The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), the country’s second-oldest HBCU and the District’s only public university, marks its 175th anniversary — a milestone that honors the university’s deep roots and highlights its role as the District’s key workforce engine, economic mobility driver and research and innovation hub.
UDC is historic and modern, all at the same time. Public higher education in the District is rooted in the school for “colored girls” that Myrtilla Miner founded in 1851 in Washington, D.C., which came to be called the Miner Normal School.
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The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) officially launched its new five-year strategic plan, Delivering on the Promise.
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The UDC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the University of the District of Columbia. Our goal is to enhance educational opportunities, promote academic excellence and foster innovation.
DonateAs UDC prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2026, the university is undertaking an ambitious campaign to collect oral histories, photographs and artifacts from alumni and their family members.
"UDC’s 175th anniversary speaks to the resilience of the people of Washington, DC, and the enduring legacy of this remarkable city. It reflects generations of progress, perseverance and possibility, and highlights the powerful role UDC has played in uplifting individuals and communities across the District."
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"Our graduates have helped to shape all employment sectors in the city, and the reach of the expertise of our students, faculty, and staff is felt around the world."
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"At 175 years, this milestone is an invitation to reflect on how far that mission has evolved — from a school founded by an abolitionist in 1851 to a college that is now literally growing food in food deserts across Washington, DC."
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"The Law School is proud to be part of a university with a 175-year history rooted in access, equity and service to the people of the District of Columbia. This history supports and guides the values that animate our work at the Law School every day."
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"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."
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"AUDC’s 175th anniversary is more than a historical celebration — it is a powerful reminder of the enduring role of public higher education in shaping human capital, workforce development and community resilience."
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"As UDC looks toward the future, our investments must create an environment where innovation, efficiency and student success go hand in hand."
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