Founders Day 2026 Awards
Nominations Now Being Accepted
Founders Day Awards nominations have been extended to Jan. 9!
For questions about the nomination process, please contact Lee Brian Reba, Senior Advisor, University Events and Protocol.
In observance of the winter holidays, all University of the District of Columbia administrative and academic offices will be closed from Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, to Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
Administrative and academic offices will resume regular operations on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Founders Day 2026 Awards
Founders Day Awards nominations have been extended to Jan. 9!
For questions about the nomination process, please contact Lee Brian Reba, Senior Advisor, University Events and Protocol.
The Myrtilla Miner Award for Exceptional Service to Society is presented annually at the University of the District of Columbia’s Founders Day Convocation and Awards Program and is bestowed on the person/s the President of the university determines has demonstrated exceptional lifetime service to the residents of the District of Columbia and the nation.
Named for the distinguished educator and former District of Columbia Teachers College President Paul Phillips Cooke ’37.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually at the University of the District of Columbia’s Founders Day Convocation and Awards Program and is awarded to a current UDC faculty or staff member (or retiree) who has consistently demonstrated exceptional loyalty and extraordinary commitment, dedication and service to advance the University, its goals and objectives.
The list of nominees for the Lifetime Achievement Award is submitted to and approved by the university President.
Named for Washington Technical Institute President Cleveland L. Dennard.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually at the University of the District of Columbia’s Founders Day Convocation and Awards Program and is awarded to a current UDC faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their profession and whose work has made a positive impact for the betterment of one’s community and its citizens on a local, national or international level.
The list of nominees for the Distinguished Service Award is submitted to and approved by the university President.
Named for the Honorable Marjorie Holloman Parker ’36.
The Distinguished Educator’s Award is presented annually at the University of the District of Columbia’s Founders Day Convocation and Awards Program and is awarded to a tenured UDC faculty member whose laudable contributions as an educator have made major contributions in transforming the lives of students or noteworthy impact on the District, region, nation and beyond.
The list of nominees for the Distinguished Educator’s Award is presented to and approved by the university President.
Named for the Honorable Ronald H. Brown.
The Distinguished Leadership Award is presented annually at the University of the District of Columbia’s Founders Day Convocation and Awards Program to an individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment of outstanding service to the university.
The list of nominees for the Distinguished Leadership Award is submitted to and approved by the university President.
The Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award is presented annually at the University of the District of Columbia’s Founders’ Day Convocation and Awards Program to an active member of the UDC National Alumni Society for five years or more and who has demonstrated extraordinary participation in the Association through contributions to the Alumni Society, including increasing membership participation, enhancing the image of the association, showing professional ethics of the highest caliber and engaging in the community.
The Student Humanitarian & Civic Engagement Award is presented annually at the University of the District of Columbia’s Founders Day Convocation and Awards Program and is awarded to a student (one awardee from the Van Ness campus, Lamond-Riggs campus and Law School) who has demonstrated a commitment to activism, social responsibility, civic participation and advocacy for the welfare and betterment of the University of the District of Columbia and the greater community.
NOTE: 2015 was the first year this award was implemented.
The PathMakers Leadership Award is presented annually at the University of the District of Columbia’s Founders Day Convocation and Awards Program and is awarded to two individuals, a member of the alumni and a current/or former employee of the university who consistently support the university and its students through a commitment to philanthropy.