5
4 1. LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Andrew E. Jenkins, III (Fa1958), Herman F. Roebuck (Fa1962), David L. Hardrick (Spr1977.) 2. LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Andrew E. Jenkins, III, (Beta Kappa Fa1958) former Superintendent of the District of Columbia Public Schools and Rufus R. Cannon (Beta Kappa Fa1948). 3. LEFT TO RIGHT: Rufus R. Cannon (Beta Kappa Fa1948); Samuel E. McCoy (Beta Kappa Fa1956); Dr. Andrew E. Jenkins, III (Beta Kappa Fa1958), Herman F. Roebuck (Beta
There are hundreds of UDC alumni in numerous countries around the world.
Kappa Fa1962); John W. Moore (Beta Kappa Spr1970).
WWW.UDC. EDU
65
ALUMNI AFFAIRS
now. “My parents were very strict. They had set high standards and instilled that drive in me.” Along with that drive came a commitment to military service. To fast track his pathway to citizenship, Schwartz took a brief leave of absence from his classwork—“between Calculus I and Calculus II”—and enlisted in the District of Columbia Army National Guard in 1976, enduring the rigors of basic training as a man in his mid-20s. “Everyone else was just a kid!” he remembers with a smile. By then Federal City College was part of the newly created University of the District of Columbia, and it was to this institution that he returned at the start of the 1977 fall semester. Two years later, Schwartz was promoted to Second Lieutenant and in 1980, six years after
Leading by Example
he began his march to secure a degree from an
ceed thanks to my education and the Army. The
(www.cgyca.org), a National Guard initiative
American university, he graduated from the
University of the District of Columbia prepared
dedicated to addressing the needs of at-risk
University of the District of Columbia with a
me in a technical way for engineering. The
youth, 16-18 years old. “There’s so much lost
B.S. in electrical engineering.
Army prepared me to be a leader in society. My
potential among the young people in our city
He would later earn an M.A. in Business
education, the clearances and my work ethic
and they deserve so much more. As mentors
Management from Central Michigan University
leveraged each other and gave me the insight
and advisors, we can give them a second chance
and an M.S. in National Security Strategy from
to ask the right questions and the confidence
at education, structure and caring so they can
the National Defense University. Schwartz also
to make the right job selection.”
become leaders in their communities and role
pursue engineering,” he recalls. “That was
attended the Department of Defense Senior
Since those early days, General Schwartz
my dream, my passion.”
models within their families.”
Executive Leadership Program, the National
has held several leadership positions as a staff
The General’s bonds with his alma ma-
After a brief “college tour” through the
War College, the John F. Kennedy School
officer and commander in the military and
ter remain equally strong. A member of the
Major General Errol R. Schwartz
Yellow Pages, he landed at TESST, a technical
of Government at Harvard University, and
intelligence communities. He has served as
university board of trustees since 2011, he is
BY SUSAN BODIKER
college with a campus in Hyattsville, Md.
National Defense University’s CAPSTONE
Defense Intelligence Senior Executive, a ci-
committed to honoring the traditions of the
His days were spent in class and his nights,
General and Flag Officer leadership program.
vilian position at the Department of Defense,
legacy institutions that paved his way and the
working the switchboard at the upscale Crest-
In his last semester at UDC, Schwartz had
and Director of the National Security Incident
university that helped him achieve his dreams.
wood apartments on 16th Street NW. It was
the good fortune to study under two instruc-
Response Center (Fort Meade, Md.) where
“There are so many good things about UDC
there that an apartment resident, Dr. Gene
tors who also worked at the National Security
he was responsible for providing real-time
and the entire University community must
Emmanuel, took an interest in the studious
Agency. Their classes were tough—quizzes every
indications and warnings of all cyber incidents
do better in promoting our strengths. CAUSES
young man and suggested he apply to Federal
morning at 8:00 a.m.—but through perseverance
affecting the United States National Security
(College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability
City College (FCC) where he was an instructor
and the art of “backward planning,” both refined
Information Systems.
and Environmental Sciences) and SEAS (School
in engineering.
and polished during his initial military training,
In 2008, President Bush appointed Gen-
of Engineering and Applied Sciences) are the
I
t’s easy to get lost in the details of the formidable resume of Major General Errol R. Schwartz. But to truly know him, you have to start with his unmistakable ambition, determination and intellect—that were
burnished in the “black box” of higher education and transformed into a lifetime of scholarship and achievement. Schwartz has always found himself in the right place at the right time. In 1972, at the age of 20, he emigrated from Guyana, South America, joining his brother and sister who were attending Howard University. His motivation? A better education and a thirst for technology. “I always knew I wanted to
66
FA L L 2 01 5
All of us in the UDC community need to work harder and more proactively to celebrate our successes.
This was the first of many charmed en-
he more than met the challenge. Impressed by
eral Schwartz to his current position as Com-
equal of any institution in Washington, but we
counters. In 1974, as a newly minted electrical
his ambition and stellar academic performance,
manding General of the District of Columbia
need to work harder and more proactively to
technologist, Schwartz enrolled in FCC and
they encouraged him to apply to the agency.
National Guard—the only Guard unit directly
celebrate our successes, change perceptions and build up our reserves.”
at the same time began his first “real” job as a
He started as a lowly GS-7 and within 18
activated by POTUS. He was re-appointed
television repairman. “The first time I ever saw
months had moved from a technician to the
by President Obama the following year. Yet
For the General Schwartz and generations
a TV!” he marvels. Once again, he engineered
project leader on a VIP aviation communica-
despite what many would call the culmination
of students like him, education is the magic that
his own work-study program—combining sales
tions system. It was yet another smart move in
of a distinguished 39-year career, he still seeks
converts promise into reality, and young men
calls with classes, determined to succeed at
his career. “The NSA was a unique opportunity
new challenges. His current passion is the
and women into seasoned leaders – and he is
both. “Failure was never an option,” he says
for me,” Schwartz explains. “I was able to suc-
Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy
more than ready to lead the charge.
WWW.UDC. EDU
67
FACULTY AND STAFF NOTES
Clifton Johnson is orig-
Troy A LeMaile-Stovall
He is married to the former Sonya L Wig-
internship, at both UDC and the University of
pointed by the Governor of Louisiana, where
Counselors, the National Career Development
inally from North Caro-
serves as Executive VP/
gins and they are parents to two competitive
Arizona. Dr. Kliman received her Bachelor of
she served until moving to D.C. Also, recent-
Association, and Counselors for Social Justice.
lina, but has called DC
COO at the University of
swimmers, Zora Lauren and Langston Anthony.
Architecture from Cornell University, and her
ly, she was recognized by the Black Alumni
Dr. Maiden is committed to creating an en-
home for the last four
the District of Columbia
Troy has served and is serving on a number
Master of Architecture and PhD in Arid Lands
Network of Tulane University (BANTU) as
gaging, challenging learning environment for
years. Clifton is the Di-
(UDC), where he has re-
of for-profit and non-profit boards including
Resource Sciences from the University of Arizo-
an outstanding administrator.
students, faculty, and the community.
rector of the new Student
sponsibilities for facili-
Parkway Properties (NYSE:PKY), Archipalego
na. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and
She is a graduate of Albertus Magnus Col-
Center scheduled to
ties, procurement, infor-
Learning (NASDAQ:ARCL), National Society of
holds professional licenses in Virginia, Maryland,
lege in New Haven, Ct. After graduation, she
DeWayneBurroughswas
open in November 2015, and has spent more
mation technology, human resources, enrollment
Black Engineers (NSBE), SMU School of Engi-
Arizona, New Mexico, and Sonora, Mexico.
returned to New Orleans where she married
selected as the new Head
than 10 years of his life working in a Student
management and institutional effectiveness.
neering, SMU Dept of Electrical Engineering and
the late Robert J. Bates, Jr., and from this union
Women’s Basketball
Center on a college campus. Prior to arriving
He founded and serves as Managing Member
his church Landover, MD-based Zion Church
Evola Christophe Bates
she states that “she is the very proud Mother
Coach. Burroughs, an
at UDC, Clifton served as the Associate Direc-
of LeMaile Stovall LLC, a management consult-
of Landover, MD, led by Sr Pastor Keith Battle.
Prior to moving to Wash-
of step-daughter, Candice; twin sons, Rashi
Assistant Women’s Bas-
tor of Facilities and Event Services at American
ing firm focused on strategy, operational per-
ington, D.C. to serve as
and Ravi, and youngest son, Ryan.” Also stated
ketball Coach and Re-
University in Washington, DC and the Assistant
formance and capital stack formation. He has
Susan Schaefer Kliman,
Chief of Staff at UDC,
that, “she is ‘Mimi” to ten of the most precious
cruiting Coordinator at
Director of Campus Center Operations at Elon
served as Interim President for Zenith Educa-
PhD, AIA joined the fac-
Evola Bates was Pres-
grandchildren that she could have ever wished
UDC since 2011, replaces Lester Butler, Jr., who
University in North Carolina. Clifton received
tion Group, a $400M+, 56-campus career edu-
ulty in January as an
ident Mason’s Chief of
to have in her life.”
was announced the new Head Men’s Basketball
a Master of Science in Organization Develop-
cation system. He was a Principal with Butler
associate professor and
Staff at Southern Univer-
ment from American University and a Master
Snow Advisory Services, serving higher educa-
Chair and Program Di-
sity A&M System in Baton Rouge, LA for five
Dr. James Maiden was
During his four-year tenure as Butler’s
of Public Affairs from the University of North
tion clients. He has worked at senior levels in
rector for the Depart-
years (2000-2010) and at Jackson State Univer-
appointed Assistant
assistant coach, Burroughs helped the Firebirds
Carolina at Greensboro. Clifton began his
higher education as EVP/COO at Howard Uni-
ment of Urban Architec-
sity in Jackson, MS for ten years (2000-2010).
Dean of Student Affairs
reach three NCAA Tournaments (2012, 2014
professional career in higher education as a
versity and Sr. VP/CFO at Jackson State Uni-
ture and Community Planning in the College
Evola was employed at Tulane Univer-
in the College of Arts and
and 2015), win the program’s first East Coast
Phoenix, transitioned to an Eagle, and now is
versity, where he was awarded the Thurgood
of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and En-
sity in New Orleans for 15 years, where she
Sciences on August 10,
Conference Tournament Championship (2014)
excited to be a Firebird.
Marshall HBCU CFO of the Year.
vironmental Sciences (CAUSES). With over
held several positions, including Employee
2015. Prior to his arrival
and its first ECC Regular Season Champion-
Coach at his alma mater, Virginia Union.
Troy co-founded and served as the first
25 years of comprehensive industry and aca-
Relations Coordinator; Affirmative Action
at The University of the
ship (2015), as well as set school single-season
Ahmet Zeytinci, P.E.,
President/CEO of GulfSouth Capital, Am-
demic experience, Dr. Kliman provides over-
Officer; Assistant, Associate, and Vice Presi-
District of Columbia, Dr. Maiden served as the
records for wins (25) and consecutive wins (14).
Ph.D., is the recipient of
bassador John N. Palmer’s (Skytel founder)
sight and leadership for the graduate and un-
dent of Human Resources. Prior to working
Department Chair for Humanities, Commu-
In 2014-15, the Firebirds were ranked as high
the prestigious national
multi-million dollar family investment office,
dergraduate programs in Urban Architecture
at Tulane University, she worked ten years
nications & Social Sciences at the Art Institute
as No. 18 and finished No. 22 in the final USA
award, “Excellence in
served global technology and telecommuni-
and Community Planning, and collaborates
at Total Community Action, Inc., (TCA) a
of Washington. While there, he also served as
Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll.
Engineering Educa-
cations clients as a Sr. Engagement Manager
closely with the Architectural Research Insti-
non-profit social service agency serving the
the Director of First Year Experience and
tion-2015” from the Na-
at McKinsey & Co., and held positions at
tute (ARI) to ensure the successful implemen-
disadvantaged in New Orleans.
Director of Academic Support.
tional Society of Profes-
Southwestern Bell Telephone (now AT&T),
tation of UDC’s strategic objectives in experi-
Bell Labs and Rockwell International.
ential and active learning.
Burroughs’ previous college coaching stops were Chesapeake College and Bowie State
During her tenure in Louisiana and Mis-
Dr. Maiden earned his Bachelor of Science
University. While at Bowie State, Burroughs
sissippi, she served on several boards as well
degree is in Psychology from Arkansas State
served as an assistant coach and the recruiting
“Dr. Z,” as he is known by his students and
He is a frequent speaker on topics including
Dr. Kliman actively participates in the com-
as volunteered her service to local community
University, his Master of Science degree is in
coordinator. He helped guide BSU to two 9th-
colleagues, is an award-winning structural
venture capital, motivation, economic devel-
munity education initiatives in the District of
groups: Member, Mayor of New Orleans Task
Counseling Education from the University
place Atlantic Region rankings, two Eastern
engineer, author, professor and former Chair
opment and higher education administration.
Columbia that advance the CAUSES mission.
Force on Education; Member, United Way
of Arkansas, and his Doctorate of Education
Division titles and two CIAA Finals appearances.
of the Department of Engineering, Architec-
He has authored or contributed to documents
Her research interests include the urban heat
Allocations Panel; Member of the Metropolitan
degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy
Burroughs also recruited two CIAA defensive
ture, Aerospace Technology and Fire Sciences.
on wireless data, entrepreneurship, venture
island effect, and mitigation through appropriate
Area Committee; Member, Clarion-Ledger
University. He has taught many undergradu-
players of the year, three CIAA All-Rookie team
He currently writes technical articles for
capital, economic development, activity-based
building design, high performance buildings,
Newspaper’s Editorial Board; selected to the
ate and graduate psychology and counseling
selections and several players that went on to
costing and higher education.
building science, and the integration of landscape
2007 Leadership Mississippi Program; elected
lecture courses and developed and taught
earn CIAA All-Conference honors.
sional Engineers (NSPE).
“DR.Z’S CORNER,” in the monthly newsletter of ASCE-NCS that reaches both engineering
Raised in Houston, TX, Troy is currently
with the structure to improve energy efficiency.
MS State Coordinator for the Office of Women
research seminars for first-year students and
Burroughs played baseball at his alma mater
students and practicing engineers not only in
pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership
She is also involved in multiple professional
in Higher Education of the American Council
seniors. His research and teaching interests
Coppin State University where he received a
the U.S., but also worldwide.
from Regent University. He holds a BS Elec-
organizations, with an emphasis on the training
on Education; invited to participate in the
include social justice, academic and social
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a
Since joining academia, the beloved pro-
trical Engineering degree cum laude from
of emerging professionals and the regulation
UNCF Inaugural McLean UNCF Women’s
integration for minority students, and career
minor in Sports Management. He was recently
fessor has distinguished himself on campus
Southern Methodist University (SMU, minor in
of practice. Prior to joining CAUSES, she was
Leadership Development Forum; and, Mem-
development and counseling.
inducted into the Coppin State University
and beyond as an extraordinarily dedicated
mathematics), a MS Computer Science degree
principal/managing partner of two small ar-
ber, the Margaret Walker Alexander National
and passionate teacher, mentor, scholar, and
from Stanford University (Bell Labs One Year
chitectural firms. She also taught a variety of
Research Center’s Board.
champion for professionalism and service in
on Campus Fellow) and a MBA from Harvard
courses, including design studio, professional
engineering.
University (1st year honors).
ethics and practice, construction systems and
68
FA L L 2 01 5
Dr. Maiden is a Licensed Professional
Hall of Fame Class of 2015. Burroughs later
Counselor and a National Certified Counselor.
went on to receive his Master’s Degree from
Recently, Evola was a Commissioner on
He is a member of the American Counseling
Mountain State University in Organizational
the Louisiana Health Care Commission, ap-
Association, the National Board of Certified
and Strategic Leadership.
WWW.UDC. EDU
69
CLASS NOTES
Nathaniel J. Davis,
underrepresented communities in the tech-
Katia D. Ulysee (B.A. ‘02),
Historic District Development Corporation,
Service and Department of Health and Human
the United States Environmental Protection
Sr. ’00 (BA, Econom-
nology workforce. As a multi-disciplined
is an acclaimed author whose
a community-based, nonprofit organization
Services offering business transformation,
Agency on policy matters in post-secondary
ics) is the Deputy Sec-
mechanical engineer, Lovell has had many
first book of fiction, Drifting,
that facilitates the preservation and revi-
enterprise architecture and systems engi-
education and environmental regulation,
retary for the Federal
technical roles at Northrop Grumman Elec-
was published in July 2014.
talization of the Martin Luther King, Jr.
neering solutions. In this capacity, Ms. Her-
respectively. In private practice, she has suc-
Energy Regulatory
tronic Systems and has authored 18 publi-
Her writings have been fea-
National Historic District and other historic/
bert provides strategic support, thought
cessfully represented landlords and tenants,
Commission (FERC).
cations and has received four new technol-
tured in numerous literary
preservation communities. She has served as
leadership and technical guidance to the
builders, and hundreds of other business owners in litigation in D.C. and Maryland.
FERC is an indepen-
ogy and 19 trade secret awards. Lovell earned
journals, including the Ca-
Executive Director of the Southern Partners
clients on enterprise strategic issues and
dent agency that regulates the transmission
a master’s degree in mechanical engineering
ribbean Writer, Meridians, Calabash, Peregrine,
Fund, a community-based public foundation
challenges. She leads and manages the daily
Ms. Bolling earned an undergraduate degree
and wholesale sale of electricity and natural
from the University of Maryland, College
and Smartish Pace, among others. Her work has
committed to equal rights. She has held
operations of T&H, provides assessment,
from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a law
gas interstate commerce, and regulates the
Park, and is an active mentor to younger
also appeared in The Butterfly’s Way and Haiti
the position of Co-Director of the National
feedback, coaching, and support to fine tune
degree from the Catholic University of America
transportation of oil by pipeline in interstate
engineers.
Noir. Her first children’s book, Fabiola Can Count,
Network of Grant Makers, which supports
leadership skills of managers at all levels-from
Columbus School of Law, and a Masters of
was published in 2013. Ulysse lives in Maryland
social justice work; and, as Executive Direc-
first line to senior executives-in T&H. Ms.
Business Administration from the University
commerce. FERC also reviews proposals to build interstate natural gas pipelines, natu-
Co n s t a n c e D e a n
with her husband and daughter. When she’s not
tor of the Fund for Southern Communities,
Herbert is a Certified Executive Coach through
of the District of Columbia. She resides in
ral gas storage projects, and liquefied natural
Qualls, Ph.D., (1990
reading, writing fiction, gardening, or teaching,
which fosters social change in Georgia, North
Dream Releaser Coaching. She serves as
the District of Columbia with her husband,
gas terminals, and FERC licenses non-fed-
A.A., 1992 B.A., 1994
she blogs on VoicesfromHaiti.com
Carolina and South Carolina.
Executive and Leadership Coach for executives
daughter, and son.
eral hydropower projects. Mr. Davis previ-
M.S.) is Professor and
ously served as a manager in the Office of
Chair of the Depart-
Markets, Tariffs, and Rates - Division of
ment of Speech-Lan-
Tariffs and Market Development - Central Group. That group was responsible for analyzing and assessing filings and applications
Commissioner Garner has been known
in government, faith-based organizations and
Kamil Nawratil (B.F.A.
for her work in the non-profit sector and for
other client organizations. Ms. Herbert is a
Alfred Durham, ’13
’10), is the Founding Partner
her community leadership. She has served on
proud mother of one son and lives in the DC
(AAS) was appointed
guage Pathology and
and Creative Director of
the Boards of the Atlanta Beltline Affordable
metropolitan area.
Police Chief of Rich-
Director of the Graduate Program at SUNY
Volvox Labs (VVOX), an in-
Housing, Metropolitan Community Develop-
Buffalo State, Adjunct Associate Professor
terdisciplinary and new
ment Corporation, Council of Foundations,
Melinda M. Bolling ’90
2015. Chief Durham
involving the interstate sale for resale or
of Communication Sciences and Disorders
media design studio working
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, Lambda
(MBA) is the Director
has nearly 28 years of
transmission of electric energy and partici-
at the Pennsylvania State University, and
at the bridge between the
Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and as
of the District of Colum-
service to law enforce-
pated in rulemakings and Commission opin-
Past Vice President for Science and Research
digital and the physical. Based in Brooklyn, NY,
Senior Advisor on Gay and Lesbian Issues.
bia Department of Con-
ment. After serving four years of active duty
ions. Mr. Davis, a 1988 initiate of The Beta
of the American Speech-Language-Hearing
VVOX merges cutting-edge technology with or-
Commissioner Garner currently resides in
sumer and Regulatory
with the United States Marine Corps, he
Kappa Chapter (UDC) of Kappa Alpha Psi
Association (ASHA). Dr. Qualls is a certified
ganic systems and designs to create awe-inspiring
the Historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood
Affairs (DCRA). In this
began his law enforcement career with Dis-
Fraternity, Inc., currently serves as the Chap-
speech-language pathologist and cognitive
experiences. The studio conceptualizes and executes
with her partner, Judge Jane Morrison.
ter’s Alumni Advisor and is an active member
neuroscientist/researcher who holds mem-
multimedia and interactive environments through
of the Washington (DC) Alumni Chapter.
bership and leadership positions in a number
the integration of video, sound, architecture and
Mr. Davis is a first generation college grad-
of scientific and professional organizations.
visual effects.
uate and a fourth generation Washingtonian
She is an Alumnus of The University of
and lives in the metropolitan area with his
Memphis TN where she received her Ph.D.
Joan P. Garner, ‘78 (BA,
wife and two sons.
in neurological communication disorders.
mond, VA in February,
role, Ms. Bolling is re-
trict of Columbia Metropolitan Police De-
sponsible for managing an agency with more
partment in 1987 and ascended the ranks to
Deana P. Herbert ’1990
than 350 staff members. DCRA protects the
become assistant chief of police, where he
(B.S, Business Admin-
health, safety, economic interests, and qual-
served as the Executive Officer of the depart-
istration) is President
ity of life of District residents, businesses, and
ment. In this role, he was second-in-command
& Chief Operating Offi-
visitors by issuing licenses and permits, con-
of the police force and was responsible for
English) is serving her 3rd
cer of Thomas & Herbert
ducting inspections, enforcing building, hous-
managing the day-to- day operations of the
She is an international scholar who pub-
term as a Fulton County (GA)
Consulting (T&H) and
ing and, safety codes, regulating land use and
department with a sworn strength of 3,975
Philip A. Lovell (B.A.
lishes and presents worldwide; a Peo-
Commissioner, representing
has over 25 years of ex-
development, and advocating for and educat-
officers and 431 civilian personnel and an
’95), was nationally
ple-to-People Delegate to China and Cuba;
District 6. Commissioner
perience in strategic planning, organization
ing consumers.
operating budget of more than $508 million
honored for Outstand-
and a recipient of the William “Bill” Simp-
Garner earned a Bachelor of
development, leadership, business transfor-
Previously, Ms. Bolling served as DCRA’s
dollars. In 2004, Durham was responsible
ing Technical Contri-
kins Service Award. Dr. Qualls is a world
Arts Degree in English from
mation, change management and program
General Counsel where she managed the
for the planning and execution of the secu-
bution in Industry at
class leader, scholar, higher education ad-
the University of the District of Columbia and
management. As President, Ms. Herbert
agency’s legal staff in both prosecutorial and
rity operations for 55th Presidential Inau-
the 2015 Black Engi-
ministrator, and mentor who is committed
received a Master’s Degree in Organizational
oversees and provides program oversight for
defensive litigation before administrative and
guration. In addition to the Associates’ degree
n e e r o f t h e Ye a r
to developing future leaders and research-
Communication from Howard University.
T&H’s Housing, Public Health, Intelligence/
judicial forums in the District. Elsewhere in
in Corrections Administration earned at
Awards (BEYA) and Science, Technology,
ers; she is widely published and cited; and
As an entrepreneur, Commissioner Garner
Security, and Treasury Market Segments with
the District government, Ms. Bolling worked
UDC, Durham is also a graduate of the FBI
Engineering and Math (STEM) Global Com-
is sought after to present talks and workshops
founded Garner Results, Inc., a consultancy
$60 million dollars in gross revenue. Ms.
on redevelopment projects and affordable
National Academy; George Washington
petitiveness Conference. BEYA is the larg-
in her areas of research and clinical exper-
that develops giving strategies and provides
Herbert oversees T&H’s Management Team
housing initiatives in addition to litigation
University Certified Public Manager’s Course,
est gathering of STEM professionals and
tise and on topics of leadership, mentoring,
management support to the non-profit and
that supports clients such as the Department
responsibilities at the District of Columbia
and; Penn State University Police Executive
leaders who are committed to increasing
higher education administration, ethics,
philanthropic communities. Commissioner
of Housing and Urban Development, Bureau
Housing Authority. She’s also worked for the
Development Program.
the percentage of people from historically
and cultural and linguistic diversity.
Garner was previously President and CEO of the
of Economic Analysis, Internal Revenue
United States Department of Education and
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71
UDC FOUNDATION
The Gil Scott-Heron Creative Writing Scholarship at UDC
they had never saw it on television or heard it on radio, until Gil Scott-Heron. A native of Chicago by way of Jackson, Tenn., he was raised by his grandmother. Jackson is where the core values of his beliefs were formed. It is where he learned to read, write and play piano, under the careful eye of Lilly Scott. Growing up in the American South in the 1950’s was a challenge,
His life in Washington, DC was without question his most creative. He taught creative writing at what was then Federal City College and is now The University of the District of Columbia.
and moving to New York City, in the Bronx; set the
Helping the Next Generation
stage for a creative breakthrough.
BY CHARLOT TE FOX
his mother was a librarian. He attended Lincoln
His father was a professional soccer player and
T
University because of his love of Langston Hughes. he most important composer of conscience
He, like Langston, became a poet. The Vulture was
of spoken word music, Gil Scott-Heron was
his first novel. Scott-Heron’s first book of poetry,
the voice of a generation. His ability to mix
Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, would also become the
poetry and music pushed him ahead of all
title of his first album on the Flying Dutchman label.
his contemporaries. His genius was evident
Lincoln University is where he met Brian Jackson,
in his ability to take the topics of the day, create a
his classmate and co-collaborator. Scott-Heron was
poem, which became a song and the truth of that
the first artist signed to Arista Records; he was one
song; exploded in the minds of everyone who heard it.
of the first artists to write about apartheid in South
His popularity was that simple; he told the truth in
Africa; his single “Johannesburg” hit Billboards
a song. This was truth that everyone knew; however,
Top 30. He was known for his biting lyrics; his
“ I was a better writer when I was teaching. I was constantly going over the basics and constantly reminding myself, as I reminded my students, what made a good story, a good poem.”
album “Winter in America” is an undisputed
of humor; he was a warm and generous friend,
that we love: Blues, Ballads, Jazz, and Spoken
classic. It is a masterpiece about the politics
father, and son. At his death, he was working on
Word. The two albums like the body of his work
of America.
a novel “The Last Holiday”, about The Martin
will re-tie the thread to what we know and love, “conscience music.”
He was a Black Warrior, Prince. His pen
Luther King Jr. Holiday, and how he worked
was his weapon of choice; he used his mu-
with Stevie Wonder to promote and create the
sic and poetry to tell the story about African
MLK Holiday.
Americans in America.
His last album, “I’m New Here,” released
It has been said that he laid the foundation for Hip Hop. However true, that is, he was a brightly burning comet that has gone to soon.
His recording of “The Revolution Will Not
on XL in 2010 was his first album release in
Be Televised,” which was one of his poems,
more than 10 years. His work with Jamie Smith
The legacy of his work will live on through
became and remains a cultural anthem. His
proved to be productive. In February of 2011,
the students studying creative writing at The
love of mixing politics and music surely came
they released a remix titled “We’re New Here.”
University of the District of Columbia. Gil
from the early 1970’s. He lived in Washington,
These albums show that side of Scott-Heron
Scott-Heron died May 27, 2011.
D.C., a city he loved along with New York, which he made his home. As in any creative process, there were a number of years where he did not release an album. The weight of creative genius is sometimes hard to carry. The weight of it all, proved to weigh him down. His life in Washington, DC was without question his most creative. He taught creative writing at what was then Federal City College and is now The University of the District of Columbia.
A scholarship has been established in the name of Gil Scott-Heron at the University of the District of Columbia Foundation, where his life’s work will be taught to students who study creative writing. Donors may give and designate funds to the Gil Scott-Heron Scholarship by going to www.udc.edu and click on Give to UDC. There is a drop down designation menu for donors to select and designate to the Gil Scott-Heron Scholarship, #17. Also, donors may write a check payable to The UDC Foundation, for the Gil Scott-Heron Scholarship - 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008.
He loved sports and had a wonderful sense
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73
IN MEMORIAM
Amelia Cobb Gray
Dr. Marva Wyvonne Cooper
of the Ohio University Piano Competition;
at The Tennessean and as an assistant in the
and concert appearances in Europe which led
Longtime music pro-
first place winner of the Omega Psi Phi Fra-
sports information office at then-Memphis
to studies with master teachers and coaches
fessor Dr. Marva Coo-
ternity Competition; listed as Woman of the
State, he was named the first full-time sports
in New York, London, Berlin and Milan, and
per was known for her
Year 2000 in the International Who’s Who of
information director at Alabama A&M.
continuous contracts with the German Opera.
gift of perfect pitch.
Professional and Business Women; selected
In addition to earning the Co-SIDA 25-Year
During this period, she established a repertoire
Fondly referred to as
as Piano Honoree of the Year 2002 by the
Award, Dooley won 11 CoSIDA publications
of 22 leading roles through her creation of major
“Wyvonne” by her fam-
District of Columbia Piano Competition; and
awards during his career. . He counted the
operatic characters in more than 13 operas in
ily and friends, she
was honored by the D.C. Piano Competition to
Lifetime Achievement Award and its recogni-
Germany, England and Italy.
interview and film world-class jazz pianist Os-
tion as one of his most cherished of his career.
passed away on April 20, 2015.
R
A native of Muskogee, OK, Dr. Cooper served as
car Peterson, at his home in Toronto, Canada.
Professor of Music at The University of the District
Additionally, Dr. Cooper was the recipient of
etired professor and UDC Theater
of Columbia. She was awarded the Floretta Dukes
research grants from the National Endowment
Department Chair, Amelia Cobb
McKenzieAppreciationAwardforheryearsserving
Gray passed away on July 3, 2015
as a judge for the DC Piano Competition by the
following a courageous, positive and
Superintendent of DC Public Schools. Dr. Cooper has taught at Fisk University in
uncomplaining fight with illness.
Nashville, TN, and at North Carolina Central
She was 76 years old.
Charlotte Wesley Holloman
Professor Holloman’s love of music led to her memberships in the Hines-Lee Opera Ensemble, the Vocal Arts Society of DC, the
Former music professor
Friday Morning Music Club Foundation, the
for the Humanities and from The University
Charlotte Wesley Hol-
National Association of Teachers of Singing, and
of the District of Columbia.
loman passed away on
the National Association of Negro Musicians.
July 30, 2015, at the
The latter group honored Mrs. Holloman with
Stoddard Baptist Nurs-
its National Award for Excellence in Music
Former University of
ing Home in Northwest
Education on July 22nd of this year. She was director of the Friday Morning Music Club’s
Wallace Dooley
Professor Gray began her distinguished
University (NCCU), in Durham, NC, where she
the District of Colum-
Washington, ending a
teaching career in 1969 when she was hired
was appointed Chairperson of the Department
bia Sports Informa-
three and a half year battle with cancer. She
as a part-time instructor in English by
of Music and Professor of Music. While at NCCU,
tion Director, Wallace
was 94 years old.
Federal City College. The following year,
she was invited to accompany the NCCU Jazz
Dooley passed away
Professor Holloman was passionate about
performances, Charlotte Wesley Holloman’s
the District of Columbia Teachers College
Ensemble to appear at the White House for two
on Tuesday, July 21. In
teaching vocal arts and mentoring her students.
music will live on and echo in the voices of the
hired her as an Assistant Professor of Speech
consecutive performances in 1997, one for the
a 28-year span, Dooley
She was a vocal instructor at CUNY’s Lehman
many students she trained. She will be missed
and Drama.
National Press Club where she performed, and
held positions in sports information/media
College, the Catholic University of America,
and lovingly remembered by her daughter,
During the early 1970’s, Amelia also
one for a private audience with President Bill
relations at several schools and two confer-
Northern Virginia Community College, and the
Charlotte Holloman, ’72 (BS).
served as a drama consultant for various
Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. She also
ence offices. He worked as SID at UDC from
University of the District of Columbia where she was an adjunct professor for twenty-five years.
supervisory and management training pro-
“Lady Speaks Her Mind,” a one-woman
toured Europe, as Chair of the Department, with
1981-1984, during which time the Firebirds
grams, including one sponsored by the Equal
show, written, directed and performed by
the NCCU Jazz Ensembles for their invitational
men’s basketball team made two consecutive
Mrs. Holloman gained international ex-
Employment Opportunity Commission
Amelia, which celebrated the liberation of
performances at the Montreux, Switzerland,
NCAA Division II Finals appearances and
posure early in life. She attended third grade
under the auspices of One America, Inc.
the female spirit. This acclaimed production
and the Vienne, France Jazz Festivals.
won the city’s first NCAA Championship in
classes in London, England, at Regents Park
at the Food and Drug Administration, and
was performed off Broadway at New York’s
Prior to her appointment in North Carolina,
1982. He also helped promote All-American
Public Elementary School and the Guildhall
at the Women’s Federal Reformatory in
Theater for the New City. It was also pre-
she served as Director of Music Programs at the
Earl Jones for Division II Player of the Year.
School of Music while her father did historical
Alderson, West Virginia.
sented at The Kennedy Center’s Lab Theater
historic Metropolitan AME Church (home of
In 2012, the former Tennessee State Uni-
research under a Guggenheim Fellowship. As a
and at Amherst College.
slave abolitionist, Frederick Douglass) where
versity associate athletic director for media
fifteen year old, Mrs. Holloman entered Howard
In 1977, when the District of Colum-
International Competition for Singers. Through recordings of her unforgettable
Remembering other members of the University family who passed away in 2015. • Mr. Thomas Funderburk, Retired University Registrar
bia Teachers College, Federal City College
Amelia loved teaching. Through her
she conducted the Cathedral Choir and the
relations was honored with the CoSIDA (Col-
University to continue her studies in piano
• Dr. Ernest Hamilton, English Professor
and Washington Technical Institute were
classes at UDC and by directing student
general congregation in the Second Inaugural
lege Sports Information Directors of America)
which she had begun at the age of three. Just
• Ms. Sarah Hardeman, School of Business and
consolidated to form the University of the
productions in the fall and spring of each
Prayer Service for President Clinton in 1997, and
Lifetime Achievement Award. After retiring
before her final semester as a piano major, she
District of Columbia, Amelia was promoted
year, she combined her passion for guiding
was the recipient of a letter of commendation
from TSU, Dooley maintained connection to
signed up for voice class on the urging of music
• Dr. Herschel McDowell, Chemistry Professor
to Assistant Professor of Theater. She went
and encouraging students, and sharing her
from the President.
the field working as the media contact (radio/
instructor and long-time family friend, Todd
• Mr. Walter Lattimore, College of Arts and
on to chair the Department of Theater and
knowledge of theater with them. Amelia
Dr. Cooper held a D.M.A. degree in piano
internet) in support of HBCU student-ath-
Duncan, who originated the role of Porgy in
Mass Communications. Over the course of her
was committed to her students and took
performance from The Catholic University of
letes and programs through BoxtoRow and
Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess; this event changed
career, Amelia taught courses in playwriting,
an interest in them as special and unique
America, the M.F.A. degree from Ohio Univer-
HSRN Radio.
the direction of her life. After graduating cum
acting dramatic literature and directing.
individuals who she wanted to help develop
sity, and a B.M. degree from Lincoln University in Missouri.
Public Administration
Sciences • Mr. Abdul Nurriddin, Student Scholar and HBCU All Star
His interest in sports information began
laude with a Bachelor of Music, Mrs. Holloman
• Dr. Vernise Steadman, Mathematics Professor
During the 1980’s Professor Gray worked
to their fullest potential as artists and as
as an undergraduate student at TSU. He as-
went on to earn her Master of Arts in Voice and
• Mr. Jose Uy, IT Systems Manager
to promote Black theater by forming a
human beings. Amelia remained on the
Her many honors and awards included
sisted the intramural director with compiling
Music Education from Columbia University,
• Mr. Carl Washington, School of Business and
non-profit theater company, Creative As-
faculty at UDC for over 30 years, retiring
honorary membership in the international
statistics for football and basketball games. In
In 1961, Mrs. Holloman received a Martha
cent. Her most notable production was
in early 2000.
Sigma Alpha Iota Fraternity; first place winner
1978, after working as a part-time sportswriter
Baird Rockefeller Foundation Grant for study
74
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Public Administration • Mr. Thomas Carlyle Waters, UDC Staff
WWW.UDC. EDU
75
ATHLETICS
The Fourth Annual Athletics Hall of Fame
The University of the District of Co-
SENIOR BEN TAYLOR of the University of the
lumbia WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM
District of Columbia MEN’S LACROSSE TEAM
THE UDC MEN’S TENNIS TEAM was 4-2 in league play, qualified for the East Coast Con-
had its 2nd season in Spring 2015 under
was named Capital One Second Team Academic
ference Championship Tournament semifinals, and earned a bid as a No. 7 seed in the NCAA
head coach Melynda Brown. Although
All-American for the Men’s Division II At-Large
Division II Tournament. Senior Simon Andersson earned First Team All-ECC honors and
the Firebirds were winless in 12 games,
Team selected by the College Sports Information
freshman Diego Pinto was named the league’s Rookie of the Year.
the team demonstrated both unceasing
Directors of America. He is the 3rd different UDC
heart and commitment to learning the
student-athlete to earn Academic All-America
game as well as constant improvement
status in the last three years, with Kaydian Jones
all season long.
(‘14) earning 3rd Team honors in 2014 and Miguel Uzcategui 3rd Team honors in 2013 and 2014. Taylor is the 4th UDC student-athlete Academic All-American in the school’s history, with women’s basketball standout Alice Butler earning 1st Team honors in 1981. Taylor is, however, the first UDC Academic All-American representing either start-up lacrosse program (men’s or women’s) as both teams just completed their second season this spring.
THE 4TH ANNUAL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME celebration was held on February 20th, 2015 at Maggiano’s Little Italy on Wisconsin Avenue. The event, which included a reception, dinner and induction ceremony, was attended by more than 120 Firebird Athletics supporters. The 4th Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class included: Britt King, Lorraine Lynch, Charles Smith, Donald Walters and Charles Bradford.
celebrates a 10-9 overtime win in its
DENIKKA BRENT of the University of the District of Columbia WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM was named the
season-opener vs. Alderson-Broaddus
program’s first ever Daktronics/Di-
on a bitter cold day mixed with rain
vision II Conference Commissioners
and snow at Georgetown Multi-Sport
Association First Team All-East Region
Field. Despite a second-straight year
performer as voted on by the region’s
Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year for
with a losing record, the Firebirds
sports information directors. She helped
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD. Benjamin - who
made great strides under head coach
lead the UDC women’s basketball team
also took home UDC’s most prestigious stu-
Scott Urick as four of the losses came
to a school-record 25 wins, an East Coast
dent-athlete award – the Reslyn Woodruff Henley
against top-15 nationally ranked teams
Conference Regular Season champi-
Memorial Award – is a two-time USTFCCCA
– all within the powerhouse East Coast
onship, and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA
All-Academic selection and a two-time All-Amer-
Conference.
Division II Tournament.
ican in the 4x400M Relay.
THE MEN’S LACROSSE TEAM
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JERILY BENJAMIN was named the East Coast
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ARTS
The Arts Are Alive at UDC SAVE THE DATE! On April 25, 2016 at 8pm, the Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival celebrates thirty years of world-class jazz at the
3
University of the District of Columbia. Once again the powerhouse jazz ensembles from the University of the District of Columbia (directed by Allyn Johnson), Howard University
4
(directed by Fred Irby III), and the University of Maryland (directed by Chris Vadala) cap off Jazz Appreciation Month with a hand-clapping, finger-snapping, foot-stomping good time. Produced by the University of the District of Columbia Jazz Studies Program and the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives, the festival began in 1987 as part of a citywide tribute to Duke Ellington, and it remains one of the most anticipated events on Washington, D.C.'s jazz calendar. Other memorable 2015 arts performances at UDC include:
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6 7
1. DC Tap Festival dancers perform during “soldout” Theater of the Arts Auditorium event. 2. Violinist Kendall Isadore performs at during Tom Joyner Morning Show “live” UDC broadcast. 3. Former Chuck Brown Band musician Donald Tillery plays rendition of “What A Wonderful World” during 9-11 tribute on Dennard Plaza. 4. Ayanna Gregory celebrates her legendary father Dick Gregory in “Daughter of the Struggle” one-woman show. 5. A trio of violinist provide background strings for UDC Chorale’s performance of “Glory” at the 2015 Commencement. 6. Parliament’s “Funk Master” George Clinton signs autographs and greets fans during UDC’s national book tour event. 7. Acoustic guitarist Pete Muldoon performs at
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CAS Big Read Reception.
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A CLOSING THOUGHT
COMING TO THE NATION’S CAPITAL...
ECC MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
MARCH 5TH-6TH UDC SPORTS COMPLEX
The University of the District of Columbia will empower its graduates to be critical and creative thinkers, problem solvers, effective communicators, and engaged, service-driven leaders in the workforce and beyond.
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