The weather outside might have been frightful, but for those who braved the cold to gather at the UDC Student Center Monday night, the recognition of their academic achievement was certainly delightful.
The awarding of degrees in the winter — historically reserved for May Commencement — represents a new tradition at Firebird Nation. Winter graduation enables students to leverage their educational certification as soon as they finish their degree requirements rather than waiting for the spring ceremony.
“Tonight, we gather to honor a milestone—one that reflects persistence and achievement,” said April Massey, chief administrative officer, as she opened the ceremony, noting that the celebration brought together summer and fall graduates in a shared moment of recognition while also acknowledging the families, mentors and support systems that made their success possible.
Over 200 Firebirds who completed their coursework during the summer or fall semesters, were eligible to receive their degrees. They represented the broad spectrum of learning and workforce development which UDC supports, having earned degrees in subjects from architecture to law enforcement, nursing and homeland security. Just over half of them earned their degrees at the UDC Community College.
Set to the cadence of the Ballou Majestic Marching Knights, a DC-based high school band, the students gathered to become, as President Maurice D. Edington told the assembled audience, “Part of a legacy nearly 175 years in the making.”
At the heart of that legacy is a twofold promise: first, that the university offers its community the promise of education as a pathway to opportunity; second that graduates each bring their talent, voice and commitment to bear for the betterment of the District as a whole.
The newly minted graduates in the room represent the fulfillment of UDC’s promise to meet DC’s regional workforce needs, with many looking forward to using their education to launch careers in the District.
Sudhir Yadav, an international student from Nepal who earned his MS in Civil Engineering, hopes to remain in the city, using his degree to work in wastewater management and water treatment. Accompanied by a childhood friend who flew in from Los Angeles, Yadav summed up his graduation experience succinctly. “This is,” he said, “a very exciting moment for me!”
Graduates also reflected on the responsibility that comes with their achievement — to use their knowledge to strengthen their communities, create opportunity, and lead with purpose. As Donte Brooks, who just earned his BA in the Administration of Justice, put it, “This degree represents more than education; it reflects my journey, my values and my dedication to justice, accountability and service.”
That sense of responsibility and community was exactly what the gathering needed to beat the winter chill. As Jamal Brown ’97, the guest musical performer at the celebration, said, “It’s wonderful to be back at UDC, and especially to play in such a warm, intimate setting.”
Graduates who participated in the winter celebration will also be invited to walk in UDC’s May Commencement alongside the Class of 2026. Going forward, the university will hold an annual winter graduation to recognize students who complete their degree requirements during the summer and fall semesters — a reflection of UDC’s commitment to delivering on the promise of access and opportunity.