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Homecoming

Heart of the District

A Look Back at Homecoming 2025

The University of the District of Columbia held its 2025 Homecoming celebration from Nov. 14-22. The celebration filled UDC’s campuses with energy and pride as alumni, students, faculty, staff and families reunited to honor UDC’s traditions and the people who make the university the Heart of the District.

So many parties, so little time!

This year’s events ranged from a new Door Decorating Contest to a Dress Like a Celebrity Skate Party. There was so much to do, we wish we could celebrate Homecoming for a full month instead of a week!

Until next year, enjoy this look back at some of our 2025 UDC Homecoming events.

UDC Athletics

Hall of Fame Ceremony Inducts Three New Members!

The Athletics Program’s Hall of Fame ceremony honored Firebirds whose distinguished and exceptional achievements continue to elevate UDC Athletics and inspire future generations.

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Heart of the District in Action: Giving Back, Lifting Up

Homecoming week kicked off with a pre-event at the DC Central Kitchen. Members of the university's senior leadership team, led by a UDC alum, volunteered to help address food insecurity in the District.

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President Edington holding a microphone and speaking to UDC staff

A Toast to Team UDC

Thanks to President Edington, faculty and staff enjoyed a well-deserved break on all three campuses for Homecoming 2025. Colleagues gathered to savor good food, music and even better company — a perfect moment to recharge and celebrate the people who power UDC every day.

Paper decorations looking like a Firebird

Lagging? Not here. OIT’s decorations were high-speed!

Faculty and staff joined the Door Decorating Contest, transforming hallways and (of course) doors into colorful displays of pride. The competition was fierce, but the Office of Information Technology (OIT) took top honors!

Split image of college students roller skating

Dress Like a Celebrity Skate Party

It’s Exactly Like It Sounds

Who says roller skating is ‘oh so 80s?” Not us! Firebird nation laced up and rolled out in serious style! Really, the celeb vibes were real.

Split image of two people performing in a fashion show

WERK!

The UDC Fashion Show — always a popular event — drew a lively crowd to the Theater of the Arts as student designers and models werked the runway to show off their incredible talent.

Two women dancing and smiling.

Good food. Good music. Great community.

The scent of barbecue and the sound of music carried across the Lamond-Riggs Campus as the Firebird family came together to enjoy comfort food, sweet treats and easygoing fellowship.

Two women with their arms around each other and smiling.

Beats, Brushes & Big Firebird Energy

Over at the Theater of the Arts patio, students gathered for Trap & Paint — a hybrid day party and block party that blended creativity with campus pride.

Battle of the Decades — Greek Stroll-Off

Different decades, same vibe: show up and show out. If you weren’t there, you missed a whole movie!

A stage of people with a group of women jumping for joy in the middle
Three women on a stage dressed in red with one jumping in the air
Men on a stage dressed in black suits holding canes. One jumping in the air.

Firebird Royalty Takes the Stage

Coronation at UDC continues a proud HBCU tradition. Homecoming 2025 put royalty in the spotlight — not as figureheads, but as campus leaders who reflect the spirit and diversity of Firebird Nation. This year’s Royal Court showcased the university's global roots, a bold confidence and the shared promise to uplift the student community.

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Mr. and Miss UDC being crowned at the 2025 Coronation ceremony
The royal court dancing at the 2025 Coronation ceremony

Eat, Cheer, Repeat: Homecoming Basketball Games and Tailgate

By Saturday morning, Firebird spirit reached its peak. The Nest — Tailgate Experience filled Greek Row with red and gold before fans packed into the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex to cheer on UDC’s women’s and men’s basketball teams against Virginia State University. The tailgate celebration continued afterward, closing the week with the same energy it began.

Hotdogs on a grill
Women's basketball game
Three young women dancing
Royal court sitting in bleachers
A crowd of people at UDC's Greek row
UDC men's basketball team playing the Homecoming game
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