Saturday, May 10, was a memorable day at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center—and on screens across the world via live stream—as the University of the District of Columbia held its 48th Commencement, a celebration full of pride, purpose and that signature Firebird spirit.
During the ceremony, the UDC Chorale filled the center with stirring music, opening with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and later performing “Assem Yi Di Ka.” Their voices set an emotional tone that carried through the day. Families and friends packed the room, greeting each graduate with cheers, hugs and happy tears. College deans, faculty and staff lined the stage and aisles in admiration as they watched their students step into the next chapter of their lives.
In the crowd, Ana—whose niece was graduating from the UDC Community College—stood wiping away tears but still smiling. "It took a lot to get here. I'm just so grateful to all the professors who supported my niece,” Ana said. “She is the first one in our family to get a degree. We are proud. We are very, very proud."
Christopher Bell, chair of UDC's Board of Trustees, gave a warm welcome—his last in the role. He thanked the faculty and staff for making the day possible, then turned to the graduates with a powerful message:
"You are prepared to lead. You are ready to build. You are the architects of what comes next. Firebirds don't follow the path—they create it."
Chief Academic Officer April Massey kept things moving with grace and presence, guiding the program and reminding everyone what the day was about: the hard-earned accomplishments of the Class of 2025.
Honorary degrees were awarded to three changemakers: C. Brian Williams, founder of Step Afrika!; acclaimed writer Wil Haygood; and Gina Ferguson, a FedEx executive with a deep UDC connection. Ferguson surprised the audience with a $100,000 gift to start a scholarship in memory of her late niece, Tasha Ferguson, a 2018 graduate. The crowd was moved—then roared with applause. It was a moment to remember.
Keynote speaker C. Brian Williams took the stage next and quickly connected with the crowd. Sharing his journey and the founding of Step Afrika!, he spoke about the importance of excellence. In closing, Williams reminded the graduates of their power and purpose.
"We need you. The world needs you," Williams said, his voice catching with emotion.
Another big hit? Student speaker Michelle Mitchell, a political science graduate whose speech had her fellow graduates nodding and cheering:
"This isn't the finish line—this is our foundation. Let's give back. Let's lift as we climb. And yes—join the Alumni Society, not just to keep UDC close, but to keep the door open for the next Firebird,” she said.
In total, 770 students crossed the stage—each with their story, supporters and dreams ahead. This year's class was one of UDC's most inspiring yet: the youngest graduate was 19 and the oldest was 75. Twenty-four earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. Students earned degrees across every level and college, from associate degrees to Juris Doctorates. Three hundred seventy-nine students graduated from the UDC Community College.
UDC President Maurice Edington closed the ceremony with a message that felt like both a celebration and a challenge:
"Let me be honest: your journey hasn't been typical,” Edington said. “You've lived through historic change—global unrest, a public health crisis and a fast-changing economy. But you didn't just survive—you adapted. You innovated. You endured.
"That's why when I look at the Class of 2025, I don't just see graduates—I see architects of the future. So yes, celebrate today. Let this weekend be one to remember. But then, roll up your sleeves. Firebirds don't linger on the runway. We launch."