Welcome to UDC Forward!
We are excited to launch UDC Forward, our first official University newsletter, brought to you bi-weekly by the Office of Marketing and Communications. The purpose is to keep you informed of recent UDC news while showcasing exciting stories related to the University, students, faculty and alumni. So, keep an eye on your inbox and don’t hesitate to send us your feedback and story ideas.
Special Commencement Issue – Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
![UDC President Maurice D. Edington, Ph.D. at Commencement](https://www.udc.edu/udcforward/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2024/05/Edington-at-Commencement.jpg)
Edington Presides Over First Commencement as President
Maurice D. Edington, Ph.D., who took the helm of UDC last summer, officiated his first Commencement as president of the University of the District of Columbia. During the ceremony, he told the 2024 graduates: “This day marks the culmination of countless hours of time and effort you logged toward your growth and your future. Each of you should feel immensely proud, as well as excited for the next steps of your journey.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Sends Words of Encouragement to Class of 2024
Mayor Muriel Bowser shared a personal story while lending her support to the Class of 2024 through a recorded message. “As the daughter of a UDC graduate and now as mayor of my hometown, I’m proud to be a part of the university’s great legacy in our city. I’m excited to see how each of you will build on that legacy.”
President Edington Congratulates UDC’s Class of 2024
President Edington cheered on graduating Firebirds in a recent video, saying, “UDC’s Commencement lifts up our students and shines a light on the most important thing we do as a university: serve our students—preparing lifelong learners who are transformative leaders in their field.”
![Rashida Jones with Dr. April Massey](https://www.udc.edu/udcforward/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2024/05/Rashida-Jones-with-Dr.-April-Massey.jpg)
University Recognizes Honorary Degree Recipient Jones at Honorand Reception
Rashida Jones, president of MSNBC, pulled double duty during the University of the District of Columbia’s 2024 Commencement. On May 10, Jones was celebrated at UDC’s annual Honorand Reception. The following morning, Jones received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from UDC and stepped to the podium as keynote speaker at Commencement.
![Scenes from UDC's 2024 Commencement celebration.](https://www.udc.edu/udcforward/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2024/05/Seen-at-Commencement-Video-Collage-1.gif)
Seen at Commencement
Congratulations Class of 2024
This year’s graduating class featured 775 students, ranging in age from 19 to 69.