UDC's 49th Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW (formerly 801 Mount Vernon Place NW)
Washington, DC 20001
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW (formerly 801 Mount Vernon Place NW)
Washington, DC 20001
Muriel Bowser is the seventh elected mayor of Washington, DC. She has a strong record of creating a bold urban policy agenda, making tough decisions in a high-stakes environment, and shaping a diverse economy.
Mayor Bowser has served her hometown in elected office since 2004 as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (2004–2006), Member of the DC Council (2007–2015), and Mayor since 2015. She is only the second person elected three times as mayor of Washington, DC, and the first African American woman elected to three, four-year terms as mayor of an American city.
Read More About Mayor BowserUDC is awarding the degree Honorary Doctor of Laws to Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and the degree of Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Dennis and Zandra Chestnut of Groundwork Anacostia River, DC, with all the honors, privileges and duties pertaining thereto.
Read About the 2026 Honorary Degree RecipientsEach participating graduate may invite up to 8 guests to the commencement ceremony. Instructions for confirming guests are emailed to graduating students. Children three and older will be counted as guests. An adult must accompany children at all times.
More information for Graduating StudentsCommencement is an important event in the life of the university, its students, faculty and staff. It is a joyous yet solemn event that represents the culmination of the graduates’ years of study. Thank you for joining us and for being a part of the celebration. Again, we welcome you!
More Information for Guests