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
|
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
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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
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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
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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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1000 WORDS
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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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