As the University of the District of Columbia celebrates its 175th anniversary, it continues to build on a legacy of expanding access, opportunity and upward mobility through education. That commitment was reflected during the university's 175th Anniversary Gala, where alumni, partners and supporters helped raise more than $1.4 million for student scholarships, surpassing the event's $1 million goal.
In this installment of the UDC at 175 series, Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer Richard L. Lucas discusses the role of philanthropy in advancing UDC's mission, the impact of scholarship support on student success and the momentum generated by the university's historic anniversary year.
PLJ: As part of UDC’s 175th anniversary, how do you view this milestone from the perspective of institutional advancement and philanthropy?
RLL: UDC's 175th anniversary is more than a celebration of our history — it is a launchpad for our future. It provides an extraordinary opportunity to honor generations of impact while inviting alumni, donors, partners and friends to help shape the next chapter of the university's story. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable journey that brought together multiple institutions, traditions and communities into what we proudly call One UDC. From an advancement perspective, this milestone allows us to elevate UDC's visibility, strengthen relationships, deepen engagement, and build the philanthropic support needed to expand opportunities for future generations of students.
PLJ: How are alumni, donors and community partners helping shape the university’s future during this pivotal moment in UDC’s history?
RLL: Our alumni, donors and community partners are investing not only in UDC, but in the future of the District of Columbia. Through scholarships, mentorship, internships, partnerships, advocacy and financial support, they are helping us create new pathways to success for our students. Their engagement demonstrates that UDC's future is a shared endeavor.
PLJ: The UDC175 Gala surpassed its $1 million fundraising goal and generated strong community support. What did that moment represent to you personally and professionally?
RLL: The UDC175 Gala was a powerful affirmation of what is possible when people rally around a shared vision. Personally, it was inspiring to see so many individuals and organizations come together in support of our students. Professionally, it demonstrated growing confidence in UDC's leadership, mission and future. The evening was about much more than fundraising — it was about momentum, belief, partnership and pride. It was also a visible demonstration of the power of One UDC, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors, corporate partners, elected officials and community leaders in celebration of the university's impact and future.
PLJ: What are your hopes and expectations for next year's gala?
RLL: I hope next year's gala builds upon the tremendous success of UDC175 and becomes an even stronger platform for scholarships, partnerships and community engagement. My expectation is that it will bring together alumni, donors, corporate leaders, elected officials, students, faculty, staff and friends of the university to celebrate student success while generating meaningful resources and opportunities that advance our mission.
I also hope the gala continues to elevate awareness of UDC's impact across the District and serves as a powerful reminder of the lives transformed through education. It should celebrate our history while inspiring continued investment in our future.
PLJ: How does philanthropy directly expand opportunities for UDC students and strengthen the university’s mission?
RLL: Philanthropy creates possibilities. It provides scholarships that make education more affordable, supports innovative academic programs, funds technology and workforce development initiatives, and expands experiential learning opportunities. Every philanthropic investment helps remove barriers, open doors, and empower students to achieve their goals. At its core, philanthropy strengthens UDC's ability to transform lives and serve the District through education, workforce development, research and community impact.
PLJ: What role do storytelling and community engagement play in building long-term support for UDC?
RLL: People invest in impact, and storytelling helps make that impact visible. When we share the stories of our students, alumni, faculty, staff and community partners, we demonstrate the real-world value of UDC's mission. Community engagement builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a sense of shared ownership in the university's success. Together, storytelling and engagement help transform awareness into advocacy and support into lasting partnerships. They help people understand the transformative impact UDC has on students, families and communities across the District.
PLJ: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of advancement and philanthropic growth at UDC?
RLL: What excites me most is the tremendous opportunity ahead of us. UDC is uniquely positioned as the District's only public university and land-grant institution, with a mission that is deeply connected to workforce development, economic mobility and community advancement. We are building stronger partnerships, expanding our visibility, growing alumni engagement, and creating new opportunities for philanthropic investment.
The future is incredibly bright because every investment we make today expands opportunities for the next generation of students. I believe the best chapters of UDC's story are still ahead of us.