UDC Legacy Magazine Fall & Winter 17-18

BET CO-FOUNDER ADDRESSES 2017 GRADUATES

ALUMNUS CREATES FIRST SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM FOR UNIONS

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS FIND HOME AT UDC

FALL/WINTER 2017-18

Faces ofUDC CELEBRATING

E XCELLENCE AND DIVERSITY AMONG UDC’S STUDENTS, FACULTY AND ALUMNI

THE MAGA ZINE OF THE UNIVERSIT Y OF THE DISTRIC T OF COLUMBIA

UDC Quick Facts PRESIDENT:

RONALD MASON, JR., J.D. FOUNDED:

1851 1974

AND CHARTERED:

STUDENT AGE RANGE:

MOST AFFORDABLE TUITION IN THE DISTRICT

18 TO 83 LOCATION:

THE NATION’S CAPITAL THE NATION’S ONLY EXCLUSIVELY URBAN LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY

STUDENTS ARE LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FROM COUNTRIES INCLUDING SAUDI ARABIA, JAMAICA, TURKEY, ETHIOPIA EL SALVADOR, BRAZIL, AND PERU, AMONG MANY OTHERS

MISSION:

EDUCATION, RESEARCH & COMMUNITY SERVICE

ENROLLMENT :

5,855

SAFEST CAMPUS IN WASHINGTON, DC

UDC SCHOOL OF LAW RANKS IN THE TOP 10 NATIONALLY FOR CLINICAL LEGAL TRAINING AND DIVERSITY

UDC HAS FIVE COLLEGES:

ARTS & SCIENCES; BUSINESS & PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION; AGRICULTURE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE; AND ITS FASTEST GROWING, ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCES.

MASCOT:

FIREBIRDS

UDC SPONSORS

10

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS & COMPETES IN THE EAST COAST CONFERENCE

ENROLLS MORE DC PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THAN ANY OTHER UNIVERSITY

STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO:

11 TO 1 THE UNIVERSITY OFFERS MULTIPLE POINTS OF ENTRY:

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY COLLEGE, BACHELOR’S & MASTER’S DEGREES, & LAW DEGREE COLORS:

RED AND GOLD

THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE RANKED BEST IN THE REGION, ACCORDING TO COST, STUDENTFACULTY RATIO, AND GRADUATION RATE

DEGREES OFFERED:

BACHELOR’S, MASTER’S & LAW DEGREES, 20 ASSOCIATE & CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS, & 25 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

UDC RANKS IN THE

TOP 10 OF 102 HBCUs ACROSS THE COUNTRY, ACCORDING TO

THE AWARDWINNING COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES IS A LEADER IN URBAN FOOD SECURITY

NCAA DIVISION II

Faces ofUDC W W W.UD C. E DU

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CONTENT

FALL/WINTER 2017-18 // VOLUME 2, NO. 2

16 FEATURES

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36

40

FACES OF DIVERSITY AT UDC

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS SUPPORTED AT UDC

HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY EUROPEAN STUDY TOUR

BY DIANNE HAYES

BY MALIK RUSSELL

BY JOHN GORDON, JR.

ON THE COVER The FACES of UDC is a campaign celebrating excellence and diversity among students, alumni, and faculty.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

DEPARTMENTS THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PRESIDENT Ronald Mason, Jr., J.D. EXECUTIVE EDITOR John Gordon, Jr.

EDITOR/WRITER Dianne Hayes Hayes & Associates Media Services

8 4 Letter from the President 5 By the Numbers 6 Traditions - Founders Day 8 Commencement 2017 11 First Online Graduate Degree 12 New UDC Partnerships 14 On the Move

Alumnus Creates First Social

Networking Platform For Unions

46 Dr. Rachel Petty Retires 50 Alumni Profiles –B rian Thompson Selected to

Design the New $100 Bill at Bureau of Engraving

46 52 Advancement –R odney E. Trapp Named

Vice President of University Advancement –A lumni Affairs Director Named –U niversity Receives $400,000 Masonic Gift

58 Faculty/Staff Notes

62 Class Notes

65 Campus Safety Award

66 In Memoriam

70 Athletics

72 Arts Are Alive at UDC –U DC Professor Brings Jazz Alive!

WRITERS Delonte’ Bright Sydney Covitz John Gordon, Jr. Dianne Hayes Malik Russell CONTRIBUTORS Christopher Anglim, UDC Archivist Joe Libertelli, David Clarke School of Law Denise Slaughter, Office of the CAO Eric Zedalis, Sports Information Director COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Rajeev Bansal, Institutional Research Marcus Christon, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) Lucita Diaz, School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA) Gianna Hendrick, Office of Human Resources Melinda Jennings, Community College (UDC-CC) Ann Lankford, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) Erin Looney, David A. Clarke School of Law (DCSL) Sheila McKay, Office of Admissions Kemmell Watson, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Eric Zedalis, Athletics DESIGN THOR Design Studio www.thor.design LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER TEP Photography CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jay Baker Andy Fernandez Jay Morrow Lisa Pointer Brian Schneider 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 exclusively 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

“This issue of Legacy magazine shines a light on the countless outstanding and exceptional individuals that comprise the Firebird Nation.”

T

he University of the District of

movement and advocates for the inclusion

Columbia is a community of many

of undocumented Americans at UDC and

faces. We are a diverse tapes-

across the nation.

try woven from varied cultures,

We reflect on the many years of outstand-

shaped by wide-ranging experi-

ing leadership given to UDC by Dr. Rachel

ences, affected by different socio-economic

Petty upon her retirement after more than

factors, and marked by an array of academic

45 years of dedicated service.

choices and learning opportunities. Yet,

We also highlight the achievements of

even as UDC has grown and evolved as a

UDC’s Men’s Lacrosse Coach Roger Colbert,

community, it has remained committed to

who volunteers to share his love of the game

the core principles on which it was founded.

with inner city youth.

This issue of Legacy magazine shines

In addition, we celebrate how UDC al-

a light on the countless outstanding and

ums embody the core values of excellence,

exceptional individuals who comprise the

innovation, integrity, sustainability and

Firebird Nation. To highlight and celebrate

collaboration, as does history maker Brian

their stories, our FACES OF UDC issue aims

Thompson, the first African American de-

to showcase the personal accomplishments,

signer of U.S. currency.

public contributions and determined spirit that are fueled by the UDC experience.

The stories in these pages demonstrate

We also pay tribute to the late Delores Kendrick, the District’s “first lady of poetry,” whose life of service enriched so many others.

the direction in which UDC is moving toward

I am so proud to share this issue of Legacy

becoming an advanced public system of higher

Magazine with UDC stakeholders and the

learning, and describe how UDC’s students

many friends who are interested in where

and faculty use this university as a platform

this great university is headed.

to become leaders, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to find solutions for urban problems and global challenges.

Your Servant Leader,

In this issue, we proudly profile a few of our remarkable students, such as Gerson Quinteros, a senior computer science major who is at the forefront of the Dreamers

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

Ronald Mason, Jr., J.D.

By The Numbers

THE STUDENT CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WAS OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED AS A LEED PLATINUM FACILITY BY THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, AND BECOMES THE FOURTH NOTABLE STRUCTURE IN THE DISTRICT TO RECEIVE THIS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION.

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.

#1

UDC NAMED SAFEST CAMPUS IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

ADT Security Services named the University of the District of Columbia as the safest college campus in Washington, D.C., on its state-by-state listing of America’s safest colleges and universities. The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education, which requires all institutions that participate in federal student aid programs to be transparent about criminal activity and other incidents that would be regarded as “unsafe.” Among area colleges, UDC reported the least amount of activity.

41

551

NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENROLLED

YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND DIVERSITY AS THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, FOLLOWING THE MERGER OF PREDECESSOR INSTITUTIONS

TOP 5

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS AT UDC:

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, POLITICAL SCIENCE, ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (BA), ACCOUNTING, AND SOCIAL WORK

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TRADITIONS

UDC Founders Day – Soaring to New Heights Dr. Thomas Stewart: From Underachiever to University President

BY DIANNE HAYES

A

native son returned to inspire

nurtured the potential she saw in a young man

students who sat where he once

who had a 1.3 GPA for his first semester.

That day never came. Harmon and others welcomed and encouraged him until he could

did during the 41st Anniversary

“I arrived at UDC reading and writing on

Founders Day Celebration. Keynote

the 9th grade level,” Stewart told the audience.

“With the help of the tutoring center and

Speaker Dr. Thomas Stewart, who

“I was an extreme long shot to graduate, to say

support from faculty, I found that learning

now serves as president of Patten University,

the least, let alone receive admission to 14 Ph.D.

is a process. If you commit yourself and stay

graduated with honors from the University

programs by the time I graduated.”

focused, growth will naturally occur,” he said,

see in himself what they saw.

in keeping with this year’s theme: Soaring to

of the District of Columbia with a bachelor’s

Stewart’s insecurity almost derailed his

degree in 1987 and a Ph.D. in Government from

plans. “When I arrived here shortly after high

Harvard University in 1994.

school, I simply didn’t know how to learn. I

An advocate for prison reform, Stewart

New Heights.

His humility was evident as he thanked

had very poor study habits and I sincerely

wrote his dissertation on the topic “The Evolu-

those professors and administrators who be-

questioned whether I could be successful. In

tion of Prisons in America.” He was specifically

lieved in him long before he did, particularly Dr.

fact, I was petrified at the thought that one day

interested in the incarceration of African Amer-

Shiela Harmon-Martin, chair of the Division

someone would tap me on my shoulder and say

icans in the District, which he said peaked at

of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Harmon

you know you don’t belong here.”

20,000 at the Lorton prison in Fairfax County,

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

2017 Founders Day Awardees Va., at that time. He acknowledged that he

National Black Graduate Student Association

could have easily been among that number

and the W.E.B. DuBois Society.

had it not been for the encouragement that he found at UDC.

Remarkably, his educational journey from UDC to Harvard culminated in less than $500

“I am proud to demonstrate the return

of total education-related debt. Dr. Stewart is a

on investment when you educate instead of

strong advocate for affordable higher education,

incarcerate.”

and he carries out that mission as president

His higher education journey began im-

of Patten University.

mediately after being honorably discharged

He also leads corporate and community

from the U.S. Army, when he enrolled at UDC,

relationship efforts for UniversityNow, a so-

a university he credits for supporting first-gen-

cial venture that offers accredited, high-qual-

eration low-income students.

ity postsecondary education through an

Starting out as a civil engineering and archi-

online platform for students anywhere. Dr.

tecture major, he changed to political science.

Stewart has authored numerous articles, re-

In his senior year, Dr. Stewart attended the first

ports and other documents that examine the

annual Dr. Ralph Bunche Institute at Southern

challenges and best practices in the general

and Louisiana State Summer Political Science

area of education reform.

Institute in Baton Rouge, La. That was where

Founders Day celebrates the University’s

he realized that a Ph.D. would unlock unex-

long history and accomplishments. President

plored career opportunities. That experience

Ronald Mason welcomed the audience, along

positioned him for Harvard University, where

with greetings from Jerome Shelton, board of

he continued his education, receiving his Ph.D.

trustees member, and remarks by U.S. House

in Government at the Harvard Graduate School

of Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton.

of Arts and Sciences. While at Harvard, he was involved in the Harvard Society of Fellows,

Special awards were presented to alumni,

MYRTILLA MINER AWARD [PRESIDENT’S AWARD]

Major General Errol R. Schwartz PAUL PHILLIPS COOKE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Joe Libertelli

CLEVELAND L. DENNARD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Saundra Majid Carter

faculty, staff and students.

MARJORIE HOLLOMAN PARKER DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR AWARD

Freddie M. Dixon

RONALD BROWN DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD

Nailah A. Williams FIREBIRD AWARD

Hung Ha

ALUMNI LEGACY AWARD

Dr. Alton B. Byrd

STUDENT HUMANITARIAN & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AWARD

Bachelor’s: Darlene Oliver Associate’s: Adrion Celey Graduate & Professional Degree: Natasha Bennett

PATHMAKERS LEADERSHIP AWARD Left to Right: Dr. Thomas Stewart’s return to UDC was a welcomed reunion with his former professor Dr. Shiela Harmon-Martin, chair of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. April Massey, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences; and former classmate Eugene Kinlow, Director of the DC Office of Federal and Regional Affairs.

Staff: Carolyn Cousin (UDC since 1971) Alumni: Barrington D. Scott

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COMMENCEMENT

BET Cofounder Urges Graduates to Blaze Paths to Success Where None Exist

BY MALIK RUSSELL

A

day before Mother’s Day, the University of the District of Columbia graduated well over 900 students as a theme of strong women reverberated through

commencement speeches.

For Sheila C. Johnson, the co founder of

Black Entertainment Television, both honorary doctorate awardee and keynote speaker, the theme sprang from women such as abolitionist and educator Myrtilla Miner, whose early class of six black women at the Normal School for Colored Girls in Washington, DC, would lead to Miner’s Teachers College, from which a now world class university would grow.

“Here’s what I ask of you as you prepare to graduate from this fine school: remember that you are part of a legacy that reaches back to one brave woman and six brave girls. Be bold like them. I want you to persist like them, join your strength with those around you. Make

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FA L L/WI N TER 2017-2018

your voices heard, make your numbers count, and fly as high as you dare to dream. In the words of James Baldwin, ‘the world is before you and you need not take it nor leave it as it was when you came in,’” said Johnson to the audience jampacked with smiles of pride and relief among both graduates and many a proud parent.

Johnson, a distinguished violinist, would journey from a small town in Illinois to cofound Black Entertainment Television (BET) with her husband Bob Johnson and became one of the nation’s wealthiest African Americans.

Now a philanthropist and entrepreneur with part ownership of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, NBA’s Washington Wizards, and the NHL’s Washington Capitals (NHL), she is the only African American woman with part own-

UDC president Ronald Mason congratulates 2017 graduating student leaders (left to right), Tatyana

ership of three professional sports franchises.

Calhoun, Undergraduate SGA President; Merriam Sebbata, Graduate SGA President, and Temitope Oke,

She additionally owns a hospitality business and served as executive producer of Lee Daniels’ film, “The Butler.” She was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

Like Miner’s journey, there were no treaded paths to her destination.

Johnson painted a picture of Miner’s early struggles in creating her school. She discussed how Miner’s experiences working to educate daughters of slave owners in Mississippi had exposed her to the horrors of slavery and changed the trajectory of her life.

“Miner loved to teach but what she saw in Mississippi, shook her to her core. She was appalled by the horrors of slavery, and she knew she had to act,” said Johnson. Her idea was to create a school for women of color in the nation’s capital. “It was a bold idea, so bold in fact, that when Miner first told colleagues she intended to open a school in Washington, DC, to educate young African American women, they thought she was crazy. One friend, a fellow

Senior Class President.

“ Sometimes the best opportunities will require you to reach beyond your grasp… to see beauty where others see nothing.”

– Sheila C. Johnson, the cofounder of Black Entertainment Television

Despite Douglass’ concern for his friend’s safety, he supported her idea and in 1851 she rented a room in a house on the corner of 11th Street and New York Avenue NW, and began teaching her first class of formerly enslaved and now free young women. While the school was vandalized and even set afire, “by 1858, six of her former students were teaching in schools of their own. Miner’s school eventually became DC Teachers College and ultimately this university,” Johnson proudly said.

What students should take from Miner’s experiences as well as her own, pointed out Johnson, is that when no paths exist, we must create new ones.

“Sometimes the best opportunities will require you to reach beyond your grasp to hear a melody that has never been written; to envision a product that doesn’t exist; to look for a solution before others even know there’s a problem; to see beauty where others see nothing.

“I never set out to be a cable TV pioneer or

abolitionist called it reckless – almost to the

to run a hospitality business. When I graduated

point of madness — to build a colored school

from college, the only way I could have imagined

in the District of Columbia, which he described

myself standing on a stage like this one was with

as the very citadel of slavery. That friend was

a violin under my chin. But what I’ve found, and

Frederick Douglass,” said Johnson.

you will too, is that as you embark on your journey,

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COMMENCEMENT

new paths will emerge along the way, and new trails that weren’t on your map. And it’s through the creativity to imagine where they could lead and the confidence to explore, that you’re going to discover the true scope of your own talents.

And as Firebirds, you will soar,” she exclaimed.

In introducing her to the audience, UDC President Ronald Mason Jr., said “Sheila C. Johnson, you are a recognized leader in entrepreneurship and you are an inspiration to women, African Americans and all those who celebrate the indomitable spirit.”

Maintaining the theme of honoring the past, mothers, and strong women, along with Johnson, UDC also presented civil rights activist and renowned social worker, Dorie Ladner, with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the ceremony.

Ladner’s activism began as a youth in segregated Mississippi, along with her sister Joyce, who became one of the nation’s foremost scholars on black women and families, and formed the Forrest County Youth Chapter of the NAACP at the urging of civil rights activist Medgar Evers.

She was expelled from Jackson State University

“You have arrived on this stage today from a

that the most important thing that we have

due to her support of desegregation efforts by

life long journey of service,” said President Mason.

learned over the last four years is to aspire,

the Tougaloo Nine and enrolled at Tougaloo,

“You were born a rebel with a cause working

accomplish and take on the world, which is

where she became a key organizer and mem-

against oppression with a mission to right past

in line with President Mason’s vision for the

ber of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating

wrongs, you’ve served on the front lines for more

university. Malcolm X once said, ‘education

Committee (SNCC) and would work behind

than 50 years as an advocate for social justice

is our passport to the future, for tomorrow

the scenes on the 1963 March on Washington.

and equality, remembering the lessons that your

belongs to the people who prepare for it today.’

Ladner would go on to earn an MA in sociology

mother taught you to never let fear prevent you

I am confident that we are prepared to move

from Howard University and carve a niche as

from doing what you know is right,” he added.

on, and to take on whatever challenges that

she distinguished herself as a social worker.

According to President Mason, this year

come next in our lives.”

A powerful activist against segregation,

represented one of the largest graduating

President Mason ended the ceremony

Ladner participated with the Freedom Rid-

classes, with 906 total graduates and nearly a

by charging graduates to make the world a

ers in Mississippi, desegregation efforts at

third of those students graduating with honors.

better place.

Woolworth’s counters, and became a founding

The graduates ranged in age from 19 years old

“Always remember that yesterday is only

member of the Council of Federated Organi-

to an amazing 68 years old, with women making

a memory, and tomorrow is only a vision. It is

zations, which included the NAACP, SNCC,

up nearly 63 percent of all graduates.

what you do today that can make yesterday a

For senior class president, Temitope Oke,

memory of happiness and tomorrow a vision

Last year, Ladner was honored by a short

a Nigerian immigrant who earned a full schol-

of hope, so each day for the rest of your lives,

film “Well-Behaved Women Don’t Make

arship to a dual degree Masters/Ph. D. program

do your very best to bring happiness and hope

‘Her-Story’: The Dorie Ladner Story.’’

in New York, the UDC experience has clearly

to yourself, your family, and your beloved

shown him that “the sky is not the limit, it’s

alma mater, the University of the District of

the starting point.”

Columbia. Now let’s go out Class of 2017 and

CORE, SCLC and others.

President Mason acknowledged Ladner’s commitment to positive change and refusal to compromise her values in the face of adversity.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

He confided to his fellow graduates, “I think

make the world a better place!”

NEW DEGREE PROGRAM

UDC Launches First Online Graduate Degree in Urban Sustainability

UDC Announces Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering The School of Engineering and Applied

Sciences (SEAS) will offer the first doctoral degree program at UDC. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Ph.D. program in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) after thorough review and various approval processes. The program is ready to launch in the 2018-2019 academic year.

With the purpose of training frontline providers, the Ph. D. program in CSE will address highly advanced workforce needs of the citizens of the District of Columbia, the Washington metro region, and our nation, by

T

creating expert technical professionals. The program will train engineers and computer he College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES)

scientists to provide services in sub disci-

of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is offering the university’s first

plines of engineering and computer science.

online degree. The Professional Science Master’s Degree (PSM) in Urban Sustain-

Implementation of the program is consis-

ability is aimed at helping professionals complete their college education without

tent with the vision and mission of UDC to

interrupting their career.

“offer exceptional, research-driven graduate

The urban sustainability program provides a convenient learning format that enables

and professional programs of importance to

working professionals to hone their knowledge and skills in order to advance or transform their

the District and the nation.” The CSE Ph. D.

career. The degree prepares students for a wide range of urban sustainability careers and rapid

program will fulfill a workforce development

advancement in business, government, and nonprofit organizations by providing students with

goal set by the DC government to engage

hands-on experience with sustainable projects, implementation, and maintenance. Students will

undergraduate and graduate students in

learn how to create solutions for current urban sustainability challenges through case studies

innovative research.

and internship programs. Students in the program also benefit from distinguished faculty, who bring a mix of academic and professional experience to the fully online format.

“The new green economy demands that we are forward-looking and anticipate change. This

The SEAS Ph. D. program is aligned with branches of the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, Department of En-

new degree will prepare professionals to be leaders in the cutting-edge field of urban sustainability,

ergy, and the National Institute of Standards

which applies human social and technological skills to find solutions for today and tomorrow’s

and Technology. The CSE Ph. D. program will

challenges,” said Dr. Sabine O’Hara, Dean of CAUSES/Director of Land-Grant Programs.

also provide in-depth research-based scientif-

The urban sustainability program may also be completed as a certificate. When combined with the required core and professional courses students will receive the PSM degree. Some

ic solutions to DC-specific issues and will add value to UDC as a land-grant university.

of the course topic areas include: Food Hubs in Urban Sustainability, Ecological Economics,

Initiating a new Ph. D. program is part of

Urban Land Use Planning, Advanced Climate Science, Sustainable Design, and Dietary Cancer,

President Mason’s mission of making UDC an

among others.

advanced public institution of higher learning.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and a background in business, economics, planning,

It complements the undergraduate and grad-

mathematics, science, or engineering are encouraged to apply to the urban sustainability pro-

uate programs at the college by supporting

gram. In order to graduate, students must complete a minimum of 35 credit hours, which can

research efforts of the faculty, and meets

be completed in one and a half years of full-time studies.

projected workforce demands. The proposal

Anyone interested in applying to the PSM program may contact the program director, Dr.

includes funding to support up to six doctoral

Tolessa Deksissa, at tdeksissa@udc.edu or the PSM urban sustainability coordinator, Dr. Dwane

candidates as we commence the program in

Jones, at dwane.jones@udc.edu.

the fall.

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NEW UDC PARTNERSHIPS

Training New Leaders for Urban America UDC Signs Agreement to Create Doctoral Studies Program

“As UDC evolves as an advanced public institution of higher learning, it is critical that we leverage our land-grant expertise to create meaningful partnerships with government and industry,” said Mason.

“With this agreement, we are positioning the university to provide research and training in key areas such as sustainable and resilient communities, security, energy, medical technologies, and policy informatics that will ensure leadership in the critical questions associated with urban growth in the new millennium.”

To make the urban leadership and entrepreneurship degree accessible to working adults and students no matter where they live, it will be delivered in a distributed model that includes online learning, mentoring, national and regional residencies and cluster meetings in Washington, DC, and in New Orleans.

“For more than 40 years, Fielding has used this distributed model to successfully provide doctoral education,” said Fielding President Katrina Rogers. “That’s why I am excited to partner with UDC to lend our leadership expertise creating this national opportunity that

T

addresses the plight of urban America—one of the most important challenges we face as a he University of the District of Columbia has announced plans to confront the mounting and complex problems facing urban communities through an academic partnership with Tulane

University and Fielding Graduate University to offer UDC’s first doctoral studies program

Seated (left to right): Fielding University president Dr. Katrina Rogers, UDC president Ronald Mason, and the late Dr. Eamon Kelly, former president of Tulane University. Standing (left to right) U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor Leonard Haynes, and Fielding University vice presidents Gerald Porter and Orlando Taylor.

society in the 21st century.”

“Producing the next generation of leaders for urban America, doesn’t mean focusing on pathologies and statistics alone. Rather, the emphasis will be on innovative solutions, scholarship and expanding the dialogue,” Mason says.

The situation facing urban communities isn’t

in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship.

hopeless, and inner cities are not wastelands,”

In March, the presidents of Fielding, Tulane

said Mason. “They are in need of transforma-

and UDC signed a Memorandum of Understand-

tive leaders and creative solutions, and UDC is

ing (MOU) to officially launch their partnership.

prepared to provide the training.”

The centerpiece of this collaboration will

The MOU opens opportunities for con-

create a partnered doctoral degree in urban

centrations that include Urban Government

leadership and entrepreneurship to be conferred

Leadership, Urban Ecological and Sustainability

by UDC. As the nation’s only historically black

Leadership, and Urban Health Leadership.

exclusively urban land-grant institution and

The collaboration will draw on the varied

the only public university in the nations capital,

expertise of each institution, their strong

UDC will serve as a living laboratory for new

national and local networks of faculty and

training in urban leadership, said President

students, as well as their strong linkages to

Ronald Mason.

other experts, institutions and organizations.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

Going Global UDC and Wuchang University of Technology Sign Research Partnership Agreement The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) hosted a group from Wuchang University of Technology (WUT) on August 28, at which time both institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to pursue future collaborations in research and education. The four-member delegation was invited to UDC by President Mason. The WUT delegation was led by its president, ZHAO Zuobin, and included XU Hongyi (Dean, WUT Business School), LU Jiangbin (Dean, International Education), and FU Shiwei (Executive Assistant to the President). During their visit the group was hosted by the School of Business & Public Administration (SBPA) and also met with leadership and faculty from across the campus. A luncheon was arranged by the Office of the President, followed by a campus tour.

UDC Hosts University Exchange Visit with Chandigarh University Chandigarh University (CU) is a leading Indian Institution and ranked among Asia’s best and fastest growing universities. CU has coupled the experience of top industry leaders and renowned academicians and fosters a worldly approach to provide global perspective to its graduates, to facilitate students with Left to right): Dr. Tony Summers, UDC Chief Community College Officer; Professor Rajan Sharm, Deputy Director of Chandigarh International Relations; Professor Rajinder Singh Bawa, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University; UDC president Ronald Mason, Jr.; Dr. Devas Shetty, Dean of the UDC School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

global learning opportunities, and has partnered with more than 150 top-ranked universities worldwide.

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ON THE MOVE

UDC Alum Launches First Social Networking Platform for the Labor Movement

BY DIANNE HAYES

C

hallenged by the antiquated communication systems used by unions, Larry Williams, Jr., has found a need and is filling it with the world’s first social networking platform for the labor movement, already

with 30,000 Union Profiles. His creation allows unions to connect and organize through UnionBase. org, which is being hailed as the Facebook of the U.S. Labor Movement.

UnionBase was built as part of Williams’ dream to reimagine, rejuvenate and recreate the relationship between workers and unions. It provides portals for union members to engage with each other and for their unions to engage with them publicly and privately, with about 10,000 visitors to the site.

“People compare us to Facebook, but we are more like LinkedIn and Twitter. We protect the privacy of unions while protecting the workers’ privacy and their

Above: Larry Williams, Jr. (on right), UDC Alumnus, is the creator of UnionBase.org, the first social net-

rights,” Williams said. “We want workers to have a

working platform for the Labor Movement. He is also the Sierra Club’s Labor Coordinator and President of

solid and secure way to connect with their coworkers.

the Progressive Workers’ Union.

We want unions to have really clean features at their

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

fingertips that allow them to educate workers

B ernie Sanders and Larry Williams, Jr., at the

on unions.”

Mississippi March for Justice supporting Nissan workers during a UAW organizing drive.

Recently profiled in Fast Times Magazine and several other publications, the 29-yearold has obviously struck gold with messages

Williams points out that the Labor Move-

coming in from around the world, including

ment couldn’t survive without going digital,

Hong Kong, New Zealand, Brazil, Geneva,

eliminating the need to sign membership

Canada and the UK. Williams has been in hot

cards. He wants to use his platform to educate

demand as the millennial who is changing the

workers and help the union movement survive.

“There’s a generational divide between

face of unions globally.

The former University of the District of

some of the folks who run unions. I’m a union

Columbia student coded the website on his

president here in DC, and I’m the youngest

own with a partner before officially launching

union president I’ve ever met, but my mem-

the networking platform.

Williams attended UDC from 2007 to 2009, when he studied political science and business technology with an initial goal of working in civil rights. He is quick to acknowledge that leaving the university was a big mistake, after floundering with the lure of fast cash through working three part-time jobs.

“When I speak, I tell students to stick it out, it’s worth it in the long run,” he said. “I was working all those jobs and was still struggling.

I didn’t really have a plan. I would encourage young people going to UDC to finish even if you are struggling. There were jobs that turned me

“ I would encourage young people going to UDC to finish even if you are struggling.”

– Larry Williams, Jr., Creator of UnionBase.org

bership is all between the ages of 21 and late 50s. The younger generation has much higher expectations.”

No great innovation comes without naysayers, but Williams is confident in his work and accepts the accolades along with the criticism.

“I’ve seen arguments online. People said we were taking away the work of business agents.

But I think it just takes a while for an industry to accept something new. The platform has been designed in a way that takes something which can be extremely complicated, and makes it very simple.

“I like to compare it to Apple Music – we’re not Napster, trying to give everything away for

down where they loved me, but I didn’t have a technology, most unions were still living in

free; we’re giving added value to the industry, not

He has fond memories of the strong foun-

the Dark Ages. At the Teamsters, he found

undermining it. I’m in the labor movement and

dation laid by the Black Male Initiative at UDC,

himself looking up colleagues’ phone numbers

I have the same goals as other labor leaders. I’m

headed by Mark Struthers and Clifton Coates.

in old-fashioned directories.

just interested in making them more powerful.”

degree. Everything has a cost.”

“The Black Male Initiative program really

Williams decided to do something about

What keeps the Hartford, Connecticut,

helped me out,” Williams said. “They took us

it. He first used his coding to create a simple,

native going is the positive feedback he has

to Harvard University; it was very memorable.

searchable website that listed contacts for

received affirming that he is making a difference.

They put their arms around us and made sure

unions around the nation – and UnionBase

Only about 10 percent of American workers

we were going in the right direction. UDC was

was born.

are union members, largely due to a lack of

a springboard for me.”

He became a seasoned union organizer

education about unions and the fear of being

While still in school, Williams took a temp

and worked for eight years at the International

fired for joining. The mission is also personal.

position with the Teamsters Union doing data

Brotherhood of Teamsters in the IT Organizing

He knows firsthand the importance of union

entry, where he was captivated by the organi-

and Training & Development departments

protection. recalling that his grandfather had

zation’s mission.

on Capitol Hill. He now serves as the Sierra

been a coal miner in West Virginia.

He was eventually brought on full-time by

Club’s Labor Coordinator and President of

“Black people get the greatest benefit from

the Teamsters, and began to read voraciously

the Progressive Workers’ Union (PWU). His

joining a union,” Williams said. “We are a major

about labor history and the worker battles over

responsibilities include building relationships

part of the working class, along with immigrant

the decades over wages, benefits and conditions.

between unions, Alt-Labor, climate and envi-

workers. I came to DC to do civil rights work and

Williams also recognized that when it came to

ronmental justice groups across the country.

found something else, the labor movement.”

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Faces of

DIVERSITY AT UDC

BY DIANNE HAYES

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S

ince he was 10 years

his middle and high school years have now

Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor,

old, Francisco Cabre-

turned him into a resilient college student.

20-year-old Francisco Cabrera, has turned near

ra has lived with an in-

His diagnosis is rare, and so are his successes.

operable, but benign,

Cabrera has a 3.0 GPA and is a junior biology

brain tumor that has

major, who now interns with the surgeon who

rendered his right side

performed his life-saving operation when he

numb and has taken

was 14, at the Children’s National Medical

who are all very supportive,” Cabrera said. “I

away his peripheral

Center in Washington, DC.

know that I’m getting a great education.”

tragedy into academic success as he interns with the doctor who saved his life.

vision. He is a survivor,

Despite the numbness that he experiences

Cabrera learned perseverance from

and the University of

on his right side, he has taught himself to write

watching his single mother, who arrived in

the District of Columbia

with his left hand and has honed unique study

the U.S. from El Salvador at the age of 18,

has served as his refuge as he prepares for a

habits, which include recording classes, taking

clean homes and take care of other people’s

future in neuroscience.

pictures of presentations that go beyond his

children. He appreciates that one of her

The 20-year-old has been in a coma, had

line of sight, and coordinating with biology lab

employers helped her gain citizenship, which

seizures, suffered severe headaches and mo-

partners to handle Bunsen burners. He enjoys

is why she insists that her two sons take full

mentarily flatlined before being revived. His

playing soccer and has learned to manage his

advantage of their educational opportunities.

kind of tumor affects one in 100,000 people.

movements to avoid cuts and broken bones.

But the extreme experiences that shaped

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“UDC is great for me, with great professors

“When I was young, my mom worked from 8 a.m. to midnight cleaning, and being a nanny,”

Cabrera said. “She would take us to work with

District. It is also an HBCU. The University is

becoming a higher education institution of

her and we would play with the children that

many things to many people, meeting students

choice for students around the globe.

she babysat. My brother and I saw firsthand

where they are with entry points ranging from

One of the most tireless champions for

what she had to go through and that gave us

undergraduate and graduate programs, the

students is University President Ronald

both the drive to work hard.”

David A. Clarke School of Law, a community

Mason, Jr., who has partnered with Mayor

After so much time in hospitals and un-

college, Workforce Development Training and

Muriel Bowser and the DC Public Schools

dergoing rehabilitation, Cabrera plans to go

certification programs that provide marketable

to develop concrete opportunities in higher

to medical school to help other young people

skills, as well as support for returning citizens,

education.

learn that their medical condition does not

enabling them to successfully rejoin society.

have to limit their future.

The District of Columbia University Part-

UDC’s strength is its diversity. Students

nership (DC-UP), offers full-ride scholarships

“I love medicine. I want to help kids who

span five generations, ranging in age from 16

plus a $6,000 housing stipend to every valedic-

are in the hospital in tough situations to let

to 87, representing more than 16 states, and

torian and salutatorian who attends a DCPS or

them know that they can still dream,” he said.

over 85 countries. The university is currently

public charter school in the District. All District

Cabrera is one of the “Faces of UDC,” who

hosting more than 500 international students,

high school graduates with a 3.7 GPA or better

make UDC’s campus so diverse. UDC’s students

who are supported by the International Student

also get full rides and are eligible for the housing

are many different ages and ethnicities, and

Advising staff.

stipend. Those with a 3.0 or higher are eligible

they come from many different states and

From Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jamaica to

for a graduated set of discounts. The DC-UP

countries, but they all have in common a clear

Cleveland, Denver, and the District, students

program also includes an amnesty component

understanding that education is a critical key

seeking an affordable, quality education have

that forgives the debts of recent former students

for creating a better life.

discovered the University of the District of

who return and complete on time.

Located in the nation’s capital, the Uni-

Columbia as a launchpad for their careers.

“UDC is an educational haven that accepts

versity of the District of Columbia is the only

Nestled in one of the premier neighbor-

students where they are, and through the

public urban land-grant university in the

hoods in Washington, DC, UDC is increasingly

commitment of our professors and admin-

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Taz Nahar Mannan, born in Bangladesh, grew up in Malawi and now calls UDC home. She is president of the Graduate Student Government Association.

istrators, the University brings out the best

higher education easier. Pawlik serves as the

paperwork, managing classes, dealing with

in each student,” said President Mason. “Our

International Student Advisor and Princi-

housing, or simply in need of seeing a familiar

students are young, they are also seasoned,

pal Designated School Official, with the ad-

face. She also assists with work authorization

they represent countries from around the

ditional responsibility of tracking students

and fields questions regarding visas and changes

globe, but they are also District residents

on visas with Homeland Security.

in their visa status.

working toward a pathway into the middle

With the largest group coming from Saudi

“The challenging part is being able to meet

class through job training and certification.

Arabia and the Middle East, there are signifi-

all of the student needs,” she said. “There

They are returning citizens seeking a second

cant numbers of students from Nigeria, South

are many more challenges, such as cultural

chance. They are the faces of UDC.

America, East Asia, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico,

differences as well as the language barrier.

Canada and Spain.

If my office can’t help them, I give them

“We want them to gain the tools necessary to be successful in their chosen fields while

“Many of them hear about the university

resources, whether its health insurance or

developing the whole person in a nurturing

through word of mouth,” Pawlik said. “We

information about apartments. I point them

environment.”

get a lot of transfer students. Some attend

in the right direction.

community college or language schools in the

“The rewarding part is that I work with

Global Reach

area. They are looking for affordability and

students whether they are excited or worried. I

For the 507 international students current-

UDC’s location is ideal. We are in the middle

did my job if I can help them to feel supported

ly enrolled and the hundreds of others who

of everything in Washington, DC.”

and safe.”

have passed through the university at differ-

Pawlik is an advisor and sometimes surro-

Taz Nahar Mannan, was born in Bangla-

ent times, representing 85 different coun-

gate mother to the students who seek her out

desh, but grew up in Malawi. Her goal is to

tries, Elaine Pawlik has made navigating U.S.

when they are struggling with interpreting

return to Malawi to form a nonprofit to help

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Ramo Sherreiff, a New York native, is taking full advantage of UDC’s Workforce Development with eight certifications under his belt to help him re-enter the job market.

children and families. In the meantime, she

It has not only been a place of training

is gleaning every opportunity she can at UDC.

and rebuilding confidence, but a chance to fill

Mannan is the Graduate Student Government

in the gaps of his personal development due

president, where she works to unite the evening

to his mother’s long-term illness and father’s

student population and make sure they are up

chronic unemployment.

to date and immersed in campus activities, since most work during the day.

handler, restaurant server, retail operations, and work ethics proficiency.

Clearly a bright student, Sherreiff has lacked mentors and real-world preparation.

Sherreiff attended the Manhattan Center

Sherreiff, a native of New York, heard about

for Science and Math and was fourteenth in

the free Workforce Development Program from

his graduating class and third in math.But

“The best part of UDC is that it serves ev-

adjunct professor Fred Davis, who teaches

what was missing, he says, was role models

eryone,” Mannan said. “UDC feels like home. I

Medical Billing and Coding, and jumped at the

to show him how to navigate the world with

have found great friends from so many different

opportunity to get past what he describes as

a mother who had suffered a stroke and what

parts of the world. My professors are the best I

his dark years. A week before he was to begin

he describes as a “non-contributing father.”

could ask for. They help you to grow.”

the program, he was stabbed in the chest in Atlanta while on vacation.

A Place of Second Chances

Despite those setbacks, he joined the pro-

Today, he acknowledges that he is out of excuses for maximizing his potential and is ready to clean up the mistakes of the past and is trying to overcome his employment gaps.

After losing his full scholarship at Howard

gram the next semester and has earned eight

University, dealing with the death of his

certifications between April to August of this

“UDC forced me to grow up,” said Sherreiff,

mother, being homeless and losing jobs,

year. His certifications, mostly in hospitality,

who is 38 years old. “I realize that it’s not going

Ramo Sherreiff found refuge at the Univer-

include: project management, front desk

to be easy, but this program means that I don’t

sity of the District of Columbia in its Work-

representative, guest services-gold, leasing

have to be in school for four years to get back

force Development Program.

and property management, ServSafe food

into the workforce. It forced me to realize that

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As a freshman, UDC Alum Dr. Thomas Stewart took remedial classes, but then went from struggling student to earning a graduate degree from Harvard University. Today, he is president of Patten University in Oakland, CA.

things won’t always be perfect, but that I have to put in more elbow grease.

“This is the place where I have been the most focused.”

Giving Back Dr. Thomas Stewart recalls walking the campus of the University of District of Columbia, where he found that it wasn’t a cliché to say that he could really be whatever he wanted.

“ I can’t imagine having reached the heights as a leader that I have without having attended UDC. I will be forever thankful to the coaches, faculty and administrators who shaped my experiences as a student.”

Born in Washington, DC, the U.S. Army

— Dr. Thomas Stewart

Veteran cherishes the nurturing he received from professors who saw his potential despite his grades. With the help of tutors and guidance from professors, the first-generation, low-in-

Today, he is the sixth president of Pat-

professional success,” Stewart said. “I can’t

come college student found his sweet spot in

ten University, in Oakland, CA., where the

imagine having reached the heights as a leader

political science. After graduating from UDC

average age of students is 38. UDC provided

that I have without having attended UDC. I will

with honors in 1987, Stewart went on to do the

the academic foundation needed, but it also

be forever thankful to the coaches, faculty and

same at Harvard University, where he earned

gave him a passion for helping first-genera-

administrators who shaped my experiences

his Ph.D. in Government. While at the gradu-

tion, low-income students who need a little

as a student.”

ate school, he was inducted into the Harvard

extra support.

University Society of Fellows.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

“UDC was essential to my academic and

Stewart has returned to UDC as a Founders Day speaker and is a strong advocate for quality

Dr. Rosie Sneed works with biology major Eli Vanlal, a junior planning to continue in UDC’s master’s in Cancer Biology program before going to medical school.

and affordable education – something he knows a lot about after graduating from UDC with only $500 of debt.

Dr. Rosie Sneed is a UDC alum who has come full circle as a former student returning to share all that she has learned to ensure that students are prepared for careers in the sciences.

A 1983 graduate, Dr. Sneed’s biology lab has propelled students into successful careers in science. Her dedication is obvious as she goes above and beyond for students, providing lab opportunities whenever possible.

Sneed jumped at the chance to return to

At UDC, student researchers are able to perform experiments using molecular technology to study tropical diseases prevalent in developing countries. Seated left to right: Kenneth Sims-Junior Biology student, Washington DC; Olayemi Grace Akinyele- Post graduate student, Nigeria; Standing left to right: Hyun Lee- Post graduate student, Silver Spring, MD; Swara Yadav-Post graduate student, India.

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her alma mater. After graduating from UDC, she earned a degree from Tuskegee to become a veterinarian, but became interested in research. She spent two years conducting cancer immunology research at Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico. She returned to the District, working at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she treated wounded soldiers to prevent infections and septic shock.

Sneed went to Michigan State University to get her Ph.D.-DVM in toxicology. After checking in with one of her former professors at UDC who first introduced her to research, she was invited back to give a presentation

“ I try to prepare students since I’ve been on both ends.

UDC is a hidden gem. I run into UDC graduates everywhere.”

— Dr. Rosie Sneed

get hands-on experience and a good grasp of the material.”

Her lab doors are open even on her lunch break, where she works with students who need more lab time. After going through the process of preparing for medical school and conducting research, she wants to ensure that her students are well-rounded with technique, core knowledge, lab hours, as well community service.

“I try to prepare students since I’ve been on both ends,” Dr. Sneed said. “UDC is a hidden gem. I run into UDC graduates everywhere. Students get a lot more hands-on experience here since the classes are smaller.

and later received an inquiry about returning

Some have gone into cancer biology programs,

to teach.

medical school, veterinary schools, and other

“It was a very attractive idea to come back,” Sneed said. “I thought UDC did a great job of preparing me. I want to make sure my students UDC_BRYSON_.pdf

6

11/20/17

Ph.D. programs.

“It’s great to be here helping to pour into students. UDC is home for me.”

2:41 PM

I’m a veteran. I wanted smaller classes and a diverse campus.

“I am using the GI Bill to pursue pre-med studies and prepare me to pass the MCAT exam. UDC’s veteran’s affairs department is exceptional. My physics professor works for NASA. Having a mentor with that level of experience and commitment to helping others is priceless.”

C

M

Y

CM

– Captain Bryson Yarborough, U.S. Army Reserve

MY

CY

CMY

K

As the only public university in the District of Columbia, UDC offers a diverse learning environment with more than 80 quality programs, and has the most affordable tuition of any university in the nation’s capital. We are the only public SERVICEMEMBERS OPPORTUNITY COLLEGE (SOC) in Washington,D.C.

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From Homelessness to the Classroom at UDC

BY SYDNE Y COVITZ On a Tuesday afternoon in June, 55-year-old Sheila White found herself the 115th person in a line of prospective college students waiting to register for University of the District of Columbia’s fall term. White remembers the waiting time fondly, unbothered by the line’s length. She would have been willing to wait all day if necessary to take the monumental step towards a dream that had been put off for too long.

White, a DC native, has always possessed a knack for learning and an inclination to tackle any academic challenge. Although she was forced to drop out of school in ninth grade to raise her first child, she continuously stressed to her children the importance of an education, ensured that all of them completed high school on time, and worked as a teaching aide and substitute teacher at Fletcher-Johnson Middle School for more than 10 years.

Still, White knew from the moment she left school that she would find a way to return.

“I was always going to go back,” she said. “It was instilled in me.

I made it so important to my kids—I preached it so much—so there was never a question. As long as I had breath in my body, I was going back!”

At the age of 49, White enrolled in the External Diploma Program at Ballou STAY High School. Ecstatic to be back at school, she threw herself into her work, and completed her requirements for a high school diploma in just three months.

White never intended to stop there. Her love for learning prompted her to pursue plans for further education at the collegiate level.

However, those plans were derailed three years ago when a series of

Sense had to offer, ranging from newspaper writing, photography and film.

Through Street Sense, White became involved with DCTV—DC’s

devastating events, including being robbed, a flood in her apartment,

only television station devoted exclusively to local programing with

and an illness landed her on the streets.

a focus on empowering citizens to tell their own stories. It was there

“I would stay up all night and watch the sun come up,” White remembers. “Then I would go to a museum and sit. First, I was angry about my situation. Then something told me I needed to fight

that she found her passion for the camera. She graduated from the program with certifications in videography, editing, and production.

“I loved learning how to edit the film, interview people, and do

back and do what I needed to do for me. I had that time to think

the lighting” she said. “I’m always telling my story, which I don’t mind

what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and so I decided to go to

telling, but my best thing is being behind the camera. I like to zoom in

the shelter.”

on people and let them tell their stories. That led me to go sign up at

After two years at the shelter and prospects of her continued education slipping away, White accidentally stumbled upon Street Sense, a DC-based biweekly newspaper located at 13th and G Streets, NW. This happy accident allowed her to return to the classroom, expand her intellectual horizons, and discover a passion for filming.

Coming in each morning from her shelter on 5th Street, NW, White took full advantage of every artistic and media program Street

UDC because then I knew I wanted to go to college for media.”

White is currently enrolled as a UDC student . She can barely contain her excitement.

“I’m a freshman,” she repeatedly exclaimed, incapable of uttering those words without a grin. “I’m a freshman. Once I got my high school diploma, I thought, this is not enough. Once I passed that milestone, I knew that I wanted to earn a degree.”

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Faces of UDC

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SUPPORT FOR

RETURNING CITIZENS

BY MALIK RUSSELL

The University of the District of Columbia has a long history of supporting returning citizens.

For 27 years, UDC ran a college program for inmates at the D.C. Correctional Complex at Lorton Prison. The UDC program has enabled more than 200 inmates to receive bachelor's or associate’s degrees, most of them in urban studies, computer science or business management. The college program was one of several educational opportunities, including vocational training and high school equivalency courses, that were open to many of the thousands of inmates in the D.C. prison system.

UDC served students in a classroom building at Lorton's central facility, with classes held from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., that were taught by about 50 regular and adjunct members of the UDC faculty.

Lorton Prison closed in 2001 due in large part to overcrowding and its deteriorating conditions. >>

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L

ike many young men,

like him. He reports that his foray into illegal

particularly those of Af-

activities began at 12 years of age, and by age 15,

rican American descent

had mushroomed into dealing drugs to support

in the nation’s capital,

his family and mother after an eviction split

Monte Pollard faced a

his family apart.

childhood of limited

The oldest male of seven siblings, Pollard

options — not simply

grew up in Northeast DC in what he called a

due to the economics

neighborhood “high on criminal activity.” He

of poverty, but poverty

quickly became the“man of the household at

of exposure and access.

an early age... My father wasn’t around. I saw my father one time. Just one time.”

Today, Pollard is a

first-year student at the University of the

It was after his family reunited a few years

District of Columbia with plans to earn a B.A.

after their eviction, that he drifted into selling

in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Public Administration. A Community and Service Specialist at the District of Columbia’s Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA), Pollard is an encouraging new voice helping many of the thousands of individuals that MORCA serves each year as they navigate the re-entry into society after incarceration.

Reflecting on his own experience, In reflection, he acknowledges the route from incarceration to success was discomforting in ways he never expected. On the eve of his release, after serving a six-year sentence, and despite a redefined and powerful sense of purpose, the fear of coming home remained a dark cloud hovering over him.

“I was afraid because I was going back to a place that I might not even recognize; my family is gone, I don’t have any money, and I don’t have a place to go. I was really uncomfortable and afraid to go back,” said Pollard.

His fear is common among most return-

Currently there are more than 2.2 million individuals incarcerated in the U.S., with nearly 5 million on probation and parole.

crack cocaine and other drugs.

“Growing up, I really couldn’t visualize myself doing anything once I got involved,” said Pollard. “I put a limit to my life. I just really wanted to take care of my family. I was going to sell drugs, stay in the same area and watch over my family and siblings at the same time.”

He continued despite being shot at and robbed at gun point twice by those who made their living robbing drug dealers. “It didn’t scare me and that was the crazy thing about that,” said Pollard.

Yet, despite all the obstacles he faced, an opportunity that would eventually change his life appeared on his doorstep. He met Charles Thornton, the former director of MORCA. Thornton, a former DC high school basketball star, would lose numerous Division I basketball scholarships due to his mishaps with the criminal justice system.

Thornton transformed his life and became the director of MORCA in 2011, and moved on to a position in the DC Office of Human Rights

ing citizens looking to reintegrate back into a

this year. Thornton saw something in Pollard

community.

Each year, more than 600,000 individuals

According to a Justice Policy Center report,

and helped him land a job with an attorney.

return to communities around the nation from

Criminal Background Checks, and Access to

However, this would turn into another missed

various states of incarceration only to face

Jobs: A Case Study of Washington, DC, data

opportunity as Pollard’s role as his family’s

substantial obstacles in employment, housing,

from a 14-state survey showed that close to 80

sole provider drew him once again back to

and education. In the District of Columbia

percent of responders were still unemployed

selling drugs to repay his sister’s debt to local

alone, some estimated 3,600 citizens return

five years after release, and in DC nearly 3 of 4

drug dealers.

annually to their communities, not simply

individuals entering community supervision

without the tools necessary to avoid dreaded

were unemployed.

recidivism, but often without a place to live or a way to earn a living.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

His illegal lifestyle finally ended when police kicked down his mother’s door and arrested him

Pollard knew all too well the impact of

as she lay crying. He would be sentenced to a

dire economic circumstances on young men

six-year term that would send him to prisons

and holding centers from Tallahassee to Atlanta to Oklahoma, and eventually to Georgia.

His epiphany came when “the judge gave me my sentence and marshals walked me into that bull pen. I decided right then and there I was done.” It was this same type of mental self-determination that would later serve him well on his journey of reentry back in the District.

A year after being incarcerated with a release date of 2015, Pollard was shaken to the core when he received news that his mother was attacked by someone on PCP and died on her front porch.

“I told myself I was going to make it through here, I promised my mother in the last phone conversation we had that I was going to make it home and I would do right by her because I feel as if my mother witnessed more bad than good from me because I was indulging in the street, selling drugs. I promised I would make her proud no matter what,” he added.

Today, Pollard has not only made his mother proud, but he’s become a symbol of success for returning citizens and something he never thought possible – a college student. Not simply

and are really inspired. I have to continuously

eventually a Ph.D. in English/Creative Writ-

a college student – but a visionary with a plan

show that I am an example of what a returning

ing from The State University of New York

to improve opportunities and the reentry ex-

citizen is supposed to look like. It’s not just

(SUNY) Albany.

perience for other returning citizens.

coming home, but actually coming home and

“I want to become a contract oversight

doing something with your life.”

“Going to UDC, small classes, the attention to details, the teachers, I had so many mentors

specialist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Pollard believes that UDC’s professors and

in terms of teachers who took interest in me

to oversee all the halfway houses to ensure that

staff truly care about him, which has made all

and knew what I was going through and my

they are running as smooth as possible. Those

the difference for someone new to the higher

whole story,” said Horton. “I don’t even think

halfway houses really need someone with ex-

education experience.

I would have probably gotten an MFA or Ph.

perience of having lived there,” added Pollard.

Currently there are more than 2.2 million

D. had I not gone to UDC, because I was not

His experiences at UDC, he notes, “opened

individuals incarcerated in the U.S., with nearly

thinking about graduate school. I didn’t even

up a huge new world,” creating collateral free-

5 million on probation and parole. Researchers

know I wanted to be a writer. I really didn’t

doms in other aspects of his life, and most

show that 95 percent of those individuals will

even think that was possible until I went to

importantly, in his mind.

return home at one time or another.

UDC,” he said.

“I have a different frame of mind, and I just

Dr. Randall Horton, a distinguished professor

Randall advocates for more support for

told myself I am going to give myself a shot at

at the University of New Haven, traveled a path

returning citizens at colleges and universities,

everything out here now,” Pollard said. Four

similar to Pollard’s. After returning to DC from

who are often disproportionately represented

months ago, he finally visited the National

prison, he earned a bachelor’s in writing from the

by low-income individuals and people of color.

Mall after a lifetime in DC.

University of the District of Columbia, and sees

“One of the things I learned about university

“I’m in school and I feel so proud to say that.

UDC as a model for other universities to follow.

administration is anything can happen as long

I still can’t believe it. I am really living. I have a

After graduating from UDC, Horton earned

as there’s a commitment on all levels,” said

leadership position and people are watching me

an MFA from Chicago State University and

Randall. “UDC has that kind of commitment.”

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Faces of UDC

UDC’S DAVID A. CLARKE SCHOOL OF LAW

TOP PUBLIC SERVICE LEGAL TRAINING GROUND IN THE NATION

BY DIANNE HAYES

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

C

armen Diaz Jones is among the “equal justice warriors” that Dean Katherine “Shelley” Broderick is preparing for service at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law), a top-ranked school for public service, clinical training, and diversity.

Jones, a former Navy Petty Officer Third

Class, Miami police sergeant, and now UDC Law student, plans to put her love of service into practice in the legal profession to support immigrants and recruitment efforts to

increase diversity in law.

In May 2018, she will graduate exactly 40 years after she and

her five siblings were brought to the U.S. from Honduras by her mother in hopes of a better life.

Jones is a fireball of energy and determination and is gifted at

encouraging people, especially students of color. As a third-year law student, she serves as a mother figure to fellow classmates.

“They could be my kids,” Jones said, who has a 23-year old son in Miami. “I’m older than most students. We help each other. We have study groups at my house. They are there all the time. My husband takes good care of us. It’s an incredible group.”

“Law school was a major adjustment. Not only had I been out of school for a long time, but law is like learning another language.

I think and speak differently. It changes the way you see justice.

It changes you.”

Her journey to law school began after she and an older civilian worker on the police force were enamored with the excitement surrounding President Barack Obama in 2008. Her friend fervently urged her to take the next step to become a lawyer to make a difference.

“I had never seen or spoken to an attorney, especially one who looked like me.” Jones said. But she took the challenge and began researching law schools and took the LSAT over the next three years as she prepared to retire.

“I was accepted to other schools, but I saw the words ‘public service’ and that attracted me to UDC,” Jones said, who is a full-time student and secretary of the Latino Law Students Association. “I wanted to be in public service. That’s why I came here. It’s what I’ve done my entire life.

“The staff, professors, administration here are incredible. They’ve been so helpful and so caring. It’s been a life-changing experience.”

One of the hallmarks of her experience was participating in the Spring 2017 Service Learning Program, when she and other students traveled to Karnes City, Texas, where they participated in intense field work by helping families in a detention center prepare for interviews that determined whether they could remain in the U.S.

While there, she met a distressed young man named Rossell, who along with his mother fled Honduras after he had been threatened and pressed to join the MS-13 gang. Jones had met Rossell’s mother while preparing her for a “credible fear” asylum interview.

Seeing that Rossell was scared and under distress, Jones shared her own story of leaving Honduras and current plans for her legal career. “His entire disposition changed when he understood that I was going to be a lawyer, someone who spoke his language and looked like him.” she said. “I told him that everything was going

John K. Blake, a law student originally from Illinois, is committed to fighting housing discrimination.

to be alright. He seemed to be so relieved. It was amazing to be able to help and encourage someone that they could still dream that anything is possible.”

That belief that students can be true change agents for the underprivileged and those without a voice is at the core of the mission of UDC Law. Students have the advantage of being in the nation’s capital, offering access to a diverse pool of attorneys, judges and leaders in the law profession, as well as endless options for public service.

“So many of our students are the first generation to finish high school or college,” Dean Broderick said. “They come with a deep passion to learn the law. They learn that they can still have an impact and take on the world. That gives me joy every day.”

As the only public law school in the District, it offers the core of the traditional law school curriculum in the classroom, with the strongest commitment to clinical legal education in the nation.

“ I was accepted to other schools, but I saw the words ‘public service’ and that attracted me.

The staff, professors, and administration here are incredible. They’ve been so helpful and so caring.

It’s been a life-changing experience.”

— Carmen Diaz Jones, 3L, Class of 2018

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Students spend 600 hours working with low-income residents and participate in a clinical program that teaches substantive legal knowledge and a wide range of legal skills while serving those most in need of legal services.

Clients are provided comprehensive representation on ongoing cases, appearing before the courts, legislative bodies, and regulatory agencies. In addition, every first-year student participates in the Law and Justice/Community Service Program, performing a minimum of 40 hours of pro bono community service under faculty supervision. The curriculum provides students with an early opportunity to translate legal theories and concepts into practical work on behalf of real clients.

A History of Public Service Dean Broderick is all about building her troops of what she refers to as “equal justice warriors” who are on a mission for legal public service. As dean for 20 years, she witnessed the evolution of the Antioch School of Law into the District of Columbia School of Law, followed by the David A. Clarke School of Law. Edgar S. and Jean Camper Cahn worked tirelessly to champion the rights of low-income people and minorities. They created the

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

“ My two favorite days are the first day of school when a new cadre of Equal Justice Warriors arrive and the last day when we send them off well trained and ready to serve DC residents and others among our most vulnerable populations.”

— Dean Katherine “Shelley” Broderick, UDC David A. Clarke School of Law

Dean Katherine “Shelley” Broderick received the Thurgood Marshall Award. She is the first nonpresident or chancellor to receive the award out of the 105 public HBCUs.

Antioch School of Law in 1972. The school was committed to training public interest lawyers and pioneered a comprehensive clinical legal education model, which is in small part, in nearly every law school in the country.

After Antioch University announced its decision to close 32 of its units around the country in 1986, including the School of Law, the Council of the District of Columbia passed legislation that established the District of Columbia School of Law (DCSL), continuing with Antioch’s mission, curriculum, clinical programs, and personnel. The school was awarded provisional ABA accreditation in 1991 and quickly grew to nearly 300 students.

Carrying on Antioch’s traditions, the new public school of law’s statutory missions were to recruit and enroll students from groups underrepresented at the bar, provide a well-rounded theoretical and practical legal education enabling students to be effective and ethical advocates, and to represent the legal needs of low-income residents through the school’s legal clinics.

In 1996, the D.C. Council passed legislation merging the School of Law with the University

2005, with the unanimous vote of the ABA

man Rights, Juvenile & Special Education Law,

House of Delegates.

Legislation, and Low-Income Taxpayer laws.

of the District of Columbia. On April 28, 1998,

By 2009, the School of Law began offering a

To date, UDC Law has graduated more

President Clinton signed legislation renaming

part-time, evening program of legal education

than 5,000 public service, public policy law-

the School of Law. The new University of the

leading to the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The

yers. Seventy percent of the entering class are

District of Columbia David A. Clarke School

next year, it launched a Master in Laws (LL.M.)

students of color, making the law school one of

of Law was named for former D.C. Council

degree program in Clinical Education, Social

the most diverse in the country by race, gender,

Chair David A. Clarke, a strong civil rights and

Justice and Systems Change to prepare attor-

and ethnicity, with a mixture of local, national

humanitarian leader who ardently advocated

neys to become clinical educators and leaders

and international students.

for the School of Law’s educational, diversity,

in the public interest bar. In 2011, the school

and public service missions.

moved down the street from UDC’s main Van

Putting Law into Action

Founding Dean William L. Robinson was

Ness Campus to a 100,000 square-foot building

One of the unique aspects of UDC Law is its

recruited from his position as Executive Di-

at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and

Clinical Program, which allows students to

rector of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil

Yuma Street, 4340 Connecticut Avenue, NW.

get hands-on experience with real clients

Rights Under Law, and began September 6,

Two new legal clinics were added in 2014,

before they launch their legal careers. All

1988. Dean Broderick became his academic

bringing its total clinics to nine in the areas

students are required to participate in le-

dean and clinic director.

of Community Development, Criminal Law,

gal clinics, where they work on cases with

UDC Law received full accreditation from

General Practice, Government Accountability,

clients under the supervision of an attor-

the American Bar Association on August 8,

Housing & Consumer Law, Immigration & Hu-

ney-professor, with student-faculty ratio in

Katherine “Shelley” Broderick Dean and Law Professor David A. Clarke School of Law

women in Washington by the Washingtonian Magazine in 2006.

She was honored with the Servant of Justice Award by the Legal Aid Society in 2005, and the national Equal Justice Works Outstanding Law School Dean Award in 2002, and the William Pincus Award for “Outstanding Contributions to Clinical Legal Education” given by the Association of American Law Schools in 1999. Dean Broderick was named a Fellow of the American Bar Association in 2000.

Family: Late husband -John Clegg, daughter - Isabella

Katherine “Shelley” Broderick was appointed Dean of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law in August of 1999, having previously served as Interim Dean, Clinical Director, Associate Dean and faculty member since 1979. In 2011, she was named the Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. Chair of Social Justice.

Education: B.A., cum laude, The American University, 1973; J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 1978; M.A.T., Antioch School of Law. Awards: Received the 2016 “Educational Leadership” award from the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, 2015 “Effective Force in Service of the People Award” from the D.C. Chapter of the National Lawyers’ Guild, the 2010 Champion of Justice Award from the Trial Lawyers Association of Washington, 2009 Deborah L. Rhode Award from the Association of American Law Schools. Broderick was named “Hero in the Law” by the Olender Foundation for 2007 and one of the 100 most powerful

Favorite Quote: My goal in life is to “unite my vocation with my avocation as two eyes make one in sight.” — Robert Frost Service Inspiration: Raised by single mother, brother fought and injured in Vietnam War, assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy.

Organizations: Past president and board member of the American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation’s Capital; a founder and participant in the D.C. Consortium of Legal Services Providers. Appointed by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to serve on the District of Columbia’s Access to Justice Commission for 2008 serving a fourth three-year term, and board member of D.C. Appleseed. Named in 2008 to the Norton Federal Law Enforcement Commission and hosts Sound Advice, a UDC cable television show available in 200,000 D.C. households, providing information about legal issues including predatory lending, domestic violence, AIDS and the District’s abuse and neglect system.

Pet: Cat named Miles Davis

W W W.U D C. E DU

33

Here is a sample of UDCDCSL Law Alumni: Shana Frost Matini, DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge (David Clarke Law - 1996) Tyrona DeWitt, DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge (David Clarke Law - 2002)

clinics as low as 8 to 1.

relate to disability and discrimination.

UDC Law ranked #6 in Clinical Legal

“This is the kind of law I’m hoping to prac-

Training by US News & World Report Best

tice when I graduate,” said Blake, who will

Law Schools (2018), ahead of Harvard and

receive his law degree in May. “Housing and

Stanford.

consumer protection are a perfect match for

Law student John K. Blake represents

me. I’ve learned a lot about the Fair Housing

much of what UDC Law was founded on, a

Act. I’m hoping to do civil legal aid in the

Seldon Peden, A Magistrate Judge in Greenville, SC., (David Clarke Law - 2000)

mission of service to those who are less for-

housing context. It’s the best way to combat

tunate. Blake, a resident of Illinois, is proud

poverty. We have to make sure people are

Linward C. Edwards, II, A Municipal Court Judge in Florence, SC. (David Clarke Law 2010)

of the work he has been involved in at the

housed and it allows people to build wealth.”

Jon Wellinghoff, former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Antioch -1975) Thelma Buchholdt, former Member of the Alaska House of Representatives (DC Law School-1991) Keiffer Mitchell, Member of the Maryland House of Delegates, (DC Law School – 1994) Penfield W. Tate III, former Member of the Colorado Senate and Colorado House of Representatives (Antioch, 1981) Thomas Kilbride, former Chief Justice and current Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Illinois (Antioch - 1981) Michael D. Wilson, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Hawaii (Antioch - 1979) Kevin M. Dougherty, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (Antioch - 1988) Joan A. Lenard, United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Antioch 1976) Linda Christopher, Associate Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division (Antioch – 1980) Anil Singh, Associate Justice, N.Y. State Supreme Court Appellate Division. The first Indian American NY State Supreme Court and Appellate Division Justice. (Antioch - 1986)

Housing Clinic representing tenants whose

Location is everything, and law students

rights had been routinely violated. Blake pulls

benefit greatly from being in the District of

from his own upbringing in Section 8 housing

Columbia, where they learn from the best,

as he patiently hears complaints and works

but also serve residents through the Clinical

toward legal solutions.

Program, who otherwise could not afford

Blake has recently completed the Freddie

representation.

Mac Summer Fellowship in the Housing

“The work that is being done at the David

Clinic, where he served as a student attorney

A. Clarke School of Law is outstanding,” said

representing clients in cases involving the

UDC President Ronald Mason, who is also

right to organize and fair housing as they

an attorney. “We are producing some of the

What Makes UDC David A. Clarke School of Law Unique? he UDC David A. Clarke School of Law is committed to the public interest, using T the law to help those in need and reshape our community. ach year, the faculty and students provide more than 100,000 hours of essential E legal services to DC residents.

DC Law focuses on extensive practical training, with the largest clinical requirement U of any U.S. law school. Each student provides more than 600 hours of pro bono legal service, gaining hands-on work experience to solve real-world problems. he tuition is a fraction of the cost of other law schools and 91 percent of the stuT dents receive scholarships and/or financial aid.

DC Law offers a full- and part-time program, offering an evening option for those U seeking a quality education and degree while continuing to work. he faculty includes attorney-professors who work side-by-side with students to T pursue practical advocacy in the courtroom, legislative or regulatory hearing rooms, and centers for citizen activism.

DC Law is recognized as one of the nation’s most diverse law schools both for our U faculty and students.

Andrea D. Lyon, Dean and Professor of Law, Valparaiso University Law School (Antioch, 1976)

ocation, location, location – Based in the nation’s capital, the Law School offers L many opportunities to meet leaders in law and policy and participate in creating legislation.

Joyce McConnell, Provost and former Dean of West Virginia University College of Law (Antioch, 1982)

DC Law’s small size allows students to become colleagues, in a spirit of support U and collaboration.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

“ The UDC experience is all about putting you out there in the world and being a public service agent. I’m a prosecutor, which isn’t the common route for many students. When I look at cases, I look at the person from the perspective of what circumstances might have led them to commit the crime. I seek out other avenues to see if the person can be rehabilitated. That’s the influence of public service at UDC.”

— Jacqueline B. Oudia, Assistant State’s Attorney, Prince George’s County, Class of 2010

finest public servants in the legal profession in the

how they will prosecute. When I look at cases, I

country. Dean Broderick ensures that students

look at the person from the perspective of what

are prepared with practical, hands-on experience

circumstances might have led them to commit the

and a fire for becoming change agents for justice

crime. I seek out other avenues to see if the person

and equality.”

can be rehabilitated. That’s the influence of public

Currently, all UDC Law students participate in at least two, seven-credit clinics, and they provide 40 hours in the required community service

service at UDC.” Dean Broderick takes great pride in acknowledging the accomplishments of alumni.

program. UDC Law is ranked #2 for its diversity. It

“Our graduates include our first DC Council

is also known for embracing students where they

member, two new magistrate judges, lawyers working

are and helping them find their unique legal paths.

with the Office of the Attorney General, office of

Jacqueline B. Oudia was sold on UDC during

the mayor, city budget office, throughout the DC

a law school fair in Raleigh, NC, where she grew

Public Defenders Service, Children’s Law Center,

up. Born in Kenya, she has always had a passion

and the executive directors of the Neighborhood

for people and giving back. The 2010 graduate of

Legal Service Program, the Washington Lawyers’

UDC Law has worked as an attorney in the Kenyan

Committee, and the Advocates for Justice and

Embassy and prepared legislative briefings on

Education,” Broderick said. “Last year we had 16

Capitol Hill, but it was her clerkship with a judge

judicial law clerks as part of our new clerkship

that helped her find her true passion: being in the

initiative. Graduates can also be found in small

courtroom on a regular basis.

and moderate-sized law firms. They are a part of

“I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer since

the fabric of the District of Columbia. They have

middle school,” Oudia said, who is an Assistant

an outstanding education and are knowledgeable

State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County. “The

about the issues at stake in the community.

UDC experience is all about putting you out there

“My two favorite days are the first day of school,

in the world and being a public service agent. I’m

when a new cadre of equal justice warriors arrive,

a prosecutor, which isn’t the common route for

and the last day when we send them off well trained

many students.

and ready to serve DC residents and others among

“My colleagues look at cases and think about

UDC David A. Clarke School of Law

A 1 2 3 4 6

+

D iversity Rankings, PreLaw Magazine (2017)

Most Community Service Hours per Student, PreLaw Magazine (2017) Most Chosen by Older Students, Princeton Review (2017) Best Environment for Minority Students, Princeton Review (2017) Most Diverse Faculty, Princeton Review (2017) est Clinical Legal B Training, US News & World Report Best Law Schools (2108)

7 8 5000

Diversity, US News & World Report Best Law Schools (2018) Best Schools for Public Service, PreLaw Magazine (2016)

Public service graduates of the David A. Clarke School of Law

our most vulnerable populations.”

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Faces of UDC

WHAT HAPPENS TO A DREAM RESCINDED? ATTACK ON DREAMER STUDENTS HAS IMPACT ON UDC COMMUNITY

BY MALIK RUSSELL

UDC Dreamers take their protests to the White House seeking a continued commitment to protection for undocumented immigrants arriving in the U.S. as minors.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

E

motions for “Dreamer”

protection to undocumented immigrants who

would be officially terminated as of March 5,

Gerson Quinteros have

arrived in the U.S. as minors.

2018. The Trump Administration said they

run the gamut of sad to

Quinteros found a home at the University

would give Congress six months to solve the

angry, frustrated, and

of the District of Columbia, along with many

issue or DACA would abruptly end and more

eventually, motivated to

other Dreamer students who were welcomed

than 800,000 individuals who signed up for it,

act to help other students

with open doors.

and the estimated 1.7 million more individuals, who are eligible would face deportation.

like himself continue their

In early September, U.S. Attorney General

quest for the American

Jeff Sessions sent shockwaves throughout

On first hearing about the potential end

dream promised to them

immigrant communities around the nation

of DACA, Quinteros stated, “My immediate

through DACA, the pro-

when he announced that Deferred Action for

reaction was what can we do now?”

gram that gives temporary

Childhood Arrivals, commonly known as DACA,

He and other members of United We Dream, an organization fighting for immigrant rights, channeled their anger and immediately took to social media to fight back. “In that moment, we were sad but we turned sadness into motivation to keep fighting,” he said.

Quinteros is one of the hundreds of thousands of DACA youth who populate campuses across the nation. He remembers fondly the optimism and hope imbued among immigrants when President Barack Obama established the program in June of 2012 in response to numerous failed attempts to develop a modern immigration policy in Congress. For

“ In that moment, we were sad but we turned sadness into motivation to keep fighting.”

— Gerson Quinteros

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37

Quinteros, DACA opened doors to a new life, new opportunities and an education at UDC. Quinteros is actively involved on the front lines as a Dreamer advocate, and he is a part of Casa de Maryland, a Latino and immigration advocacy and assistance organization.

He came to the United States with his stepfather and his family when he was eight years old to reconnect with his mother, who was already in the U.S. He was being raised by his grandmother in El Salvador, but when she passed away he had no other option than reconnecting with his mother.

DACA had provided a window of opportunity for young immigrants often called “Dreamers,” after the proposed Dream Act legislation, which was first introduced in 2001 by the bi-partisan team of Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). The Dream Act has been altered and changed numerous times and has passed through the House of Representatives, but never the Senate.

After spending much of his youth as an undocumented immigrant, where any interaction with society could result in being separated from family and deported, Quinteros’life and the lives of thousands of others changed dramatically when DACA was announced.

“I was so happy (when DACA became available),” he said. “I was just graduating from high school and the permit allowed me to work here in the United States. It was a program that got me social security and gave me protection from deportation. It was something that made us happy, it was a program that impacted so many youths.”

According to a recent study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), DACA participants pay $2 billion a year in state and local taxes. That number is expected to grow if legislation such as the Dream Act, which provides a pathway to citizenship, is passed by Congress.

Most citizens remain unaware of how powerful DACA or the Dream Act would be for im-

“ UDC is a school that when I was doing my research actually came up as one that was open to undocumented youth and at that time I was undocumented and it was a school that actually opened the doors up for me.”

— Gerson Quintero

as nations from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, out of the shadowy world of the “undocumented” experience — a world where the simple act of getting a driver’s license for people who work full-time or need to drop children off at school or the doctor, represents a struggle.

Some areas of the nation are much tougher than others to navigate without documents, yet the District of Columbia, where 800 formerly undocumented immigrants signed up for DACA, has benefited from the strong stance taken by Mayor Muriel Bowser in support of undocumented immigrants.

The District has signed onto a lawsuit with 15 states to stop attempts by the White House to end DACA. DC has also served as a sanctuary city for immigrants fleeing oppressive and life-threatening situations in their countries of origin. In January, the District joined New York state and cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago in providing grants for nonprofits to defend undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Despite multiple legal challenges from DACA participants and legal advocacy groups,

migrant communities. It would take immigrants

unless Congress passes legislation that allows

from Mexico, Central and South America, as well

for pathways to citizenship, the nation could

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

UDC has played an integral role in educating undocumented youth.

Brenda Perez and Gerson Quinteros star in the short film RISERS. Completed in 2016, the film focuses on Perez and Quinteros as they navigate the challenges facing undocumented immigrant youth. Photo Credit: Andy Fernandez

see an inhumane process take place as families

His experiences at UDC and support from

but not that much. Living here I haven’t really

are split along lines of legal status and forced

mentors have expanded his horizons in personal

experienced that, but I know my cousins were

out of the country.

and academic ways, so that he is now consider-

stopped by gang members.”

Quinteros is particularly thankful for find-

ing pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education.

For individuals like Quinteros, who must

ing a base at the University of the District of

Yet the ongoing drama around DACA and the

along with being a student, deal with the added

Columbia for study and activism.

possibility of deportation continue to stain the

stress of seeing how DACA and the Dream Act

“UDC is a school that when I was doing

aspirations of thousands of other individuals

play out in Congress, it’s a particularly heavy

my research actually came up as one that

who fall in the category of undocumented

burden to carry at such a young age.

was open to undocumented youth and at

immigrants.

“DACA protects many youth, and we’re

that time I was undocumented and it was a

While he doesn’t express fear at the pos-

waiting for 6 months for the Congress to take

school that actually opened the doors up for

sibility of having to return to El Salvador, he

action and if this doesn’t happen it would have

me,” Quinteros said.

does admit that it’s simply a place that he

to mean that all the students are going to be in

His experience at UDC have been outstand-

knows little about. “I know the major event

fear of deportation. They are going to be in fear

ing. “There’s a lot of diversity in the school and

of the civil war because we studied it here in

of going to homes that they don’t really know.

I’ve been exposed to more cultures,” he said.

the United States but other than that, I don’t

Some of these youths were kids that came

“What happens in the classroom is one thing,

know any history or how the government

here when they were six years old. This is their

but outside the class you learn so much hear-

works, I don’t know a lot about it… I just know

country. You cannot say that this is not their

ing Arabic students talk about their culture,

my family is over there.”

country when they grew up here and know the

you hear people from different backgrounds share their story.”

After thinking for a moment, he adds “There

culture. They don’t know any other country.

are some fears when it comes to gang members,

Right now, we’re just asking Congress to act.”

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Faces of UDC

Fourteen students were selected to participate in a History of Psychology European Study Tour as part of UDC’s efforts to provide global educational experiences.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

EXPANDING STUDENTS’ WORLDVIEW THROUGH INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

BY JOHN GORDON, JR.

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41

M

aking the world the classroom for University of the District of Columbia students through experiential learning and college study tours is Dr. William Latham’s goal as Chief Student Development and Success Officer.

His passion for expanding students’ worldview

is evident.

A graduate of Morehouse College, he obtained

his Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University.

Latham is tasked with improving retention for community college, undergraduate and law students while placing a greater emphasis on engagement and broadening their overall college experience.

He oversees the Division of Student Affairs, which offers programs and services that optimize learning and leadership and build a supportive and welcoming campus.

“We want students to be exposed to the global climate, leadership, civility and service...

That’s the philosophy and overall goal of what we want to birth at UDC.” – DR. WILLIAM LATHAM

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

“ At the “Cabaret Au Lapin Agile,” or the Nimble Rabbit Cabaret, this moment of the trip stood out to me particularly because it showed me the transitions that every neighborhood endures, even overseas, and it reminded me of how much my own neighborhood has changed over the years.”

— MINOWA MELVIN

“The old structure of student affairs is no longer applicable,” Latham said. “We redesigned a new division around what traditional student affairs was with an emphasis on having an organizational bandwidth with functional areas that support student retention, reshaping cultural competency, and making sure all students are successful.”

Latham knows a lot about student engagement through his previous experiences.

Dr. Latham previously served as Associate Director for Corporate Development, Leadership Studies and Service Learning for the Tennessee State University (TSU) Honors Program where he developed the leadership program, chat lecture series, alumni affinity group, and corporate partnerships of the program.

Dr. Latham also cofounded the D.R.E.A.M. Project (male peer-to-peer) mentoring project at TSU, which developed young men through holistic leadership training and development. The project enjoys a 90 percent retention rate at TSU for its male participants.

Latham said he is working to launch a multicul-

“ The feeling of love and respect that’s spread around was indescribable. We shared food, spaces, experience, time, and knowledge.”

— MARYAM PEETS

tural center at the University of the District of Co-

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43

“ At the Sigmund Freud Museum, I was surrounded by history and knowledge. He had thousands of books and artifacts that represented the past, present and future.” — MICHELLE THOMPSON

the global climate, leadership, civility and service,” he said.

A pilot program was initiated March 14-21, 2017, which included a trip to London and Paris, jumpstarting the study abroad initiative. A diverse group of 14 students from the community college, undergraduate and graduate schools were prepped for a month and given scholarships for the educational excursion.

The trip’s goals were to help students have

lumbia, with the goal of providing support for

Passionate about expanding opportunities

a better understanding of the historical and

international and LGBTQ students. “We haven’t

and stretching the minds of students, Latham

cultural background that led to the evolution

had serious programmatic experience around

has already kicked off a critical part of what

of psychology in relation to the locations

their support. We’ve always had support for our

his department will offer students – interna-

visited, and to engage in specific sightseeing

international students, but this will be a more

tional travel.

tours that provide insight into the lives of

“Part of the program includes study

Europe’s most famous psychologists, and

abroad. We want students to be exposed to

learn about their groundbreaking discoveries.

concentrated effort. We also want to expand global education for all students.”

TRAVEL LOG The UDC Experience Abroad

BY DELONTÉ BRIGHT “You have been selected!” These are the words that ignited the best semester I ever had as a UDC student. I truly believe that my life was changed when I received an opportunity to travel abroad at no cost to England and France through the Division of Student Development and Success’ History of Psychology in Europe study tour.

The University of the District of Columbia created this opportunity to promote student international travel, and to broaden our world view.

By the end of January 2017, everyone who would be traveling on this great excursion was selected, and we prepared for our life-changing journey. We had our work cut out for us. For a month, each of the participants met regularly to prepare for the trip. Our assignments on the trip included writing a daily reflection journal, as well as daily video blogs and pictures that we were happy to share on the University’s social media.

want to study and explore its connection to my field -- marketing.

We had an eight-hour flight to a country that is five hours ahead of us, so it felt a bit like time travel. When we landed in England, I didn’t get the feeling that we were on another continent until we got to customs. It was there that I got my first stamp on my passport. A rush of excitement came over me because it finally felt like the beginning of my spring break in another country.

I had never been out of the country without family before. This was an adventurous opportunity for me to explore another country’s culture and learn more about psychology to determine whether I

During our time in Europe, we quickly learned to be aware of local traditions and transportation differences and challenges.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

“I wanted to jump-start global exposure with the hope of gaining enthusiasm around engagement.”

The 10-day trip included four days in England and four days in France. Students participated in the History of Psychology tour, which included a visit to Sigmund Freud’s home, where students were amazed to learn of his love of Egyptian culture.

Upon their return, students made a passionate group PowerPoint presentation on the Historical and Present-Day Perspective on

“ Sometimes events and places can trigger past memories.

However, when you are surrounded by the right people, those moments can be used for learning and selfreflection.”

Psychology. Students shared their experiences, growth and bonding with UDC President Ronald Mason and his cabinet members.

— CAMILLE WARNER

dents mentored the younger ones. They came back with a deeper understanding of what we can become as an institution by creating a mini-learning community.

“Because we are primarily a commuter university, we don’t have a lot of opportunities for authentic relationships. Since the trip, we have students who have become roommates.”

Latham said another trip is planned to Rome, Venice and Florence for March 2018.

“For us, we have to really develop and build student-centered programs and student-centered culture first, so we can produce global leaders who will impact organizations

“They became a family during the trip,”

they are involved with immediately. That’s

Latham said, who traveled with the students

the philosophy and overall goal of what we

on this first experience. “The graduate stu-

want to birth at UDC.”

Our adventure in Great Britain included a natural history museum visit and psychology tour including the Freud Museum and evening performance in the infamous West End. Navigating the streets was hectic at times, but we quickly adjusted to the narrow streets in England. Of course, we took note of the cars driving on the opposite side of the road from home.

We experienced the countryside and a tour of the garden where Charles Darwin contemplated life. Our tour of Bethlem Royal Hospital offered a historical perspective on the first institution for mental health in Europe, as well as the Jack-the-Ripper themed tour around the Whitechapel district of London.

From the perspective of my History of Psychology studies, one of the tours that left the greatest impression on me was learning more personal information about Sigmund Freud, considered the father of modern-day psychology. We were honored to get a tour of his English home, which was filled with the history of his life and the chair from which so many psychology session chairs were modeled. His daughter lived in the house after he died, and we saw her room and observed how she lived. Sigmund Freud left Austria during World War II and took up residence in England in a wealthy neighborhood across the street from the prime minister of England.

One of the things I enjoyed most on the trip was visiting one of the major soccer teams in England. I, along with a young lady I met on the trip, made a trip to Chelsea Football Club home ground. Soccer is one of my favorite sports, so to visit the home field of one of the

best teams in the world was an amazing opportunity. The staff at the field saw my excitement and offered me free gifts from the store.

During our travel, we saw different neighborhoods in London with various ethnic populations, as well as institutions of higher learning.

We traveled to the City of Light — Paris, France — aboard a Eurostar train and continued sightseeing tours that included the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the artist district of Montmartre, and visited a local university to hear a psychology lecture.

Our trip was extremely impactful and left a lasting impression on each of us. It allowed us to make new friendships, and strengthen existing ones. We laughed, took photos together, and learned about our peers in a way that created strong and lasting bonds.

This trip proved that the University of the District of Columbia is dedicated to helping students make their personal, academic, and professional dreams come true.

“It really changed my life in terms of gaining a broader perspective about the world. It made me want to travel more and to learn more about different cultures.

“It also gave me a greater appreciation for people that I encounter who are struggling with English in the U.S. I experienced being on the other side of that in France, where I couldn’t speak the language and experienced both people’s frustration and their assistance. People helped me out and I want to do the same. We have more in common than we may think.”

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

A WOMAN OF STRENGTH AND COMMITMENT TO UDC Dr. Rachel Petty Retires

K

nown for being a woman

After a one-year sabbatical in 2011-12, she

Following the resignation of President

of diplomacy, commitment,

returned to the faculty and accepted a part-

Allen Sessoms, the UDC Board of Trustees

strength, and the “Go-to Per-

time assignment as Special Assistant to the

appointed Dr. Petty Acting Chief Operation

son” at the university that she

Provost. Her responsibilities included university

Officer, placing her as the temporary leader of the University.

holds so dearly, Dr. Rachel M.

assessment activities and preparation of the

Petty has held many academic and administrative

self-study for the biennial accreditation visit

Dr. Elaine Crider, chair of the Board of

positions at the University of the District of Co-

by the Middle States Commission of Higher

Trustees said at the time, “Dr. Petty is the

lumbia during her 45-plus years of service. She

Education.

right person at the right time to assume this

has served as a mentor, confidant, advisor and friend to many on the campus, which is why her plans to retire this fall has hit many hard.

Her smile is contagious and her warmth is evident, but she is also known for standing tall in the face of adversity when she has had to weather storms impacting students, faculty, and staff.

Her journey began in 1971, when she became a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Federal City College, a predecessor to UDC. Since that time, she has been Chairperson of the Department of Psychology and Counseling, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Acting Dean, Dean, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, Special Assistant to the Provost, Acting Chief Operations Officer, Acting Provost and VPAA, and Acting Chief Academic Officer.

Dr. Petty served as dean of what was then the largest school at the University for 16 years.

The Rachel Petty Faculty Reading Room was dedicated in honor of the long and committed service that she has provided to the University.

W W W.U D C. E DU

47

leadership position. Her dedication to this university is well known, and we are excited about the future.”

Dr. Petty oversaw the implementation of the staff Reduction-in-Force (RIF) that was mandated by the DC Council’s directive that the university “right-size.” That appointment ended when Dr. James Lyons was appointed Interim President in 2013.

“My most challenging experiences at UDC involved planning and implementing faculty and staff RIFS necessitated by enrollment declines and budget cuts that threatened the fiscal stability, academic integrity and continued viability of the university,” Dr. Petty said.

“I was in leadership roles at the university during both the 2003 and 2013 RIFs, and the 2015 program reductions. Assuming responsibility for signing RIF notices and gaining approval through academic channels for program reductions was difficult and a source of personal distress because of the angst it caused for separated employees, displaced students and the entire university community. However,

“ Dr. Petty has touched so many lives and guided the careers of young people, while personally being an anchor for this institution.

She will be missed.”

— President Ronald Mason

Dr. Petty has ridden the tides of layoffs and rebuilding, enrollment slumps and strategic growth, and witnessed a rebirth with the arrival of Dr. Mason and his vision for the university.

“She is a highly gifted woman of many talents and has served this institution well for more than four decades,” said President Ronald Mason. “Dr. Petty has touched so many lives and guided the careers of young people, while personally being an anchor for this institution. She will be missed.”

Hailing from a family of educators, Petty’s grandmother, mother and several aunts were all educators. “At Howard University I studied psychology, assisted a faculty member with research and volunteered in a community-based program for children with emotional problems. These experiences piqued my interest in research and clinical work and led me to pursue graduate study to prepare for a career as a psychologist,” she said.

“Once I entered graduate school and was exposed to the work of several faculty mentors, I realized that the university professorate would

when I accepted administrative assignments,

afford an opportunity to pursue all three of

I made a commitment to work to sustain and

my passions: teaching, research and service.”

strengthen the institution for future genera-

What drives her is the desire to see students, faculty and staff succeed.

tions of students.

“Often the situations I inherited were chal-

me during these turbulent periods was the

Dr. Petty has served as the project director

lenging and required difficult but open and

tremendous respect and support that faculty

for several institutional grants designed to in-

honest communication, and often unpopular

peers, fellow administrators, the UDC Board,

crease the success of minority students in STEM

actions. I firmly believe that what sustained

and students provided.”

and health-related fields. She has also directed

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

Dr. Rachel Petty has served UDC for more than 45 years in roles including faculty member, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology and Counseling, Associate Dean, Dean, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, Special Assistant to the Provost and VPAA, and Chief Academic Officer, and Acting Chief Operations Officer – serving as the temporary leader of the university.

several collaborative research/demonstration

received her baccalaureate in Psychology,

friend, and I will miss her excellent judgment

projects involving multiple postsecondary

from Howard University, and her doctorate

and good company every day.”

institutions. She has a long-standing interest

in Psychology and Human Development from

in research that explores the physical, psy-

the University of Maryland.

Dr. Petty has already begun to map out her plans for her newfound time. She is wife

chological, and emotional effects of trauma.

The University of the District of Columbia

to a very supportive spouse, LaSalle, and a

She has received research support for several

has been the place where she has honed her

devoted mother and grandmother. “Familial

trauma projects from the NIMH, NICHD, the

skills, grown professionally and has had the

support has helped to keep me grounded. My

Department of Education, and from private

greatest impact.

husband has always demonstrated interest

foundations. She was a lead UDC researcher

“UDC is a unique institution with a very

in my work and accepted the long hours and

for the NIH/DC Consortium’s Infant Mortality

compelling mission,” Dr. Petty said. “Its leg-

at-home work it required. Colleagues in

Initiative, which examined factors contributing

acy of providing open access to high-quality

CAS often commented that he attended so

to racial disparities in infant death rates in the

academic programs at affordable prices makes

many College events, they thought he was a

city of Washington, D.C. Her research has led to

work here both challenging and rewarding.

faculty member.”

several publications in peer-reviewed journals.

During my tenure, I have witnessed hundreds

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, she

“Work at UDC has afforded many experienc-

of success stories: students who were denied

has been married for more than 50 years, with

es that were rewarding. I am especially proud of

access to educational opportunities elsewhere,

two adult daughters: Adrienne, an Associate

new academic, grant and service programs that

when exposed to high quality academic pro-

Professor of History at the College of William

were initiated during my tenure as Dean of CAS

grams and provided appropriate support,

and Mary, and Erin, Senior Counsel at the

(the Joint Master’s Program in Cancer Biology

excelled not only at UDC, but in competitive

Howard Hughes Medical Institute. They also

Prevention and Control with Georgetown’s

graduate programs and in their careers.”

have four grandchildren.

Lombardi Cancer Center, the UDC STEM Center,

Katherine “Shelley” Broderick, dean of

As Dr. Petty prepares to walk away from the

funded by NSF, the Undergraduate Research

the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, has

daily higher education grind, she will never stop

Initiative and UG Research Day, and revival of

worked with Dr. Petty for nearly 20 years, and

teaching and encouraging. She is open to the

the Honors Program). As Acting CAO, leadership

is among those who will miss her.

possibility of staying involved at the university in some capacity.

of the University’s successful reaccreditation,

“Through it all, Rachel led with inspiring

with commendations, by its regional accreditor

skill, grace and good humor, with a laser focus

“However, at the end of the day,” she said,

was the most rewarding experience.”

on serving the academic and personal needs

“retirement really means spending time with

Dr. Petty is a Developmental Psychologist

of her students, faculty, and staff,” Broderick

family, reading, gardening, enjoying museums,

(and tenured Professor of Psychology) who

said. “She has been my guidepost, mentor and

theater and the arts, and relaxing.”

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Designer of the New $100 Bill at the Bureau of Engraving

B

— making history with his design of the newly released $100 bill.

The new bills include new security features to stump counterfeiters. Thompson’s design includes a blue 3-D security ribbon with images of bells and 100’s, a watermark and a color-changing bell in an inkwell. The number 100 appears to be orange with a

rian Thompson was given one of the

Thompson walks in the footsteps of his

border of white and blue, and upon closer

most important tasks that anyone

father, who served as a cylinder maker at the

examination, there’s another color striped

at the Bureau of Engraving could

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing in D.C.

inside to prevent theft.

undertake -- taking the lead on de-

His father saw a call for artists and knew his son

When designing the bill, Thompson hoped

signing the new $100 bill.

would fit the bill. Starting as an apprentice for

to keep elements of historical versions of the

seven years at the young age of 19, the lessons

bills. On the new note, Thompson redesigned

his UDC professors taught came in handy.

the quill, a facet that he included on previ-

The new sleek $100 bills were released by

the U.S. Federal Reserve on October 8, 2013.

The design was a creation of Thompson’s, a

“UDC prepared me for the job,” Thompson

ous designs to signify Benjamin Franklin’s

University of the District of Columbia alum,

said. “I started out as a youngster working with

signing of the Declaration of Independence.

who graduated in 1997 with an associate’s

adults as an apprentice. My art professors

The scripted words from the Declaration are

degree in Advertising Design. He recalls being

helped me to be able to handle it. They taught

sequenced to ensure that it cannot be easily

strongly influenced by his art professors at

me discipline and self-control.”

copied by counterfeiters.

UDC, Dr. Wells, Dr. Smith, Meredith Rose,

Thompson has been working at the Bureau

Thompson’s design was handed off to

and Dr. Yvonne Carter, who emphasized the

for 28 years, and is one of only four designers in

engraver William Fleishell, who spent five

importance of self-control as an artist.

the country — and the only African American

months preparing it to be printed on plates.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

That was accomplished through handwork and digital engraving.

When Thompson began working at the Bureau in 1989, he was among a staff of eight designers, with more artists and designers added over the years. While he is able to discuss work that is completed, details about current projects are never shared.

The secrecy of Thompson’s work means that his office is one of the most secure in DC, with several layers of security just to get to his desk. Creating currency that represents the country is not done in isolation. Thompson had to get advice and conduct historical research even before starting on a design.

He also had to stay in contact with stakeholders including the Advanced Counterfeit

He loves discussing his job and career path with students and the community, hoping to inspire others to follow their dreams.

unified picture.

Thompson said he was influenced by two artists whom he has enjoyed ever since attending his art high school, Suitland High School Center for Visual and Performing Arts: M.C. Escher and Georgia O’Keeffe. “They’re on very different aspects of art: one’s very linear, or very strict drawing, and that’s M.C. Escher. It’s a lot of puzzles and morphing. O’Keeffe, she works very loose, very close into flowers, very loose watercolors. They’re on two different sides of the spectrum. And that’s why I like them both: because if I’m good enough, I’ll meet right in the middle where I can pretty much design anything.”

He loves discussing his job and career path with students and the community, hoping to

Deterrence Steering Committee. Thompson

inspire others to follow their dreams. While he

compares the thought process for working

has garnered a lot of attention because of his

on the banknote design to putting together a

efforts, in his humble tone he sums it up this

1,000-piece puzzle with the goal of making a

way: “Let your artwork speak for you.”

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ADVANCEMENT

Rodney E. Trapp Named UDC Vice President of University Advancement

T

he University of The District of Columbia (UDC) is proud to announce the appointment of RODNEY E. TRAPP as Vice President of University Advancement, which includes

providing executive leadership of the UDC Foundation. A proven business strategist, Trapp has provided senior management and fundraising counsel to nonprofit organizations at the forefront of education access, cultural inclusion, and poverty alleviation for nearly 30 years.

Trapp is credited with achieving a financial

Trapp’s research interests explore the intersection of impact investing, social entrepreneurship and the creative economy.

Foundation, the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, the Durham Arts Council and Studio Theatre. Trapp has also served as an adjunct faculty member at New York University, where he taught Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy and the Theory and Practice of Fundraising.

“Higher education is no longer a luxury for the privileged few, but a necessity for individual economic opportunity and workplace competitiveness,” said Trapp. “I am thrilled to be a part of the team that will help UDC provide an affordable pathway to higher education and become one the nation’s premier public universities through heightened levels of philanthropy and fundraising.”

Trapp’s research interests explore the intersection of impact investing, social entrepreneurship and the creative economy. He has presented at the Social and Sustainable Finance and Impacting Investing Conference at SAID Business School, University of Oxford, and continues to serve as a Community Scholar at Columbia University.

“We are excited to have Rodney Trapp join us as Vice President of University Advancement,”

turnaround for the distressed Dance Theatre

said UDC President Ronald Mason. “He brings

of Harlem, an iconic cultural institution – securing $2.3 million from leading funders

for the University of Helsinki, the Robin Hood

Manhattan Empowerment Zone.

such as the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller

He has built development operations

Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the

infrastructure and launched successful fund-

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Upper

raising campaigns and consulting projects

a wealth of experience and passion that will help to develop new institutional partners and elevate the university’s profile.”

Trapp is a graduate of Wake Forest University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and Theatre Arts. He also holds an International Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Valencia in Valencia, Spain; a Master of Science degree in International Business Development & Consulting from Novancia Business School in Paris, France; and a Master of Arts degree in Arts Management from American University in Washington, DC.

Trapp meets with Allan C. Goldston, president of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Goldston leads the foundation’s efforts to ensure that low-income and students of color receive a high-quality education that leads to success in college and their careers.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

keep them well informed about the university’s success and strategic plans. And the timing could not be better as the university rolls out its new long-range planning agenda The Equity Imperative: Completing the Path to the Middle Class.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in advancement during your career?

It’s amazing how much technology has changed the way business is done in the world of philanthropy.

There are so many new ways to engage folk though social media, mobile devices, and even crowdfunding. Web-enabled customer relationship management software, prospect research software, and integrated marketing systems allow advancement officers to be more efficient, effective and successful fundraisers. How we talk to our donors has also changed. When I first started in this industry, the primary means of

Q&A with Rodney E. Trapp, Vice President for Advancement

solicitation were letters and phone calls. But now we’re seeing a shift towards digital communications—social media, email, and our website—and how we’re using each to grow our brand. This change is a good thing. If you want to tell a story visually, you can do that more easily and effectively now than you ever

Tell us who you are in 50 words or less.

could before.

I’m a person driven by the idea of living a purposeful life and knowing that my work will have a lasting social

What’s your greatest challenge at the moment?

impact. I draw great satisfaction from helping students,

Engaging alumni and building a culture of giving. UDC

faculty and staff become more effective social innovators

has not had a staff person to focus on alumni relations

and leaders of social change.

in many years. We are thrilled to welcome Alexandra Washington to the team as the Director, Alumni Affairs

What’s one thing you’re working on now that excites

and Outreach. In this role, she is responsible for devel-

you and why?

oping a variety of programs that reach out to alumni

Right now, we are working on developing new collateral

and engage them in meaningful ways. Ms. Washington,

materials and activating technology tools that will help im-

who has more than eight years of experience in alumni

prove how we communicate with our various stakeholders

relations and fundraising, will design an engagement

throughout the university and externally. UDC students,

plan that recognizes that baby boomers, Gen Xers and

parents and alumni can be our biggest advocates if we can

millennials each have different values systems and

W W W.U D C. E DU

53

communication preferences and must be approached in different ways. While some of our alumni enjoy giving to our various scholarship funds, others may want to help modernize the university’s technology infrastructure or support micro- and smallscale urban farming programs in Wards 7 and 8 to promote healthy eating lifestyles.

Ms. Washington’s arrival is part of a concerted effort by the university to build capacity within its fundraising operation.

We also need to do a better job of explaining the impact of UDC on the lives and economic mobility of its students, the breath of research conducted by our faculty and in our research centers, the effectiveness our workforce development and land-grant programs, and the diversity of employers that hire UDC graduates.

What are your goals over the next five years?

My goal for the next few years is to help shift the entire Firebird Community to a pay-itforward mindset. Every student, parent, alumnus, faculty member or staff member can

Alexandra Washington, Director of Alumni Affairs and Outreach

give of their time, talent and treasure if inspired to do so.

Alexandra Washington is a graduate of

This type of stewardship will certainly help grow the culture of philanthropy at UDC.

Our job in the Office of Advancement is to create the fundraising and stewardship infrastructure necessary to grow and sustain an advanced system of higher learning in and for our nation’s capital. People want to know that their money was spent responsibly, that it made an impact, and that the organization was grateful for their support.

James Madison University. She comes to UDC after working as the Associate Direc-

I understand that there is a Match Challenge underway. Can you tell me more

tor of Annual Giving at Georgia Southern

about it?

University, where she developed the univer-

Last year, UDC raised close to $2 million and qualified for just under $1 million in match-

sity’s first student and young alumni giving

ing funding from the D.C. Council. That represented a 90 percent increase in contributions

and engagement program.

compared to the previous year’s results. The 2-to-1 match challenge was renewed again

While at Georgia Southern, Washing-

this year by the D.C. Council. This means that any money you donate to the UDC Foun-

ton worked to increase leadership annual

dation will be leveraged 50 cents on the dollar up to $1.5 million. A $500 donation would

giving among alumni, created the “For

mean a $750 gift to UDC through this Match Challenge Campaign.

the Love of Blue” student philanthropy education campaign, and developed the

How is the money being raised from donors?

university’s first Young Alumni Board,

It’s really in four buckets. The annual fund is primarily supported through our direct

dedicated to increasing young alumni

mail and online giving campaigns. We also go and ask people for major gifts. So, those

engagement.

are one-on-one meetings, and we’re very specific about wanting written collateral

Prior to her time at Georgia Southern,

there so that donors understand what we’re asking. We help faculty identify and apply

she worked at Wake Forest University in

for grants from foundations and corporations for project initiatives. We are also seek-

Winston Salem, NC, as a Development

ing transformational gifts. They’re ones where there’s enough money involved that a

Officer and the USO World Headquarters

single gift can transform part of the university.

in Arlington, VA, as the Manager of Fundraising and Development.

Can I direct how my donation is spent?

All the money raised, with very small exceptions, is all directed by the donors. So, the university spends the money that has come in for the campaign the way the donors direct it, and the donors direct it in ways that we ask for it. So, as an example, I would come to you as an alumna and say, ‘We would like to establish a scholarship.’ Then we’d develop a gift agreement so that it’s very clear to you, as a donor, how the university’s going to spend the money in order to give scholarships. The money is directed by donors, but it is only for purposes that the institution considers primary.

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FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

MILLION DOLLAR MATCH CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN DONORS ORGANIZATIONS

Media Fusion, Inc.

Asher, Robert L.

Brown, David E.

Cousin, Carolyn

123-ABC Linnel Driver Training Programs

Metropolitan A.M.E. Church

Ashton, Joseph T.

Brown, Dianna

Morgan State University

Atherton, Julia A.

Brown, Doreathea W.

Covington, Laurence Seymour

Advena World LLC

National Society Daughters of the American Resolution (DAR)

Bachman, Paul

Brown, Ernestine H.

Baker, Eddie

Brown, James

Baldinger, Judith A.

Brown, Janice

Bane, Marla H.

Brown, Melynda

Banks, Lyford W.

Brown, Patrice

Network for Good/ Groundspring

Banze, Armindo Albino

Brown, Robert A.

Barazzone, Esther L.

Brown, Robin T.

Phi Alpha National Honor Society

Barnes, Cynthia Ruth

Brown, Stephanie L.

Potomac Electric Power Company

Barnes, Lawrence H.

Brown, Trena T.

Bates, Evola C.

Brown, Willie and Celestine

Battle, Marc Kevin

Browner, Adrian C.

Battle, Nona Elaine

Bruce, Eugene R.

Beccles, Barbara L.

Bryant, Joyce A.

Behera, Pradeep K.

Bryson, Kenneth S.

Resoumetrics Unlimited

Belanger, Charles A.

Buck, Louis W.

Rick Greene Scholarship Trust

Bell, Christopher D.

Bullock, Norma L.

Bell, Leonora

Bullock, Thomas H.

RJT Realty & Investments LLC

Bell, Miley A.

Burgess-Ginyard, Juanita C.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA)

Bennett, Roberta

Burton, Janet

Bennett, William W.

Bussey, Gilbert I.

Berman, Toby

Butler, Henry

Bertaut, Richard John

Butler, Johnny H.

Bess, Lorraine J.

Butler-Richardson, Wendy D.

Training Officers Consortium

Best, Amos V.

Byers, Deloris M.

Bigger, Arnold Thomas

Byford-Peterson, Eve M.

East Coast Conference

United Way of the National Capital Area

Black, Dianne

Byrd-Watson, Yvonne P.

Federal Manufacturing & Technologies

University Sports Publications Co., Inc.

Blackman, David S.

Cade, Anthony D. Canty, Vivian W.

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Verizon, District of Columbia

Blain, Delores R.

Carroll, Emily T.

Xerox Corporation U.S.A.

Bleavins, June E.

Flanders Law Offices

Boland, Dennis

Carter, Francis L.

Bond, Gary L.

Carter, Norma A.

Borns, Andrea P.

Carter, Saundra

Abdul-Malik, Doreen S.

Bostick, Herman F.

Cartwright, Joseph V.

Abellera, Benjamin C.

Bowen, Viola M.

Casillas, Olga F.

Abney, Horace J.

Bowie, Robert and Carol M.

Chambers, Deborah

Ademoyege, Oluwatimilehin A.

Bowser, Joan B.

Chappell, Angela K.

Bracely, Marie B.

Chatmon, Eric Francis

Bradford, Lawrence E.

Chin, Allen

Bradley, Arthur R.

Chornesky, Adam B.

Bradley, Lena M.

Clayton, Rosa L.

Bradley, Patricia L.

Cole, Lisle V.

Braveboy, Cuthbert A.

Coleman, Marcella B.

Braveboy, Norma J.

Coley, Thomasine B.

Brew, Alexander B.

Collier, Meghan

Brittingham, Mary C.

Conley, William H.

Broderick, Katherine S.

Cook, James Melvin

Brooks, Charles E.

Cooper, Grace C.

Broome, Sylvia H.

Corley, Richard S.

Brown, Charletha Teola

Costley, Melvin H.

Aids Healthcare Foundation Altrusa International of Washington DC America’s Charities American Associaton of University Women, Inc. American Honda Motor Co. Inc. American University AMIE B. Lindsey & Associtates, Inc. Building Bridges Across The River, Inc. Building Engineering And Science Talent (BEST) Capital One Services, LLC Capital One Foundation, Inc. Condor International Advisors, LLC D.C. State Society Colonial Dames XVII Century Days Inn Connecticut Avenue District of Columbia Teachers Federal Credit Union Dollar Bank Foundation Donald Temple, P.C.

Follett Higher Education Group Gap Inc. Greater Washington Community Foundation Healing Hands Physical Therapy Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) James Edward Miller Chapman Educational.

Foundation L. H. Barnes & Associates, LLC Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. Live to Give Charitable Trust Fund

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association

PrestoSports, Inc. PRT Reach Foundation, Inc. Research Development Services, Inc.

The Steptoe Foundation The Tom Joyner Foundation, Inc.

INDIVIDUALS

Alakwe, Emmanuel I. Ali, Kiyem Alissi, James A. Allen, Hattie R. Allmond, Kenya O. Anders, Tanasha L. Anderson, Annye Clara Anderson, Beverly J Anderson, David L.

Lockheed Martin

Anderson, Melanie A.

Luther & Mary Ida Vandross Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation

Anonymous Donor, Artisst, Robert I.

Cowan, Edward and Ann Crawford, Chantina M. Crews, Kimberly Crider, Elaine A. Crockett, Ronald K. Crouch, Janice Marie Dailey-Conley, Rosalind A. Darai, Abdollah A. Darley, William K. Daugherty, June S. Daughton-Stewart, Frankye A. Davies, Janice P. Davis, Melanie Davis, Reginald L. Davis, Rosetta B. Dawkins, Emon E. De Gamboa, Alberto A. Ruiz Dessources, Marie Y. Deutscher, Irwin Diggs, Thelma G. Dines, George B. Dixon, Adrian E. Dixon, Freddie M. Dixon, Valencia S. Dixon, Wanda Regina Doby, Jamesetta R. Dorsey, Detra X. Douglas, Dorothy N. Douglas, Glenn Andre Douglas, Harry S. Douglas, Michael Anthony Dowdle, Leroy Drayton-Wood, Anita L. Dudley, Alton Dulle, Oliver A. Dyke, James W. Dyson, James R. Earley, Dianne E. Earley, Laverne M. Edelson, Richard N. Edwards, Angel R. Edwards, Terrence A. Ekandem, Uyoata U. El-Khawas, Mohamed A. Elliott, Albert Epps, Sherry V. Evans, Deborah M. Falwell, Tony Lee

W W W.U D C. E DU

55

CAMPAIGN DONORS, CONTINUED

Fang, Josephine A.

Green, Theressa A.

Hynoski, Michelle

Kirby, Cora M.

Marshall, Hazel B.

Farmer, Shurron

Greene, Kendra L.

Ingram, Cynthia L.

Knutsen, Wallace N.

Marten, Jody

Farrow, Dorcas A.

Greenfield, Monica

Irizarry, Diana M.

Kokonis, Louis P.

Martin, George S.

Felton, Monica J.

Grier, Johnny

Irving, Howard C.

Korey, Judith A.

Martin, Taunya M.

Felton, Reginald M.

Griffith, Alease B.

Jackson, Carolyn L.

Koskinen, John A.

Mason, Ronald F.

Felton, Zora M.

Groberg, Robert P.

Jackson, Dimetrius

Krattenmaker, Bevra B.

Massey, April

Firman, John

Grubbs, Barbara H.

Jackson, Erick L.

Krauthamer, Helene

Matteini, Carol

Fisher, Miles Mark

Guest-Joyner, Sabrina

Jackson, Gabrielle

Kysiak, Katarzyna J.

Matthews, Barbara Jean

Flagg, Thomas and Helen

Gurley, Glen

Jackson, Kevin L.

Labeach, Nell M.

May, Michele

Flanagan Saddler, Fern

Hairston-Branson, Yvonne F.

Jackson, Miles X.

Lambert, Linda

McArthur, Derrick

Fleming, Bernice R.

Hall, Cynthia K.

Jackson, Thelma E.

Lang, Joseph and Mary C.

McBryde, Christina M.

Fleming, Jeffrey

Hamilton, Maxine V.

Janik, Heather Jean

Lang, Joseph and Susan

McCain, Ann D.

Fletcher, Jamil A.

Hamilton-Eldridge, Gloria J.

Jarman, William

Langley, Jesse J.

McCall, Randolph and Peggy

Flood, Samuel

Hammond, Angela C.

Jenifer, Joseph M.

Latham, William U.

McCarthy, Steven

Flora, Herman and Katherine

Hampton, John and Sandra

Jenkins, Frank G.

Lawrence, Frank B.

McCottry, Jeannette W.

Floyd, Ronald E.

Hankerson, Mark Vancent

Johnson, Andrew A.

Lawrence, Joshua

McCoy, Michael

Fobbs, Michele D.

Hanshaw, Dianne A.

Johnson, Charles A.

Laws, Constance T.

McDaniel, Karen

Fontaine, Nargis

Harmon-Martin, Shiela F.

Johnson, Donald Leon

Lawson, Connie H.

McDermott, Melva O.

Ford, Claude and Yolanda A.

Harris, Alma C

Johnson, Eric

Lee, David T.

McDow, Mildred B.

Ford, Louis A.

Harris, Andrew

Johnson, Jerry

Lee, Ethel Delaney

McKinney-Russell, Marcia A.

Foster, Bertrum S.

Harrison, Elgloria A.

Johnson, Leon J.

Lee, Melissa L.

McKnight, Melissa

Foster, Samuel A.

Harriston, Kenneth

Johnson, Peter

Leibowitz, Anita Zoe

McNair, Helen V.

Fowler, Melvin C.

Harvey, Dichina S.

Johnson, Sandra Y.

Leith, Lucia Johnson

McQueen, Willis

Fox, James A.

Haskins, Miriam Anne

Johnson-Singletary, Lola

LeMaile-Stovall, Troy A.

McWilliams, Adrienne S.

Fraser, Rosline S.

Hawkes, Dennis

Jones, Barbara L.

Leonard, Lawrence E.

McZier, Ruby B.

Frazier, Alvin A.

Hawkins, Cheryl D.

Jones, Cheryl L.

Melton, James J.

Furby, Tammy

Hawkins, Patricia D.

Jones, Darren R.

Lesser, Lawrence and Susan B.

Gagliardi, Josephine M.

Hayes, Harry M.

Jones, Gail R.

Lewis, Allan M.

Miles, Annette Deborah

Garcia, Leodanny

Hemady, Prashant R.

Jones, James R.

Garrett, Charity

Henderson, Toni

Jones, Melinda E.

Gaskin-Martin, Renee

Henley, Lyn E.

Jones, Robert L.

George, Yvonne L.

Henry, Taylor

Jones, Rosetta

Glascoe, Michael E.

Herron, Georgia C. J.

Jones, Thomas Leon

Goliday, Anthony

Hetzner, Alicia J.

Jones, Vincent S.

Goode, Tiara

Hider, Evelyn L.

Jones, William H.

Goodloe, John P.

Hill, Jon M.

Jordan, Aaron R.

Gopaul, Ivone A.

Hill, Sylvia I. B.

Jowers-Barber, Sandra

Gorden, Stacian

Hill-Flanagan, Laverne M.

Joyner, Oscar A.

Gordon, Catherine R.

Hipkins, Constance Johnson

Junior, Jerry

Gordon, Elaine D.

Hobbs, Wilbert W.

Kantor, David

Gordon, John

Holland, Burnell E.

Kazana, Imani

Goshay, Annie M.

Holmes, Jefre T.

Kee, James Madison

Gourdine, Wesley E.

Holmes, Wilma K.

Kelley, Dwanzza N.

Grady, Paulette

Hopson, Lois T.

Kemp, Irvin O.

Grant, Darlene L.

Horton, Michael E.

Kemper, Alexis Robert

Grasty, Yvonne R.

Houston, Ann E.

Kennedy, Dorothy L.

Graves, Calvin

Howell, LaLaina C.

Kennedy, Joseph S.

Gray, Kathryn S.

Howie, Vivian H.

Kenner, Sandra B.

Gray, Rochelle Frazier

Hudson, Theodore R.

Keyes, William Snowden

Gray, Vincent C.

Huff, Donald R

Kidschner, Hattie A.

Green, Aretha

Hughes, Catherine L.

Kilgore, James Andrew

Green, Carroll

Hughes, Susanna

Kim, Okjin

Green, Eva S.

Humphries, Donald and Audrey E.

King, Edna M.

Hunt, Williett S.

King-Berry, Arlene R.

Green, James Green, Patricia Diane

56

Hunter, Gail

FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

King, Rubie Bonitia

Lewis, Maceo Lewis, Reginald Guy Lewis, Ronald F. Lewis, Susan Annette Lewis, Theodore E. Lewis, Trina V. Lewis, Wanda Lewis-Drumgoole, Peggy E. Liddiard, Patrick T. Lieber, Gary Liggins, Alphonzo and Sylvia W. Little, Barbara A. Little, Edna V. Little, Monet Long, Carol Lucas, Nancy A. Luevano, Javier Lyman, Jennifer P. Macierowski, Avery E. Mahone, Charlie E. Maida, Patricia D. Maiden, James Makhlouf, Hany H. Mann, Louis Marquez, Maria Marra, Cristina Marrkand, John and Juliet

Micklos, Monica Miller, Marjorie D. Miller, MaryAnn Mills, Gary G. Mills, Larry D. Mims, Barbara C. Mingo, Antoinette Mizelle-Johnson, Nathalie Moore, Jean P. Moore, Mildred R. Moore, Nathaniel J. Moore, Reginald Moore, Roscoe M. Moore, Shirley D. Moore, Shirley E. Morant, James Odell Moreland, Clifton Edward Morris, Warren H. Morse, Michael T. Morton, Walter Harry Mosley, Kathy Y Muhammad, Baye’ Munir Mullins, Stanley L. Murray, Brady Murray, John Murtadha, Khaula H Musgrove, Louis G. Musgrove, Mildred L.

Myers, Otha and Patricia

Pyakuryal, Anil P.

Sclopis, Itzel Del C

Talbert, Jane M.

Walters, Donald

Nabors, Mary Beatrice

Queralt, John

Scott, Barrington D.

Talbert, Rebecca C.

Walters, Toni

Neal, Deborah M.

Quinto, Marie

Scott, Bruce E

Talisha, Paris

Walton, Lena J.

Neal, Lorraine

Rabb, Martin and Maria

Scott, Dewitt T.

Talkington, Melody A.

Wanner, Carolyn

Neal, Ralph H.

Racine, Marie M.B.

Scott, Pertina E.

Tanaka, Tsutomu

Warner, Katherine L.

Nelson, Jacqueline Bernice

Raheem, Robert A.

Seabron, Krystal

Tannen, Michael B.

Washington, A. Shuanise

Nelson, Louise Ann

Rahmani, Joshua M.

Seay-Jones, Jacqueline

Tanner, Trevoy

Washington, Ruby M.

Nery, Rosimarie S.

Ramsey, Sheyvonne D.

Sechrest-Ehrhardt, Lisa

Tate, Jean Dutch

Watson, Kemmell P.

Neufeld, Benjamin and Elizabeth S.

Rasayon,

Sellers, Evelyn C.

Taylor, Alfred O.

Watson, Yvonne P. Byrd Weathers, Olethia D.

Rayburn, Carole A.

Shannon, Vernon and Mildred F.

Taylor, Anita C.

New, Gregory R.

Ray, Kia D.

Shedrick, Delora

Taylor, Bradley D.

Webb, Elaine

Taylor, Fannie Webb

Weeden, Thomas Eugene

Terra, Judith F.

Wells Brinkley, Carolyn V.

Thomas, Patricia A.

Wells, Jovita D.

Thomas, Philip and Brenda J.

Weston, Elizabeth H.

Thomas, Raymond D.

White, Charles H.

Thomas-Serrano, Joshua

White, Deanna M.

Thompson, Abigail

White, Jasmine Nykole

Thompson, Claudia C.

White, Robert L.

Thompson, Mary Catherine

Whiting, Robert W.

Thompson, Wilma H. D.

Whitted, Kenneth

Thornhill, Carrie L.

Whittington, Verdell L.

Thornton, Joseph T.

Wilburn, Angela Denise

Tidline, Ava Maria

Wilderman, Michael and Marion

Newsom, McKinley Newton, Margaret D. Nichols, Tony Nicholson, Arnold A. Nixon, Tesha Norwood, Elvert L. Nowell, Antonia H. O’Brien, Francis and Durinda M. O’Leary, Frazier L. Oliver-Parker, Kim O’Neil, Jacqueline P. Onunaku, Bernard N Onwuvuche, Chika Otte, Elaine C. Owens, Lee Oyuyo, Caroline Page, John S. Page, William T. Parker, Dolores A. Parker, Ronald M. Parsons, Kelle C. Patterson, Charles Paull, Betsy J. Payne, Ilene D. Peace-Jackson, Marva M. Perper, Allen S. Perry, Wallace S. Persaud, Vishnu and Toni Perta, Joseph M. Peters, Doris A. Peters-Jones, Nadene R. Petty, Rachel M. Phillips, Dianna G. Pierce, Barbara A. Pilzer, Leigh C. Pixley, Darryl A. Plummer, Frances M. Poindexter, James A. Posey, Isadora J. Pourciau, Michelle Prescott, Herman S. Price, Harry T. Pryor, William C. Pulley, Eric T.

Reba, Lee Brian Redmond, Walter J. Reed, Caroline L. Reese, Michael E. Reid, Arthur M. Rhodes, Robert Richards, Delia Richards, Francis A Richards, Herman D. Richardson, Jesse and Aldena Richmond, Deneen Roach, Hildred Roberts, Cheryl D. L. Robertson, Merritt A. Robinson, Arlene I. Robinson, Joni Robinson, Leora A. Robinson-Pinkett, Doretha D. Roche’e, Arthur S. Rodriquez, Serena Roe, Donald L. Rogers, LaTanya L. Rollins, Frances J. Rouse, Sandra T. Ruble, Blair A. Sabedra, Derek Sackeyfio, NaaBorle A. Sakulowski, Lena S. Salley, Lisa Sambo, Adiaha J. Sampson, Walter G. Samuel, Brenda E. Samuels, Debra Sanchez Guerrero, Pablo Sanchez, Maribel M. Sapp, Linda S. Sarago, Philicia Alleyne Saunder, Betty Saunders, Shernise Saxton, Virginia M. Saydlowski, Ann Katherine Schofield, Dee Schwartz, Carol Schwartz, Errol R.

Shee, Mariamu N. Shelton, Jerome Sheppard, Edgar A. Shields, Ruth M Shields-Staten, Linda M. Skipwith, William and Dorrett E. Smith, Carrington R. Smith, Charles H. Smith, George Smith, Gerald Smith, Jeanette H. Smith, Leigh A. Smith, Leroy Smith, Lorraine J. Smith, Milton Smith, Terry L. Smithey, Joyce L. Sneed, Rosie A. Sola-Sole, Montserrat D. Solomon, Howard W. Somers, Pamela B. Sone, Maggie Spaulding, Samuel and Marie B. Spears, Herbert D. Spears, Millee G. Spruill, Derek M. Stanley, Kamaal Marcus Stanley, Paul J. Starnes, Roger D. Stephenson, Derek M. Stevens, Phillip H. Stewart, Clarence M. Stinehour, Kathy S. Stoel, Carol F. Stringfellow, Vera Jackson Sudah-Murphy, Badiya H. Summers, Tony E. Sutton, Lisa Swaim, Donna Swisher, James Hay Sydney, Joyce M. Sydnor, James J.

Torresen, Dianne Trahan, Anika N. Tuchman, Hallie S. Tull, Knox W. Tull, Nzinga T. Tulman, Joseph B. Turner, Janice C. Turner, Melville T. Turner, Rose H. Turro, Alexander S. Tyler, Pamula G. Tyus, Yao Uberall, Bertrand M. Uka, Dickson Nnanna Umanzor-Perla, Nancy K Unuajefe, Jameelah A. Upson, Leonard A. Van Buren, Florence C. Van Buren, Harvey Van Van Ness, Marie J. Vanderslice, Lane Vasquez, Leonel Ubaldo Velasquez, Karla L. Vilardo, Linda J. Villarosa, Sharon Woods Wade, John L. Wake, Fikru T. Waldron, Selvon Malcolm Walker, Alicia L. Walker, Goldie M. Wallace, Linthia

Wilhoit, Carl H. Williams, Brenda R. Williams, Elizabeth M. Williams, Ella M. Williams, Gary E. Williams, Juanita B Williams, Juanita J. Williams, Lillian R. Wilson, Jeffrey T. Wilson, Vanessa Michelle Wingo, Claudia J. Winstead, Joseph S. Witherspoon, Joseph Eugene Wofford, David G. Wolfson, Michael R. Womack, Sandra E. Woodburn, Courtney Woods, Jeanne Wilson Word, Maurice L. Wormley, Jr., John Earnest Wright, Alvin Wright, Mary C. Wurtzel, Alan L. Wynne, Ronald D. Yates, Sandra G. Yeager, Johnnie L. Young, Marcus D. Young, William D. Younger, Gerald S. Younger, Gloria D.

W W W.U D C. E DU

57

FACULTY/STAFF NOTES

Making Health & Wellness a Campus Priority

C

ory Robinson has worked in the

He operated and updated the WHAC fitness

health, wellness, and fitness field

and nutrition website as a government fitness

since he was 18 years old and has

specialist intern.

more than 21 years of health, fitness,

Robinson has since run the operations of

and wellness experience combined

health, wellness, fitness-related government

at the federal government, corporate, and

facilities at the U.S. Securities Exchange Com-

university levels. Robinson would volunteer

mission, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S.

in the physical therapy clinic in high school

Department of Justice, Intelsat, and TSA

after his ACL reconstruction and therapy due

Homeland Security Headquarters.

to two season-ending injuries. The experience

Robinson hopes to bring a solid foundation

helped form and mold his passion for health

of health and wellness to the University of the

and wellness.

District of Columbia.

Robinson attended Langston University,

“Healthy, happy university employees

where he served as a student athlete, campus

give better customer service to students. It

security guard, and was the Nutrition Depart-

molds the college experience for the student.

ment Student President. Robinson received

My goal is to champion, empower, and im-

his Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition

prove the overall health and wellness of the

and Dietetics and then went on to intern at

university student body, faculty, staff, and

the White House Athletic Center (WHAC).

university community.”

D

r. Tony D. Johnson has been ap-

Director of Community-Based Programs, Al-

pointed as the Dean of Workforce

ternative Education Teacher, and High School

Development and Lifelong Learn-

Intervention Teacher, among other roles.

ing at UDC’s Community College.

“We are excited to have someone of Dr.

He is responsible for overseeing

Johnson’s caliber lead our Workforce Devel-

the planning and implementation of workforce

opment and Lifelong Learning programs,”

development programs, budgeting and finance,

said UDC President Ronald Mason. “We know

public relations and coalition-building for

that our programs will be enhanced by the

five community campuses. The programs

expertise and skills that Dr. Johnson brings

are designed to reduce unemployment and

to the University as he helps DC residents tap

underemployment in the District by providing

into their fullest potential.”

job training for careers in new industries.

Dr. Johnson has had a variety of class-

Dr. Johnson has worked in a broad range

room-based and educational leadership ex-

of leadership positions for more than 17 years,

periences. He has taught in the Colleges of

African American male achievement, and

including Director, Associate Director, Senior

Education and School of Arts & Sciences at

urban school capacity.

Director of Programs and Training, Associate

Florida State University, Florida A&M Univer-

“I am excited to join the University of the

Dean, Senior Education Consultant, Executive

sity, Barry University, and George Washington

District of Columbia family,” said Dr. Johnson.

Director and Chief of School Supports, Field

University. In addition, he has successfully

“There is a substantive amount of exciting and

Experience Coordinator, Turnaround High

administered programs in Florida, Maryland,

important work ahead as we prepare our D.C.

School Principal, Pre-Service Teacher Edu-

Virginia and Washington, D.C. His primary

residents for careers that are in high demand.

cation Coordinator, Principal and Executive

areas of interest include school turnaround,

Equipping residents with the knowledge and

58

FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

skills to secure and sustain employment is

Sequoyah Adebayo

central to our mission in the Division of Work-

serves as director of Vet-

Adebayo’s dedication to education can be

force Development and Lifelong Learning. I

erans Affairs at the Uni-

seen through her own pursuit of higher edu-

am encouraged that I will be able to support

versity of the District of

cation, spanning more than a decade. In 2009,

residents as they climb the various ladders

Columbia. Her de-

she earned a bachelor’s of science degree from

sire for veteran and oth-

The George Washington University in Biological

of opportunity.”

services through the district.

Dr. Johnson holds dual bachelor’s of sci-

er military-connected

Anthropology. In 2012, she earned a master’s

ence degrees in Political Science and Criminal

students to achieve their educational goals

degree from Trinity Washington University in

Justice, a Master of Science degree in Public

drives her to provide white-glove service and

Public and Community Healthcare Manage-

Administration/Public Policy and a Doctor-

world-class treatment with every interaction.

ment and Nonprofit Management.

Her office motto, “Service members to

In 2017, she completed a certification in

Scholars,” serves as a reminder that these

Procurement and Public Contracting from

students have put their lives on the line for our

the University of the District of Columbia.

MatthewL.Richardson,

country and we should do everything within

Currently, she is pursuing her doctoral de-

PhD, was recently pub-

our power to support them to achieve their

gree in Organizational Leadership Studies at

lished in the peer-re-

academic endeavors.

Northeastern University.

ate in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Evaluation.

viewed journal, Biodi-

Under her leadership, the office is becom-

Adebayo’s strongest desires for the de-

versity and Conservation.

ing a powerhouse of veteran support within

partment can be found through the mission

The article entitled, “A

the D.C. metro area. Her connections with

statement: “The Office of Military and Vet-

review of the impact of

local and federal government agencies as well

erans Student Services (OMVSS) seeks to

pipelines and power lines on biodiversity and

as nonprofits, provide many UDC student

address the broad range of social, educational,

strategies for mitigation,” discusses a myriad

veterans with the additional external support

economic, and healthcare needs of the Uni-

of impacts of linear infrastructure to landscapes

needed to complete semesters. Her seat on

versity of the District of Columbia’s veteran

and habitats. Dr. Richardson is the Assistant

the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Board ensures

community by building strategic partnerships

Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture

that the University of the District of Columbia

with other public and private organizations,

Research.

student veterans are the first to know about

creating veteran-centered policy initiatives,

supplemental education opportunities, career

and developing strong relationships with the

fairs, internships, fellowships and support

veteran community.“

New Faculty Professor Kathy Dixon,

Dr. Leona A. Harris

Coordinator of the Educational Opportunity

was elected to the Col-

joins the University of

Fund Summer Program.

lege of Fellows of The

the District of Columbia

Harris is an energetic and innovative edu-

American Institute of

as Chair of the Division

cator with 20 years of experience teaching all

Architects. The Jury of

of Sciences and Mathe-

levels of undergraduate mathematics to diverse

Fellows selected Dixon

matics and Associate

populations of college students including

because of her notable

Professor of Mathemat-

first-generation students, transfer students,

contributions to the advancement of the

ics, in the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior

and adult learners at several colleges and

profession of architecture. She received a

to her arrival at UDC, Dr. Harris spent 10 years

universities. Throughout her career, Dr. Harris

fellowship medal during the Investiture of

at the College of New Jersey, where she was

has forged strong partnerships with faculty

Fellows Ceremony at the AIA Conference in

promoted from Assistant Professor to Asso-

colleagues, and professionals in education,

April 2017.

ciate Professor, and held several leadership

industry, and government through academic

roles including Faculty Senator, Chair of the

support programs, interdisciplinary research,

Applied Mathematics Committee, Career

curriculum and program development, and ex-

Advising Coordinator, and Mathematics

ternal grant initiatives. She has demonstrated

W W W.U D C. E DU

59

NEW FACULTY

a commitment to increasing the numbers of

She has published seven peer-reviewed jour-

Dr. Lei Wang is an As-

minorities and women pursuing careers and

nal papers and seven peer-reviewed conference

sistant Professor of Ge-

higher degrees in science and mathematics

papers.

otechnical Engineering

through her involvement in a variety of local

Uzma Amir joined

in the Department of

and national diversity initiatives.

SEAS in Fall 2017 as Vis-

Civil Engineering at the

Dr. Harris was raised in Queens, New York,

iting Assistant Professor

University of the District

and attended Spelman College in Atlanta,

in the Department of

of Columbia. He teaches

Georgia, where she participated in the Schol-

Computer Science and

courses on principles of geotechnical engi-

ars in Mathematics at Spelman Program. She

Information Technolo-

neering, foundation design, civil engineering

graduated magna cum laude from Spelman

gy. She received her M.S.

materials, and engineering mechanics. He

with a B.S. in Mathematics, and earned her

in Computer Science from UDC after receiv-

received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering

M.S. and Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from

ing her M.S. in Physics at the University of

from China University of Geosciences, M.S.

North Carolina State University as a National

Dhaka in Bangladesh.

degree in Geotechnical Engineering from

Physical Science Consortium fellow. After grad-

Amir received a Xerox Fellowship in 2014

Tongji University, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engi-

uate school, Harris completed a postdoctoral

and participated in the publication, “Bio-in-

neering with a geotechnical emphasis from

fellowship at the National Health and Environ-

spired Approaches for Multi-robot Control in

Clemson University. He has extensive research

mental Effects Research Laboratory of the U.S.

Exploration.” Her research interests include

and practical experience in geotechnical

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She

robotics. She has taught Introduction to Com-

engineering and hehas published more than

is an Applied Mathematician who specializes

puter Applications and Microsoft Office and

40 refereed journal and conference papers

in Mathematical Biology. Her current research

Computer Science at the UDC Community

with a Google Scholar Citation of over 450.

involves the development and application of

College. She was a UDC Community College

He was a recipient of many honors and awards,

physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models,

STEM panelist in March 2017 in Women’s

including the Best Paper Award by Taiwan

mathematical models that are used to evaluate

History Month STEM/Allied Health Forum.

Geotechnical Society and the Outstanding

the effects that toxic, environmental chemicals have on human health.

Graduate Researcher Award at Clemson Dr. Thabet Kacem came

University. He is a licensed professional civil

to SEAS in 2016 as an

engineer in California.

Dr.HongmeiDang came

Assistant Professor of

to SEAS in 2016 as As-

Computer Science in the

Dr. Bryan Higgs is a

sistant Professor in the

department of Comput-

native of southwest Vir-

Department of Electri-

er Science and Informa-

ginia and joined the

cal and Computer Engi-

tion Technology. He

University of the District

neering. She received

obtained his Ph.D. in Information Technolo-

of Columbia in January

her Ph.D. degree from

gy at George Mason University in May 2016.

2017 as Assistant Pro-

the University of Kentucky. Dr. Dang’s research

His thesis titled, “Secure Automatic Dependent

fessor in the Depart-

expertise and interests are in nanoscale solid

Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B)” provided

ment of Civil Engineering. He was an Intel-

state electronics, including solar cells, MEMS

an innovative cyber-security layer to the

ligence Community Postdoctoral Research

sensor networks, medical devices, robotics,

ADS-B protocol, which is widely used by

Fellow at the University of Memphis and

and power electronics devices. Dang’s research

aircraft and air traffic control worldwide. He

earned his doctorate in transportation engi-

also involves thin-film deposition, nanofab-

obtained his Master of Science degree in

neering. Dr. Higgs’ research and teaching

rication, material, optical and electrical char-

Computer Science at the University of the

interests range from network design to human

acterization as well as device modeling. Dang

District of Columbia. His research interests

factors in transportation including multi-lev-

is very interested in applying data science and

include cyber-security, smart transportation

el, multi-objective game theory, network

machine learning into photovoltaics. She

systems, and security protocols..

vulnerability, network optimization, psycho-

developed a wide range of electronic and

physiological driver behavior, driving simu-

computer courses including physical elec-

lators, road rage, aggressive driving behavior,

tronics, electronics and lab, digital integrated

and traffic flow theory. Dr. Higgs has published

circuits design and lab, and nanotechnology.

in top-tier journals and is a member of sev-

60

FA L L/WINTER 2017-2018

eral national professional organizations. In

ulation Dynamics, and General Education

Dr.MeganFitzgerald joins

addition to his national and international

courses.

the UDC faculty as Assis-

service, he enjoys participating in outreach

Crews joined UDC in 2010 after working

tant Professor of Human

activities for fostering interest in transpor-

at the Population Reference Bureau, the U.S.

Development. Prior to

tation in middle and high school students.

Census Bureau, and the National Council for

her arrival, she taught at

Geographic Education. Prior to joining UDC,

the University of Mary-

Dr. Amir Shahirinia

she conducted hundreds of teacher-training

land School of Social

joined SEAS in Spring

workshops on global population issues for

Work, concentrating on introductory research

2017 as an Assistant Pro-

teachers of all levels across the country. She

methods, and cross-cultural qualitative research

fessor of the Department

also served as the Manager of the “Census in

methods. She has almost 20 years of experience

of Electrical and Com-

Schools” program in support of the U.S. Census

working with ethnically and culturally diverse

puter Engineering. He

in 2000. Crews received an Ed.D. in Higher

vulnerable children and families, and spent

has received B.S. and

Education and Adult Learning from Walden

several years in the private sector conducting

M.S. degrees from K.N. Toosi University of

University, a Master of Arts in demography

research on behalf of federal child welfare ini-

Technology, Tehran, Iran, and a Ph.D. from

from Georgetown University, and a B.A. in

tiatives. Dr. Fitzgerald’s children and family-in-

University of Wisconsin in Electrical Engi-

Secondary Education in Social Studies from

tensive research background coupled with her

neering. He has also performed a postdoctor-

the University of New Mexico.

practical collaborative research experience give

al research in the Power Electronics group at

Dr. Ingrid Colón is an

her a welcome perspective on the significance

Rockwell Automation (Allen Bradly) through

Assistant Professor of

of young-adult development, mental health and

2013-2015. Dr. Shahirinia is the director of

Early Childhood educa-

education in families.

the Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy

tion at UDC’s Division

A native of Arlington, VA, Megan earned

(CERE) at UDC. Dr. Shahirinia’s research

of Education, Health,

a BA in Psychology with a concentration in

interests encompass the areas of power sys-

and Social Work in the

Human Services from DePaul University.

tems, smart grids, power electronics, and

College of Arts and Sci-

She obtained her master’s degree in Family

control and ranges from optimal planning of

ences. Dr. Colón received her Bachelor’s degree

Studies and her Ph.D. in Family Science from

renewable energy grid integration systems

in Elementary Education from the Universi-

the University of Maryland, College Park.

(REGIS), optimal operations of REGIS, mod-

ty of Nevada Las Vegas. She obtained her

While a graduate student, Megan taught about

eling and intelligent real-time control of

Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction

the delivery of human services to families, and

REGIS, Bayesian statistical analysis and pre-

with an emphasis in Urban Education from

conducted extensive research on children

dictive modeling of REGIS, to power electron-

San Diego State University and earned her

and youth in vulnerable families, specifically

ics and motor drives.

Doctorate degree in Curriculum and Instruc-

on strategies family members develop as

tion from Loyola University Chicago.

they navigate developmental milestones and

Dr. Kimberly Crews is

Dr. Colón has extensive experience teach-

transitioning to a facul-

ing young language learners in urban schools,

ty position as the Assis-

having taught dual language to kindergarten

tant Director of the

students, and other bilingual models to third

General Education Pro-

grade students. Currently, Dr. Colón’s research

gram after having served

focuses on what educators can do to support

in the Student Develop-

recently arrived immigrant students and

ment & Success Division at the University of

their families coming from Latin American

the District of Columbia (UDC) for five years.

countries.

transitions.

She served as the Interim Director of Academic Advising and Retention and most recently served on the Degree Works Implementation Team. Dr. Crews has also served as an adjunct instructor teaching Freshman Orientation, World Cultural Geography, Pop-

W W W.U D C. E DU

61

CLASS NOTES

Joyce Graham, RN

First UDC Nursing School Graduate Retires “I was an LPN working at the VA hospital alongside RNs, and I knew I was just as good as they were.”s constant drive for self-improvement and desire to learn new skills.

Making her achievement even more remarkable, Graham was working as a surgical intensive care nurse at the Washington Veterans Hospital while she was getting her degree— and taking care of her teenage daughter and 18-month-old son.

She began working as a licensed practical nurse in Pittsburgh in the early 1960s. In 1965, she moved to Washington, D.C., and was hired at the VA hospital. After receiving her nursing degree in 1978 and becoming a registered nurse, she moved to internal medicine at the VA. Then, in 1986, she went to work at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, and later at the Washington Hospital Center in their postpartum wing. In 1992, at the encouragement of a friend

J

from her VA Hospital days, she joined Kaiser,

oyce Graham may not have met

“Someone told me about the nursing program.

working in various departments before moving

her goal of breaking records in the

I wanted to go so bad that I worked and went

to rheumatology, working at Kaiser’s North

Guinness Book of World Records,

to school full-time. I was thrilled that at UDC,

Capitol Street and West End Health Centers.

but she has left her mark on the lives

I didn’t have to pay as much to get the same

Throughout this time, she conducted reg-

of patients she encountered during

education as the people who went to American

ular CPR classes to ensure that staff were

University and Georgetown. I studied hard

certified. She also served as lead nurse for

and graduated, and I am so grateful for the

Specialties (all departments other than Internal

best career that I could have had in my life.”

Medicine) and was responsible for ensuring

more than 50 years of serving as a nurse.

Graham graduated first in her class at the

University of the District of Columbia in the first

that all clinical assistants were cross-trained.

graduating class of the School of Nursing in 1978.

Her love of serving patients and being

“I was an LPN working at the VA hospital

where the action is kept her working at Kaiser

In retirement, Graham intends to keep

since 1984, working alongside RNs and I knew

Permanente into her late 70s. Her more than

busy by working at her church, traveling, and

I was just as good as they were,” Graham said.

50 years in nursing have been marked by a

visiting museums.

62

FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

Eugene Kinlow, (B.S.,

graduating in 2014, pursued and completed a

decided to take matters into his own hands by

Business Administra-

master’s degree in applied economics at the

creating his own opportunities. He and business

tion, 1987)

University of Maryland.

partner, Gary Williams opened their business,

Eugene Kinlow serves

MadagascarishomeforAlisonandisacountry

Creative Theory, and racked up high-profile

as Director of the Office

badly in need of a fresh start. That’s why he hopes to

clients, including the Gap, Reebok, Union Market

of Federal and Regional

use his new master’s degree in applied economics

D.C., Timex, GQ, and Hennessey.

Affairs. Kinlow worked as

to usher in a new beginning by running a campaign

Senior Strategist at Dragon/ Unicorn Strategies

to become Madagascar’s next president.

Originally from Canada, George has a diverse background in digital strategy and content cre-

and Solutions, where he worked on communi-

He hopes to improve the lives of Madagas-

ationasaphotographerandsocialmediacampaign

ty engagement strategies for businesses and

car’s 25 million inhabitants, where many face

strategist. He is the director of Content Strategy.

nonprofits.

extreme poverty despite the country’s vast

“At Creative Theory, we believe that every

natural resources and its status as the world’s

connection is important, that every moment

largest vanilla producer.

along the consumer’s journey has value, and that

Previously, he served as the Public Affairs Director for DC Vote, where he strengthened relationships with key opinion leaders, elected

His drive to make a difference is steeped in

each and every opportunity to engage a customer

officials, community members, and coalition

childhood experiences, but also from his collegiate

has to be seized. We understand, we build, and we

partners attempting to bring full voting rep-

studies. In 2007, Alison came to the U.S. to be

grow businesses that care about their customers.

resentation to the residents of the District of

with his wife, whom he met during her volunteer

For us, our relentless desire to start movements,

Columbia.

service with the Peace Corps. He enrolled in the

build ideas, and start conversations has pushed us to innovate for every client we work with.”

Kinlow is a board member and vice chair-

Carlos Rosario International Public Charter

person of the Washington East Foundation and

School to improve his English-speaking skills and

George has worked as a digital strategist and

active in community building efforts citywide. He

completed the highest-level ESL course in 2009.

analyst for more than five years and completed

has worked as a trustee and board member on

Alison has done his homework on what he

behalf of numerous organizations dedicated

wants to improve in Madagascar, including time

to quality of life in the District, including the

series analysis and forecasting, and economic sys-

Anacostia Coordinating Council, Anacostia

tems. He has prepared papers on rice production,

(B.A.-History, 2005)

Riverkeeper, College Bound, Cultural Tourism

consumption and import in Madagascar, which

Angela McMillian is a

DC, Community Harvest, and the Committee

is the main food staple.

reference librarian at

his MBA with a focus on digital strategy.

Angela McMillan,

He has been thinking about running for pres-

the Library of Congress

He is also a former Commissioner of the

ident of Madagascar since a 2008-2009 coup led

in the Humanities & Sci-

D.C. Commission for National and Community

by Andry Rajoelina, a disc jockey turned politician,

ences Division’s Digital

Service. Kinlow resides in the Bellevue section

overcame then-president Marc Ravalomanana

Reference Team. The Digital Reference Team

of Ward 8 and is a graduate of the University of

with the help of a small army.

furthers the mission of the Library of Congress

of 100 on the Federal City.

the District of Columbia.

Pactole Alison,

Alison will spend several weeks in Europe

by serving as subject specialists and knowledge

hoping to garner support for his campaign before

navigators who facilitate innovative, extensive,

moving to Madagascar, where he is required to

and systematic use of the library’s digital collec-

(Associate’s Degree,

reside for at least six months to be considered

tions, and by producing programs that increase

2012)

for the presidential ballot.

knowledge of the Library’s digital resources.

McMillian earned her B.A. in History in 2005

Believing that anything is possible, the University of

Tamon George, (MBA,

from the University of the District of Columbia

the District of Columbia

2015)

and received her M.S. degree in Library and

graduate Pactole Alison

Determination has always

Information Science in 2008 from the Catholic

is using his education and experiences in a bid

been at the heart of what

University of America.

for president of Madagascar in 2018. He came to

has kept Tamon George

UDC in 2010 and earned his associate’s degree

going. An MBA graduate,

in business technology. He then transferred to

George sat through mul-

Georgetown, where he had a double major in

tiple rounds of interviews with Google Canada.

finance and international business and, after

After being passed over in the final round, George

W W W.U D C. E DU

63

CLASS NOTES

UDC Earns Platinum Certification for Sustainable Student Center Design The Student Center at the University of the District of Columbia is officially certified as a LEED Platinum facility by the U.S. Green Building Council, and ranks as the fourth notable structure in the District to receive this prestigious designation.

The LEED certification program – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – is the nationally accepted standard for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. There are four LEED certification levels: certified, silver, gold and the highest, platinum. Certification is based on a point system in seven categories that include water efficiency, energy, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, and innovation in design.

Completed in 2016, the 96,000 square foot building – with its looming clock tower – serves as a gateway to the UDC campus. The $63 million facility is located at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness Street, NW. The architectural design is composed of a combination of masonry, glass and bronze metal that modulates between the institutional nature of the campus and the pedestrian character of the street. Sustainable design features are woven throughout the student center, including a 14,000 square foot green roof to reduce heating and cooling needs; photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy; an expansive rain garden to assist with storm water management and pollutant filtration; exterior sun shades on windows and insulated glazing that reduce heat gain inside the building while providing natural light to reduce electricity use; toilets that flush with captured rain water; and locally sourced, reclaimed, and recycled materials.

“Our Student Center is the centerpiece of a ten-year, campus-wide effort to create innovative spaces that establish the University as a national model of sustainability,” said Erik Thompson, Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate.

“UDC is providing leadership among local government affiliates, and can certainly be regarded as the greenest and most sustainable agency in the District.”

The LEED certification of the Student Center enhances a green footprint that includes a garden and greenhouse atop Building 44, which create a living laboratory in support of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences, and add approximately 20,000 square feet of green space to the Van Ness Campus. Also, the recent renovation of the Dennard Plaza Deck has created a new “greener” area that features an eco-friendly storm water management system to help reduce runoff entering the city’s overburdened storm sewers.

“UDC’s commitment to environmental sustainability is closely tied to the educational and service mission of the university and also aligns with the Mayor’s goals for urban resiliency,” said President Ronald Mason. “This building is a symbol of where we want to be and what we want to represent in terms of our role with the District. We are proud to be among the pacesetters in creating more modern and efficient spaces across the city.”

64

FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

Aubreana Stephenson Holder, (J.D., 2004) Aubreana Stephenson Holder is the chief operating officer for Federal Management Systems, Inc., a business oversight firm with local, state and federal government and international and multinational clients.

Since 2010, the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law graduate has worked her way up, beginning as an intern, then promoted through the ranks in project management and as a legal advisor, operations manager and legal associate.

Holder has given her time and cooking skills to the DC Central Kitchen, a community nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger by training individuals in culinary careers and hiring them to help serve meals to those in need in the area.

She is also a member of Casa de Maryland, an immigration advocacy organization; and All Shades of Pink, which supports women battling breast cancer.

“My dad instilled in me that wherever you get in life, it’s not just because of you; it’s because of people who made a way for you to get there.”

CAMPUS SAFETY AWARD

UDC Named Safest College Campus in the Nation’s Capital ADT Security Services has named the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) as the safest college campus in Washington, D.C., on its state-by-state listing of America’s safest colleges and universities.

The top ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education, which requires all institutions that participate in federal student aid programs to be transparent about criminal activity and other incidents that would be regarded as “unsafe.” Among area colleges, UDC reported the least amount of activity.

In recent years, campus safety has become a growing concern. With the rise of sexual assault, shootings and other criminal activity on college campuses, prospective students and families have taken safety into account when making that “next-step” decision. To calculate its so-called “Danger Scores,” ADT used a weighted system that assigns higher values to violent crimes compared with nonviolent property crimes.

Enrollment size also helped determine the scores. Over the past five years, UDC has consistently maintained very low rates of serious crime.

“Safety and the well-being of our students, faculty and staff are among our highest

“ SAFETY AND THE WELLBEING OF OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF ARE AMONG OUR HIGHEST PRIORITIES. THIS RANKING SHOWS THAT WE ARE AN EXCELLENT OPTION FOR AFFORDABLE AND HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION IN A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.” – President Ronald Mason, Jr.

priorities,” said President Ronald Mason, Jr. “This ranking shows that we are an excellent option for affordable and high-quality education in a safe learning environment.”

The UDC Police Department consists of more than three dozen professionally trained and sworn police officers, supervisors, and civilian communication specialists who are firmly committed to ensuring a safe and healthy academic community where students, faculty, staff and guests can take

full advantage of the educational and many other opportunities that the university has to offer.

“Our mission is to reduce fear, preserve the peace, and provide for a safe environment,” said UDC Police Chief Mario Foster. “Being acknowledged as one of the nation’s safest college campuses would not have been possible without strong support from university leadership and the dedication of our police officers and civilian employees within the department where excellence through professionalism is our goal.”

Deputy Police Chief Ron Culmer agrees, and attributes the national ranking to effective use of safety technology and good communication between the campus community and its police department.

“I think it’s a community effort in what we do — encouraging students to download the LiveSafe security application, listening to what students’ concerns are, addressing those concerns, working with local law enforcement and having them help us with our issues,” he said. “We do a lot of risk management on campus. We talk about how (students) can better protect themselves from becoming victims of crime. It’s a partnership between us and the community that makes it work.”

To see a full list of safest colleges, click here http://www.yourlocalsecurity.com/ blog/2017/04/04/safest-college-campusby-state/.

W W W.U D C. E DU

65

ATHLETICS

UDC Lacrosse Coach Teaches the Sport to Inner-City Youth

A

former high school and college

of three sports teams at The Peddie School in

All-American, UDC’s Men’s La-

1997 and was captain of the Hoyas Lacrosse

crosse Coach, Rodger Colbert

team his senior year in 2001.

is evident by the growth within the sport.”

The 38-year-old Newark, NJ, native became the University of the District of Columbia’s head lacrosse coach last year, and he is off to a good start. He is hoping to build that same work ethic in the 5 to 13-year-olds whom he runs clinics with on Sundays and coaches in the fall and spring. He has even enlisted help from his UDC players, who volunteer with the lacrosse clinics.

“Coming from Newark, I always found that I was most comfortable on the lacrosse field,”

wants inner-city youth to expe-

He knows all too well what it feels like to

Colbert said. “It is a way of expressing myself.”

rience the joy of the game. When

be the only player of color on the lacrosse field

Raised by a single mother, he has been on

he is not pulling the best from the university’s

from his days at The Peddie School, a New Jersey

a course of striving for excellence beginning at

team, in his spare time he is giving back to

boarding school, and at Georgetown University,

The Peddie School, an independent boarding

urban youth. His mission is simple: improve

which is why he wants to create a pipeline of

school in Hightstown, NJ, then Georgetown

the lives of the young boys he coaches and

well-prepared players to elevate the sport.

University, with a double major in finance and

bring diversity to the game.

“Every sport has been rewritten when

small business management.

Colbert was picked 12th in the 2001 Major

you diversify,” said Coach Colbert. “We’ve

He returned to Peddie in various roles includ-

League Lacrosse Draft and played for the Bridge-

seen it in basketball and football; those sports

ing the assistant director of admissions, coach,

port Barrage, New Jersey Pride and Boston

reached their full height when teams became

and coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment.

Cannons over a six-year career. He was captain

diversified. Lacrosse has that potential, which

Colbert also served as a principal intern at

66

FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

UDC Men’s and Women’s Tennis Head Coach Appointed to ITA Division II Operating Committee

Gabriel Torres Named 2017 NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association East Region Player of the Year

University of the District of Columbia men’s and women’s tennis head coach

The University of the District of Columbia’s

Dickie Mahaffey was appointed to the

Gabriel Torres was named the 2017 NCAA

Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA)

Division II Conference Commissioners As-

Division II Operating Committee.

sociation (CCA) East Region Player of the

Mahaffey, entering his 9th season as

Year. Torres is the first Firebird to earn this

Dorchester Academy – a district public school in

head coach of the UDC men’s and women’s

Boston, and worked at St. Paul’s School – an inde-

tennis team, will be responsible for all

Torres, who was also selected to the D2C-

pendent boarding high school in Concord, NH, as

tennis-related governance for Division

CA All-East Region First Team, is 2nd in

the Coordinator of Multicultural programming.

II. This includes championships policies,

the nation in total points and total goals,

distinction in men’s soccer.

Thinking that he might want to become a prin-

rankings, and rules, as well as serving

4th in game-winning goals, and tied for 8th

cipal, he earned a Master’s of Education in School

as a voice for Division II coaches when

in total assists. He went on to play in two

Leadership from Harvard’s Graduate School of

the committee is communicating with

NCAA Division II Tournament games with

Education in 2012.

the NCAA.

the Firebirds, and led the entire East region

However, he was drawn back to his first love

A three-time East Coast Conference

– lacrosse, and created a foundation, RCDC La-

Coach of the Year whose teams have gar-

The Salvador, Brazil, native scored at least

crosse with the mission of training students from

nered a combined four ITA All-Academic

one goal in 13 of 22 games played this season,

the inner city.

Team distinctions and four ECC Academic

including six multi-goal games. .

with eight game-winning goals.

Since 2013, he served as the Founder and Di-

Team of Excellence Awards, Mahaffey will

The sophomore midfielder helped UDC

rector of RCDC Lacrosse Prep, Inc. – a nonprofit

serve the role of representing the views of

finish the 2017 season tied for 2nd place in

organization partnering with communities to

the NCAA Division II’s East Region while

school history with 15 wins in the season,

expose quality mentoring and coaching to potential

also making decisions that impact all of

set a new program record for ECC wins in a

lacrosse players. In that capacity, he worked as the

Division II tennis.

season (6), earned the program’s first-ever

elective school course leader for 6th and 7th grade

NCAA Tournament appearance, and earned

students at City Neighbors-Hamilton in Baltimore

UDC’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win – a

and as team trainer in the fall and winter for St.

3-0 victory over Southern Connecticut State

Peter’s Prep High School in Jersey City, NJ, as well

University in the First Round.

as Moorestown Friends School in Moorestown, NJ. Since coming to Washington, DC, Colbert can be found on weekends working with WINNERS Lacrosse, a 501(3C) nonprofit, where lacrosse is

New Head Coach of Women’s Basketball

used to teach life skills and train boys and girls in the DC-metropolitan area at no cost. He also

John Nakpodia was announced as Head

volunteers as a lacrosse coach at Friendship Tech

Women’s Basketball Coach at the Univer-

Prep and Capital City Public Charter School.

sity of the District of Columbia by Director

Colbert has made a name for himself on and

of Athletics Patricia Thomas on May 10th,

off the field as a mentor and caring coach through

2017. Nakpodia, an Assistant Women’s Bas-

his interactions in clinics and scrimmage games.

ketball Coach, Recruiting Coordinator and

“Lacrosse means everything to me. It means

Video Coordinator at UDC since October

identity,” Colbert said. “No matter what and where,

2015, replaces Juan Dixon, who was an-

I was able to find solace with lacrosse, for good or

nounced the new Head Men’s Basketball

bad. You can’t say Rodger Colbert without men-

Coach at Coppin State University.

tioning lacrosse.”

W W W.U D C. E DU

67

IN MEMORIAM

Telling Our Story Through Poetry Remembering Dolores Kendrick, D.C.’s Poet Laureate, 1927–2017. The “first lady of poetry” leaves behind a rich legacy of promoting poetry throughout the District.

Heinz Professor Emerita. She developed a series of initiatives aimed at forging connections between poets, poetry, and communities both in Washington, DC, and in Aix-en-Provence in France, where Kendrick has also taught.

As she told the Washington Post, “I don’t believe poetry should be a solitary intellectual adventure. It should be a relationship with people, it should forge a connection. Good poetry does not belong to the poet.”

Kendrick’s The Women of Plums: Poems in the Voices of Slave Women (1989), was adapted for theater; the adaptation won the New York New Playwrights Award in 1997.

Her other collections include Through the Ceiling (1975), Now Is the Thing to Praise (1984), and Why the Woman is Singing on the Corner: A Verse Narrative (2001). With composer Wall Matthews and vocalist Aleta Greene, Kendrick collaborated on the album The Color of Dusk (1996).

Kendrick received numerous honors and awards for her work, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.

She received the George Kent Award for Literature, and was inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for writers of African descent at Chicago State. In 2002, she was awarded a special Fulbright Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Education and Literature. The National Visionary Leadership

D

Project has honored her contributions to art

olores Kendrick, a teacher and poet

voice. Kendrick is an award-winning author

and public life, and in 2002 a celebration of

who channeled the voices of female

and the District of Columbia’s second poet

Kendrick’s work was staged at the Kennedy

slaves in her writing and advocated

laureate, following Sterling A. Brown. She

Center. She received an invitation from the

for an expansive role of poetry in

has been noted as one of the top 10 African

Chinese government to lecture at the Shanghai

public life, organizing festivals and

American poets today. Her book The Women

School of Foreign Languages. She has also

youth programs in her nearly two decades as

of Plums: Poems in the Voices of Slave Women

received two Yaddo Fellowships.

Washington’s poet laureate, died at the age of

won the Anisfield-Wolf Award.

Her book Why the Woman is Singing on

90 on Nov. 7 at her home due to complications

A native Washingtonian, Kendrick earned

the Corner was selected by poet and critic

from cancer. She had just completed the man-

a teaching certificate from Miner Teachers

Grace Cavalieri as one of the five best books

uscript of her latest book, a collection of new

College and an M.A. from Georgetown Uni-

of poetry of 2001. She was one of the selected

and selected poems titled “Rainbow on Fire.”

versity. She first taught in the Washington,

poets invited to the National Book Festival,

Her distinct writing style transforms the

DC public school system, where she helped

sponsored by Laura Bush, celebrated at the

found The School Without Walls.

White House and the Library of Congress in

reader into another place and time and brings to life the stories and legacies of struggle, par-

For two decades, she taught at Phillips

ticularly for those who did not always have a

Exeter Academy, where she was the first Vira I.

68

FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

September 2001.

Joan P. Garner

A Fulton County Commissioner, Joan P. Garner, was a long time community activist and

Auburn Avenue, downtown Atlanta’s historic

Organization of Black Law Enforcement Execu-

African American business district.

tives and drew considerable media attention for

Richard J. Pennington

Richard J. Pennington,

his colorful 6-foot-4 and 240-pound presence.

Dr. John Louis Slack

organizer who spent

a leader in three major

decades championing

police departments,

District of Columbia lost

gay and lesbian equali-

attained national re-

an active member of its

ty and other causes. Some of her efforts opened

nown for bringing de-

health community. On

doors, including her successful push 25 years

partmental reforms and

February 17, 2017, John

helping reduce crime

Louis Slack, Ph.D., died

ago for domestic partner benefits for City of Atlanta employees.

The University of the

rates while serving as chief in New Orleans.

at the age of 75 after

Born in 1951 in Washington, DC, Garner

Pennington died May 4 at a hospice center in

being critically injured in a fire at his home. He

attended Anacostia High School and went on to

Atlanta at the age of 70. While serving on the

was a professor and director of Health Educa-

earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from

force, he graduated from American Universi-

tion/Public Health at the university.

the University of the District of Columbia and

ty in 1976 and received a master’s degree in

Dr. Slack served on numerous unit, depart-

a Master’s Degree in Organizational Commu-

counseling from the University of the District

mental and university committees. He was also

nication from Howard University. She made

of Columbia in 1988.

a member of the Executive Board of the UDC

Atlanta her home in 1978. Garner died from

Pennington spent more than 25 years in

breast cancer on April 18, 2017 at the age of 65.

Washington and was serving as deputy chief

A public health activist, entrepreneur,

Garner was first elected to the Board of

when he was recruited to lead the New Orleans

business owner, creator of the national dog

Commissioners in 2010. She was elected as Vice

police in 1994. He left New Orleans in 2002, after

registry American Rare Breed Association,

Chair by her peers in January 2017.

losing a mayoral contest to communications

community activist, and scholar, Dr. Slack was

executive Ray Nagin Jr., and then served as

also an author. His latest work,“The Common

police chief in Atlanta until retiring in 2010.

Core Personal Life Skills Textbook: Strategies

Garner was known for her calm temperament and skill as a bridge-builder. As she first

Faculty Association.

became involved in politics in the early 1990’s,

Pennington made a national name for

for Self-Improvement,” was created to help

Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson appointed her

himself by bringing in new computerized

readers improve themselves by guiding them

as one of his liaisons to the Gay and Lesbian

crime-tracking systems and management

through lessons detailed in the personal life

Community. Garner advocated for the cause

approaches to make district commanders

skills book.

of gay and lesbian equality at a time when

accountable for crime in their zones. It was

Dr. Slack was involved in professional health

such openness was rare. Garner’s advocacy

modeled after a system used with some success

organizations at the local, state, district and na-

in this area of civil rights included service on

in New York City. He also established a policy

tional levels holding the highest office in Health

the boards of Lambda Legal and the Gay and

that police officers would no longer be allowed

Education in the Eastern District Association

Lesbian Task Force. She was a co-convener of

to moonlight during off-duty hours at bars or

of the American Alliance for Health, Physical

the African American Lesbian Gay Alliance

striptease establishments.

Education, Recreation and Dance (AHPERD).

and helped organize the first Human Rights

Pennington was born in Little Rock on Nov.

He was the author of several books, and

26, 1946, and he grew up in Gary, Ind. He joined

presented at numerous workshops and sem-

Garner was involved in the Historic Fourth

the Air Force after high school and served in

inars. Dr. Slack also served as a consultant

Ward for more than two decades, as a member

the Vietnam War. Discharged in 1968, he saw

who was actively engaged in research. He

of the board of directors, then executive director

an advertisement seeking officers for the Met-

received his doctorate from George Wash-

of the Historic District Development Corp., the

ropolitan Police Department in Washington.

ington University.

nonprofit founded by Coretta Scott King to

He rose steadily through the ranks, serving for

oversee residential redevelopment near King’s

a time as one of the top officers in the section of

childhood home. She continued her work for

the city east of the Anacostia River, a high-crime,

the district until the time of her death, serving

low-income part of the city whose community

on the board of Sweet Auburn Inc., a nonprofit

leaders had long complained of being neglected.

devoted to improving the commercial end of

He was a past president of the National

Campaign fundraising dinner in Atlanta.

W W W.U D C. E DU

69

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Edna Niecie Sims

During her professional career, she taught

She received a master’s degree in education

A Spanish professor, Dr.

at Howard University, University of Maryland

leadership from George Washington University.

Edna Niecie Sims was

and the University of North Carolina at Chapel

As a principal with more than 2,400 stu-

celebrated for a histor-

Hill. Dr. Ausbrooks dedicated her life to edu-

dents, Washington was described as lovable

ical and cultural legacy

cation and family.

and someone who cared greatly for children

of impacting higher education in the U.S. and linking America’s trea-

Doris McNeely Johnson

For more than 38 years,

and their academic performance. Students hailed her as a “second mom” offering a strong unifying force.

sured Historically Black Education Institutions

Doris McNeely Johnson

Those who knew her recall her favorite

of Higher Learning to the University of the

was a professor of psy-

quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “the future be-

District of Columbia (UDC) and Howard Uni-

chology at the Univer-

longs to those who believe in the beauty of

versity, where she taught. Dr. Sims died on May

sity of the District of

their dreams.”

17, 2017.

Columbia. Dr. Johnson’s

A Bowie resident, Washington graduated

She was the first African American to chair

research was focused

from Anacostia High school in 1985 and intend-

the new Foreign Language Department at the

on parenting interventions, and the roll of toys

ed to become a scientist, but instead found she

UDC, and also taught Vocal Pedagogy. Sims

and play in children’s development.

was more inspired to teach.

spent a lifetime building cultural bridges of

Born July 28, 1941, Dr. Johnson died on July

Washington joined Prince George’s County

friendship in this country and overseas and

19, 2017. She attended Howard University over

Public Schools in 1997 as a teacher at William

encouraged her students to do the same. An

a span of 30 plus years studying psychology and

Wirt Middle School. She later taught science

Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship Fund has

earned her B.S., M.S and Ph.D. in Experimental

at Charles H. Flowers High School. She served

been established in memory of Dr. Edna Niecie

and Developmental Psychology from Howard

as assistant principal at Oxon Hill Middle

Sims at Howard University.

University. Her dissertation was titled, “The

School and Largo High School before moving to Parkdale High School as principal in 2013.

Her many accomplishments came at a time

Effects of a Training Program on the Analogical

when it was uncommon for African Americans

Reasoning Abilities of Elementary School-Aged

to progress as a result of racism. Dr. Sims was

Children.” Dr. Johnson was a member of Psi

fluent in Spanish, French, German, Italian,

Chi - International Honor Society in Psychology.

Portuguese, Kiswahili and Arabic. She retired

The Dr. Doris McNeely Johnson Memorial

professor in the Depart-

Scholarship for Academic Excellence has been

ment of Education at

set up to honor her at https://www.gofundme.

the University of the

com/drdorisjohnsonmemorial.

District of Columbia

from UDC in 2007.

Born August 22, 1933, her latest book Claude’s Tailor Shop (2011) is a historical tribute to the little-known history of her father, the first African-American tailor to build and own his business in Joliet, Illinois.

Tanya L. Washington

Rosemary Bolig, Ph.D.

Dr. Rosemary Bolig, a

passed away recently.

Dr. Bolig’s research in-

A principal at Parkdale

terests and projects have encompassed a range

High School in River-

of topics from children’s responses to illness-

dale, Tanya L. Washing-

es and hospitalization and interventions, to

ton, died suddenly on

play/temperament of nonhuman primates, to

Dr. Beth Nelson Aus-

Sept. 10, 2017, leaving

teacher beliefs and dispositions, and most

brooks passed away

the school system and

recently, increasing children’s school readiness

peacefully in Mitchell-

students reeling from

through enhancing the literacy capacity of

ville, MD. Professor

the sting of losing a principal who was well

pre-K and pre-school teachers. She earned her

Ausbrooks retired from

known for putting them first. Washington

Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 1980.

the University of the

began working at Parkdale in 2013. She worked

Dr. Bolig supervised the research of both

District of Columbia,

in the Prince George’s County Public Schools

master’s and Ph.D. students at The Ohio State

System for 19 years.

University and Walden University. She had

Beth Nelson Ausbrooks, Ph.D.

where she taught for many years. Dr. Ausbrooks was a graduate of Dunbar High School and of

Washington graduated from the University

collaborative projects with faculty at the Uni-

Howard University, where she earned a Ph.D.

of the District of Columbia, where she earned

versity of Maryland, the National Institute of

in Political Science.

a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry.

Child Health and Human Development, and

70

FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

Georgetown University.

Her awards and accomplishments include Outstanding Contribution to the Child Life Profession, Child Life Council; Research Investigator, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD (IPA); Research Associate/Co-Principal Investigator, The Early Childhood Education Excellence in Teaching Partnership (U.S. Department of Education Research Grant) with the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at UDC and Georgetown University.

Dr. Dewitt Davis

Dewitt Davis, Ph.D., led a rich academic career both before settling in Washington, DC, and after. Dr. Davis was a professor and once the Dean of Urban Studies and Geography at the University of the District of Columbia since 1984, teaching everything from the geography of Asia, South America, Africa, Europe and the U.S. Born in Webster Groves, Missouri, Dr. Davis passed away on January 20, 2017.

He helped spearhead the Institute of Geography for Women and Minorities at Hunter College in New York City. He was a guest professor in Durban, South Africa, and taught at the University of Natal. He spent 10 years in Sweden, receiving three separate degrees from Lund University, and spent a year as a post-doctorate fellow at Ohio State University in Columbus.

Dr. Davis received his B.A. from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he studied psychology and sociology before becoming interested in social urban planning.

He later received a second B.A. (1960) from the university’s communications department.

Adjusting to the times, Dr. Davis taught research methodology to the police department using Geographic Information Systems technology. He was a member of the American Association of Geographers and the National Geographic Union.

UDC ANNOUNCES HISTORIC JOINT MASONIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The two Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia’s Masonic Order have come together to pledge $400,000 to the UDC Foundation to establish scholarship funds in support of students at the University of the District of Columbia. The announcement and presentation of this historic gift was made as part of the annual Masonic Day of Thanksgiving on Saturday, October 21, 2017, on UDC’s Cleveland Dennard Plaza.

The endowed scholarships are funded by both Masonic Foundations and represent an historic partnership between the lodges’ Grand Jurisdictions in the District of Columbia and UDC. The scholarships are specifically targeted to support students in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and African American students from the District of Columbia. The scholarships will also provide emergency funds for students with critical and immediate financial needs.

“During a time of great divisiveness in our nation, it is inspiring to see such an incredible display of unity and brotherhood within the District of Columbia and for DC’s advanced public system of higher education,” said Rodney Trapp, Vice President for Advancement at UDC, who was instrumental in finalizing the gift agreement with the Masonic leaders .

“It is an honor and privilege for me to be able to be a part of such an historic event between our two jurisdictions,” said Most Worshipful Grand Master Phillip David, who received his MBA from the UDC School of Business and Public Administration. “The dedication of this plaque and the establishment of this endowment confirm our commitment to education and charity for as long as we exist.”

In the spirit of Universal Masonry, both Grand Masters have expressed their commitment to public education. Grand Master Roman Volsky said the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of DC, is proud to join with their Prince Hall brothers to support the only public university in the nation’s capital.

“As Freemasons, we are taught that there is no better tool to improve oneself than an education, firmly grounded in the Liberal Arts & Sciences. So it’s natural that we would support public institutions of learning that offer that education to the broadest possible audience,” said Volsky.

W W W.U D C. E DU

71

ARTS

The Jazz Journalists Association 2017 Jazz Hero award was presented by WPFW host Rusty Hassan at the Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival on April 24, 2017.

The awards are given out annually based on nominations from community members, and they are presented by their local fans and friends in conjunction with the JJA’s annual Jazz Awards honoring significant achievements in jazz music and journalism.

UDC Professor Brings Jazz Alive!

was awarded the UDC Dr. Cleveland L. Dennard Service Award for her long-term commitment of outstanding service to the university. In 2015 she received the Accomplishment in Leadership Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, and in 2016 the university presented her with its

BY RUST Y HASSAN

Pathmaker Leadership Award. She was also honored with the 24th Annual Mayor’s Arts Award

J

for Excellence in Service to the Arts in 2009.

udith Korey, Professor of Music

artists and document jazz activities, sites

Of course, Korey wants to share the recogni-

at the University of the District of

and events in the Washington, D.C. area. Its

tion bestowed by the Jazz Hero Award with those

Columbia, may simply be the longest

small staff works diligently out of compact

she calls her “awesome JAZZAlive team,” including

active, most locally productive and

on-campus facilities to gather often obscure

Allyn Johnson, Rachel Elwell, Cheryl Hawkins,

least publicly acclaimed jazz hero

information and make it accessible worldwide.

Michael Fitzgerald, Dr. Eve Byford-Peterson and

in the nation’s capital.

The Archives is a hub of activity. In 2009,

Serdar Sirtanadolu.

Having joined the faculty of UDC’s pre-

under Korey’s direction, the Archives initi-

Still, a team thrives with good leadership,

decessor institution, Federal City College,

ated JAZZforum, an outreach initiative of

and so the wider world should know about and

in 1972, Korey has held numerous titles,

lively presentations regarding jazz issues by

celebrate what she’s done and still intends to do.

currently serving as the Music Program

authors, musicians, educators and scholars.

Her goal is to realize the Calvin Jones Center for

Coordinator in the Division of Arts and Hu-

Korey curates the JAZZAlive series, produced

Jazz Studies, which would unite an outstanding

manities, College of Arts and Sciences. But

by the Jazz Studies program and Grant Jazz

jazz education program, the JAZZAlive education

in addition to administrative and teaching

Archives — year-round events culminating with

and outreach programs and the internationally

assignments — and most extraordinarily — she

the annual April Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz

acclaimed Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives, all at

is also curator of the university’s acclaimed

Festival, overwhelmingly supported by area

the only public institution of higher education

jazz research and resource center, the Felix

audiences since 1987. Due to her collaboration,

in the District of Columbia. For her decades

E. Grant Jazz Archives. The archives house

UDC-TV has regularly broadcast JAZZAlive

of effort towards achieving this goal, the Jazz

special collections and vast holdings of sound

programming on the station.

Journalists Association took great pleasure

recordings, books and other publications

Her work has been nicely recognized by her

among unique materials that highlight jazz

immediate academic sphere: In 2008 Korey

72

FA L L/WI NTER 2017-2018

in helping Washington DC’s jazz stakeholders honor Judith Korey as a Jazz Hero.

A CLOSING THOUGHT

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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