Founders’ Day Awards

Virginia Ali – Myrtilla Miner Award for Exceptional Service to Society

Virginia Ali is a truly incredible woman. Her earthly life began on her parents' Virginia farm on December 17, 1933, and today she is as vibrant as ever. She smiles whenever recounting her fond memories of childhood on the farm, her deep involvement in her family's country church, her college studies at Virginia Union University, and moving to Washington, DC as a young woman to find her destiny.

As her beloved DC community knows so well, Virginia's historic destiny found her the day she met Ben Ali, her husband and partner in life, love, family, and business. The dynamic newlyweds opened the doors of the now iconic Ben's Chili Bowl on August 22, 1958. Today, 63 years later, this institution has become a place of fond memories for countless friends from DC, Maryland, Virginia, and all around the world.

Known affectionately as "Mom" or Mrs. Ben, Virginia has touched the lives of everyone she has encountered. Although she has achieved near celebrity status, her demeanor has never changed – with all her natural poise and sophistication, she still exemplifies the pure, wholesome values instilled by her parents. She lives a philosophy of giving love and kindness to everyone she meets, and as a result she is cherished and respected in a way that is very rare these days. In fact, at this point she is considered the "Matriarch of U Street" and countless DC residents call her "Mom."

In addition to all the hours she has put in at Ben's Chili Bowl, Virginia has also made time for many other meaningful endeavors. She has served on the Board of Directors of For Love of Children, The Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage, the Islamic Society of the Greater Washington Area, and Cultural Tourism DC among others.

Over the years, Virginia and Ben have received countless awards and accolades including the prestigious America's Classics Restaurant Award from the James Beard Foundation. They were inducted into the DC Hall of Fame in 2002 and were later given the Key to the City by Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty. More recently, the Smithsonian placed Ben’s Chili Bowl on its list of the 20 Most Iconic Food Destinations Across America.

With all that she has accomplished thus far, Virginia isn't resting on her laurels. As her family, friends, and employees will a􀀁est, she is a true dynamo who encourages those around her to live fully and strive for excellence in all areas of life. She gives generously of herself and her time, and despite all the recognition and accolades, she is perhaps best known for her kind, loving nature and her very sound wisdom. Virginia is truly a people person, and we are all very thankful for everything she gives us by simply being herself.

Beverly Bennett-Roberts, MS – Paul Phillips Cooke Lifetime Achievement Award

Beverly Bennett-Roberts is currently a Visiting Professor of Human Development at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). She has shared her expertise at UDC since 2012 in the divisions of Early Childhood and Special Education, teaching in the A.A., B.A., and master's level degreed programs.  She returned to full-time teaching after working as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Learning Development Strategist with the United States Capitol Police. Her goal is to prepare the next generation of educators. She shared, “It’s important to try something new, but understanding your strengths and your calling makes work become a passion.”

Bennett-Roberts is certified in four areas of special education and holds a lifetime license in that field. She is also licensed as a Secondary Principal and has experience as a Middle School Administrator. She noted, “If you can manage middle school students, you can manage anything.”

She earned her undergraduate degree (B.A.) in Special Education from Indiana University, Bloomington. She started her Master of Science (M.S.) at the University of California, Riverside and completed it in Educational Leadership and Administration at the University of Central Missouri. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) at Strayer University and has completed a certificate in Human Resource Management.

Professor Bennett-Roberts is honored to receive the Dr. Paul Phillips Cooke Lifetime Achievement Award. She shares that she is student-centered and focuses on their strengths and potential, always aiming to bring out their best. Each semester begins with a Welcome Le􀀁er and ends with a Note of Gratitude for the opportunity to teach them. She doesn’t take for granted that without her students, she wouldn't be there.

Clifton James Browne – Cleveland L. Dennard Distinguished Service Award

Clifton “Clif” James Browne is a long-serving and valued member of the University of the District of Columbia Office of Facilities and Real Estate Management (OFREM). Having joined the university in March 1983, his service to Team UDC now eclipses forty years. A highly skilled and trusted maintenance and locksmith technician, Mr. Browne, affectionately known as the man with the keys, has played a critical role in keeping the UDC campus running smoothly and securely around the clock for more than four decades. His service and unwavering commitment to the facilities team was recognized with an Employee of the Year award at the 2024 Faculty & Staff Service Awards Ceremony.

Mr. Browne is a self-trained locksmith with expertise in painting, plastering, carpentry, and furniture assembly. Often early to the campus and late to leave and a regular weekend fixture, Mr. Browne prides himself on serving the university and the surrounding community with skill and accountability. For more 35 years, he has been on campus every Sunday morning to open the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex at 8:00 am so that the UDC community can play basketball. An avid basketball fan himself and staunch UDC basketball supporter, he is often seen courtside cheering our UDC athletes.

Leaving no Track-It ticket unanswered and supporting every emergency brought to his attention, he has served the University with pride and passion and a commitment to service excellence.

Clifton has been married to his beautiful wife, Ervenia, for thirty-five years.

Dong Hyun Jeong, Ph.D. – Marjorie Holloman Parker Distinguished Educator Award

Dr. Dong Hyun Jeong has been a dedicated educator and researcher at the University of the District of Columbia for over 15 years. He is a tenured professor and the department chair in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology. Dr. Jeong earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2010, specializing in information visualization and visual analytics. His expertise focuses on developing interactive data representations and analytical techniques to enhance decision-making. His research has been widely recognized, with over 80 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals and conferences. He has also secured multiple extramural grants to support undergraduate research, curriculum innovation, and STEM education initiatives. As a mentor, Dr. Jeong has guided students toward graduate programs, industry careers and national research fellowships. Many of his former students credit his mentorship as instrumental in their academic and professional growth.

At UDC, Dr. Jeong leads the Data Visualization and Analytics Initiative, expanding opportunities for students in data science and human-computer interaction. He is active in the global research community, serving as a committee member and editorial board member for international journals and conferences. Dr. Jeong is a senior member of IEEE, a lifetime member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and a full member of Sigma Xi, reflecting his commitment to research and academia. His dedication to teaching, research, and service reflects the mission of UDC, where he continues to impact education and the field of computer science and its related disciplines.

Kemmell Patricia Stewart – Ronald H. Brown Distinguished Leadership Award

Kemmell Patricia Stewart serves as the Coordinator for Development, Outreach, Partnerships, and Communications in the College of Arts and Sciences. With over nine years of dedicated service, she fosters meaningful collaborations that create opportunities for students, faculty and the broader community. A proud UDC alumna, Kemmell earned her degree in history in 2014 after beginning her academic journey at Howard University.

Before transitioning to higher education, she spent over a decade at the American Association of University Women (AAUW) as Business Development Manager, advocating for education and equity for women and girls. At UDC, under the leadership of Dr. April Massey and now Dr. Jeffery Fleming, her work has played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s mission of access, equity and excellence. Through strategic collaborations across campus, she has strengthened institutional partnerships and outreach initiatives.

Beyond her professional work, Kemmell is deeply committed to service and passionate about supporting those in need. She and her family regularly prepare and distribute meals to the homeless throughout the city. She is also an active member of her church, reinforcing her dedication to community and faith.

Originally from Barbados, Kemmell is a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, and avid runner who values lifelong learning and making a difference. In recognition of her contributions to education, equity and community engagement, she is honored to receive The Honorable Ronald H. Brown Distinguished Leadership Award.

Monica D. Green, MPA – Alumni Legacy Award

Monica D. Green, a native Washingtonian and proud University of the District of Columbia graduate, holds multiple UDC degrees, including an Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management and Tourism, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in Public Administration. Her academic achievements have laid the foundation for her work in leadership and community service.

Ms. Green has over 20 years of entrepreneurial success. She owned Couture Events and Weddings, LLC and planned more than 1,000 events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences. Today, she is the CEO of Go Green Management, LLC, an administrative support company that helps small businesses and nonprofits grow until they can sustain full-time staff.

Ms. Green’s passion for education and community service shines through her role as an instructor for UDC’s Workforce Development Division. She has taught hundreds of students in the areas of customer service, hospitality and workforce readiness. She has also contributed to initiatives such as the Marriott; Marquis Project, which prepared 600+ D.C. residents for hospitality careers. She has also mentored young girls, guiding them toward higher education.

A dedicated UDC alumna, Ms. Green has served as secretary, financial secretary and now treasurer for the UDC National Alumni Society (UDCNAS). Her leadership extends to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Eastern High School Alumni Association (EHSAA) and the Montpelier Community Association. She is also a member of NAAAHR, SHRM and JLPGC.

Ms. Green is married, a proud mother of two daughters and a grandmother of two. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking and creating special moments for loved ones.

Inder J. Bhambri, Ph.D. – PathMakers Leadership Award (Faculty/Staff)

(Posthumous)

Dr. Inder J. Bhambri was a beloved member of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) community having served at the institution for 46 years.  His commitments to education, research, and service will have lasting impacts on our students, faculty, and the broader university community.

Dr. Bhambri began his journey at UDC in 1970 as a faculty member at Washington Technical Institute. He successfully moved across rank and was promoted to full professor in 1978. He retired from UDC in 2016. Dr. Bhambri earned a bachelor of science degree from The Catholic University of America, master of science degrees from Harvard University and The Catholic University of America, and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America. He was a Registered Professional Engineer with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

An expert in the geotechnical engineering and construction technology fields, Dr. Bhambri was instrumental in helping to establish the University’s Materials Testing Research Center. Throughout his long and impactful career, Dr. Bhambri taught and mentored scores of students, faculty members, and professional colleagues who will remember him as being humble, brilliant, empathetic, thoughtful, kind, generous and gentle scholar.  His love for UDC is memorialized through the Dr. Inder J. Bhambri Civil Engineering Scholarship. This endowed scholarship is supported by a $200,000.00 donation from Dr. Bhambri just prior to his death.

James A. Kilgore – PathMakers Leadership Award (Alumnus)

James A. Kilgore grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and after serving three years in the U.S. Army, he relocated to the Washington, D.C. area in 1965.

Mr. Kilgore was inspired to attend the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) by several of his contemporaries [UDC students] who were in management positions within the federal government.  He took their advice and enrolled. He graduated from the University of the District of Columbia in 1973 with a B.S. in Economics. Mr. Kilgore’s education at UDC was instrumental in preparing him for a rewarding and bright future. After graduating from UDC, He had multiple job offers within the U.S. Government and local business firms.

Mr. Kilgore was selected to be part of the Department of Defense (DoD) Management Intern Program. He started his DoD career as a statistician and later retired as a senior-level Computer Scientist. After retiring from the DoD in 2003, Mr. Kilgore pursued his love of fine art. He developed a website focused on promoting fine art events in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Many years ago, Mr. Kilgore became an ardent fan and supporter of the UDC Big Band Jazz concerts. Attending the Jazz concerts and seeing young artists keep Jazz alive gave him extraordinary joy and compelled him to contribute to the various Jazz programs financially and in-kind. At several of these Big Band Jazz concerts, he donated works of art that were auctioned off with all proceeds designated for the UDC Jazz Studies Program.

Corporate: Pepco, An Exelon Company – PathMakers Leadership Award (Corporate)

Pepco: A Legacy of Partnership and Impact

Pepco, a unit of Exelon, is a leader in providing safe and reliable energy to approximately 944,000 customers across the District of Columbia and Maryland. As a Fortune 200 company, and the nation's largest utility company, Exelon serves over 10.5 million customers. 

Pepco remains committed to powering communities not just with electricity but also with opportunity. For more than two decades, Pepco has been a steadfast partner to the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), investing more than $2.1 million in support of students, workforce development, and educational initiatives. This commitment was further strengthened in 2023 with an expanded focus on STEM education and career pathways, ensuring that UDC students are equipped to thrive in energy, technology, and sustainability industries.

Pepco’s impact extends beyond financial contributions—it is embedded in programs that transform lives. Through the Pepco Power Scholar Program, Last Dollar Tuition Assistance Grant, and the Pepco Power Lab at UDC’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the company has created a direct pipeline from the classroom to high-impact careers. Additionally, initiatives like the UDC DAWN STEM Program have expanded opportunities for students in Ward 8, providing mentorship, hands-on learning experiences, and pathways into STEM fields.

Beyond these initiatives, Pepco’s engagement with UDC reflects true partnership—one rooted in shared values of access, education, and innovation. The company has not only sponsored but actively participated in university events, workforce development programs, and strategic initiatives to address critical workforce gaps, including the STEM teacher shortage. As UDC honors Pepco with the Pathmaker Award for a corporate partner, we celebrate a relationship built on vision, commitment, and belief in education’s power to transform lives. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Rukia Maturu Ajabo – Student Humanitarian and Civic Engagement Award (Lamond-Riggs Campus)

Rita Maturu Ajabo is a dedicated volunteer committed to humanitarian efforts at the University of the District of Columbia and within her community. She actively engages in initiatives that promote health awareness, support those in crisis, and foster a culture of empathy and service.

Ms. Ajabo and her classmates organized a breast cancer awareness event at UDC’s Lamond-Riggs Campus, dedicating time to educating attendees on prevention and early detection. This impactful initiative reinforced her passion for health education and community outreach.

Previously, she helped launch a GoFundMe campaign for a classmate whose home was destroyed by fire, ensuring the family had access to temporary shelter and essential supplies. Ms. Ajabo also took part in UDC’s End the Stigma mental health awareness campaign, working to promote understanding and reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

Beyond organized events, Ms. Ajabo consistently supports her classmates, offering academic and personal assistance whenever needed. Her willingness to extend kindness and encouragement reflects her deep commitment to uplifting those around her.

Among her various contributions, the breast cancer awareness event remains the most fulfilling. It combined her passion for education and healthcare, empowering others with potentially life-saving knowledge. Witnessing participants engage and learn further solidified her dedication to community service and strengthened her resolve to pursue a career in nursing.

Nikitta Marie Dixon – Student Humanitarian and Civic Engagement Award (Van Ness Campus)

Nikitta Marie Dixon is a dedicated student in the Social Work Program at the University of the District of Columbia and a proud member of UDC’s Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. She currently serves as vice president of the Social Work Student Association (SWSA) and holds student membership with the D.C. Metro chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW).

Passionate about grassroots organizing, Ms. Dixon has spent over a decade supporting underserved communities, with a focus on individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness. Her extensive volunteer work has been both fulfilling and transformative, strengthening her commitment to social justice and systemic change. She remains dedicated to this mission as she continues her education and beyond.

In addition to her academic and advocacy work, Ms. Dixon serves as secretary for the North Michigan Park Civic Association, where she has taken on various leadership roles. She has chaired or co-chaired committees for Safety, Neighborhood Beautification, T-Shirt Design, the Back-to-School Drive, Community Day and Resource Development. In these roles, she helps organize community events, improve local infrastructure and foster a strong sense of unity among residents.

These experiences have significantly shaped Ms. Dixon’s aspirations in social work. She has witnessed firsthand the power of community-driven solutions in creating lasting, meaningful change. As she advances in her studies and career, she remains committed to advocating for and empowering marginalized communities, working to build sustainable systems of support and opportunity.

Catandra Jones – Student Humanitarian and Civic Engagement Award (David A. Clarke School of Law)

Catandra Jones is a fourth-year evening student at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and a dedicated advocate for social justice, civic engagement and community empowerment.

Throughout her academic journey, Ms. Jones has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to activism, social responsibility and advocacy. At UDC Law, she has both participated in and led numerous initiatives aimed at promoting social awareness and justice. She organized Life After Incarceration, a community-wide event focused on racial justice and post-conviction work, and she founded the Black Justice Initiative (2016), a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking cycles of injustice and fostering a more compassionate society, particularly for marginalized communities.

Ms. Jones’ dedication to social justice is deeply personal. Growing up in a rural, underserved town, she witnessed systemic inequities firsthand. Her grandmother’s wisdom—"If you're tired of something, make a change"—became the guiding force behind her lifelong mission to challenge injustice and advocate for those often left unheard.

Her advocacy extends beyond UDC Law. She has served as a speaker at the HBCU Pre-Law Summit at New York University School of Law, participated in death penalty reform initiatives in North Carolina and worked to expand prison reform efforts through her nonprofit in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Ms. Jones embodies the principles of UDC Law’s mission, proving that legal education is not just about knowledge but also about action. As she advances in her career, she remains deeply committed to making a lasting impact through advocacy, policy reform and community-driven solutions.