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Welcome to UDC Forward!

UDC Forward is our official university newsletter, brought to you monthly by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Here, we aim to keep you up-to-date on the latest UDC news, including features on our students, faculty and alumni. Keep an eye on your inbox, and if you’ve got a story idea, tell us about it! 

Special Commencement Issue – Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

President Edington and Mayor Bowser

Edington Talks Workforce Development at ‘State of the District’ Panel

Edington Talks Workforce Development at ‘State of the District’ Panel President Maurice D. Edington was a panelist at the D.C. Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 State of the District & Region [...]

UDC President Maurice D. Edington, Ph.D. at Commencement
The 2024 UDC Commencement held May 11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

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.”

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser

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.”

UDC President Maurice D. Edington, Ph.D.

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
MSNBC President Rashida Jones and UDC’s Interim Chief Academic Officer April Massey, Ph.D.

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.

Seen at Commencement

Congratulations Class of 2024

This year’s graduating class featured 775 students, ranging in age from 19 to 69.