It was standing room only at the Community College's convocation on Thurs., Oct. 13 as students, faculty and staff celebrated the school's formal debut at its beautiful new location on N. Capitol Street. The twin themes of hope and opportunity were reinforced in every speech--from keynoter Jim Vance (News4 anchor), who credited the professors of his alma mater who "would not let [him] fail" to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who called UDC-CC the vehicle for erasing class and social disparities and Under Secretary of Education Martha J. Kanter, who predicted UDC-CC would play an important role in supporting President Obama's vision of "creating the best, most competent workforce in the world."
Following the convocation itself was the ribbon-cutting attended by bold-faced luminaries and friends of the university, including presumptive mayor-elect Vincent Gray, council members Marion Barry and Michael Brown. CEO Gueverra, President Sessoms, student Derrick Robinson, professor Eugene Shiro and board chair Joseph Askew also spoke of the significance of the occasion and the contributions UDC-CC would make to the District and beyond. A special shout-out to Barbara Jumper and her team who directed the $8.7 million project and brought the renovation to life in record-time.
