UDC opened its academic year on Sept. 18 with an opening convocation that many in attendance called the most powerful in recent memory. Held at the UDC Theater of the Arts, the ceremony carried the theme “Turning Potential into Power: A Year of Innovation and Transformation.”
The ceremony opened with a moving recognition of faculty whose scholarship, teaching and service exemplify UDC’s mission.
Among those honored were Professor Susie Cato, celebrated for more than 50 years of leadership in nursing; Professor David Singleton, noted for his decades of advocacy and student-centered teaching at UDC Law; Professor Yoko Ferguson, recognized for advancing inclusive cataloging and access to knowledge; Professor Ashley Daniels, honored for her groundbreaking research and activism; Professor Christopher Higgs, recognized for his leadership in climate change research and engineering; Professor Donovan Collier, celebrated for preparing students as resilient leaders; and students Jade Rodriquez and Miguel Sanchez, recognized for their remarkable journeys and devotion to the Firebird community.
The morning began with the presentation of colors by the Metropolitan Police Department Honor Guard and a stirring performance of the national anthem, followed by an invocation from the Rev. Clarence J. Parks.
Voices That Moved the Room
Board Chair Warner H. Session welcomed the community with reflections on UDC’s enduring mission. “Those 175 years hold the history of an HBCU, the history of the only exclusively urban land-grant university in the country and above all else, the history of educating D.C.’s residents so that they may learn, grow and meet any challenge that may lie ahead,” he said.
Although Mayor Muriel Bowser could not attend in person, her congratulatory letter was read aloud by Chief Academic Officer April Massey.
“The Firebird represents rebirth, resilience and legacy, aligning perfectly with the distinct history of transformation and progress unique to the University of the District of Columbia,” Bowser wrote.
President Maurice D. Edington called on the community to embrace transformation as the university’s central mission. “UDC is not only about education — it is about preparing students to meet the moment, to create change and to shape the future,” he said.
Chief Student Development and Success Officer Teri Little-Berry added, “Convocation is ceremonial and reflective as it is a call to action, reminding us of the collective responsibility that we share to deliver on the promise of UDC."
Helping bring that vision to life was CAO Massey, who oversaw the convocation program with her distinctive style and execution. Massey brought both gravitas and warmth to the occasion. Known for her ability to turn significant moments into extraordinary experiences, she ensured that the program honored UDC’s history and captured the energy and promise of its 175th year.
Music throughout the program, including solos and traditional university songs, added energy and emotion to the celebration.
The program also featured a passionate convocation lecture, delivered by Professor Amanda Huron, a political science professor in the College of Arts and Sciences.
In her talk, she demonstrated that learning carries its greatest weight when it changes lives. Two of Huron’s former students, now both Washington, D.C. community leaders, Mariana Barros-Titus and Corey Shaw, Jr., spoke about the influence Huron had on their academic and professional journeys.
Their words and their careers stood as living proof of Huron’s message that a UDC education is not confined to the classroom—it shapes lives and communities across the District.
Celebrating Firebird Spirit
This year’s convocation also featured special surprise awards.
Professor Huron was honored with the Faculty Scholarship Award, which included $5,000. Rodriguez received the Student Scholarship Award of $10,000.
Campus Services Executive Director Valerie Lewis Taylor was named this year’s Convocation Hero for her leadership and dedication to the university.
After the program, students, faculty and staff mingled, enjoyed music and reflected on the morning’s messages. The gathering underscored the sense of community that runs through UDC.