Legacy Magazine Fall/Winter 2016- 2017

A TRIBUTE REMEMBERING DR. CLEVELAND L. DENNARD

2016 COMMENCEMENT PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR SPEAKS OF “SUCCESS AGAINST THE ODDS”

UDC-TV 25 YEARS OF QUALITY EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION

The Magazine of the University of the District of Columbia

The Colors of STEM at UDC $9 Million in Programs and Research Benefit Students, Faculty and Community

BACK BY DESIGN

ALUMNUS MICHAEL MARSHALL COMES FULL CIRCLE TO DESIGN STUDENT CENTER

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FALL/ WINTER 2016-17

UDC FIREBIRD RESEARCH FARM The University of the District of Columbia’s Firebird Research Farm consists of a 144-acre research site located in Beltsville, Md. It includes an aquaponic and hydroponic facility, solar well, micro-greens plot, four greenhouses, and an organic compost processing and production site.

The Firebird Research Farm has donated specialty greens including kale, Chinese cabbage and collards to programs across the city that provide food to underserved citizens of the District. The research farm is managed by the UDC Center for Urban Agriculture & Gardening Education in the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES).

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CONTENT

FALL/WINTER 2016-17 // VOLUME 2 NO. 1

30

24 38 FEATURES

24

30

38

COMMENCEMENT 2016

COLORS OF STEM @ UDC

BACK BY DESIGN

BY MALIK RUSSELL

BY CHRYS SBILY

BY DIANNE HAYES

ON THE COVER Freshman mechanical engineering student Jelani Guise studies for a Chemistry exam. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, he entered UDC with a 3.5 GPA.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

DEPARTMENTS

PRESIDENT Ronald Mason, Jr., J.D.

4 Letter from the President

EXECUTIVE EDITOR John Gordon, Jr.

5 By the Numbers

EDITOR/WRITER Dianne Hayes Hayes & Associates Media Services

6 The Phoenix Rises: Creating a New Era of Success

CONTRIBUTORS Christopher Anglim, UDC Archivist Cheryl Hawkins, UDC TV Joe Libertelli, David Clarke School of Law Mathew Petti, CAS Denise Slaughter, Office of the CAO Carilyne Vance, CAUSES Eric Zedalis, Sports Information Director

8 Executive Cabinet 9 UDC Attracts Top-Ranked Graduates 10 UDC Completes Accreditation Review 12 Faculty/Academic

50 Students Rock the Stage @ Busboys and Poets

14 Founders Day 2016

52 External Affairs/ Raising the Bar

16 Historical Tribute: Cleveland L. Dennard

53 Faculty and Staff Notes

20 Changing Lives Through Workforce Development 23 Book Reviews 28 Commencement 2016 42 UDC Launches New Website 43 UDC Alumnus, Engineering Creativity 44 A Quarter Century of UDC TV 46 UDC Law Feature 48 Alpha Kappa Alpha Celebrates 80 Years

54 UDC Grad is “Teacher of the Year” 55 Alumna makes “Bad Blood” 56 Class Notes 58 In Memoriam 60 Athletics 64 Arts 66 Lectures

David Bardin, Writer Jonetta Rose Barras, Writer Xavier Bias, Student Writer Melvin Bogard, Writer Tiffany Bridgett, Student Writer Malik Russell, Writer Chrys Sbily, Writer Brandon Walling, Student Writer DESIGN THOR Design Studio www.thor.design LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER TEP Photography CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Melvin Bogard Jay Morrow 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 PRESIDENT

I

am pleased to write my first letter to readers of Legacy Magazine after joining the University of the District of Columbia last year. It has been a phenomenal opportunity getting to know our great students,

faculty and staff and serving the Board, Mayor and City Council, who have all contributed to our progress.

Let me share a few accomplishments and the progress that we’ve made since joining the Firebird Nation in July 2015. During this first year, we prioritized 10 items, and most were achieved beyond our expectations. These include the following: Middle States Reaffirmation Title IV Audit Union Contracts System-wide Office of Student Services ssessment and Coordination of A Academic Programs System-wide Office of Shared Services Three-year Financial Plan Policies and Procedures Business Processes Established Office of External Affairs While we’ve made progress during my first

year as president, we will now begin to lay the foundation for the advanced public system of higher learning to serve the community of the District of Columbia. Looking forward, we are now embracing a new range of challeng-

While we’ve made progress during my first year as president, we will now begin to lay the foundation for the advanced public system of higher learning to serve the community of the District of Columbia.

It is impossible to accomplish great things without a powerful team. Read more about our first-year achievements and meet the extraordinary Executive Cabinet on page 8.

In this issue of Legacy Magazine, we celebrate the achievements of our students and faculty in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). We are proud to profile an alumnus who designed our $63 million UDC Student Center, as well as reflect on the legacy of Dr. Cleveland L. Dennard, for whom the main plaza on campus is named.

We also recognize the illustrious ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, who celebrated the 80th anniversary of UDC’s Beta Lambda Chapter in 2016.

This new year sets the course, and I believe that together we can build a strong foundation for the future. The Firebird was regenerated in flame and soared to new heights. Those same

es in ways that promise not only to expand

flames will be the spark that prepares our

knowledge and find new solutions, but also to

students for success—to aspire, accomplish

improve the quality of programs and services

and take on the world!

for our students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders. In doing so, we can be a model of

Your Servant Leader,

public higher education for the nation.

We celebrate what we have achieved together, and we are confident that the future holds even greater promise for our University.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

Ronald Mason, Jr., J.D.

By The Numbers

#9

12

THE NUMBER OF DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIANS AND SALUTATORIANS WHO CHOSE UDC OVER OTHER TOP-RANKING SCHOOLS

628

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.

HAS RANKED UDC NUMBER 9 ON ITS TOP TEN LIST OF HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

7,600.83 LBS. THE AMOUNT OF PRODUCE THE UDC RESEARCH FARM DONATED IN 2016

155

UDC COMMUNITY COLLEGE NATIONAL RANKING AMONG 812 SURVEYED

3

NUMBER OF STATE SUPREME COURT JUDGES WHO ARE GRADUATES OF THE DAVID A. CLARKE SCHOOL OF LAW.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WERE SERVED BY THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) TAX CLINIC PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

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VISION 2020

The Phoenix Rises President Mason Offers Vision for UDC Rejuvenation

BY DIANNE HAYES

T

he UDC phoenix rises and soars as

During this year’s Convocation, where

with a director of External Affairs to promote

President Ronald Mason, Jr., J.D.,

19 new faculty members were welcomed as

the University. Ads already have appeared in

offered updates on accomplishments

well as UDC’s largest entering class in the

the Washington Post and Business Journal.

made during his first year at the helm

last five years, President Mason reignited the

A search is underway for a Chief Academic

of the University of the District of

celebration of a renewed University of the

Officer, which will be the last member of the

Columbia as well as plans for 2017 and beyond.

District of Columbia—where much progress

leadership team.

Last year President Mason first outlined his

is already underway.

The Road Ahead

vision for UDC, sharing his game plan, “Winning

President Mason started out his presen-

in 2020: Building a Championship Team,” which

tation highlighting achievements from his

President Mason acknowledged that in the past,

included retaining incoming freshman, devel-

first year, including the completion of the

UDC was not always seen by many students

oping servant leaders in support of all students,

three-year financial plan, establishment of

and parents as the most desirable educational

strengthening internal operations, improving

the shared services system, the review of 500

option. Looking forward, Mason said the new

graduation rates and helping students to be

policies and procedures, and the establishment

University of the District of Columbia must

prepared to compete globally.

of the Office of Institutional Relationships

become more competitive, technology-based,

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FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

and customer friendly. It must offer advanced academics on flexible schedules, and provide the kinds of credentials that put people into the workplace. It also must deliver robust student support, and operate like a business.

“We can’t do the business of education unless we run the business of education,” Mason said. “Our degree has to be perceived as worth the investment. Our biggest challenge is that we are under-resourced.”

After stepping off stage for a moment, he returned sporting a red jacket embellished with a gold torch emblem and gold neck tie, which was received by roaring applause from

“ We are a unique institution in a very unique time. We’ve had our challenges and we’ve had our history, but at this point and time, I see nothing but great possibilities for us, for the District that we serve, and if we do our jobs, for a larger audience.”

the audience.

“This year we are claiming what are in fact the official school colors, the red and the gold,” Mason said. “The legend of the phoenix is that as he throws himself into the fire and he burns up and then out of the ashes, he —some from life and some out of high school. We

Degree Work Software, allowing students to

are going to, metaphorically speaking, throw

attract them, recruit them to come to UDC and

track their progress toward a degree

ourselves into the ashes and then start to

then we surround them with a lot of love, and

Better faculty, with new evaluation and

regenerate as a new advanced public system

then we move them up to the highest level of

reward system

of higher learning.”

regenerates as a new phoenix. This year we

potential and then from there send them into the

Teachers who sharpen their own skills through

According to Mason, laying the foundation

workforce. We surround them with love because

continuous learning

to regenerate UDC requires better student sup-

our work is the love…work is love made visible.”

which are all part of Mason’s plan to take UDC

Other 2017 Goals

to the next level. “To accomplish that, I have to

Students

be a better president.”

Mason is calling for a stronger commitment from professors and students through

Cutting-edge curriculum tools Teacher Learners who stay abreast of technology

ports, faculty, staff, programs, plans, and systems,

Be engaged in the process how up for class, which is 90 percent S

Increased support for sponsored research Faculty serving as change agents Mason said he will continue to support a

of the battle e a sophomore with enough credits to B

commitment to information transparency as

dance by students, being academically on track

improve chances of graduating

A commitment was also made for customer

by the sophomore year, having a clear career

Choose your path by the third year

service training and a cost of living adjustment

pathway by the third year, and completing

Complete education in four to five years

for non-union staff. While Vision 2020 is a work

increased faculty engagement, strong atten-

college by the fourth or fifth year. In addition, plans are underway for early warning systems to track student success.

a public institution and responsible steward.

in progress, Mason said adjustments will be UDC Support Seamless curriculum and academic programs

made as needed.

“There is something special happening

With goals laid out for this year through 2020,

Consolidated Student Success Office that paves

here at the University of the District of Colum-

President Mason offered the final ingredient

path from community college to graduate

bia,” Mason said. “We are a unique institution

for success at the University of the District of

programs

in a very unique time. We’ve had our challenges

Columbia—love and support from all aspects of

Early Warning System software that alerts

and we’ve had our history, but at this point and

university life regardless of how students enter

students to coming challenges

time, I see nothing but great possibilities for

the University.

Groundbreaking community college software

us, for the District that we serve, and if we do

– a first in the field

our jobs, for a larger audience.”

“We have people who come to us two ways

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EXECUTIVE CABINET

Presidential Executive Cabinet To read full bios, visit the website: www.udc.edu/about/president/executive-cabinet/

Ronald Mason, Jr. J.D.

William U. Latham, Ph.D.

Evola C. Bates

Tony Summers, Ph.D.

President

Chief Student Development and

Chief of Staff

Acting Chief Community

Success Officer

College Officer

Rachel M. Petty, Ph.D.

Karen Hardwick, Esq. Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall

Acting Chief Academic Officer

General Counsel

Chief Operating Officer

President Mason welcomes Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis and Dr. Esther Barazzone as members to the Board of Trustees. Each brings proven leadership and experience to the University’s governing body.

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FA L L/WI N TER 2016-17

ENROLLMENT

The University of the District of Columbia Attracts Top-Ranked High School Graduates

J

alia Johnson, Emmanuel Charles and other top-ranked graduates from DC’s public high schools scrapped their plans to attend out-of-state private colleges and universities.

Instead, they have chosen the University of the District of Columbia, impressed by its high quality academic offerings and eager to take advantage of a newly created, multifaceted $1.24 million incentive program called DC “UP” or University Partnership. A total of 48 students have accepted the DC-UP scholarship.

Most of the students had a high school GPA between 3.0 and 3.7.

“UDC is a great school. I did a semester [here] in a dual enrollment program. I had a great

Jalia Johnson is flanked by UDC President Mason

experience; I learned a lot,” asserts Johnson,

and COO Troy A. Lamaile-Stovall. Jalia was the first

the salutatorian at the National Collegiate Prep

DC student to accept a DC-UP scholarship.

Public Charter School. She changed her plans to attend Hampton University, deciding to enroll

University a tremendous opportunity to invest

at UDC after receiving a DC-UP scholarship.

in District youth and to be innovative in our learning approaches.”

Already the most affordable university in

“We are cementing a pathway to the middle

the nation’s capital, UDC aims to capitalize on that advantage while underscoring its mission

Siblings Katie and John Rosales are second-

of building “a diverse generation of competitive,

generation Firebirds who are among the 48 DC-UP

civically engaged scholars and leaders.” Under

Scholarship recipients. Their mother, Clory Morrison

“UP,” each valedictorian and/or salutatorian

(center) is a 1996 SBPA graduate.

class for our students,” says DC Mayor Muriel Bowser about the initiative.

Charles agrees. A “Stellar Scholar” at Richard Wright Public Charter School, he graduated with a 3.76 grade point average. Initially he was

from a District public high school who enrolls at UDC receives a full four-year scholarship. Each

“It has a wide-reaching effect on the Univer-

to attend Morgan State University, but switched

also gets a $6,000 annual housing allowance.

sity and the DC community,” says Dwight San-

to UDC. “It’s a great honor to be selected for the

Students with grade point averages between

chez, Associate Vice President for Enrollment

scholarship. It proves against the stereotype of

3.0 and 3.5 receive hefty tuition discounts. The

Management and Director of Undergraduate

African American males that says we won’t choose

program provides other unique opportunities for

Admissions, who with UDC President Ronald

to advance ourselves when given the opportunity.

students in the metropolitan region and those

Mason, Jr. and Chief Operating Officer Troy

This allows me to be more motivated to finish

from out-of state. Equally important, while other

Stovall, designed the project.

my education; I won’t have financial worries.”

universities are tossing out students because

“We’re fortunate in DC to have one system

“We are just getting started. Over time, we

of outstanding bills, UDC offers an amnesty

of public education that allows us to have clos-

intend to expand DC-Up to every graduate at

program that forgives debt and allows former

er ties between K-12 components and higher

every high school in the District,” promises

students to complete their education.

education,” says Mason. “DC-UP presents the

President Mason.

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FACULTY/ACADEMIC

UDC Successfully Completes Accreditation Review

T

www.udc.edu/docs/UDCSelf-StudyReportFinalVersionFeb242016.pdf.

[See below for the list of commendations

he University of the District of

pic relay team, the University’s Self-Study team

that the University of the District of Columbia

Columbia (UDC) capped off almost

took the baton handed off at the last decennial

received from the Middle States team at the

three years of intensive self- assess-

review in 2005, evaluating key performance

conclusion of their site visit.]

ment with a successful reaffirma-

measures to determine how well it has functioned

tion of its accreditation through

in meeting the educational needs of its students

the Middle States Commission on Higher

and the research and service needs of the com-

Education (MSCHE), the regional accrediting

munity that it serves. It is ironic that the process

body that gives a passing or failing grade to its

which propels the University forward involves

member organizations. Every 10 years, the

a demanding look backwards—using the past to

University must undertake a “Self-Study,” a

build an even stronger bridge to UDC’s future.

Standard 1: Mission and Goals

process intended to help determine how well it

Helping to steer the Self-Study to a successful

Signature strengths of UDC are its mission

has done against the 14 Standards of Excellence

conclusion were former Interim President

and goals. As a public, historically black, and

identified by MSCHE as critical measures of a

James E. Lyons, who handed off to new President

land-grant institution, UDC embraces its

university’s accomplishments—or challenges.

Ronald F. Mason, Jr., in July 2015. Mason said,

responsibility to build a diverse generation

Under the leadership of Dr. Rachel M. Petty,

“The fact that we received 11 commendations

of competitive, civically engaged scholars

Acting Chief Academic Officer, and Self-Study

is a credit to the intentional planning, support

and leaders and to do so while acknowledg-

Committee co-chairs, Dr. Lena Walton, Pro-

and execution of the University’s board, faculty,

ing that affordability and accessibility are

fessor Brenda Brown, and Ms. Yolanda Harris,

administrators, and staff, and bodes well for our

gate-openers for education.

a team representing every unit of the Univer-

institution’s road ahead.”

Commendations from the MSCHE’s Team Site Visit Report (April 2016) to the University of the District of Columbia

sity’s operations documented and evaluated

A copy of UDC’s full Self-Study Report,

whether or not the University met its goals.

“Connecting the Dots: Sustaining a Culture

Standard 2: Planning, Resource Allocation, and Institutional Renewal

Through a process that resembles an Olym-

of Assessment,” can be found online at http://

The creation of a University Budget Committee to ensure greater transparency and improved communication throughout the UDC community is an innovative and successful initiative.

The development and ongoing implementation of a multiyear capital master plan in support of UDC’s strategic plan priorities has transformed the campus.

Standard 3: Institutional Resources The team commends UDC for its effective engagement and communication with the DC Mayor and DC City Council about the impact of additional funding on the University’s ability to meet strategic objectives, thereby serving its students and the District of Columbia community.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

Standard 4: Leadership and Governance The team commends UDC for its efforts working towards transforming itself into a stronger public higher education institution despite the high level of turnover in administrative leadership in the recent past.

Standard 5: Administration The President and his leadership team are commended for administrative stream-

The University of the District of Columbia recently welcomed new faculty members, who represent the University’s commitment to student success. Some of their stories are featured in this issue, but other profiles—along with the accomplishments of UDC’s continuing faculty—will appear in future publications.

lining and improving communication and transparency across the campus.

Standard 7: Institutional Assessment The addition of TK20 as the university-wide assessment tool in 2014 marked a significant enhancement to institution-wide assessment efforts. Through this decentralized approach to data management, decisions are made using reliable and current data drivers.

This leads to a more efficient and streamlined process for decision makers.

A well-developed academic program assessment process exists at the University. This process allows individual programs and schools to report on a yearly basis their learning outcomes, resource utilization, and link those outcomes to unit, divisional, and institutional goals.

Standard 8: Student Admissions and Retention UDC has created comprehensive 2015 undergraduate and graduate recruitment plans that serve to realize its strategic priorities.

Standard 14: Assessment of Student Learning Utilization of the Research Academy for Integrated Learning (RAIL) has served to guide the work of individual program efforts related to assessment and learning.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES

De Aparajita, Assistant Professor

Hongmei Dang, Assistant Professor

Danielle L. Apugo, Assistant Professor

Thabet Kacem, Assistant Professor

Amy Barrios, Associate Professor Orisanmi Burton, Assistant Professor

Bradley D. Taylor, Assistant Professor

Michelle Chatman, Assistant Professor

DAVID A. CLARKE SCHOOL OF LAW

Tiffany Nettles-Gurley, Clinical Instructor

Lindsay M. Harris, Assistant Professor

Stacey K. Eunnae, Instructor

Afiya M. Mbilishaka, Assistant Professor

Norrinda Hayat, Assistant Professor

Nathalie Mizelle-Johnson, Associate Professor

Jacqueline Lainez, Associate Professor

Carmen Ana Ramos-Pizarro, Assistant Professor

Nicole Tuchinda, Instructor

Kristin Spivey, Instructor Licata Thomas, Assistant Professor Jillian Leigh Wendt, Assistant Professor

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Catalina I. Hurwitz, Assistant Professor Young Kyu Park, Associate Professor Tih Koon Tan, Assistant Professor

Marcy Lynn Karin, Associate Professor Megan Cunnion Newman, Instructor Vanita Snow, Associate Professor

UDC COMMUNITY COLLEGE Albert A. Pearsall, Assistant Professor Kunhee Lee, Assistant Professor Babatunde Hassan, Assistant Professor

LEARNING RESOURCES DIVISION Faith Abigail Rusk, Assistant Professor

The completion of an assessment audit in 2013 by deans of schools and colleges provided valuable faculty input to better assess ongoing student learning efforts.

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FACULTY/ACADEMIC

Dr. Catalina Hurwitz is

in finance-related courses, including Finan-

TiffanyC.GurleyNettles,

an Assistant Professor of

cial Management, Financial Models, and

M.S. CCC-SLP

Finance at the Universi-

International Finance/Economics. His re-

Professor Tiffany C. Gur-

ty of the District of Co-

search interests include corporate finance,

ley Nettles is a member of

lumbia. She currently

governance, executive compensation, and

the Clinical Faculty in the

teaches Investments,

international finance.

Division of Education,

Financial Institutions/

Dr. Tan has been active in scholarly research

Health, and Social Work’s

Capital Markets, and International Finance

and forums. He has presented at the Southern

Department of Speech Language Pathology.

in the graduate and undergraduate curricula.

Finance Association, the Southwestern Finance

She is a graduate of Virginia State University,

Dr. Hurwitz worked for nine years in a highly

Association, the Eastern Finance Association, the

where she received her Bachelor of Science in

quantitative position in healthcare.

Midwest Finance Association, and the Decision

Public Administration, as well as an Alumna

Hurwitz is a graduate of Florida Interna-

Sciences Institute. He also has published in

of the University of the District of Columbia’s

tional University with a Master of Science and

the Journal of Finance and Accountancy, The

Speech Language Pathology Master’s program.

Ph.D. in Finance. She also has a Master’s Degree

International Journal of Business and Finance

She brings 18 years of clinical experience in

in Computer Science from Northeastern Illinois

Research and the Journal of International Busi-

Speech Language Pathology, and seven years

University. Her teaching experience includes

ness and Economics. Two of his most recent

of academic teaching experience.

Commercial Bank Management, Securities

articles will appear in the Journal of Financial

Professor Gurley Nettles’ primary focus

Analysis, Financial Risk Management and In-

Education and the Review of Accounting and

in the field is Medical Speech Language Pa-

termediate Finance. She has been inducted into

Finance.

thology, providing diagnostic, treatment, and

Beta Gamma Sigma, a premier honor society

consultative services for individuals with adult

recognizing business excellence

neurogenic disorders. She has provided ser-

Her current research focuses on corporate

Dr. Young Park is an

vices in a wide range of settings which include

policies, corporate governance, and invest-

associate professor of

acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities,

ments. Dr. Hurwitz has presented papers at

accounting, holding a

rehabilitation centers, home health, long-term

several academic meetings, including Amer-

Ph.D. degree in Account-

acute care, long-term care, university clinics,

ican Real Estate Society, Southern Finance

ing from the University

and school-age centers.

Association and Global Finance Association.

of Pittsburgh and an

Her research interests include caregiver

MBA degree from the

influence on post-stroke depression, and con-

University of Iowa. He is also a private inves-

cussion syndrome of college athletes and its

Dr. Tih Koon (Alex) Tan

tor, a business consultant, and an auditor for

academic impact. Her mission is to challenge,

is an Associate Professor

small business entities.

transform, and equip students with the critical

of Finance in the School

He has taught undergraduate/graduate

thinking skills to solve problems across aca-

of Business & Public Ad-

courses in financial accounting, intermedi-

demic, social, and professional arenas. These

ministration (SBPA).

ate accounting, advanced accounting, cost

skills will help to create a positive influence in

Prior to joining UDC, he

accounting, managerial accounting, strategic

the field of Speech Language Pathology and in

was with John H. Sykes

management accounting, financial statement

society as a whole.

College of Business at The University of Tam-

analysis, international accounting, and auditing.

pa for six years. He also has taught at Shenzhen

He has diverse research interests in financial accounting, managerial accounting,

Dr. Carmen Ana Ra-

Tan holds a B.A. in Finance and two Mas-

and auditing areas. Specifically, his research

mos-Pizarro is an As-

ter’s degrees in Economics and in Agribusiness

interest lies in auditing, corporate governance,

sistant Professor of

from Washington State University (WSU). He

disclosure and capital markets, auditor liti-

Speech-Language Pa-

earned his PH.D. in Finance from the Univer-

gation, incentive contracts and performance

thology at the Universi-

sity of Central Florida in 2010. He has been

evaluation, and governmental accounting &

ty of the District of Co-

inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, a premier

nonprofit accounting.

University in China

lumbia (UDC). Prior to

honor society recognizing business excellence.

joining UDC, she was an Adjunct Professor

Tan has extensive teaching experience

at the National University of Malaysia. She

12

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

currently teaches Voice Disorders, Speech

Education (Non-Categorical), University of

Dr. Danielle Apugo is a

Science, Sociolinguistics, and Phonetics cours-

the District of Columbia, and endorsements

Louisiana native and

es in the graduate and undergraduate curric-

in Intellectual, Learning and Emotional dis-

joins the UDC family as

ula. In addition, Dr. Ramos-Pizarro is a clin-

abilities. With over 29 years of instructional

an Assistant Professor of

ical supervisor in the Voice Care Clinic, part

and transition work experience at the elemen-

Urban Education in the

of the Speech and Hearing Clinic affiliated

tary, secondary and university levels, she taught

College of Arts and Sci-

with the UDC program. The Voice Care Clin-

in the District of Columbia, Prince George’s

ences (CAS). Prior to

ic provides free voice assessment and treat-

County and Fairfax County Public Schools.

joining UDC, Apugo was with the University

ment services to children and adults with

She has taught a variety of graduate and un-

of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’ s School of Education,

voice disorders in the UDC community as well

dergraduate courses at UDC since 2013, in

where she taught in the Department of Ad-

as the District of Columbia, Maryland and

areas such as special education, adult education

ministrative Leadership’s Urban Educational

Northern Virginia. The Clinic also specializ-

transition, and human development, and

Administration program. Dr. Apugo has a

es in the communication needs of individuals

worked as a Visiting Professor in 2014. Dr.

wealth of K-12 experience within the urban

in transition (transgender).

Miles served as an Employer Representative

educational landscape throughout different

Dr. Ramos-Pizarro is a graduate of the

on the Marriott Bridges from School to Work

and highly diverse regions of the United States.

University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Ph.D.

Project, TransCen, Inc. She continues to

She has been awarded the “Early Career Edu-

in Voice Science. She also has a Master’s degree

volunteer her services with the Going Places

cator of Color Leadership Award” by the Na-

from the University of Puerto Rico-Medi-

Social Group for teens and adults with Asperg-

tional Council of Teachers of English. Apugo’s

cal Sciences Campus in Speech-Language

er Syndrome.

academic research interests involve identify-

Pathology. Dr. Ramos-Pizarro has teaching

ing and investigating the invisible barriers that

experience in the field of Speech Pathology at

often exist in the professional and academic

the undergraduate, graduate and professional

Orisanmi Burton joins

experiences of black women within education-

levels which includes topics in Voice Disorders,

the University of the

al organizations. Her prime areas of interro-

Linguistics, Aphasia and related disorders,

District of Columbia as

gation are generational public education

Language Disorders/Language Difference and

an Assistant Professor of

experiences, optimal and suboptimal sustain-

Clinical Practice.

Criminal Justice and

ability strategies, space-making, identity affir-

Her research interests include commu-

Youth Studies at the Uni-

mation, and racial vigilance. Her professional

nication patterns of individuals in transition

versity of the District of

interests include dignity-centered program

(transgender), and evidenced-based interven-

Columbia. He is completing his Ph.D. in Social

evaluation that identifies barriers to learning,

tion in voice disorders and voice feminization.

Anthropology at the University of North Car-

equity, and replication. Dr. Apugo’s scholarly

Dr. Ramos-Pizarro has presented papers in

olina at Chapel Hill. His dissertation, entitled

activity includes collaborative research projects,

national and international forums and provided

“Attica Is: Revolutionary Consciousness, Coun-

national conference presentations, and a recent

training to speech pathology professionals in

terinsurgency and the Deferred Abolition of

publication in the Journal of Transformative

Puerto Rico, Canada, Egypt, Malaysia, Brazil

New York State Prisons,” uncovers, analyzes

Learning.

and Colombia on the assessment of voice

and historicizes a long-standing tradition of

disorders using acoustic and aerodynamic

research, activism, and mentorship among

high-and low-tech alternatives.

incarcerated Black men. Professor Burton is the recipient of a Dissertation Fieldwork Grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation and his

Dr. Annette Miles holds

scholarship has been published in scholarly

a Ph.D. in Human Devel-

and public outlets such as North American

opment, Virginia Poly-

Dialogue, Cultural Anthropology and Coun-

technic Institute and

terpunch.org.

State University; an Ed.S. and M.A. in Transition Special Education, George Washington University, a B.S. in Special

W W W.U D C. E DU

13

FOUNDERS’ DAY

UDC Offers a Firm Foundation Alumnus Shares Story of Transformation

As Horton described his transformational experience at UDC, you could feel the emotion.

“Caring teachers, small classes. No one cared about where I had come from. They were only interested in my mind and my willingness to do something with my life. That meant a lot to me,

BY MELVIN BOGARD

T

my future held for me,” he said.

it instilled a lot of confidence within me,” he said.

UDC opened Horton’s eyes and mind to

he University of the District of Colum-

allow him to think outside the box and explore

bia 2016 Founders’ Day celebration

his creative side. “UDC planted that founda-

marks a trifecta of achievements

tion,” he said. “It helped me to think beyond

for the University, stated President

my college experience and what I’m going to

Mason in his opening remarks—the

do with my life. I could have never told you I

50th anniversary of the passing of the District

was going to be a writer or a poet. I knew I was

of Columbia Public Education Act, the 20th

interested in those things. UDC gave me that

anniversary of the DC School of Law becoming

foundation. I went to Chicago State University

part of UDC and the 40th anniversary of the

and received my MFA in creative writing, where

appointment of the first Board of Trustees of

my thesis became my first book, The Definition

what would become the University of the Dis-

of Place, and it started my journey to get my

trict of Columbia, the beginning of the new era.

Ph.D. at State University of New York at Albany.

“This university is so essential for this

Horton has taken a negative and turned

city,” said Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S. House

it into a positive by using his life to shine as a

of Representatives member from the Dis-

beacon of hope and possibilities for others. Now

trict of Columbia. “It speaks volumes to the

a professor at the University of New Haven, he

importance of education in our city, that the

said, “When I stand in front of my students, I

creation of this university 40 years ago was

am a construction that they can never really

one of the District of Columbia’s first official

imagine. I am probably one of the few African

acts as a home rule government.”

American males that they’ve ever had in life.

Secondly, I have seven felony convictions and

DC Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles agrees. “UDC is a critical component of

Photos top to bottom: Professor Randall Horton,

probably the only person in the United States

how our city needs to make sure every single

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton,

that has tenure with that.”

one of our citizens can be successful and have a

DC Deputy Mayor Jennifer Niles

Since his first book, Horton has written two others: The Lingua Franca of Ninth Street, and

pathway to the middle class. UDC serves more of our public school graduates than any other

life and I realize the power of my story and the

Hook: A Memoir, which chronicles his gripping

higher education institution in the country

power of the things that I’ve done.”

story of transformation.

and for that it has a remarkable responsibility.”

Prior to enrolling at UDC, Horton was a

Continuing to speak on his past struggles,

Founders’ Day keynote speaker and 2004

student at Howard University. Due to personal

triumphs and the foundation UDC provided,

alumnus Dr. Randall Horton sang praises

hardships and drug addiction, his life spiraled

Horton said, “I didn’t realize how emotional

about the University for helping to transform

out of control, leading to a life of incarceration

some of this stuff is, because this [UDC] is when

his life from a seven-time convicted felon to a

and drug rehabilitation. “The dream of going

my life changed and started over.”

pathway of self-empowerment, creativity and

back to Howard University was all I could think

Finally, Horton thanked all the professors

enlightenment through education.

of,” said Horton. Due to his conviction record,

at UDC who came into his life and showed him

“UDC started a fire within me,” Horton said.

Howard University denied his reapplication.

that there were things for him to do and gave

“In terms of education, teaching and affecting

“I questioned the mission of HBCUs. I was

him the license and courage to do it.

young people’s lives, I began to see how these

perplexed at how can you turn your back on

instructors [Professors at UDC] impacted my

someone trying to do good…I didn’t know what

14

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

The 2016 Founders’ Day Awards

DR. PAUL PHILLIPS COOKE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Presented to a UDC faculty or staff member who has consistently demonstrated exceptional loyalty, extraordinary commitment, dedication, and service to the advancement of the University goals and objectives. Ms. LaVonne Manning

PATHMAKER LEADERSHIP AWARD

Presented to an employee and an alumni of UDC who have consistently supported the University and its students through a commitment to philanthropy. Judith A. Korey, Professor of Music, Marc K. Battle, Esq., Vice President of the Potomac Electric Power Company (“Pepco”) for the Washington, DC Region.

DR. MARJORIE HOLLOMAN PARKER DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR’S AWARD

Presented to an individual whose laudable contributions as an educator have made a discernible difference in the District, nation’s schools, colleges, universities, or private institutions of learning. Dr. Ahmet Zeytinci (Dr. Z)

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI LEGACY AWARD

DR. CLEVELAND L. DENNARD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

HONORABLE RONALD H. BROWN DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD

THE MYRTILLA MINER AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO SOCIETY

Presented to an active member of the UDC National Alumni Society for five years or more, who has demonstrated extraordinary participation in the association. Joseph L. Askew, Jr., Esq., Alumnus, David A. Clarke School of Law

The Honorable Ronald H. Brown Distinguished Leadership Award is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding professional leadership and whose work has contributed to the betterment of our community and its citizens on a local, national and international level. Dr. Angelyn S. Flowers

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment of outstanding service to the University of the District of Columbia.

Dr. Thomas S. Kakovitch

Presented to an individual who the University President determines has devoted themselves over a lifetime to providing exceptional levels of service to the residents of the District of Columbia and the nation.

Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis

STUDENT HUMANITARIAN & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AWARD

Presented to students who have demonstrated a commitment to activism, social responsibility, civic participation and advocacy for the welfare and betterment of UDC and the community. Eric T. Pulley, Management Information Systems (SBPA), Maria Angelica Ysabel Salonga, Nursing (UDC, CC), Jonathan Y. Newton, JD Candidate (David A. Clarke School of Law)

W W W.U D C. E DU

15

DEPARTMENT HISTORIAL TRIBUTE TITLE

A college student at age 16 Born on February 17, 1929, in Sebring, Florida, Cleveland Dennard was the ninth of 10 children. His father worked as a farm laborer, a farmer, and a pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. His parents were not affluent, yet they urged each of their children to develop his or her full potential.

Dennard was extraordinarily talented. He entered Florida A&M at age 16 and earned his bachelor’s at the age of 19, laying the groundwork for simultaneously teaching physics, coaching football, and managing a food cooperative enterprise which he established in Montgomery, Alabama. He later held teaching and management positions in Alabama, Georgia, and New York, and earned a master’s in industrial education and a doctorate in education management.

Dennard’s intellect and versatility would serve him well as WTI’s founding and only president. He served from 1967 to 1977, during a civil rights revolution and backlash. Congressional committees then set funding priorities

The Master Planner

UDC’s Cleveland Dennard built a school and changed Van Ness

McMillan of South Carolina, chaired the House of Representatives Committee on the District of Columbia.

Dennard’s mastery of issues and photographic memory dazzled Congress. He would testify without any notes about huge reports,

BY DAVID JONAS BARDIN

F

for DC. A segregationist Democrat, John L.

which he did not open.

Dennard won support of powerful allies ifty years ago, President Johnson’s

of the neighborhood’s residents in the mid-

not only on Capitol Hill, but also in the White

administration recruited Cleve-

1960s were black, including diplomats and

House. He worked well with the administra-

land Leon Dennard to form and lead

live-in help. WTI would be far from the homes

tions of Presidents Lyndon Johnson (who had

Washington Technical Institute,

of most of its students, in DC’s whitest and

lived in nearby Forest Hills, as a U.S. senator), Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford.

a predecessor of the University of

most affluent ward. Some urged Dennard to

the District of Columbia. Dennard set out

pick a permanent location in a different sort

to change, for thousands of non-affluent

of neighborhood. But he stuck by Van Ness,

The creation of WTI

students, the fact that only “economically

calling it a “jewel of a location.”

The Washington Technical Institute emerged

affluent and extraordinarily talented” DC high

Working skillfully with Congress and three

from Congressional compromise as an inde-

school graduates were assured of furthering

presidents, and reaching out to DC officials, busi-

pendent public institution of higher education.

their education.

ness leaders and neighbors, he secured land and

Senator Wayne Morse, a Democrat from

WTI’s largely African American student

federal funding, overturned contracting practices

Oregon, had led a drive in the 1960s to estab-

body also changed the racial profile of Van

which excluded black-owned architecture firms,

lish one new, broad-ranging public liberal

Ness/Forest Hills. Only about three percent

and built what is today’s main UDC campus.

arts institution for DC, conferring bachelor’s

16

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

and master’s degrees. He thwarted attempts by DC Teachers College—with roots pre-dating the Civil War—to become that institution. Instead, Congress provided that a new Federal City College (FCC) would someday absorb DCTC. But Senator Morse could not assign technical training to a new FCC, as he wished. Instead, Congress authorized creation of both Washington Technical Institute and Federal City College in 1966.

Temporary home at Van Ness WTI’s first home was supposed to be temporary.

By chance, the National Bureau of Standards had decided to leave its venerable Van Ness campus and build new labs and offices in Gaithersburg, Maryland. WTI seized an opportunity to use buildings and grounds abandoned by NBS south of Van Ness Street.

WTI secured short-term rent-free leases, thanks to President Johnson’s administration. But Dennard wanted Van Ness as a permanent campus location.

His attachment to the location extended to his family life. He, his wife and four daughters lived in the newly-built Van Ness North apartments. His younger daughters attended local schools.

Unenthusiastic neighbors; strong competitors The Van Ness neighborhood did not welcome WTI warmly. Some neighbors openly objected. Seventy came to a December 11 Forest Hills Citizens Association meeting at a Connecticut Avenue church.

The Washington Post reported unnamed speakers who “raised the specter of ‘unskilled youngsters who work with their hands’ creating traffic jams and causing crimes in a neighborhood of ‘elderly retired people of high intellectual standards.’” Only a “few residents spoke in favor of the location.” The next day’s newspapers headlined “Technical School Site Opposed” (in the Post) and “Forest Hills Calls School Crime Threat” (in the Evening Star).

Prominent attorney Charles Horsky, chairman of DC’s Board of Higher Education (which was also the Federal City College’s board of trustees), foresaw WTI picking a different permanent location and leaving Van Ness after five years or less. That’s what FCC did, and some urged WTI to do so, too. But WTI bided its

W W W.U D C. E DU

17

HISTORIAL TRIBUTE

location. WTI’s board preferred the abandoned National Bureau of Standards property south of Van Ness, but securing that site as part of a National Capital Planning Commission master plan then underway proved to be an insurmountable challenge.

Making front-page headlines, President Nixon visited WTI in March 1970, bringing Health, Education and Welfare Secretary Robert Finch. They talked with President Dennard about WTI’s search for a campus site.

The White House established an interagency task force which recommended Van Ness.

President Nixon announced his support in an April 1971 message to Congress. In the end, WTI won a permanent Van Ness campus north of Van Ness Street.

Toward building a new Van Ness campus and breaking a federal racial barrier Dennard wanted DC-based Bryant & Bryant, in a joint venture with the Minnesota-based Ellerbe firm, to lead the design team. Bryant & Bryant made its headquarters in Forest Hills at the Van Ness Center, where it was for a time the leading African American-owned architectural firm in the United States.

During Walter Washington’s mayoralty, architect Charles Bryant broke the racial ceiling on designing DC public schools. However, since the federal government, not DC, was going to fund and build WTI’s new campus, federal officials would select a design team. time, even though its board had scant hope for

Leon Brown supported WTI. Seven years later,

Their short lists did not include black-owned

a permanent Van Ness location.

another FHCA president, Katherine Janka,

architectural firms. Dennard insisted that a

Classes began in 1968, south of Van Ness

wrote GSA that “we have had the experience

black-owned firm must have a full-fledged

Street, notwithstanding neighborly skepticism

of several years of operation of the school at

joint venture role, not just be a subcontractor.

—which Dennard worked to overcome.

the Van Ness site with few, if any, detrimental

Bryant & Bryant and Ellerbe Architects

results” and Van Ness was a “reasonable choice”

did master planning for Dennard in 1972

for locating WTI.

pro bono. When the time came to choose a

Dennard reached out to neighborhood associations. The Washington Daily News

design team, Dennard—supported by Florida

reported that objections to “those people from

Congressman Bill Nelson, his chief congres-

education’s historic role in America and need

Complicated planning process during President Nixon’s Administration (1969-1974)

for “building an outreach from the inner city.”

It was President Richard Nixon who ended

fund Bryant & Bryant-Ellerbe joint venture

Forest Hills Citizens Association President

years of uncertainty about WTI’s permanent

participation – a precedent.

the inner city” were heavily applauded, with counter-applause for Dennard’s speech about

18

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

sional ally—prevailed on the GSA and its administrator, Arthur Sampson, to approve and

Dennard Plaza is the gathering place for students and faculty. The plaza is also used for campus activities, festivals and various other community events.

fears that the new university would slight technical education, but reassured those interested in technical education that decisions would be based on hard data.” (Lightman & Zeisel, Since 1851: 160 Years of Scholarship and Achievement in the Nation’s Capital (UDC Press 2011)) Dennard moved on to serve as President of Atlanta University from 1977 to 1983, and later as a management officer and chief operating officer at the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change (1983-1992).

The legacy of Cleveland L. Dennard Under Dennard’s leadership, WTI enabled thousands of local students to better themselves (via what we call pathways to the middle class, nowadays)—an overdue mission. As Dennard observed in November 1974: “For nearly a century, [DC] high school graduates were systematically denied comprehensive public postsecondary educational opportunity. Only the economically affluent and extraordinarily talented were assured of such opportunity.”

In 1982, UDC named its quadrangle the Cleveland Dennard Plaza. When he died a decade later, the Washington Post recalled: “A tough,

Cleveland Dennard’s last year at Van Ness

after spending a year guiding the effort to

head-knocking, PR-conscious leader, he domi-

consolidate three separate, rival entities

nated the direction of the institution for the next

Within a year, another move was afoot in

into one.

nine years, shaping its programs in aerospace,

Congress, backed by Dennard, to merge WTI, the DC Teachers College and Federal

UDC historians stress Dennard’s critical role that final year:

business, engineering, environmental science, public administration and health science.”

City College into one institution of higher

“He had maintained firm control of his

learning: The University of the District of

school, in contrast with the very public dis-

Author David Jonas Bardin is researching

Columbia. Dennard was a candidate to lead

agreements at FCC over administration,

a paper on how WTI came permanently to Van

it. Instead, it ended his career in Washing-

management, and curriculum…. Dennard alone

Ness. He is a retired member of Arent Fox LLP.

ton. The new UDC board of trustees passed

had sufficient stature to make the process of

him over in selecting the university’s first

consolidation credible. In addition… [t]he

This article was reprinted in part from an article

president in June 1977. He left in August,

appointment of Dennard not only allayed

appearing in Forest Hills Connection.

W W W.U D C. E DU

19

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Changing Lives Through Workforce Development at UDC

BY JONET TA ROSE BARRAS

F

or many, the barrier to a career, success, and a better life is frequently an education, which is the pathway to opportunities. The University of the District of Columbia is one of the city’s

most potent secret weapons for substantially reducing unemployment and underemployment while fueling dreams of thousands of District residents.

“I think it’s the best deal in town,” said Dr. Edith Westfall, referring to UDC’s Workforce

“ People laugh at us when we say we are creating a pathway to the middle class, but that is exactly what we are talking about.”

– COURTNEY SNOWDEN, DC DEPUTY MAYOR FOR GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY/WORKFORCE INVESTMENT COUNCIL (WIC).

Development and Lifelong Learning (WDLL) Program within the University’s Community College. As WDLL’s acting dean, Westfall knows what she’s talking about.

“We have a lot of good secrets in this city.

The best is Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning. And residents are shocked to hear it’s free,” said Courtney Snowden, DC Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity, who has oversight of the Work-

20

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

force Investment Council (WIC). The WIC

Davis, an adjunct professor, said students

reflective of the needs of District residents and

had been dormant. It was revived under DC

complete “120 hours for my class. The course

businesses. It is important to the city to have

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration, and

has 10 chapters.” He joked that sometimes

a vibrant workforce.”

with guidance from Snowden, changes to

patients enter a doctor’s office or a healthcare

Workforce Development is not to be con-

the city’s overall workforce training system

facility and think that the front office staffer

fused with continuing education, cautioned

were instigated.

has nothing to do. That person has to have

Neil Richardson, Director of Advancement

Already, the University of the District of

a wealth of knowledge that intersects with

Partnerships, Continuing Education at UDC

Columbia provides a debt-free, low-cost, high

various departments, not the least of which

and UDC Community College. Most often Con-

quality postsecondary program that is known

is billing. In fact, some WDLL students could

tinuing Education is training for individuals

around the world. It is a fabulous smorgas-

find themselves with a solid foundation for a

who already have associate or college degrees.

bord—from workforce development, through

STEM career. “What I try to foster in the class

Not unlike the Workforce Development

associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees.

is critical thinking, taking the time to read and

student, however, CE enrollees frequently are

Workforce Development is a successful portal

rightly discern what is being asked.”

interested in getting ahead in their careers. “In

to a pipeline to those degrees at UDC.

Davis is himself a workforce development

this economy and world, we have all become generalists,” said Richardson.

Lisa Pointer initially enrolled simulta-

graduate, although he took his medical billing

neously in the childhood development and

course in Prince George’s County. “I came to

“Millennials are not necessarily interested

hospitality customer service courses. Her

it by default. I wanted to increase my coding

in advanced degrees, [however]. They want

experience was so positive, she said, that

skills,” he said. In addition to teaching at UDC,

the skills,” continued Richardson. “They are

she has since referred six other people to the

he is also a full-time federal employee.

really interested in adding frosting or placing a capstone to the education process.”

program. “If you find out something works and

Just making it through the course isn’t the

find out people really care, then you want to

end of the story, however. If workforce devel-

Wisely, those “new Washingtonians” are

tell others about it.”

opment students are hoping to land a job or

taking advantage of what UDC has to offer,

Years ago, after assessing the barriers

advance in their industry, they are required to

paying a small price for a bright future. Con-

and challenges to post secondary education

“demonstrate competency, which is measured

tinuing education courses usually have been

facing many District residents, former UDC

through a third-party [national] certification,”

short-term training—six to nine weeks, and

executives C. Vanessa Spinner and Kim Ford

explained Westfall. If a student moves outside

online. The cost per class is about $115, said

persuaded government officials to help finance

of the District, that certificate is a passage to

Richardson. More than 1,000 students have

the WDLL. Today the university receives

employment whatever their destination. The

enrolled in various courses. Nine out of 10 of

$5.7 million in local funds. “We also get a few

Office of the State Superintendent of Education

them have said they would recommend UDC’s

grants,” added Westfall.

(OSSE) maintains a “citywide certification fund”

CE program to their friends and family.

Those are meager resources. Still, thousands of qualifying District residents 18 and older have

to help students finance their first attempt at

“It’s incredibly valuable for people who take

taking those qualifying examinations.

these classes,” added Richardson.

been able to attend the program at “no cost,”

Pointer recalled that when she went on

enrolling in one of the five major “career clus-

a job interview at one of the Smithsonian

Powering Up

ters”: construction and property management,

Museums, she was asked whether she “had

Pointer was actually homeless and making

healthcare (direct care and administration),

any certification or degree I wanted to tell

rounds at the city’s employment services

hospitality and tourism, information technol-

them about.”

agency when she discovered UDC. An Ohio

ogy, office administration and transportation,

“I felt so prepared,” she continued, adding,

native, she had come to DC to further her ca-

offered at multiple campuses including Bertie

“I got the job.” She remained at the museum

reer. But soon after arriving, she was laid off.

Backus in Ward 5 and Patricia Roberts Harris

for nearly a year before leaving to aggressively

Without a job and no place to stay, she landed

in Ward 8. Each area of study includes various

pursue her education. She has since received

at Nativity Catholic Church women’s shelter

“career pathways.” For example, students in

an associate’s degree and is at work on her

on Georgia Avenue.

construction can focus on carpentry or become

bachelor’s in elementary education. Pointer

At the DC Department of Employment

HVAC installation technicians. In healthcare,

also landed a job at the university that has

Services (DOES) she “kept asking why are you

they might become certified nursing assistants

helped redirect her life.

making me spend money on buses? I had to pass

or pharmacy technicians.

None of the courses is an easy ride. Fred

“[WDLL] overlaps with the education

two libraries to get to their location at Bertie

mission of UDC as a whole,” said Westfall. “It’s

Backus,” Pointer said. “I kept passing something

W W W.U D C. E DU

21

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

that said UDC to get to unemployment. One day I said let me find out what this is.”

“Three months later, I had my certification,” continued Pointer, adding that UDC also provided her bus tokens on those days “I just didn’t have the money.”

The intersection between DOES and UDC’s Community College is not coincidental, according to Snowden. “People laugh at us when we say we are creating a pathway to the middle class.

But that is exactly what we are talking about,” she continued, adding that WIC has integrated services so that “for residents entering the system there is no wrong door.”

The mayor has the pathway. The University

Senior education major Lisa Pointer says UDC’s Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning Program “gives people options and gives people hope.”

of the District of Columbia has the pipeline to success and economic prosperity. Pointer credited two people for encouraging her to

Westfall. “I grew up in a poor family. Education

press forward when times were difficult—both

got me here.”

students may avail themselves of academic advisers, career counselors, retention spe-

are connected to UDC. One was an alumna,

Driving home that message about the

cialists, transition coordinators—all focused

who is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta

power of education, Westfall and her team

on ensuring their completion of WDLL and

Sorority and also a congregant of Emory

were involved during the past summer in 140

perhaps acceptance, like Pointer, into full

United Methodist Church, an institution

community events. They also have conducted

credit programs.

Pointer began attending while living in the

specialty programs with incarcerated youth and

“People of the District need to realize what

homeless shelter. The other force was for-

held classes for residents of Greenleaf Public

a resource they have with this university,”

mer WDLL Dean Kim Ford, who is now a

Housing Development and the DC Department

said Westfall.

high-level executive in the U.S. Department

of Corrections.

Westfall and her team are dedicated to en-

of Education. She often would say to Pointer,

“We’re out there in the community, talking,

suring that the WDLL is the “entry point for all

“Okay Baby, you got the certificate, but what

and delivering services,” continued Westfall.

students who need education and training and

is your end result?”

And yet, she admitted there are some people

who don’t see themselves as college students,

Pointer may be indicative of the kinds of in-

who still don’t know about WDLL. There are

although they really are.” She said the plan is

dividuals who attend Workforce Development.

also residents for whom the program is not

to expand programs to accommodate the needs

“We get people who have college degrees and

designed. “Some people have high needs and

of area businesses, including training dental

are switching careers. We also get a number

high barriers,” she explained, citing as an ex-

assistants, emergency vehicle technicians, and

of people switching in industry sectors,” said

ample individuals with substance abuse issues.

specialists in cyber security.

Westfall, adding that the average student is a

Snowden noted that those students who

“My dream is to see an all-purpose facility

black woman who is a head of household and

can’t find what they need at UDC can enroll

built in Ward 8 near a Metro station. If we could

in her late 20s. Pointer is 31, but she was in

in other programs. “For the first time in the

have it on St. Elizabeth’s campus [that would be]

her late 20s when she found her way to UDC.

history of the DC government, all the directors of

really great,” Westfall said.

In Fiscal Year 2015, nearly 1,800 individuals

every agency sit down together and coordinate

enrolled in the WDLL program; 87 percent

around workforce development.”

It’s hard to imagine that Bowser and Snowden wouldn’t work to ensure Westfall’s dream is

of them were African Americans. The largest

Westfall said that typically UDC has served

realized. There are thousands of Lisa Point-

number of students came from Wards 5, 7, and

“mid- to low-barrier students who are highly

ers depending on them and UDC’s Workforce

8. At the beginning of the program, as many as

motivated.” There are times, however, when a

Development and Lifelong Learning program.

1,140 enrollees were not working. By the end of

student has to overcome childcare issues or a

that program year, nearly 800 had jobs.

housing crisis, and she and her staff may step

Jonetta Rose Barras is a Washington,

in to provide assistance. Equally important,

D.C.-based freelance writer.

“I believe in the power of education,” said

22

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

BOOK REVIEWS

Preparing For A World That Doesn’t Exist-Yet

becoming more complex by the

AUTHORS: NEIL RICHARDSON & RICK SMYRE CHANGEMAKERS BOOKS, JOHN HUNT PUBLISHING, LONDON; 2016

demanding accountability and

day. Students and parents are a better return on investment

Neil Richardson,

As described in the book, new sensibilities

and universities are scrambling

the Director of Ad-

are emerging from “the mist” of the original

to create programs that prepare students for

vancement, Part-

enlightenment. Richardson and Smyre write

the future of work. Future Forward colleges

nerships and Con-

that we are moving from a world based on

and universities need to be radically different

tinuing Education

static answers, command and control deci-

from current models that do not create adaptive

at the University of

sion-making, and a paradigm largely based on

thinkers. Rapid technological change, the need

the District of Columbia Community College,

physics, to one that is dynamic, dialogue-based

for more rapid responses, and increased human

has co-written with Rick Smyre an exciting and

and resembles complex adaptive systems and

interconnectedness will continue to drive inno-

transforming book about how communities,

biological principles.

vation across the world into the future.

organizations and leaders can adapt in order

Higher education, write Richardson and

Preparing For A World That Doesn’t Exist-Yet

to thrive in the new century. Preparing For A

Smyre, is in a state of flux, and we are in a peri-

offers an approach to getting ready for an emerg-

World That Doesn’t Exist-Yet explores what

od of history where machines from advanced

ing society that will be increasingly fast paced,

Richardson describes as an emerging Second

computers to robotics to genomic technology

interconnected, interdependent, and complex.

Enlightenment and the impact that emerging

are taking over jobs traditionally done by people.

In this book, you’ll get the skills you need

capacities are having on four different sectors:

Higher education, which has not changed much

to ride the wave of the future and the perspec-

governance, healthcare, the economy, and of

in the last 200 years, is having a hard time adapt-

tive you’ll need to be ready to catch the next

course…higher education.

ing to a world that is transforming quickly and

wave as well.

Capital Dilemma: Growth and Inequality in Washington, D.C. AUTHORS: AMANDA HURON & MICHELLE CHATMAN ROUTLEDGE PRESS, EDITED BY DEREK HYRA AND SABIYHA PRINCE Amanda Huron,

for DC, and other major cities, is how to pro-

Assistant Profes-

duce sustainable equitable economic growth.

sor of Interdis-

This volume expands our understanding of

ciplinary Social

the contradictions, challenges, and opportu-

S c i e n c e s, a n d

nities associated with contemporary urban

Michelle Chatman, Assistant Professor of

development.

Michelle Chapman (left) Amanda Huron (right)

Africa. Together, tenants and activists in D.C.

Criminal Justice, both have contributed chap-

In Chapter 5, “Struggling for Housing, from

and Johannesburg traced lines of similar ex-

ters to Capital Dilemma: Growth and Inequality

D.C. to Johannesburg: Washington Innercity

periences – inequality, racism, disinvestment,

in Washington, D.C.

Self Help Goes to South Africa,” Huron chroni-

organizing, and collective power – across the

Capital Dilemma clarifies how preexisting

cles the story of a group of D.C. housing activists

globe. This chapter details a forgotten story

urban social hierarchies, established mainly

who traveled to Johannesburg in the early 1990s

from D.C.’s rich history of housing organizing

along race and class lines but also along na-

to help start the first housing cooperatives

– history which is particularly relevant today.

tional and local interests, are linked to the city’s

in South Africa’s history. The activists saw

In Chapter 12, “At Eshu’s Crossroad: Pan-Af-

contemporary inequitable growth. As we enter

housing co-ops as both a source of affordable

rican Identity in a Changing City,” Chatman

a period where advanced service sector cities

housing and a grounds on which to learn skills

explores how gentrification and urban de-

prosper, Washington, DC’s changing landscape

of democratic participation and build political

velopment have impacted DC’s Pan-African

illustrates important processes and outcomes

power. They were eager to share their experi-

community, such as the area she calls the “Pan

critical to other US cities and national capitals

ences forming co-ops in D.C. with low-income

throughout the world. The Capital Dilemma

black tenants in the new, post-apartheid South

Continued on page 59

W W W.U D C. E DU

23

Graduates Urged to Make the Improbable, Probable Assistant to President Barack Obama tells his inspiring story of success against the odds

BY MALIK RUSSELL

B

roderick Johnson’s

school. That was before we started using the

and that it was “highly improbable,” that he’d

journey to success was

term school-to-prison pipeline,” Johnson told

ever get a college degree.

not an easy one, he ex-

the Class of 2016.

Those words stuck with him, but instead

plained to UDC’s Class

His parents refused to buy into the teacher’s

of breaking his spirit, they became a powerful

of 2016, and one often

description of their child and instead trans-

mantra for ignoring detractors and working

filled with doubters. But

ferred him to a local Catholic school. “I thank

even harder. He found a new advisor and in

while wrought with ob-

my parents every day that they found faith in

1978, earned a degree in philosophy from Holy

stacles, more than anything else, Johnson’ story

me, and they found another grade school for

Cross College and dismissed another advisor’s

exemplifies the power of a mental fortitude

me,” said Johnson.

advice, who told him he should avoid applying

that allowed him to transform others’ low

Sadly, this would not be the last time that

expectations into motivational fuel that has

Johnson’s potential would be darkened by the

“I was told I probably wouldn’t get admitted

carried him to one of the most prominent

cloak of low expectations. To the contrary, it

and would be disappointed. Well, I applied and

positions in the land, Cabinet Secretary for

would remain a reoccurring theme in his life.

was admitted and graduated as a recognized

the President of the United States.

Near the end of his first year at Holy Cross

leader of my (University of Michigan) law

“One day my second grade teacher sum-

College in Worcester, Massachusetts, his fresh-

school class in 1983. And I have been here in

moned my parents to her classroom to warn

man advisor advised him to “drop out.” He

DC ever since,” he told onlookers at the Walter

them that I was likely destined for reform

told Johnson that he wasn’t college material

E. Washington Convention center.

24

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

to any of the nation’s top-tier law schools.

Whenever challenged, Johnson dug in and continually proved his detractors wrong, making those things considered improbable, probable He also realized the assumptions made by others would never be the determining factors in his success. Instead, his experiences taught him that hard work, determination, and mental toughness were far better indicators for measuring the content of one’s character.

“They (his detractors) didn’t understand that where you start does not have to determine how far you go. They could not see the values that guided my own family and my neighborhood and so with every suggestion that I reach lower, I made a promise to myself and my parents that I would reach even higher.

As the president indeed likes to say ‘when they go low, I go high.’”

Today, he has scaled the mountains of accomplishment at such heights that his fu-

The secretary (Broderick Johnson) remains unwavering in his commitment to education and the advancement of our community. His objectives mirror the university’s efforts to create an advanced public system of higher learning where dreams begin.

— UDC President Ronald Mason, Jr., J.D.

ture is seemingly limitless. Named assistant to President Barack Obama, Secretary of the President’s Cabinet, and, more recently, chair of

mentioned Maria Contreras-Sweet, born in

member the impact of the past eight years of

the President’s My Brother’s Keeper Task Force,

Guadalajara, Mexico, to parents who immigrat-

the Obama Administration on the nation as

he spoke with authority to the graduates about

ed to the United States when she was five. “Her

a whole, particularly in terms of expanding

the power each person possesses to determine

mother worked at a poultry processing plant,

opportunities for those historically left outside

his or her own career trajectory.

other family members were migrant workers,”

of the American mainstream.

Johnson’s story exists simultaneously at

said Johnson about Contreras-Sweet, who

“Thanks to the grit and resilience of the

both polarities of the American Dream. The

now serves as Administrator of the U.S. Small

American people, we’ve created over 14 million

promise of an African American overcoming

Business Administration (SBA).

jobs during his presidency. And expanded

doubts to rise to positions of power and the

Johnson knew his story couldn’t be com-

health insurance to 20 million people. Today

pains of seeing how little at times black lives

plete without retelling one of the most improb-

high school graduation rates are the highest

matter, or how all too often young men of color

able stories of our century —that of the 44th

on record and students of color are graduating

are consistently underestimated regardless

and first African American president of the

at the highest levels in decades. There are one

of their potential. Johnson has seen these

United States Barack Obama and First Lady

million more black and Latino students in

assumptions nestled within the experiences

Michelle Obama.

college than there were eight years ago.”

of many of today’s movers and shakers in the

He talked about the president being born

Citing education and the struggles of young

nation’s highest corridors of power, including

to a single mother and only meeting his father

men of color in particular as key priorities of

his colleagues at the White House.

once. It’s a story shared by far too many young

the Obama Administration, Johnson revealed

He mentioned United States Secretary of

men of color. Johnson also shared how even

that of all of his achievements, it is his work as

Transportation Anthony Foxx as “one such

the person who would later become president

chair of the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force

friend and colleague, born to a teenage single

sometimes struggled with ‘motivation’ and

that resonates most with his spirit.

mother in Charlotte, North Carolina.” He

made his own number of “knucklehead mis-

“It’s an initiative to make sure all young

shared how Foxx helped integrate schools

takes” as a young person. “But eventually he

people regardless of their background have

there, and after law school was elected mayor

(Obama) found his purpose in helping others,”

the chance to reach their highest potential.

of Charlotte. Today, Foxx joins Johnson as a

said Johnson, and the rest is history.

For me, serving as the chair of the task force

member of the President’s cabinet. He also

Johnson encouraged the audience to re-

has been among my life’s greatest callings,

W W W.U D C. E DU

25

because I know firsthand what a difference it makes when all children feel valued and loved.”

It was with this rationale that the initiative began two years ago when President Obama brought together mayors, athletes, philanthropists, educators and community and faith leaders to accelerate a process for giving back.

“All across this nation, millions of young people, especially boys of color, just need someone to say I care. Someone to clear the path like someone cleared the path for all of us. Because you know what, these aren’t somebody else’s children, they are all of our children.”

Over the past two years, with Johnson as chair of the task force, My Brother’s Keeper has established chapters around the nation

for those of us who serve him.”

started at UDC.

and gained commitments of more than $1

He closed with a moment of remembrance

“Ernest died too young and we all miss him

billion to help young men of color who need a

for former WUDC-FM radio legend Ernest

terribly. At the end of his daily show, Ernest

second chance at life.

White, Jr., who passed away in 2002. In addi-

always signed off with these words, they were

“MBK, as we call it, is about saving lives and

tion to hosting UDC’s groundbreaking radio

simple yet uplifting. Ernest would say, “Have

providing real hope and opportunities. This is a

talk show – Cross Talk – White involved many

a great, have a superb, and have a wonderful

very, very personal issue for the President and

DC professionals in a mentoring program he

day.” To you the class of 2016, have a great, have

Tech Entrepreneurs Awarded Honorary Degrees Raymond A. Huger,

A product of the New York City Public

After leaving IBM, Huger launched

Chief Executive Offi-

Schools, he graduated with a diploma in

Paradigm Solutions International, a tech

cer and President of

electronics and technology and became

startup headquartered in Rockville,

Paradigm Solutions

the first person on either side of his family

Maryland, which grew into a major force

International, found-

to attend college. He began his career at

in the tech world, with nearly 300 em-

ed the company in

IBM at the age of 19 while still a student. He

ployees in 12 offices around the nation

1991 after spending

graduated from Baruch College and later

and annual sales of over $60 million.

earned an MBA from Fordham University.

In 2004, he took the company public

25 years at IBM. While there, he served as a regional manager and staff director,

“You were a pivotal force during the

as Paradigm Holdings, Inc. (PDHO) and

managing several branch operations

critical early stages of the development of

eventually sold his company to CACI

generating $500 million annually in sales

the personal computer, and developed plans

(a multi-billion dollar government con-

and services, before launching his own

and programs which are still in use today,”

tractor). Today he is worth an estimated

tech company. Huger learned the values of

said UDC President Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr.,

$40 million.

hard work and perseverance by watching

in his introduction of Huger. “During a time

his father during the era of the Harlem

when there was not much diversity in cor-

the right thing for your customer, it will be

Renaissance deliver ice by day and pursue

porate America, you became one of IBM’s

the right thing for your company,” Huger

his G.E.D by night. He began his rise in the

most influential employees, responsible

told the Class of 2016. “And if you do the

field of technology when few faces of color

for over $500 million in annual sales in the

right thing for your employees, they will do

occupied leadership roles.

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.”

the right thing for your customers.”

26

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

“What I’ve realized was that if you do

Mason gave a special greeting to members of the

dreams begin.”

Saudi Royal family in attendance at the event.

President Mason, in his final send-off to

The diversity of the class was exemplified by a

the Class of 2016, reminded them that far from

55-year difference in age separating the young-

being the end of a story, commencement is

est graduate at age 20 from the oldest at an

actually a new beginning.

amazing 75. The UDC Class of 1966, celebrating

“Class of 2016, this event is commencement

their 50th anniversary, also received special

because it is the beginning of your time to

recognition during the ceremony.

help shape the future. If we have done our job

President Mason, Board of Trustee mem-

while you were here, then you have the tools

bers and others, including senior class President

needed to build a better world. Embrace fully

Eric T. Pulley, urged the graduates to always

the responsibility of service and leadership, for

move forward, spread their wings and fly, but

service to your fellow human beings is its own

to also do so in remembrance of the graduates

reward. Always remember that yesterday is

who preceded them.

only a memory, and tomorrow is only a vision.

“Ours is an illustrious 165-year history that

But if you treat each other the way you want

is deeply rooted in the fabric of the nation’s

to be treated, each and every day, then every

His speech was eagerly embraced by the

capital. And filled with proud moments. Great

yesterday will be a memory of happiness, and

Class of 2016 and its 969 graduates, 322 of

determination and even greater people have

every tomorrow will be a vision of hope. Now

whom were women. This remarkable class

paved the way,” said Mason. “This commence-

go forward class of 2016, and make the Firebird

also included 252 students graduating with

ment season, we celebrate 40 years of our

nation proud.”

honors and 300 students from the Kingdom of

becoming the modern version of ourselves,

Saudi Arabia. During the ceremony, President

an advanced system of higher learning where

a superb, have a wonderful life.”

Earl W. Stafford,

Unitech, an award-winning tech start-up in

diligent and conscientious as an executive

Sr., grew up the

Northern Virginia. Unitech is a training and

and philanthropist.”

eighth of 12 children

simulation tech solutions company which

in Mt. Holly, New

produces multiple integrated laser engage-

Stafford to the Board of Trustees of the

Jersey. It seems his

ment systems. Stafford served as its chair

Woodrow Wilson International Center for

amazing successes

and CEO until 2009, and currently serves as

Scholars, and in 2010 he was inducted into

as an entrepreneur

CEO of the Wentworth Group, a consulting

the Horatio Alger Association of Distin-

firm headquartered in Northern Virginia.

guished Americans. Committed and giving

and philanthropist have only increased his

In 2015, President Obama appointed

In 2002, he founded the Stafford

with his time and knowledge, Stafford also

Foundation and was responsible for “The

serves on the boards of several organiza-

People’s Inaugural Project,” which brought

tions, including the Joint Center for Political

Stafford went on to earn a B.A. in Business

more than 300 underprivileged youth to

and Economic Studies, Drexel University,

from the University of Massachusetts

Washington, D.C., for a three-day all-ex-

Wesley Theological Seminary, Venture

(Amherst), and an M.B.A. from Southern

pense-paid celebration of President Barack

Philanthropy Partners, and Business Execu-

Illinois University. He is also a graduate of

Obama’s inauguration.

tives for National Security.

willingness to give back to both country and community.

Joining the Air Force out of high school,

the OPM Executive Program at Harvard

In awarding his honorary degree of

In accepting his honorary degree,

humane letters, UDC President Ronald

Stafford thanked UDC and urged the Class

Mason said “Your noted body of work as a

of 2016 to “go out into the world and be

the U.S. Air Force, which included serving as

philanthropist, your scope of knowledge,

transformational troublemakers. Go out and

the assistant Air Force Liaison Officer to the

business acumen and commitment to

do good and change the world for good and

Federal Aviation Administration, he created

underserved youth precedes you. You are

you will in turn be blessed.”

Business School.

After a distinguished 20-year career in

W W W.U D C. E DU

27

2

1

3

5

6 4

7

1. Commencement Marshall, DCSL professor

5. Foundation Board member Judith Terra (left)

Phillip Lee, holding the University Mace.

greets Karen Huger (right), the wife of Honorary

2. Senior Class President Eric Pulley offers

degree recipient Dr. Raymond Huger.

words of encouragement to the graduating

6. A Community College Honors graduate

class.

celebrates her achievement with Student

3. Arthur Rochee receives his 50 year

Ambassador.

medallion, as a member of the golden

7. President Ronald Mason, Jr. greets His

anniversary class of 1966.

Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Al Saud, who

4. Commencement speaker Broderick Johnson.

traveled to the U.S. to witness the graduation of

28

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

nearly 200 Saudi students from UDC.

institutions, which included Madison College

A Graduation Story

and Whitireia Community Polytechnic in New Zealand, Hutapea immediately challenged herself and decided to register for 18 credits. She recalls administrators questioning her about her decision to take so many credits during her first semester. But Hutapea was determined, responding, “Yes I can do it.”

Sticking with her goal, Hutapea earned a

BY TIFFANY BRIDGET T

4.0 her first semester at UDC. Throughout the semesters from fall 2013to the present, she has been on the Dean’s List. And during the academic year 2014-2015 she was awarded the highest academic honor at the Honors Convocation for achieving a GPA of 3.8 or above.

These days Hutapea is pleased she took the risk to leave a successful career, which included being head of the Publication and Communication Division, German Indonesian Chamber of Industry and Commerce; a news reporter at Metro TV; and a data surveyor at Traffic Design Ltd. “I have a second chance now. So many people go to college first, then [on to a] career.

I chose my career first. Now that I have the opportunity to attend college, I’m determined to work hard to get my degree.”

Graduating in the class of 2016, Hutapea isalready reminiscing about her experiences at UDC. She is proud that she chose to come here. What she will remember most is the remarkable faculty and staff, she says, especially a few professors who played pivotal roles in her success.

“The professors who I’ll remember the

G

most are Dr. Shelia Martin, Dr. Jerome Hunt, Dr. Yesha Thompson, Dr. Paul Tennessee, and

raduating from college is a proud

cations professional, Hutapea used a 2009

moment, but the journey that leads

Fulbright Scholarship to study Government

Dr. Guy Shoyer, to name a few.”

And Hutapea has high hopes for the future,

up to that special day is even more

Relations and Journalism at Madison College

beginning with working in an international

special. Maria Gracias Hutapea —

in Wisconsin. She returned home after earn-

organization/company as part of the OPT (Optical Practical Training) program.

“Grace” — is not your average grad-

ing her certificate to teach as required by the

uating senior, and her journey is not ordinary.

scholarship. But in 2013, she was back, this

Hutapea is an international student who

time setting her sights on a political science

World Bank, she says.

enjoyed a successful media career in her In-

degree at the University of the District of

donesian birthplace before coming to the U.S.

Columbia.

Tiffany Bridgett is a 2016 graduate of the

A former news reporter and communi-

Transferring all her credits from preceding

As for her ultimate dream? Working at the

university’s Mass Media program.

W W W.U D C. E DU

29

THE

Colors OF STEM AT UDC Preparing the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders

BY DIANNE HAYES

30

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

W W W.U D C. E DU

31

A beacon of hope for the future in Washington, DC, the University of the District of Columbia is on the front lines of preparing the next generation of American workers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

As the only public, urban land-grant institution in the nation’s capital, with a student population of 5,100 traditional, non-traditional and international scholars, UDC has become a STEM champion preparing students to compete in a competitive global economy.

The United States is at a critical crossroads in an effort to meet new demands in the area of knowledge capital as jobs are becoming increasingly more technical and the demand for a prepared STEM-based workforce grows.

Challenges facing U.S. education include working to remain the economic and technological leader of the global marketplace of the 21st century, closing minority and gender gaps in STEM, and improving teacher preparation.

The U.S. may be short of as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018. Two-thirds of those jobs will require at least some post secondary education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in occupations related to STEM is projected to grow to more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022—an increase of about 1 million jobs.

“ We are in an informationbased economy, and STEM – science and technology and particularly math – is the base of it all.”

— UDC President Ronald Mason, Jr.

has to be addressed if we are going to produce a workforce that the nation needs.

“There’s a lot going on and a lot of people are struggling to figure out how to produce STEM talent. We are working with Verizon with the middle school students. We have a grant to train teachers in the STEM field. We identify deeply suppressed talent and turn that talent into productive graduates who can compete on the global stage.”

The University of the District of Columbia has a unique opportunity to harness untapped talent and reach students at multiple stages through its workforce development programs, Community College, undergraduate, as well as master’s programs. UDC offers academic studies including engineering, computer science, chemistry, biology, physics, Information Technology, Homeland Security, agriculture, urban sustainability and environmental sciences, as well as nursing.

The University also participates in the Government and Industry Affiliates and Partners Program (GI-APP), which is developed and hosted by the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT: nonprofit and public higher education) at the University of the District of Columbia. The program is designed to support the needs of industry worldwide, government agencies, and academia in a mutually beneficial manner. GI-APP is vital to key breakthroughs in recruitment, networking, and collaboration in computer science research and development and businesses.

“We will identify the talent no matter where

The University of the District of Columbia

they walk in the door here, whether through

President Ronald Mason, Jr., takes the commit-

the workforce program, the community col-

ment to STEM education seriously by enhancing

lege or as traditional-aged students. We chart

and expanding current programs, celebrating

a seamless path to a bachelor’s degree,” UDC

student achievers, and developing new STEM

President Mason said.

partnerships ranging from government and industry to DC Public and Charter schools.

Research at UDC

“We are in an information-based economy,

The Science, Technology, Engineering and

and STEM – science and technology and particu-

Mathematics (STEM) Research and Training

larly math – is the base of it all.” President Mason

Center was funded by a $2.45 million grant

said. “It is a barrier to many opportunities, which

from the National Science Foundation in

32

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

2004. It serves as a focal point for innovative

research with a faculty mentor or outside re-

Consortium, National Institute of Standards

ideas and activities in the STEM disciplines

searcher. Selected students serve as research

and Technology, and the Henry M. Jackson

(biology, chemistry, physics, engineering,

assistants and receive financial stipends.

Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc.

computer science, environmental science and

The STEM Center provides enrichment

mathematics). The Center is designed to im-

activities for students to improve their gen-

prove undergraduate student competencies

eral education coursework. A STEM Summer

Urban Agriculture Education

in science, mathematics, and engineering;

Bridges Program (SSBP) is also offered to

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sus-

to increase research involvement and profi-

incoming freshmen in need of general educa-

tainability and Environmental Sciences

ciency of students in STEM disciplines; and

tion improvement before taking college-level

(CAUSES) was approved by the Board of

to increase retention and graduation rates of

courses. Once students are accepted into the

Trustees in 2010. It was established to of-

STEM students at the University of the Dis-

new STEM Center Program, they participate

fer research-based academic and commu-

trict of Columbia.

in various workshops, seminars, research focus

nity outreach programs that improve the

groups, mini-science sessions and lectures from

quality of life and economic opportunity of

those in the scientific community.

people and communities in the District of

The Center is the first of its kind for undergraduate students at UDC, serving as a hub for innovative ideas and activities in the STEM

For more than 20 years, UDC has been a

disciplines. It offers specialized laboratory

source of major research in areas including

Led by Dean Sabine O’Hara, CAUSES

and research courses in biology, chemistry,

breast and prostate cancer. Current STEM

embodies the land-grant tradition of UDC,

mathematics, engineering, computer science,

grants total more than $9 million from agencies

offering innovative academic and community

and environmental science.

including the National Institutes of Health,

education programs.

Columbia, the nation, and the world.

In addition to the research and laboratory

National Science Foundation, Department

These programs are offered through five

courses provided by the STEM Center, students

of Defense, Department of Energy, Verizon,

grant centers: the Center for Urban Agricul-

can conduct on-site and off-site independent

Department of Homeland Security, DC Space

ture and Gardening Education; the Center

“I came to UDC for the enriching cultural experience of an HBCU in an urban setting, while still being able to benefit from smaller classes and participate in lacrosse. The Engineering program at UDC is full of dedicated professors, smart peers, and has a challenging curriculum,” says freshman Mechanical Engineering student Jelani Guise.

(Foreground: Jordan Watson, Sophomore)

W W W.U D C. E DU

33

34

for Sustainable Development, which

6 percent increase over program alumni.

Cyber Security Information Assurance Program

includes the Water Resources Research

The program also has a mix of students

Institute; the Center for Nutrition, Diet

directly entering from undergraduate

and Health, which includes the Institute

programs, students who have been em-

of Gerontology; the Center for 4H and

ployed in career fields, but want to change

Youth Development; and the Architectural

fields, and students currently employed in

By Alana Hagofsky and Maurice Civers

Research Institute.”

homeland security areas who are seeking

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences administers the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific’s Cybersecurity/ Information Assurance Program.

It is funded by the Department of the Navy and is designed to be its premier cyber-outreach effort to the best and brightest undergraduate and graduate computer engineering students attending the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MSI).

As a partnering institution, undergraduate and graduate students attending the University of the District of Columbia have an opportunity to participate in a six-to-seven month cyber program. The program consists of a three-module cyber lecture series designed to establish a technical foundation.

While the most recent three-module lecture series focused on an introduction to cybersecurity, the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process, and finally a lecture on the theory of defense-in-depth, students worked on research projects for practical application.

Participating students applied for a chance to work as paid interns alongside SSC Pacific experts to receive real-world training in mission-critical, cyber-related projects.

During their internship, UDC students assisted with developing an incident response plan to support a Cyber-security Posture Assessment (CPA) and performed vulnerability scans on software code.

Program manager Maurice Civers stated, “Students participating in the DoN’s HBCU/ MSI Cyber Program have a unique opportunity to build a technical foundation while working beside cyber experts at naval research laboratories and warfare centers. Programs such as this propel innovation that the Navy most certainly will benefit from.”

Homeland Security Program

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

to enhance their knowledge and skills.

In addition to a set of core courses,

Anti-terrorism efforts are a national

students may concentrate on specific

priority, and UDC’s location in Wash-

areas such as terrorism and counter-ter-

ington, DC, gives it a competitive edge.

rorism, community disaster resilience,

The

and cyber security.

undergraduate

and

graduate

Homeland Security Program at the

“At the undergraduate level the UDC

University of the District of Columbia

HS-STEM program continues to solidify

emphasizes the natural science, engi-

an institutional infrastructure in the

neering, and math disciplines of STEM

homeland security social and behavioral

in homeland security.

sciences priority research area through

“The Homeland Security program

student scholarships and undergraduate

provides an opportunity for UDC and

research experiences,” Dr. Flowers said.

its students to be active participants in

“At the graduate level, the M.S. in

the nation’s overall homeland security

Homeland Security produces profes-

enterprise,” said Dr. Angelyn Spaulding

sionals with the knowledge and skills

Flowers, professor and Graduate Program

needed for careers vital to community

Coordinator for the Homeland Security

preparedness, and the prevention of

program.

and recovery from adverse incidents

The Master of Science in Homeland

and catastrophes, regardless of cause.

Security is a newer program at UDC, but

Together, these programs are making a

it is also one of the fastest growing. The

major contribution to changing the face

first seven students were admitted in

of the homeland security practitioner.”

the spring of 2011. Four years later, 54

Both the graduate degree and the

students have entered the program, which

undergraduate concentration of the

has 19 graduates and a current student

Homeland Security program are a part

enrollment of 28. Taking advantage of

of the “Crime, Justice, and Security Studies

its location in the nation’s capital, the

Program” in the Division of Social and

Homeland Security program is able to

Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and

integrate the expertise of experienced

Science.

practitioners as adjunct faculty, speakers, mentors, and students who work in a variety of Homeland Security agencies.

Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program

The student population in the Home-

Through the Professional Science Mas-

land Security Graduate Program is diverse.

ter’s Program of the College of Agricul-

Almost one-third of the students were

ture, Urban Sustainability and Envi-

born and raised outside of the United

ronmental Sciences, students are able

States, including Africa, the Caribbean,

to concentrate their studies in areas

and the Middle East. Forty-three percent

including water resources management,

of the students are female, representing a

urban agriculture and urban sustainabil-

ity. The mission of the program is to advance students’ knowledge while preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce.

In addition to providing a framework for collaborating with the District and regional employers, UDC’s goal is to offer STEM-based specialties that are in high demand and provide students with a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

In the PSM programs, students utilize the latest quantitative methods in preparation for the green job market in the District of Columbia and internationally. The interdisciplinary program provides not only deep knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological sciences

20,000 sq. ft. rooftop farm at the Van Ness campus.

technology; and a new offering of biomedical

applicable to urban systems management,

The Urban Sustainability concentration

engineering under the direction of Dr. Lara

assessment, and monitoring, it also builds

offers students a wide range of urban sus-

Thompson. She runs a new laboratory focused

skills in environmental policy, communication,

tainability careers and rapid advancement in

on biomechanical and rehabilitation engi-

business management, project management,

business, government, and nonprofit organi-

neering and is the principal investigator for

ethics, and leadership.

zations by providing students with hands-on

a $400,000 grant from the National Science

experience with sustainable projects, imple-

Foundation.

Students in the program gain the unique training to handle the challenges of building the

mentation and maintenance.

Thompson joined UDC in 2014 after completing her doctorate at the Harvard-MIT

sustainable urban communities of the future

Division of Health Sciences and Technolo-

and water safety, resource management, and

Training the Next Generation in Engineering

energy efficiency.

With the School of Engineering and Applied

engineering from Stanford University and a

through a strong focus on food security, food

gy. She holds a master’s degree in aero/astro

The Professional Science Master’s (PSM)

Sciences (SEAS), UDC is one of only four

bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Degree has expanded to offer concentrations

universities in the nation’s capital providing

from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

in Urban Agriculture and Urban Sustainability.

ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees

According to Dr. Thompson, UDC is one

Using a combination of application and theory,

in engineering and computer science, as

of only two Historically Black Colleges and

the three PSM concentrations allow students

well as graduate degrees in selected areas,

Universities (HBCUs) that specifically offer a

to gain hands-on experience through project

including electrical and computer science.

Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering

design, implementation, case studies, internship

Two new graduate programs will begin in

—an area with limited diversity and a strong

programs and applied research. The Water Re-

Fall 2017 offering a M.S. in mechanical and

need for African Americans, Hispanics and

sources Management concentration prepares

civil engineering.

women to take part.

graduates for effective science communication

“We have coordinated programs for our un-

The biomedical engineering degree pro-

and problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship,

dergraduate students with government agencies,”

gram received full board approval from UDC in

and technical innovation.

said Devdas Shetty, Ph.D., P.E., Dean/Professor,

the fall of 2014, and courses began in the fall of

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

2015 with 40 students declaring an interest in

The Urban Agriculture concentration connects the dots between locally grown food, nu-

“NSF has funded us to promote STEM

pursuing the BME track. At present, the BME

tritional health, and economic empowerment,

through nanotechnology. We are trying to ex-

program is housed within the Department of

to make urban farming a successful business.

cite high school students to become interested

Mechanical Engineering. Its laboratory, the

The program offers students a chance to see

in areas of STEM research through summer

Center for Biomechanical & Rehabilitation

sustainable research techniques applied in action,

programs, then eventually they will join us.”

Engineering, includes new equipment to

whether it be at the 143-acre Firebird Farm in

UDC students can earn B.S. undergraduate

conduct research on mobility and balance

Beltsville, Maryland, or our three-acre innovative

degrees in mechanical, electrical, and civil

impairments in elderly (healthy and fall-

mobile urban farm in Ward 7 of the District, or the

engineering; computer science; information

prone) and patient populations (such as stroke

W W W.U D C. E DU

35

survivors, amputees, vestibular loss subjects), balance aids and devices, and sports-related injury prevention and treatment.

The program includes guest lecturers and BME Journal Club sessions, where students learn what is being written in their field.

Thompson’s students are already having an impact, including students such as Mehdi Badache, who is majoring in mechanical engineering and considering BME. He was recently honored with having his abstract titled “Investigating Center-of-Pressure Parameters to Quantify Athlete and Non-Athlete Balance” accepted towards a Technical Paper Publication for the American Society of Me-

NSF Noyce Fellows, left to right: William Willis, J’Aron Heard, Jasmine VanStory, Clarence McKenzie and

chanical Engineers International Conference,

Quincy Jackson. Julie Edmonds (3rd from left) is the previous Director for Carnegie Academy for Science

2016. Badache was also awarded a summer

Education (CASE) and Science Mentor for Fellows.

internship at Boston Scientific.

UDC—Reinventing STEM Teaching

Standards, and enhance the infrastructure for

Acknowledging research that shows that

research and education among faculty, graduate

“Our graduates in engineering and com-

high-quality science education in the middle

students, and urban middle science teachers.

puter science get very good jobs,” Shetty said.

grades is crucial to the national goal of in-

Project Firebirds Reinventing STEM Teach-

“Some with a good GPA have received starting

creasing interest in STEM, the University of

ing is the first Middle Science education ini-

salaries of $100,000 in electrical engineering.

the District of Columbia has become a training

tiative in the university, and is designed with

They leave UDC with work they can show off.

ground for teachers with limited lab experi-

a cohort model, including summer engagement

They get offers from companies like Lockheed,

ence, or who need to learn teaching methods,

in the practice of doing science, along with one

Booz Allen, the U.S. Patent Office, Naval Re-

to make science fun and relatable to students.

full year of a progressively intensive teaching

search Labs, while others go on to graduate

UDC, in collaboration with DC Public and

Dean Shetty has great pride when he discusses the SEAS students.

internship with a living wage scholarship.

selected Charter Schools, the Center for Ap-

The Teaching Fellowship is designed to

plied Linguistics (CAL) and Carnegie Academy

create authentic opportunities for Fellows

Summer STEM Training

for Science Education (CASE), received $2.13

to learn alongside lead scientists, and later

High school graduates who plan to enter the

million from the National Science Foundation

explore ways to design and implement rigorous,

University of the District of Columbia with

(NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship

standards-based science lessons and units of

an interest in majoring in one of the STEM

(Teaching Fellowship) grant, to support the

study for middle school students alongside

disciplines are given an opportunity to get a

preparation of master’s level-trained middle

master science teachers, which will lead to the

jump-start during the summer.

school science teachers.

preparation and retention of highly effective

school in STEM areas.”

teachers for 6-8 grades in urban schools.

Each year in June the STEM Summer

The initiative, Project Firebirds Rein-

Bridges Program (SSBP) offers five weeks of

venting STEM Teaching (Project FRST), has

By the culmination of the six-year Teaching

activities such as a one-credit freshman orien-

been crafted to prepare aspiring teachers to

Fellowship project grant, it will strengthen

tation course, a series of workshops designed

meet the state requirements for licensure in

middle science teaching and learning in the

to develop academic skills in note-taking,

Secondary Science in the District of Columbia,

District by training 20 new science teachers

preparing for examinations, writing essays, and

and focuses on middle grades 6-8. The project

and providing them with a variety of profes-

employing other skills that enhance the stu-

uses research-driven best practices to reinvent

sional development opportunities. Key project

dents’ academic performance and adjustment

STEM teaching.

elements include a 20-week Practice of Science

to college life, and enhancement material for

UDC’s goal is to strengthen middle science

internship directed by CASE, a Master of Arts in

three college-wide non-credit courses: English,

teaching and learning in urban classrooms,

Teaching degree that emphasizes foundations

mathematics and science.

adhere to the new Next Generation Science

of urban education, content area pedagogy, field

36

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

experiences, and three years of new teacher

gineering, Homeland Security, agricultural

throughout the District.

The program targets African American and

sciences, to preparing students for careers

Educating the Next Generation

Hispanic males in grades 6-8. Those selected

in information technology and the medical

The Verizon Minority Male Makers Pro-

are given the opportunity to learn 3D printing,

profession, UDC is identifying untapped talent

gram offers an all-expense-paid four- week

App development, and robotics. Students

in order to strengthen the STEM workforce.

intensive summer program designed to

participate in competitions, win prizes, and

engage students in high quality, hands-

go on field trips.

mentoring after graduation.

“I would like us to be known as a STEM hub producing quality STEM graduates,” President

on learning in order to increase access to

The Verizon Minority Male Makers pro-

Mason said. “I’d like to see a STEM learning

STEM-focused careers and higher educa-

gram was created by Verizon, and works in

community, and I would like to reach more

tion. In addition, students receive a mentor

partnership with the University of District of

K-12 programs, where we can offer dual en-

and participate in STEM workshops during

Columbia to direct the program.

rollment in order to light the STEM fire earlier

the academic year at UDC and host sites

From cancer research, biomedical en-

in the process.”

National Maker Faire at UDC

Scientists, inventors, tinkerers and makers of all ages from across the U.S. gathered at the University of the District of Columbia for the Second Annual National Maker Faire during the week of June 18-19th. The free, family-oriented event promoted the importance of STEM education and offered curious, inventive people a place to showcase and share their technical talent.

Among the featured exhibits from the UDC School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) were an Ambulatory Suspension System, 3-Dimensional Prosthetic Hand, Surface Roughness Measurement device, Drones, Humanoid Robot, Sputtering Demonstration, and various “Boe-Bot” projects.

The University’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) showcased its mobile urban food hub, and demonstrated a unique patented aeration device, Flo-vex®, used to support the University’s aquaponics and hydroponics research and food production programs.

The National Maker Faire is a collaboration between Maker Media, NationOfMakers.org, and the University of the District of Columbia. Together, the groups joined with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to kick off the “Week of Making” (June 17-23), which recognized the winners of the White House’s “Champions of Change” award, chosen because they exemplify and foster the “maker mindset” of curiosity, collaborative problem-solving, and creative confidence which are vital to the modern innovation economy.

“We are committed to effecting cultural change,” said Maker Faire founder and CEO Dale Dougherty. “The best and most effective way to do that is to influence the next generation.”

Above photo, left to right: Maker Faire CEO, Dale Dougherty; SEAS Dean, Devdas Shetty; CAUSES Dean, Sabine O'Hara; Tom Kyle, White House OTSP; US Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Megan Smith; Nick Cannon; US Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx; Andrew Coy, White House OSTP; and, Jeffrey Walker, Future Scientist

W W W.U D C. E DU

37

BACK BY

Design

Alumnus Comes Full-Circle to Design UDC Student Center

BY CHRYS SBILY

38

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

Michael Marshall vividly remembers the day he had his first glimpse of blueprints. They were tucked under the arm of his friend, Santo, who had been instructed to deliver them to his father’s job site, where a home was being built. »

On that summer day in 1968, 11-year-old Marshall knew that his destiny was to be an architect.

Growing up in NE Washington and Prince George’s County, the son of a DC Public Schools bus driver and a housekeeper, Marshall had aspirations to be the first in his family to go to college.

In high school, he worked at a car dealership, thinking that he would stay there and work his way up to earn money for college. It was a good plan that changed during a pivotal 30 seconds after hearing a radio advertisement for open enrollment at the Washington Technical Institute (WTI) for Architectural Engineering Technology. Intrigued, he attended the event and was overwhelmed at the prospect of the opportunity to attend college and follow his dreams.

The Architectural Engineering program at WTI was a precursor of the two-year associate’s degree program at UDC. The event provided him with his first introduction to professional people of color.

“I found much more than I imagined,” Marshall said. “I found a support system.”

He recalls meeting Clarence Pearson, who was the Chair of the Architecture Department at that time. Pearson would do much more than expose Marshall to the discipline of architecture.

He offered him an internship in his firm, took him out and bought him his first business suit.

After finishing the two-year program in 1977, Marshall earned scholarships to The Catholic University of America to finish his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Architecture, and then to Yale, where he earned his Master’s degree in Architecture.

W W W.U D C. E DU

39

As a student, Marshall was taught and mentored by Professor Clarence Pearson, who continues to teach in the School of Archtecture at UDC.

mixed-use developments.

Currently, the firm is working on the new DC United Stadium and the Entertainment and Sports Arena, the new Wizards practice facility and Mystics home court in Congress Heights.

But perhaps the project that has brought him the most pride is the one closest to his heart. Marshall came back to design the $63 million UDC Student Center, in collaboration with CannonDesign. It is the first new building on the Van Ness campus in more than 40 years.

Alumnus Michael Marshall designed a meditation garden adjacent to the Student Center to provide students a tranquil place for study and reflection.

On January 20, 2016, Michael stood proudly at a podium inside the Student Center. It was a brisk evening, and a light powdery snow had begun to fall. He looked out over the audience

The highly technical training he received

a student at Catholic. Marshall revisited in

gathered to inaugurate the new building. Among

at the beginning of his educational journey

1992 to teach once again. But perhaps his most

the hundreds of students, faculty, alumni and

served him well. As opposed to focusing intently

impressive contribution took more than four

dignitaries gathered to celebrate the opening

on design, the UDC program at that time was

decades to realize.

was Clarence Pearson, who still teaches at UDC.

about building a strong technical foundation

After working for a number of local firms,

Filled with pride, Marshall’s voice cracked

for entry-level positions in architectural offices.

Marshall set up his own practice in DC, the

just a little as he took measured, emotional

Years later, in 1981, he worked as an intern at an

city he loved. He ran his own architecture firm

pauses. He wanted to make a point. “All of us,”

architecture firm in San Francisco. Firm prin-

for 22 years, until forming a partnership with

he said as he addressed the entire audience,

cipals were more impressed with his drafting

Paola Moya in 2010 to launch Marshall Moya

but directed this point to alumni. “We need to

and drawing skills, the skills he honed at UDC,

Design. Together, they have worked on some

come back and give back. The university needs

than anything else. “They were not used to

of the city’s highest-profile projects, including

us. We need to roll up our sleeves. We need to

seeing that type of technical skill in entry-level

the Howard Theatre, the Chuck Brown Memo-

give back with our talents, our services, our

architects,” Marshall said.

rial (just a stone’s throw from the very street

knowledge. We need to be here,” Marshall said.

Always connected to his UDC roots, he

Michael grew up on in NE Washington) and a

“We need to step up to the plate and support

came back and taught drawing classes while

number of DC public elementary schools and

UDC. That’s what we should do.”

40

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

1000 WORDS Verizon Minority Male Makers Program

W W W.U D C. E DU

41

TECHNOLOGY

UDC Launches New Website

T

simpler design, which is more aesthetically pleasing and will further help users find what they need quickly,” says Morrow.

ABCD & Company served as the primary developer of the new website. “The site uses

he University of the District of Co-

adopted brand messaging pillars—of Aspire.

caching and follows Google’s stated web stan-

lumbia (UDC) has launched a new

Accomplish. Take on the World. “We’ve had

dards very closely to improve search engine

website introducing new technology

the existing content management tool for more

optimization and site speed,” said Brittanye

and featuring a cutting-edge design

than four years, and wanted to bring the site

Calhoun, Managing Partner of ABCD & Com-

to display UDC as an advanced pub-

up to current web standards with technology

pany, who oversaw the development team.

that supports the needs of current and pro-

“Essentially, we’ve made the site faster and

Providing greater accessibility to mobile

spective students,” says UDC Webmaster Jay

more accessible to a broader audience.”

devices was central in the University’s effort.

Morrow. “Our goal was to develop a site that

“It was important to our team that the

The new site provides an improved experience

would be accessible to a broader segment of

site’s aesthetics accurately represent the

for users of tablets and mobile phones. It also

web users, making content readily available

University’s brand and future outlook,” said

includes a number of other improvements,

to all users on all devices. We’re going for a

Corey Briscoe, Managing Partner at ABCD &

lic system of higher learning.

Company. “The redesign involved a thorough analysis of the preexisting site, user trends, and best practices among peer institutions.”

The updated website is part of a $3 million investment in the University’s information infrastructure designed to enhance UDC’s academic teaching environment, streamline communications among University stakeholders, and improve overall operations. A more comprehensive content update is planned for next year.

Visitors to the website should submit any questions or comments to webmaster@udc.edu.

such as a new content management system, modernized design, faster speed, improved search engine optimization, and the addition of RSS feeds for the news section of the website.

Another important feature of the new website is the updated navigation — including new dropdown menus within a fixed header — which allows users to get to most places on the site with just one click. The site also features the University’s new graphic identity and thematically incorporates the recently

42

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

UDC Alumnus Earns Praise for Do-ItYourself Engineering Creativity

I

he showcased his voice-activated window blind controller at a Texas Instruments do-it-yourself event in Dallas.

Finding inspiration in the sun Jayatilleke was inspired to build the controller for his office in Maryland because the sun shines directly on his computer monitor in the afternoons. He got tired of getting up to readjust his blinds every 15 minutes.

“I would always have to interrupt what

f you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to

I was doing to get out of my chair to adjust

grow up on an island with limited access

the window blinds. I thought there had to be

to modern conveniences and electronics,

an easier way than using an archaic manual

Texas Instruments applications engineer

wand,” he said. “Since I was already tinkering

and University of the District of Colum-

with voice activation for my work projects, I

bia Alumnus Lalindra “Lali” Jayatilleke can

knew how to quickly build something that

tell you. He is a former UDC Men’s Tennis

would work better.”

standout, who graduated in 2011 with a de-

The embedded speech recognition en-

gree in Electrical Engineering and a minor

gine listens for the trigger phrase “window

in Computer Engineering.

illuminate” through a microphone, then a

Jayatilleke grew up in the Fiji Islands watching VHS tapes of the American action-adventure series MacGyver because his family did not have live-broadcast television until the mid90s. His schools did not emphasize science, nor did his town have a Radio Shack where he could buy electronics.

“It was not the best place for budding engineers to expand their minds,” said Jayatilleke, who today works in Texas Instrument’s Germantown, Md., office. “We were at a bit of a disadvantage as kids because we did not have science fairs or access to educational electronics or equipment. Things have probably changed a lot in Fiji by now, as Internet access has grown significantly.”

But Jayatilleke quickly overcame the

“ The U.S. is a DIYer’s paradise.

Not having access to much technology as a kid, I really appreciate what I didn’t have then.”

– Lalindra “Lali” Jayatilleke, Texas Instruments Engineer/ UDC Alumnus

digital signal processor (DSP) signals to the LaunchPad kit to rotate a Servo that moves a wand that’s attached to the blinds. The entire system is powered by a battery pack that has a small built-in solar panel.

“This keeps the system juiced up by using the sunlight coming through the window,” he said.

Finding “a DIYer’s paradise” Jayatilleke said the Dallas event also gave him a chance to talk with fellow DIYers and learn from them. His mind is already spinning with ideas for the next event, which will take place again in April. “I can’t wait to come back. I will be back with something.”

He has worked at Texas Instruments for four

limitations when he discovered science and

years, starting out in the Applications Rotation

engineering by watching MacGyver episodes

Jayatilleke got a chance to solder and ac-

Program. Born in Sri Lanka, he moved to the

and constructing cranes, cars and buildings

tually build electronics when a store in Fiji

U.S. in 2002. At UDC, Jayatilleke played two

with Meccano Sets.

started importing electronic kits from an Aus-

seasons of tennis, in 2009 and 2010, where he

“All of this helped spur my interest in en-

tralian company called Dick Smith Electronics.

won a combined 12 matches for the Firebirds

gineering and do-it-yourself projects,” he said.

Through kits, he learned to build items like

and helped transform the team from a 2-11

“My grandfather would bring us toys to play

radios and doorbells.

team in 2009 to a 13-5 team in 2010.

with, and I enjoyed taking them apart. The curiosity was there from a very young age.”

Today, he constantly tinkers in his spare time to see what he can build. Earlier this year,

Reprinted with permission from Texas Instruments.

W W W.U D C. E DU

43

UDC-TV ANNIVERSARY

Producer Dan Ikenberry, Inset: Cheryl Hawkins, Ed Jones and former Congressman Ron Dellums.

which explores contemporary scholarship to engage and challenge thinking on a broad range of complex topics. His show was among the first to present an interview with Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “I have stayed with the humanities,” he says. “I have been producing shows that people can go back and use for the classroom.

“I really have enjoyed working with Ed Jones. He has a good understanding of what you can do with limited resources,” continues Miller.

Jones, general manager for 21 years of UDC’s television station, is no lightweight. He served as program manager for WUSA Channel 9 and was at WHUT-TV (Howard’s Television Station) for 10 years. His cumulative experience means UDC is effectively competing with other

UDC TV @ 25

have a unique window to provide a platform of local programming.”

Actually, UDC TV is getting attention beyond its urban borders. “I get email from people around the world who are watching

BY CHERYL HAWKINS

S

universities and commercial broadcasters. “We

our programs,” adds Jones. andra Jowers-Barber wasn’t looking

“I know we’re being impactful,” says Jow-

UDC’s foray into the visual broadcasting

to be a television celebrity. Thanks,

ers-Barber, director of humanities at the UDC

arena began in 1991, when the DC Office of Cable

in part, to University of the District

Community College. Consider that recently she

Television, now the Office of Cable Television,

of Columbia Television, that’s what

presented a three-part program on the 15th

Film, Music and Entertainment, assigned

she has become, however. Often

and 19th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution;

it one of its seven municipal PEG (public,

when she is out in the city, people stop her on

among her guests were Regina Williams, UDC

education and government) cable channels.

the street commenting about her show “UDC

Professor Sheila Harmon Martin, and Wade

The intent was to provide non-commercial,

Forum” and others on the station.

Henderson, the former director of the Civil

adult education programming. Soon after,

Rights Leadership Conference and current

UDC’s 24-hour local education cable channel

UDC law school professor.

went live on the air with the overall mission

That may not be as surprising as it sounds.

UDC-TV is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, and has attracted to its studio such notables

“Even though I wanted to do [the show] for

to support the University in carrying out its

as U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon;

myself, it has helped broaden the community’s

land-grant function of teaching, research, and

Stedman Graham, author, businessman and

perspective on the institution,” continues

public service through the innovative use of

Oprah Winfrey’s beau; the Rev. Jesse Jack-

Jowers-Barber.

cable television technology and programming.

son; Johnetta Cole, director of the National

The television station also connects the

The initial challenge was identifying content

Museum of African Art and former president

community with the university. Just ask literary

to support UDC TV’s programming mission.

of Spelman College; and Randall Robinson,

activist and award-winning poet, E. Ethelbert

Like many university broadcasting enterpris-

founder of TransAfrica Forum.

Miller, who produces and hosts “Scholars,”

es, it relied heavily on events like university

44

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

graduations, convocations, or special seminars

The University’s Jazz Studies program

and conferences. CrossTalk, a public affairs

and the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives also offer

radio program that aired on WDCU-FM, the

a show that, says Judith Korey, curator of the

University’s radio station, was videotaped and

Archives, not only enhances and supplements

rebroadcast on the television station. Journalist

students’ experiences at UDC, but also helps

and community activist, Ernest P. White, now

to connect the University to the Washington

deceased, hosted the radio show and also pro-

metropolitan area community. Firebird Flava, a student intern-produced show, and The Cir-

duced “The Ernest White Show” for television.

Then, in the mid-2000s, under Jones’ leader-

Sandra Jowers-Barber, UDC Forum Host

cuit, a student production of the University’s

ship, capital improvement grants from Comcast,

media program, are also part of the UDC TV

Verizon, and RCN transformed whatwas an

program line-up.

“My job everyday is to get up and show the

antiquated analog facilityinto a High Definition

best of UDC,” says Jones.

production and distribution facility. In other

The original model of building programs

words, UDC TVupped its game, and became a

around University deans and faculty continues.

solid player in the industry.

Under Jones, the University offers a cornu-

But as evidenced by Miller’s involvement, the TV

copia of television programs including CAUSES,

station also collaborates with the community

hosted by Sabine O’Hara, dean of the College

Ed Jones, General Manager

UDC serves. Jones sees UDCTV as providing discussions around critical issues that many

of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, which highlights the many

significantly impact people of color. Webster

media organizations have abandoned, but that

researched-based academic and community

says the show “aims to empower viewers to make

viewers still crave.

outreach programs of the University that improve

informed decisions about their conditions and

the quality of life and economic opportunity of

expected levels of care.”

That means a constantly improving and evolving product. “The professionalism of

people and communities in DC, the nation and

Higher Education Today, a partnership with

everybody there and the dedication…Ed is

the world. DCSL Dean Shelley Broderick hosts

educational consultant Steven Roy Goodman,

just fabulous. The new set [for the show] is

Sound Advice, addressing the many legal

connects viewers to contemporary issues,

gorgeous,” says Jowers-Barber, adding that the

concerns facing low-income DC residents. Dr.

people, and institutions in the world of higher

TV station offers the “opportunity for faculty

Connie Webster, a clinician, nurse, researcher,

education. Goodman states, “Higher Educa-

and students at the University and the College

and faculty member, hosts Health Matters, which

tion Today enables DC residents and others

to reach a broader audience and an opportunity

is devoted to providing current health informa-

to explore and prepare themselves for various

to show a different side of UDC.”

tion related to acute and chronic diseases that

educational and professional paths.”

Jones says the next 25 years “will include production of live events, webinars, video streaming of education forums and other productions distributed across various digital platforms.” Already, he says he is exploiting YouTube. “My job is to work as hard as I can to increase visibility as best we can.

“For an old veteran like me—this is television heaven,” adds Jones. He won’t get any complaints: not from producers, hosts, and certainly not the viewers who can’t get enough of UDC-TV. You can find UDC – TV’s program schedule on the University’s website at www.udc.edu/ cabletv and watch UDC-TV (Refer to your cable provider for more information) or on

Dan Ikenberry shoots The Colors of STEM, hosted by Allison Seymour of Fox 5 News.

the Internet at www.youtube.com/udccabletv.

W W W.U D C. E DU

45

RAUH LECTURE SERIES

UDC David A. Clarke School of Law Rauh Lecture Series Brings Out Crowd for Sen. Cory Booker

T

he University of the District of Co-

folks in America because they’re looking for

fessor who questioned Booker in a crowded

lumbia’s Annual Rauh Lecture offers

less voter turnout,” Senator Booker said.

auditorium, lamented how voter turnout dropped this year compared to the 2008 and

students and the DC community an

Booker, a Democrat from Newark, said

intimate discussion with some of the

that his first full day back in Washington

country’s top leaders and brightest

after the election included discussions with

“We’re not doing a good enough job letting

minds. Senator Cory Booker visited UDC’s

Republican colleagues about trying to find

folks know really what’s at stake and what we’re

David A. Clarke School of Law to deliver its 24th

ways to work together on such issues as

fighting for,” Booker said

Annual Rauh Lecture. On November 16, just a

criminal justice reform.

week after the 2016 Presidential Election that

He and Wade Henderson, the law pro-

2012 elections.

Each year, one or more leading members of the bench or the bar addresses the School of

left many reeling, Senator Booker discussed the election, voter suppression, the rhetoric unleashed by Donald Trump’s candidacy, and his personal journey in politics.

The conversation, which he held with Wade Henderson, Joseph L. Rauh, Jr., Chair of Public Interest Law at UDC-DCSL and President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund, left the several hundred in the audience feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

“If you’re frustrated with society, it’s not time to check out. By you checking out, you are serving the interests of those people who

(L to R) Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall, Chief Operating Officer, April Massey, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences,

are benefitting from your lack of turnout and

Senator Cory Booker, Shelley Broderick, Dean of UDC's Law School, Wade Henderson, UDC's Joseph L. Rauh, Jr.,

playing right into the trap they’re setting for

Chair of Public Interest Law, and Edgar S. Cahn, UDC Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Law.

46

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

UDC Law School Celebrates Alumni Judges The University of the District of Columbia’s Law School is ranked #2 in diversity and #7 in clinics by US News & World Report. Its distinguished alumni include three judges: Judge Shana

earning his JD from the University

Frost Matini

of the District of Columbia, Judge

Matini was

Peden has worked with the South

appointed as

Carolina Department of Juvenile

a Magistrate

Justice in its Community Services

Judge in the

division and was co-founder and now

Superior Court

CEO of KidCapital, Inc.

of the District of Columbia on Jan. 4, 2016. Raised in New York City,

Judge

Matini received her B.A. degree in

Linward C.

International Affairs from the George

Edwards, II

Washington University. Prior to law

Edwards is an

school, Judge Matini taught English

example of the

at the Language Teacher’s Train-

benefits of sec-

ing College in Slupsk, Poland. She

ond chances. A

returned to the U.S. to attend law

Municipal Court Judge in Florence,

school at UDC, where she served

SC, he is the second black judge

as Editor-in-Chief of the District of

appointed to the bench. His journey

Law community, students, faculty, staff, alumni and

Columbia Law Review and graduated

includes being on the wrong side of

friends, on a law-related topic of interest. Some of the

magna cum laude in 1996. After law

the law, including two felony convic-

nation’s most respected civil rights and other public

school, she served as a judicial law

tions before turning his life around

interest, public policy or public service attorneys,

clerk for the Honorable Richard A.

with the help of the University of the

as well as the Attorney General and two sitting U.S.

Levie of the D.C. Superior Court. Prior

District of Columbia David A. Clarke

Supreme Court Justices, have honored UDC’s Law

to her appointment as a Magistrate

School of Law, where he graduated

School with their participation.

Judge, Matini served as an Assis-

in 2010. Edwards clerked for the Dis-

tant Attorney General in the Civil

trict of Columbia Public Defender’s

open to the public. Past participants have included

Litigation Division of the Office of the

Office, and was a summer Judicial

NYU law professor and social justice activist Bryan

Attorney General for the District of

Clerk for the Fourth Circuit Federal

Stevenson, Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, Senator

Columbia.

Judge Margaret Seymour. Upon

The Annual Joseph Rauh Lecture is free and

Elizabeth Warren, Supreme Court Justice Sonia

graduation from law school, Edwards

Sotomayor, U.S. State Department Legal Adviser

Seldon Peden

accepted a position at The Sellers

Harold Koh, and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

A Magistrate

Law Firm located in Dillon, South

The lecture series is named for Joseph Rauh, a

Judge in

Carolina. In 2012, Edwards opened

founding member of UDC Law School’s Board of Gov-

Greenville,

his own practice in Florence, SC,

ernors. For more than a half century, he championed

SC., Peden is a

where he represents clients in state

the underdog, the disenfranchised, and all minorities.

member of the

and federal court cases. He handles

Class of 2000.

civil, criminal, bankruptcy, business,

His widely known battles for civil rights, civil liberties, and equal access to justice are the essence of public

After graduating from Morehouse

personal injury, immigration, estate

interest law, which was his vision. The Rauh Lecture

College in Atlanta, Ga, he returned

planning, and family law.

series captures the spirit of his goal for educating and

to Greenville, his hometown. Since

empowering law students.

W W W.U D C. E DU

47

GREEK LIFE

Celebrating 80 Years of AKA Beta Lambda Chapter at UDC

A

BY STAFF WRITER

Seated left to right: Beta Lambda Charter Members: Elizabeth Somerville and Catherine Campbell (Both are 100 years old); Standing l to r: Shayna Hodge, Ebony Bennett, Monique Jones, Vanessa Farley-Okon, and Simone Grant.

Beta Lambda Chapter in 1936—Marjorie Holloman Parker, Carolyn Holloman Troupe, and Jessie Holloman.

Holloman-Davis, 92, is one of three Di-

bout 100 pink-and-green-clad

sorors spanning a more than a 80-year age

amond Sorors (75 years of service or more)

women of all ages, professions,

difference who continue to attend chapter

from Beta Lambda in her graduate chapter.

and lifestyles gathered at the Uni-

meetings, serve, and offer encouragement

She earned a B.S. in Education from Miner

versity of the District of Columbia

and inspiration.

Teachers College, a Master’s in Teaching of

as members of Alpha Kappa Alpha

Diamond Soror Dr. Grace Holloman-Davis

Mathematics from the University of Chicago

Sorority, Inc. Beta Lambda Chapter celebrat-

was initiated in 1940 and continues to be a very

and an E.D. in Administration from George

ed 80 years of service, unity, and enduring

active member.

Washington University. A former math teach-

“I was very happy to be in attendance at

er, she retired from DCPS Budget Office as

Celebrating a history that began in 1936

the reunion,” Holloman-Davis said. ”I was

a director of grants administration. She has

at Miner Teachers College, sorors from age 19

reminded of days gone by. I was glad to see so

held numerous positions of leadership in the

to 100 came together for a weekend to honor

many people from the past. I have a good time

sorority, and proudly drives to meetings and

the sorority chapter’s eight decades of service

when I am around my sorors.”

still attends chapter meetings and activities.

sisterhood, April 15-17.

and an enviable legacy of ladies of distinction.

Her family is steeped in AKA Beta Lambda

Current AKA Beta Lambda president Ebony

Younger members showed reverence for

history. Her three older sisters founded the

Bennett is a senior majoring in criminal justice,

48

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

who said she was honored to be in the presence of so many people who paved the way for her and other members.

“As one of the newest members, the event was very special to me,” Bennett said. “It was an honor to see what sorors have done before me, and to be able to sit down and eat with two of the charter members was amazing. It was great to see sorority members their age willing to come out and still be of service. It was very emotional and uplifting.”

The 80th anniversary celebration included a meet and greet on Friday with the theme “Through the Years” at Israel Baptist Church in DC, a “Pink Diamond & Pearls Gala” in the UDC ballroom in the new Student Center with dinner and dancing, and culminated with an Ecumenical Service followed by the Legends Tea,“A Diva Celebration,” where sorors wore hats and adorned themselves in pink and green.

Golden Soror Bernice Tillett was initiated in 1942. Her ongoing message to sister sorors is “service, service, service.”

“I’m happy to be a part of the 80th year celebration,” said Tillett, who is also 92. “It’s a blessing to still be around to see all those young sorors. They were active and smart and making sure we were comfortable.”

“AKA has its place. The sorority looks out for the community through scholarships, food banks and other things. I’ve made lifelong friends. We want to be there to set an example Soror Johncie Lancaster gives the familiar AKA greeting.

for the younger people and encourage them to do good things.”

Tillett advises those who follow: “If you can help a young person to move ahead in their life, you have to encourage them.” We have to be more concerned about helping other people.

Just reach out.”

Bennett noted that the one constant from the past to the present is the AKA commitment to service and an undying unity.

As a student, Golden Soror Bernice Tillett wrote a

“Sorority means sisterhood, black women

letter to U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to invite

coming together and sticking together no matter

her to the Miner Teachers College Founder’s Day.

what.” Bennett said. “The sorority means a lot

The First Lady accepted the invitation and sometime

to me. It has helped me during my entire life.

later was named an Honorary Soror.

Golden Soror, Grace Holloman-Davis

I love it with all of my heart.”

W W W.U D C. E DU

49

ARTS AND SCIENCES

UDC’s Creative Writing Students Rock the Stage at Busboys and Poets

BY MAT THEW PET TI, PSYD, MFA

L

ast spring, the English Program in the

tional Conference for College Women Leaders

College of Arts and Sciences enhanced

“Woman of Distinction” award. Ms. Acevedo

its reputation as a major player in DC’s

has performed her poetry all across the United

literary scene, as 18 UDC students were

States, and she recently toured Europe on a DC

the featured performers at DC’s storied

Arts and Humanities Fellowship Grant. In hiring

venue, Busboys and Poets. Our budding poets

her, the College of Arts and Sciences was able

performed their most accomplished lyrical

to offer UDC students a truly innovative class:

work, powerfully and emotionally addressing

Spoken Word Poetry. Eighteen creative writing

love, injustice, and other burning issues to a

students read poetry, viewed and critiqued

large and enthusiastically vocal audience. This

spoken word performances, and participated in

performance was the culmination of student

focused craft workshops. The workshops were

work for one of the only university-level spo-

geared toward developing students’ talents in

ken word workshops in the entire country, a

crafting and practicing performance poetry

workshop led by acclaimed spoken word artist

under Ms. Acevedo’s able and supportive tute-

Elizabeth Acevedo.

lage. The class’s culminating event was a “UDC

Last semester, the University and the English program were very fortunate to have Ms.

Night” at Busboys and Poets, with Ms. Acevedo doing the emceeing.

Acevedo join our ranks as Poet-in-Residence.

Last spring’s event marked the fourth

Ms. Acevedo is a Washington, DC-area resident

time in recent years that UDC students were

who has received national and international

featured at Busboys and Poets. Look for the

recognition for the power and beauty of her

announcement of our next event and come

performance poetry. In 2015, she won a Na-

out and see us this year!

UDC's English Program put students under the spotlight as they presented spoken word at DC's Busboys and Poets restaurant.

50

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

“ I’ve always loved a poem that can be carried in the body. That unlike a novel, or a song that might require musical accompaniment, reciting a poem needs nothing but a willing voice. Not even a microphone, or clapping, or a melody. It can travel with you, it resides in you.” ­– ELIZABETH ACEVEDO

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

UDC Ramps Up Its Outreach Efforts

The Community at UDC External Affairs Team

Sets goal to improve marketing, communications and fundraising Michelle Pourciau,

BY JOHN GORDON, JR.

M

Executive Director Office of External

ichelle Pourciau has a big

Before that, Pourciau spent 22 years

job ahead. She was hired

with the D.C. government, rising to Direc-

last spring by UDC Presi-

tor of the Department of Transportation

dent Ronald Mason, Jr., as

(DDOT), where she directed the 800-em-

Affairs

the University of the District

ployee agency, which manages and main-

of Columbia’s executive director of the

tains transportation infrastructure in the

John Gordon, Jr.

Office of External Affairs.

District of Columbia. DDOT is responsible

Director of

Her job is to oversee the new depart-

for operating and constructing bridges,

Communications

ment, which was created by merging a

roads, sidewalks and transit in the District

variety of departments and functions that

of Columbia. In her new role, Pourciau will

in the past have operated independently,

continue to “build bridges” between the

among them:

University and the District community.

Communications and Marketing.

She received her undergraduate degree

This includes the University’s branding and

in Urban Studies from the University of

Thomas Redmond

messaging; marketing and media relations;

Michigan and her Master’s in City and

Director of State and

social networking and web presence; media

Regional Planning from Howard University.

Local Affairs

relations; and internal communications, including UDC-TV programming;

Pourciau says the role of the Office of External Affairs at the University will con-

Legislative and community outreach.

tinue to evolve. And one goal is for the school

This includes local, state and federal policy

– students, faculty and administrators – to

coordination and government relations, com-

have a better understanding of what the office

munity coordination and interactions with

can do to assist them.

the Advisory Neighborhood Commission.

Alumni affairs and fundraising. The

The office’s tasks are both considerable and far-reaching. Among them:

creation of new focused resources dedicated

Lee Brian Reba Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Special Events

to improving and enhancing alumni relations

Communications

and defining and increasing fundraising.

“Our primary responsibility is to advance

“Our role is to create a united university

the institution’s mission through timely

voice and spread the message throughout

and engaging communications, fund rais-

Washington, D.C., the region and beyond,”

ing, relationship-building and communi-

Jay Morrow,

Pourciau says.

ty outreach,” she says.

Webmaster

Pourciau (pronounced poo-show) came

“As stewards of the UDC brand, we will

to UDC after spending over nine years as a

work to promote the school’s programs and

senior infrastructure consultant. In this

achievements across all platforms, media

role she established, developed, marketed

and constituents,” she says. “That includes

and managed all business development and

everyone from prospective students, donors

operations for three different firms.

and employers, to policy makers, opinion

W W W.U D C. E DU

51

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

leaders, community residents, and current students, faculty and staff.”

Pourciau says the success of the new communications approach will require a great deal of collaboration with representatives from UDC’s colleges, schools and departments.

This is occurring through the establishment of a Communications Team.

MORE SCHOLARSHIPS! Become a part of the new "Multi" Million Dollar Match Campaign. Learn more on page 55.

“We are pleased to provide a temporary home for the Cleveland Park Library while their facility is being renovated. The library has attracted visitors to UDC, with many coming on our campus for the first time,” says Pourciau.

The University also provides office space for the neighborhood ANC-3F and hosts their regular monthly meetings. Another tenant is Van Ness Main Street, Inc. (See Below)

The Communications Team is comprised

“Whether on the main campus, at the com-

of over a dozen leaders from the major univer-

munity college, or other colleges and schools

sity program areas, including: The David A. Clarke School of Law; the UDC Community

Her goal is uniformity, with everyone recognizing

or other campuses, we want to welcome our

College; the College of Agriculture, Urban

UDC by its colors, logo and messaging.

neighbors and invite them in to benefit from the many extraordinary resources available,

Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES); the College of Arts and Sciences

Community Outreach

including specialized classes and workforce

(CAS); The School of Business and Public

The office is also re-establishing the external

development programs.”

Administration; and the School of Engineering

Community Task Force to bring together

and Applied Sciences (SEAS).

members of the community for advice and to

Fundraising

disseminate information to the community.

In 2015 the D.C. City Council approved

“The team will take an advanced look at what will be emphasized over the next year,”

“We want to build a partnership with the

$1 million for UDC scholarships, to be

Pourciau says. “We are developing a plan and

community so they can become more engaged

matched by private fundraising by the Uni-

strategy of how to approach ongoing initiatives.

with UDC,” she says. “It’s a partnership with

versity: The Million Dollar Match Program.

We will create a forward-looking plan that

the community to engage them and be more

In both the 2015 and 2016 fiscal years, UDC

promotes the University’s strengths.”

transparent, so residents and others can see,

has met the challenge — using a coordinat-

The team is also responsible for improv-

know, and be aware of the many resources

ed campaign, contacting alumni, staff, and

ing the look and feel of the UDC website, the

the university has to offer – everything from

other donors.

publication of Legacy, the magazine of the

renting space for activities to taking classes,

University of the District of Columbia, en-

to listening to music at concerts.”

hanced University branding and an updated marketing plan.

Pourciau wants to raise the stakes. “We have to raise more,” she says.

The new Student Center is the centerpiece

She says she is looking to increase funding

of the University corridor, where neighbors

from all sources, the D.C. government, the federal government and the private sector.

Pourciau says she doesn’t want students,

are welcomed to visit. The Center has a fully

faculty and administrators to stop what they have

functional wellness center, with memberships

done over the years in representing the University.

available to the community.

Continued on page 59

UDC welcomes an exciting collabo-

In January, the group hired its first Executive Director, Theresa

ration with Van Ness Main Street, a

Cameron, an expert on using the arts to help regenerate communi-

new nonprofit dedicated to making

ties. “I am very excited to help develop a vibrant Van Ness. Van Ness

the Van Ness corridor of Connecticut

has a wealth of arts and culture, including UDC, Levine School of Mu-

Avenue more beautiful and econom-

sic and Hillwood Museum, and I’m eager to work with arts stakehold-

ically vibrant.

ers and the community to coordinate these cultural opportunities

UDC and VNMS work together on numerous projects: contributing

and build economic development around them.”

Funding comes from the DC Department of Small and Local

music and chef demonstrations at UDC Farmers Market, featuring

Business Development and from area business and resident dona-

UDC Jazz musicians at the Jazz@VN series, advertising concerts at

tions. VNMS is part of the National Main Street program.

UDC Theater of the Arts, and partnering with the Student Center to host local artists at Art All Night, a citywide arts festival.

52

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

For more information, stop by their new office next to the UDC Foundation at 4340 Conn. Ave., or go to www.vannessmainstreet.org.

FACULTY/STAFF NOTES

Benson Cooke, Ph.D.

years. During his 13 years at UDC, Dr. Howe

Dr. Benson Cooke, Pro-

has taught across the General Education and

fessor and Chair of the

English programs, developing courses

Department of Clinical

that bring literature into conversation with a

and Health Psychology

variety of media, particularly popular and clas-

at the University of the

sical Hollywood film. He remains a dedicated

District of Columbia,

defender of the importance of a liberal education

College of Arts and Sciences, received the 2016

and the urgent relevance of the humanities to

Distinguished Psychologist Award from the

contemporary experience. He received his Ph.D.

Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi).

The award honors members who have made a distinguished contribution to the greater field of psychology through teaching, research, clinical and/or leadership efforts, and who have shown their commitment through exemplary service to the profession and the African Amer-

Dr. Devdas Shetty received a national award from the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operation Management by IEOM Society at their annual conference in Detroit, MI. The award citation is in recognition and appreciation of “lifelong service and dedication in Engineering Education and

in Comparative Literature from Binghamton University in New York State and his research and publication have focused on American Literature, Popular Culture, Literary Theory, Psychoanalysis, and Film. He is the author of It Didn’t Mean Anything: A Psychoanalytic Reading of American Detective Fiction (McFarland

Distinguished Service and Support in Industrial

2008) and the co-editor of Kidding Around: The

Engineering and Operation Management

Child in Film and Media (Bloomsbury 2014)

and researcher, Dr. Cooke joined the UDC

profession.” Dr. Shetty is dean of the School of

and Marcia Muller and the Female Private Eye:

faculty as a Visiting Assistant Professor of

Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).

Essays on the Novels that Defined a Subgenre

ican community.

An internationally recognized psychologist

(McFarland 2009).

Counseling Psychology from 2004 to 2005. He

Dr. Howe joins veteran CAS Division chairs

has served in numerous capacities, including Clinical Coordinator of Graduate Counseling

versity of Chile in Santiago, Chile. She has held

Dr. Shiela Harmon Martin (Division of Social

Program, Associate Professor of Counseling

positions in the public and private sector as a

and Behavioral Sciences), Dr. Jeffrey Fleming

and Human Development, and Professor of

healthcare administrator. Her practice areas

(Division of Sciences and Mathematics), and

Counseling and Psychology.

include Adult Health, Quality Management,

Dr. Amy Barrios (Division of Education, Health,

Correctional Healthcare and School Health. She

and Social Work).

Dr. Cooke is a past ABPsi National President. He was recognized in August at the

was a Charter Member of the Mayor’s Health

organization’s International Convention in

Policy Council for the District of Columbia. Her

Chief Mario Foster

Arlington, VA.

most recent community leadership position is

University Police Chief

as Co-leader of the District of Columbia Action

Mario Foster was induct-

Pier A. Broadnax,

Coalition, Future of Nursing-Campaign for

ed into the 2016 inaugu-

Ph.D., RN

Action sponsored by AARP and The Robert

ral class of the U.S. Army

Dr. Pier Broadnax was

Wood Johnson Foundation.

ROTC National Hall of

awarded Nurse of the

In 2016, Dr. Broadnax led the University

Year by the Black Nurs-

to a successful reaffirmation of the nursing

es Association at their

program until 2023.

Fame on June 10th at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Hall of Fame induction is awarded to individuals whose character and distinguished

36th Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon in Greenbelt, MD. Broadnax

Alexander Howe, Ph.D.

service exemplify “Leadership Excellence”

is Associate Professor and Nursing Program

has been appointed as the

and epitomize the qualities Army ROTC em-

Director of UDC’s Nursing Program. In ad-

new chair of the Division

bodies. In honor of Chief Foster’s meritorious

dition to this academic appointment, she was

of Arts and Humanities

contribution to the Nation, he was awarded a

formerly the Chairperson of the Undergraduate

in the College of Arts and

medallion and certificate. A permanent record

Nursing Program at Howard University and held

Sciences. Dr. Howe is the

of his service and accomplishments was added

a courtesy appointment at Yale University. She

founding director of the

to the prestigious assembly of Hall of Fame

also held the position of Visiting Researcher

UDC Honors Program, and he has served as the

inductees as an “enduring model and source

in the School of Nursing at the Catholic Uni-

English Program coordinator for the past two

of inspiration for Army ROTC Cadets.”

W W W.U D C. E DU

53

CLASS NOTES

UDC Grad Named FirstYear Teacher of the Year

BY DIANNE HAYES

M

ost new teachers would be intim-

“I hold every single child

idated by the reality of entering

accountable for the same

a classroom of 28 fourth grade

thing. I would help the

students, mainly from cultures

ones who didn’t know

other than their own, including

the answer try to work it

three who do not speak English at all. Taylor

through or partner them

Forgrave credits the University of the District

with another student.

of Columbia for preparing her for scenarios

The most important part

that could easily challenge even the most

of teaching is building

experienced teachers.

a personal relationship

After coming to Washington, DC, in 2011 from Ohio and working as a first-grade educa-

with each and every student — especially the

mance and her teaching methods earned her

ones you see as a challenge.”

the 2015-16 Outstanding First-Year Teacher of

tional aide at Francis Scott Key Elementary, she

“I experienced every human emotion on a

the Year award from the principal at her school.

signed up for the Master of Arts in Teaching

daily basis: love, joy, pride, laughter, sadness,

She was later selected as the winner out of all

expedited program at UDC.

and anger, but mostly pure joy.”

eight schools in the district for the Manassas City Public School System.

“I absolutely loved my master’s program,”

With a classroom demographic that was

Forgrave said. “The three women running the

predominantly Hispanic, and included two

“It’s very humbling,” Forgrave said. “I

program were phenomenal and down to earth.

African Americans, three white students, and

like to know that I’m making a difference.

Even though it was a one-year program, I believe

three students who were learning the language,

I’m honored to have been selected for an

we were better prepared than most people.”

Forgrave pulled from her arsenal of instruction

award that covers the entire district. That’s

“They shared a lot of stories and their

from UDC that she said provided ideas and

something to aspire to. Words can’t really

personal experiences. They brought in a lot

strategies for each situation she encountered.

describe it. I’m always the last one at school

of teachers, and had us pretend to teach. We

She has involved students to serve as peer

every night. It’s great to know that your work

practiced a lot.”

translators to engage the students who were

didn’t go unnoticed.”

The slender blonde teacher, whose original

new to the U.S.

She didn’t stop when the books were

dream was to teach at the beach, is well loved and

“I was prepared for a variety of racial back-

packed away and the lights were turned off

is a favorite of students, faculty and parents at

grounds,” Forgrave said. “The UDC program

on the last day of class. Where the work would

Jennie Dean Elementary School in Manassas,

kind of centered around racial integration. We

end for many teachers, Forgrave developed a

Va. She is constantly seeking ways to reach,

talked a lot about working with students with

special bond with one of the worst behaved

inspire, and excite her students about learning

different backgrounds, and how to connect

students and continued to connect over the

and discovering the world around them.

with them. The program definitely prepared

summer through trips to the beach, Bus-

me to be open minded.”

ch Gardens, kayaking, DC museums and a

“I personally related with each and every kid. It made a huge difference,” Forgrave said.

54

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

The recognition of her students’ perfor-

shopping mall.

Alumna makes “Bad Blood”

BY BRANDON WALLING

U

niversity of the District of Columbia (UDC) graduate Aleksandra Lagkueva is well on her way to building a career as a filmmaker.

Last year, the short film Lagkueva

created and directed, “Bad Blood,” was featured in the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival Awards in Phoenix, Arizona.

As the name implies, “Bad Blood” is a horror film. It follows a serial killer stalking his prey.

Last spring Lagkueva held a private screening of “Bad Blood” for the Mass Media program’s Writing for Media class at UDC. After the screening, she sat down for an interview with Professor Lloyd “Raki” Jones.

When asked about her inspiration for “Bad Blood,” she explained that the idea originally came from a project for

Lagkuev is proud of her first film, which she screened at UDC.

a Photography class. “But after I was finished, I wanted to keep going,” she

cepted at the festival was a long one,

said. She pursued the project as part

according to Lagkueva. “I just wanted

of her Directed Studies class, with help

to see my movie in a film festival. So

from fellow UDC graduates Mirchaye

I started researching...I realized my

Sahlu and Xavier Bias.

movie was a small niche.” Lagkueva

The casting for the movie took place

also raised enough funds to be able to

at UDC, inside one of the TV Production

travel to Phoenix to see her movie on

studios. “It was nerve-wracking,” she

the big screen.

laughed. “The pre-production was the

Lagkueva says her long-term plans

most challenging part. We had some

are “to direct, write, and produce films.

trouble casting people.” This was due in

Filmmaking is the most exciting and

part to the film’s lack of a budget. “You

challenging field and it is where I want

have to make clear from the beginning

to be.”

that you don’t have any money...but it all turned out well in the end.”

The path to “Bad Blood” being ac-

Brandon Walling is a 2016 graduate of

“MULTI” Million Dollar Match Campaign For many students who embark on a college career at UDC, their journey begins thanks to donations from our alumni and community supporters. Their contributions support deserving students and provide merit-based incentives that enable promising scholars to pursue their studies at the only public university in the nation’s capital.

UDC leads the Washington, DC, metropolitan region in college affordability, has an open admissions policy, and comprehensive, accredited programs that provide quality and innovative learning opportunities that prepare students for the practical demands of the workplace. Whether it’s help with purchasing expensive books, an emergency grant that will keep a student in school, or a full merit scholarship to encourage and reward excellence, support from our alumni and community partners directly aids in creating the success stories of tomorrow.

Last year, you provided $1 million in private donations that were matched by the Council of the District of Columbia, providing $2 million in student scholarships. Now, thanks to your generosity, the City Council has affirmed its confidence in UDC and issued an even greater challenge with a Multi-Million Dollar Match Campaign. This ongoing effort allows friends of the University make donations to support our Annual Giving Program. Every two dollars raised will be matched by one from the DC Council to provide millions of dollars for student scholarships and other university needs.

By making your tax-deductible gift, you will be included on the next Donor Roll of Legacy Magazine!

Please submit your online donation at www. udc.edu and click “Give to UDC” or make your check payable to the UDC Foundation, Inc., 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008.

The University of the District of Columbia is charting an exciting course for the future and we hope that you will continue to be a part of our journey.

the University’s Mass Media program.

W W W.U D C. E DU

55

CLASS NOTES

Frank S. Borris, II (B.S.

Financial Report. During her tenure, the City

Engagement and Research Component of

’95) is Director of the

earned a “AAA” bond rating. She also worked

Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for

Office of Defects Inves-

as Controller for the City of Portsmouth, VA

Clinical and Translational Science. Goode is

tigation (ODI) at the

from 2008 to 2012.

a member of the National External Advisory Board of the Center for Health Equity Inter-

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Rosetta Bryson (B.A. ’92)

vention Research at the University of Massa-

(NHTSA), which is an

was elevated to Bishop

chusetts School of Medicine and the Multicul-

agency of the U.S. Department of Transporta-

through sacred consecra-

tural Council of the Association of University

tion (DOT). In this capacity, he manages a staff

tion by the Kingdom of

Centers on Disabilities. Goode received a B.S.

of 50 employees dedicated to identifying and

L i f e Fe l l ow s h i p o f

from the District of Columbia Teachers College

investigating safety defects, managing hundreds

Churches, International,

and an M.A. from George Washington Univer-

of recalls annually, and keeping the public

held in Baltimore in July

sity.

informed of critical safety information. Borris

2016. Bryson is the first woman prelate to head

has been the catalyst of numerous innovations

the international church organization, and was

Carlos Hernandez

at NHTSA including a recall subscription

honored at a White House reception. Bishop

(B.A. ‘15) graduated from

service and a mobile app for filing reports of

Bryson was previously Senior Pastor of Word

UDC with a degree in

potential defects and staying abreast of recalls.

of Life Kingdom Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Studio Art. He works as

He earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

She has preached extensively throughout the

a freelance illustrator

from the University of the District of Columbia

United States as well as in Kenya, Barbados,

focusing on political car-

in 1995.

Russia, South Africa, Bahamas, and Jamaica.

tooning. He had a suc-

Borris loves all things automotive, and

Bryson received her BA in Political Science and

cessful show right before the presidential

started his passion for cars by repairing the

an AA in Urban Studies from UDC. She contin-

election about the current political arena that

brakes on his father’s 1966 New Yorker when

ued her studies at Emory University, where she

was curated by UDC Professor Daniel Venne.

he was just thirteen. He is an avid automotive

earned a Masters of Divinity, with a concentra-

Currently, he is working on a new portfolio and

enthusiast who enjoys restoring and racing

tion in Biblical Studies and Ethics. In 2015,

proposal for a new exhibit.

vintage muscle cars, and is very active as a

Bryson delivered a dynamic invocation at the

volunteer in his community.

UDC Commencement Convocation.

Amadou Gallo Fall (BS, ’93) currently holds the

Lenora Reid (B.A. ’97)

Tawara D. Goode (BS)

position of NBA Vice

is the Deputy Chief Ad-

was appointed by Barack

President and Managing

ministrative Officer for

Obama to the President’s

Director – Africa. He

Finance and Adminis-

Committee for People

oversees the NB A’s

tration in the City of

with Intellectual Disabil-

grassroots basketball

Richmond, VA. She is a

ities in October 2016.

development initiatives and its partnerships

Certified Public Accoun-

Goode is the Director of

with marketing, media and consumer product

tant and holds the professional designation of

the National Center for Cultural Competence

companies in Africa. Fall has been working

Chartered Global Management Accountant.

and Associate Director of the University Cen-

in this capacity since January 2010 and is

She earned an MBA from Strayer University

ter for Excellence in Developmental Disabili-

currently based at the NBA Africa office in

and dual bachelor’s degrees with honors in

ties at the Georgetown University Center for

Johannesburg, South Africa.

accounting and management from the Uni-

Child and Human Development, where she

Fall is also the Founder of SEED (Sports

versity of the District of Columbia.

has worked since 1977. Goode is also an Assis-

for Education and Economic Development), a

An accomplished leader in public finance,

tant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics

global nonprofit organization with the mission

Reid previously served as Director of Finance

at the Georgetown University Medical Center,

of using sport as a vehicle to inspire, empow-

for the City of Suffolk, VA, and was responsible

a position she has held since 2007. She serves

er, and support the holistic development of

for all aspects of accounting and reporting,

as faculty for the Administrative Core for the

promising African youth, preparing them to

budget and strategic planning, purchasing, and

Center of Excellence for Health Disparities at

become global citizens.

preparation of the city’s Comprehensive Annual

Georgetown University and the Community

56

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

Fall previously worked for the NBA’s Dallas

ALUMNI AFFAIRS

Mavericks as Director of Player Personnel

uate student, he participated in multiple

and Vice President of International Affairs.

activities and is an active champion for

Prior to his 12 years with the Mavericks,

UDC throughout the community. On

Fall worked with the Senegalese Ministry

campus, Rice was a member of Delta Mu

of Youth and Sports and the Senegalese

Delta International Honor Society, Omega

Basketball Federation. The national team

Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Hon-

he assembled won the 1997 African Cham-

da All-Star Team (academic challenge),

pionship and participated in the 1998

champion for School of Business and

The University of the

World Championships in Greece.

Public Administration, and now actively

District of Columbia

Fall is a magna cum laude graduate of

mentors UDC students. Additionally,

is a better place

the University of the District of Colum-

he volunteers and supports community

because of you! The

bia, where he also played center on the

organizations such as Martha’s Table, We

UDC National Alumni

basketball team.

Feed Our People and Project Give Back.

Society (UDCNAS)

Rice is also a proud veteran of the United

encourages support

Calvin Rice (B.B.A.,

States Coast Guard.

Become a Loyal FIREBIRD … Join UDC-NAS!

from UDC graduates as partners, advocates and

’07) is a Program

investors in the University.

Manager with Gen-

Anabel Ngundia

eral Dynamics In-

Oyana (B.A. ‘15) is

involved with the Firebird Nation — from be-

formation Technol-

a winner of the en-

coming a regular at campus events to providing

ogy (GDIT), a

trepreneurship

internships, student mentoring, and sharing your

trusted systems

competition of the

professional experiences in the classroom.

integrator providing information tech-

World Bank. She

Discover all the ways you can become more

We also are asking UDC alumni to become

nology (IT), systems engineering, and

graduated in De-

professional services to customers in the

cember 2015 with a degree in accounting.

defense, federal civilian government,

While at UDC, she was active in the

health, homeland security, intelligence,

School of Business and Public Adminis-

a variety of ways that alumni can support the

state and local government and commer-

tration (SBPA). She worked as an account-

University and the programs that mean the

cial sectors. Rice serves as a catalyst for

ing tutor and a volunteer tax preparer

most to them.

Communications, Leadership, Risk Man-

at the UDC Tax Clinic, where students

We are continuously working to build a

agement, and Business Development

filed personal taxes for DC metropolitan

solid alumni database. To update your contact

within the defense community. With 19

residents for free. She also served a sum-

information, please email your revisions to

years of experience in the IT industry, he

mer internship in the Office of the Chief

alumni-update@udc.edu.

is responsible for the successful comple-

Financial Officer (OCFO).

tion of all tasks in his assigned program

Oyana was Vice President of Delta

area, including technical work, staff su-

Mu Delta International Honor Society

pervision, financial, and business devel-

in Business. Additionally, she founded

opment activities.

the UDC Chapter of the National Society

Rice graduated with high distinction from the University of the District of Co-

proud partners in giving back to their university by supporting student scholarships and programs. The Office of External Affairs provides

of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and served as its president.

lumbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Procurement and Public Contracting.

He also holds an Executive MBA from the George Washington University.

Rice is a lifetime member of the UDC National Alumni Society. As an undergrad-

UDCNAS Officers, from left to right: Bernard M. Grayson, Jr., Sergeant-at-Arms; Rina T. Daniels, Treasurer; Monica D. Green, Secretary; Mah-ki M. Fox, President

W W W.U D C. E DU

57

IN MEMORIAM

Sydney O. Hall, Athletic Director

D

Beverly Benner Cassara, Former Dean, Graduate Studies

Dr. Beverly Cassara, a former dean of graduate studies and profes-

r. Sydney O. Hall passed away un-

sor of adult education

expectedly on Friday January 29,

from 1970 to 1990 at

2016. He was 83 years old.

the University of the

Dr. Hall was an educator for

District of Columbia,

more than 50 years. He began his

died from complications of lung disease Sept.

20 in her Cambridge home. She was 94.

teaching and coaching career at Howard University, and continued it at Federal City

Dr. Cassara was “a champion for the un-

College, which became the University of the

dereducated and a woman with unlimited

District of Columbia, where his appointments

energy,” said Faustine Jones-Wilson, her close

included Professor, President of the Faculty

friend and former colleague. Renowned for

Senate, Athletic Director, and Tennis Coach.

her leading role in multicultural and women’s

During his tenure at UDC, Dr. Hall served

education, Dr. Cassara was inducted into the

as President of the UDC Faculty Association,

International Adult and Continuing Education

which was an affiliate of the National Edu-

Hall of Fame in 2003.

Dr. Cassara received a bachelor’s degree in

cation Association.

“He served with passion and vision as

English from Colby College in 1947, a master’s in

the leader of the UDC Faculty Senate and of

education from Bridgewater State College in 1954,

the UDC/NEA, which he helped to organize and to lead. Having worked with him over the years, I will never forget the fierce tenacity of his leadership throughout the UDC campus,” said colleague Daria Winter.

Dr. Hall attended Springfield College, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He earned his Ph. D. at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Hall served on numerous boards and committees, including, Operation Crossroads Africa and the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation. He also was a United States Army Veteran, and received a commendation as “Outstanding Soldier of the Year.”

He was a proud charter member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Chi Chapter.

“He was a great leader and leaves a wonderful legacy for the generations that follow him,” said Kathleen Dockett, Professor Emeritus, UDC.

58

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

“ He served with passion and vision as the leader of the UDC Faculty Senate and of the UDC/NEA, which he helped to organize and to lead. Having worked with him over the years, I will never forget the fierce tenacity of his leadership throughout the UDC campus.”

and a doctorate in adult education from Boston

­– DARIA WINTER

was a humanist, always reaching out to put the

University in 1970. Dr. Cassara was director of personnel and counselor to students at Albert Schweitzer College in Switzerland and director of adult education at Goddard College in Vermont before moving to Federal City College, where she initiated a faculty exchange collaboration with the adult education college in Nairobi, Kenya, and founded a program to educate low-income African American women from a housing project in Washington. Student volunteers from her graduate course in adult education helped 14 women earn general educational development diplomas. In a letter to a friend, Dr. Cassara related how one night a week she visited the woman in charge of the housing project. The woman could not read and Dr. Cassara taught her every word and phrase of the Declaration of Independence.“My mother believed in opportunity because she had to work hard to create her own opportunities,” said Dr. Cassara’s daughter, Catherine, an associate professor of journalism and international studies at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. “She

pieces together for others and not making a big deal about it.

in the Division of Student Affairs.

A proud lifetime member of the Wash-

Book Review Continued from page 23

Dr. Cassara, a former Fulbright-Hays

ington DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma

senior research fellow, published the books

Theta Sorority, Inc., Gurley was married to

African Marketplace” on the Georgia Avenue cor-

“Adult Education in a Multicultural So-

the late Leon Maurice Gurley, a professional

ridor near Howard University, and DC’s historic

ciety,” “Adult Education Through World

photographer for UDC and Federal City

independent African-centered schools. Though

Collaboration,” and “American Women:

College. They were married for 33 years

the city has been home to a robust Pan-Afri-

The Changing Image.”She also was a visiting

until his death in 1996.

can community since the 1960’s, several of the

scholar at Cambridge University, a visiting research professor at the University of Siegen in Germany, a visiting scholar at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning,

Dr. Herbert Quigley Former Dean, SBPA

businesses, schools, and cultural organizations within that community have closed or relocated within the past decade. Using shifts and tensions

A lifelong educator,

brought about by gentrification as a key part of

and an executive committee member of the

Dr. Herbert G. Quig-

the essay’s context, Chatman examines how Pan

International Council for Adult Education.

ley, former dean at

-Africanists in DC are negotiating their physical

the School of Busi-

and ideological space within the city. She argues

ness and Public Ad-

that just as the Yoruba deity Eshu stands at the

ministration at the

crossroad of change, DC’s Pan-African community

Beverly Beatrice

University of the

faces a critical point in their expression of African

Briggs Gurley began

District of Columbia, died on October 1,

working at Federal

2016, at the age of 72.

Beverly Gurley, Student Life Activities Specialist

City College in 1967 as an administrative

identity in a city that is rapidly transforming.

He taught for 43 years at UDC and served as dean from 1999 to 2004.

External Affairs Continued from page 52

assistant in the

Dr. Quigley also was a professor of finance

Office of the Presi-

and served in many other positions during his

dent, and she continued her work with the

career and service at UDC. His tenure began

Alumni

institution after it became part of the

in September of 1969, before the University

The University’s 35,000 alumni will be key, not

University of the District of Columbia in

was formed through the merger of three

only for fundraising efforts, but also for com-

1977. Overall, her academic services totaled

separate educational institutions. In the

munity outreach. The University plans to hire

41 years. She died on May 29, 2016, at her

ensuing decades, Dr. Quiqley established

an alumni affairs director.

home in Washington, DC. She was 78.

a reputation as an effective, engaging, and

“The strength of a university is not in the

Gurley received her associate’s degree

energetic teacher, colleague, and leader. He

bricks and mortar, but the alumni,” she says.

from Norfolk Division of Virginia State

also was known to share his knowledge as a

“We have some outstanding alumni not only

College, now Norfolk State University, in

business consultant.

in the region, but around the world. We want

1960. As a lifelong learner, she continued

Those who knew him well found Dr.

her education at Federal City College, re-

Quigley to be fun-loving, easily relatable,

ceiving a Bachelor’s degree in Business &

outgoing, and generous with his time and

As part of that re-engagement, UDC is promot-

Public Management. She later attended

resources. He enjoyed celebrating the

ing a social media campaign, “Each one, Reach one,”

Trinity College, receiving a master’s degree

successes of his students and was known

which calls for alumni to reach out to other alumni

in Guidance and Counseling.

to be extremely supportive of those with a

in their circles through e-mail, Facebook, Twitter,

strong motivation and will to learn.

and other social media, to get them involved.

Gurley served as UDC’s National Stu-

to reengage them. We want them to go to the website and update their information.”

dent Personnel Association board member

Understanding the challenges that some

The message to students and alumni: “We are

of the NAACP, and organized and trained

of his students faced, he also took a personal

signing you up today to be our ambassadors, to tell

contestants for the first University pageant,

interest in fundraising for scholarships and

the stories of success, growth and achievement

Miss Homecoming. She also organized Miss

doing the outreach that would help identify

here at the University of the District of Columbia.”

ROTC, Miss Technology, and Miss UDC

and secure internships and job placements.

pageants for the University. She retired in 2008 as a Student Life Activities Specialist

W W W.U D C. E DU

59

ATHLETICS

The Fifth Annual Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class Anthony Brown UNIVERSIT Y OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – 1985 MEN’S TRACK & FIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE Anthony Brown was a sprinter on the men’s track & field team. He was a two-time All-American in the 500 and 800 meters. A four-year letter winner under Hall of Fame Coach Stan Mullins, Anthony Brown was the 1985 Reslyn Henley Award Recipient.

Adam Hansford

UNIVERSIT Y OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – 1989 MEN’S TRACK & FIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE

The 5th Annual Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class (Standing left to right): Reginald Moore, Adam Hansford and Harold Jackson, and Bessie Stockard.

H

onoring the “best of the best,” the Athletics Hall of Fame celebration was held on February 19, 2016. The event, which included a reception, dinner, and induction ceremony, was attended by more than 140 Firebird Athletics supporters. The evening featured remarks from President Ronald Mason, Jr.,

J.D., and Director of Athletics, Patricia Thomas.

“The annual Athletics Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony is

an outstanding opportunity for alumni, family and friends to gather and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of those who excelled athletically and continued to contribute to their communities. Last evening was no exception,” Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas said. “This event creates wonderful memories that will last forever. Bringing everyone together from the predecessor schools is very special. We are the University of the District of Columbia!”

60

FA L L/WINTER 2016-17

Adam Hansford, a high school track and field All-American from HD Woodson High School, was a sprinter for the Firebird men’s track & field program. As a member of the 1989 4x100 meter relay team that advanced to the finals of the NCAA Division II National Championship finals, Hansford earned AllAmerican accolades. Reverend Hansford is President and Founder of the Washington International Network for Students (WINS).

Harold Jackson UNIVERSIT Y OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – 1999 MEN’S BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE Harold Jackson was the 1999 University of the District of Columbia Men’s Basketball MVP. Following graduation, Jackson enjoyed a professional basketball career, including a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters in 2001. Harold coached the 2005 and 2006 Swiss Nike Summer Girls Basketball Champions.

UDC Athlete Nominated as East Coast Conference NCAA Woman of the Year Marlena Wright, a recent graduate of the University of the District of Columbia who competed in cross country and indoor and outdoor track & field, was selected as one of two East Coast Conference 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year Award nominees.

“The East Coast Conference is very proud to have Marlena Wright as one of our nominees for 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year,” ECC Commissioner Bob Dranoff said. “It is clear that she has excelled athletically, academically and in service

Reginald Moore

to the UDC community.”

The NCAA Woman of the Year program has

UNIVERSIT Y OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – 1979

recognized graduating female student-athletes

MEN’S BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE

service and leadership since its inception in 1991.

Reginald Moore was the 1975 District of Columbia Teachers College Athlete of the Year and “M” Club Award winner, and he was a two-time men’s basketball MVP. He was team captain and starting point guard for the University of the District of Columbia’s 1977-78 inaugural men’s basketball team. He retired after a successful career as a cartographer with the National Geospatial Agency.

for excellence in academics, athletics, community The Bronx, NY, native earned the East Coast Conference’s most prestigious award for student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through positive actions and behaviors that are consistent with the NCAA Division II attributes of learning, service, passion, sportsmanship, balance, and resourcefulness. She also earned the highest honor presented at the UDC Athletics awards banquet — the Reslyn W. Henley Memorial Award

Bessie Stockard

— recognizing outstanding character, leadership,

FEDERAL CIT Y COLLEGE / UNIVERSIT Y OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH / HEALTH EDUCATION FACULT Y Bessie Stockard started the women’s basketball program at Federal City College in 1969. A Tuskegee Hall of Famer, she pushed the women’s basketball program to new heights, reaching the AIAW National Championships in 1975. Coach Stockard’s Federal City program was one of only four teams across the nation selected to play the touring Chinese National Team in 1975 at the University of Maryland. In addition to coaching women’s volleyball at the University of the District of Columbia, Coach Stockard continues to serve as faculty in Health Education.

Marlena Wright earned the highest honor presented at the UDC Athletics awards banquet — the Reslyn W. Henley Memorial Award — recognizing outstanding character, leadership, and service. Wright was named an Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar by Diverse Magazine as well.

W W W.U D C. E DU

61

ATHLETICS

and service. Wright was named an Arthur Ashe,

“We were thrilled to partner with the

Jr. Sports Scholar by Diverse Magazine as well.

University of the District of Columbia in streaming and broadcasting the East Coast

UDC Hosts East Coast Conference

Conference Basketball Tournament,” said Zach Leonsis, Vice President and General

The University of the District of Columbia

Manager of Monumental Network, the dig-

hosted its first-ever conference sport cham-

ital content platform for three of the city’s

pionship when it held the East Coast Confer-

professional sports teams (Capitals, Wizards,

ence Men’s and Women’s Basketball Cham-

Mystics). “As a company that really values

pionship Tournament in the UDC Sports

high-definition, international, live online

our local community and institutions, we

Complex on Mar. 5-6.

broadcast by Monumental Network, com-

found the opportunity to partner with a local

Basketball fans from near and far were

parable in quality to that of major networks,.

university like UDC to be a great fit.”

treated to six highly competitive Division II

The weekend attendance numbers nearly

Another great success surrounding the

basketball games and a taste of both the UDC

reached 1,500, while the online broadcast had

basketball tournament was the Make-A-Wish

campus and the nation’s capital. Meanwhile,

10,000 page views. In addition, the agreement

send-off celebration for “Wish-Kid” Kyle. A

the almost 100 student-athletes represent-

with Monumental included cross-promotion of

17-year-old from Pasadena, Md., with a genetic

ing eight ECC men’s and women’s basketball

the game broadcasts on UDC’s cable channel,

cardiac condition, Kyle had received a heart

programs, were privileged to compete in a con-

digital advertising, and promotional opportuni-

transplant over 10 years prior, but would

ference tournament rivaling the NCAA Tour-

ties. UDC took full advantage by airing several

eventually require a heart pump and a heart

nament experience, complete with a pre-tour-

commercials about the school, its academic

transplant. When a hit-and-run incident took

nament dinner at the Student Center and a

programs, and its athletic department.

the life of Kyle’s classmate friend, Skylar, the

Baguelin Knows How to Win

“Alexis is a solid player. He is an outstanding competitor — a ‘fighter’ even.

BY X AVIER BIAS

Tennis Head Coach Dickie Mahaffey.

No matter what the situation is, Alexis will find a way to succeed,” said A French-born tennis player and sophomore at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Alexis Baguelin, a double major in business management and accounting, has a passion for sports that started when he turned seven.

“I first started because some of my friends were playing tennis, so I wanted to be with them. After that, I couldn’t stop playing because I really liked this feeling of giving all you have in order to be better than your opponent. I also really liked this sport because it’s an individual sport, but it can be a team sport as well,” Baguelin said.

A tennis player with worldly experience, he said, “I integrated a sport school in middle school in France. Then, I went to high school, still in a sport school. I played with the French national team at the world championships in Australia and finished 6th in the world.”

He has been on UDC’s team since the fall of 2014. Last March, Baguelin earned Rookie of the Week at the East Coast Conference. He said, “I was ranked number 7 in the ITA East Region Doubles poll with my doubles partner Simon Andersson.”

Like every college athlete, Baguelin’s main challenge is keeping a balance between playing tennis and keeping his good grades. He also battles

62

FA L L/WI NTER 2016-17

family decided to donate his organs, and Kyle and Skylar were miraculously a match. Thus, with a second chance to be a happy, healthy teenager, Kyle’s wish was to go to Hawaii and learn how to surf.

With the funds raised by the East Coast Conference, Kyle’s wish became a reality.

The ECC became the first NCAA Division II conference to raise enough money to earn the opportunity to host a wish send-off.

“The ECC is so proud to have been a big part of the NCAA Division II Make-A-Wish initiative for so many years,” said ECC Commissioner, Dr. Robert Dranoff. “We were truly honored to host this send-off party for Kyle to help let him know he has lots of friends and supporters in the D.C. area.”

“It is precisely because of student-athletes like Marlena Wright that our work is so gratifying,” Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas said.

Former NBA Player Heads UDC’s Women’s Basketball Team

(2,269 points) after leading the Terrapins to their first national title in 2002 as a senior. He holds six different records in program history,

Juan Dixon, a former NBA player and Uni-

ranging from points, games played, steals, and

home-sickness too. “It’s also hard some-

versity of Maryland basketball star, has been

3-pointers.

times to be far from my family since

chosen as the next University of the District of

everyone stayed in France,” he said.

Columbia Head Women’s Basketball Coach.

The Most Outstanding Player of the 2002 NCAA Final Four and ACC Player of the Year,

“There is no question Juan Dixon will take

Dixon earned two All-America selections,

professionally, Baguelin explains, “That

our women’s basketball program to the next

three First Team All-ACC selections, and two

was one of my dreams when I was a

level,” said Patricia Thomas, UDC Director

All-ACC Tournament selections during his

kid. Tennis is still my passion but now

of Athletics. “His tremendous success as a

illustrious career.

I’m more focused on my education. To

student-athlete, as well as professionally,

Dixon was drafted with the 17th pick of the

play tennis professionally you need to

combined with his respect for the development

2002 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards,

dedicate all your life to tennis. I have

of students, support our goals. I am excited

where he spent three seasons. He signed with

some friends who are professionals and

about the opportunity to work with Juan and

the Portland Trail Blazers in 2005, and he

they stopped their education after high

welcome him to the Firebird community.”

averaged a career-high 12.3 points during

When it comes to playing tennis

school. That’s a lifestyle choice. I decid-

Dixon’s last coaching position was as a

his first season with the team. After stops

ed to take another path and play tennis

Special Assistant to the Head Coach – Men’s

in Toronto and Detroit, Dixon wrapped up

for a university in America. That was

Basketball at his alma mater, Maryland. There

his nine-year NBA career with the Wizards

the best way for me to keep doing my

he supported 2015 Big 10 Conference Coach

in 2008-09.

passion while getting a good education.”

of the Year, Mark Turgeon, and developed

Coach Juan Dixon takes over a Firebirds

student-athletes, including future NBA players

women’s basketball program that since 2011-12

Xavier Bias is a 2016 graduate of the

Alex Len, Diamond Stone, Jake Layman, and

has four seasons with more than 20 wins, three

University’s Mass Media program.

Robert Carter, Jr.

NCAA Division II East Regional Tournament

One of the most celebrated student-ath-

bids, four ECC Championship Tournament

letes in Maryland history, Dixon remains the

semifinal appearances, and one ECC Tour-

all-time leading scorer in program history

nament Championship.

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ARTS

The Arts Are Alive at UDC

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1. Richard Odom is director of the UDC Chorale.

2. Alumna Katya Krupko creates “The

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Firebird.”

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3. “Scandal” creator Shonda Rhimes and the Emmy Award-winning cast was presented by the Smithsonian Associates.

4. Miss Black USA was crowned on the UDC stage.

5. DC Youth Orchestra provides access to instrumental music education and orchestral training for D.C. area students.

6. Step Afrika’s acclaimed dance performance, “Migration”, was presented by the Washington Performing Arts Society.

7. UDC is home to the DC Tap Festival, showcasing the art of tap by participants from around the world.

8. Popular artist Jon Moody found inspiration at UDC to create a painting for the HBCU White House Initiative.

LECTURES

1. Def Jam music mogul Russell Simmons shared his Top 10 Rules for Success. “The person who stays focused on his dream, realizes his dream.”

2. Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott informed students about important legislative issues in a program presented by the Harvard University Black Alumni Society.

3. Award-winning writer, R. Flowers Rivera discussed the ‘brutal and beautiful’ experiences of Southern black women in her poems.

4. UDC alumnus Tony Lewis discussed his autobiography, “Slugg”, as part of the CAS Big Read lecture series.

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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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