University of District of Columbia News November 23, 2010 UDC Honored by Greater Washington Board of Trade 'Golden Links' Award Lauds Community Leadership Washington, DC - The University of the District of Columbia has earned yet another credential in its continued growth as Washington, DC's "state" university. The Greater Washington Board of Trade today endowed UDC with its prestigious 'Golden Links' Award, given to institutions and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding community leadership and development. In presenting the award to Dr. Allen L. Sessoms, President of the University System of the District of Columbia, Greater Washington Board of Trade President James W. Dyke, Jr. praised the city's only public university for its continued transformation into a "world class institution of higher learning." Under the direction of Dr. Sessoms, the four-year flagship UDC has given birth to a community college with open admissions and a focus on Associate's Degree and certificate programs and workforce development, created admission standards, and has set a tone of success as the university enters its 160th year of service. Dyke also praised UDC for providing a temporary home for more than 1,500 Wilson Sr. High School students while their building in upper northwest Washington is being renovated. "Our business partners are recognizing our public university should be at the forefront in the growth and development of this city, the region and the nation," said Dr. Sessoms. "With their help, this university is quickly becoming everything its founders envisioned it should be." Earlier this year, UDC was honored with the 'Emerging Business of the Year' Award by the DC Chamber of Commerce. The award gave credit to Dr. Sessoms for establishing a system approach to delivering high quality, affordable education for students and embracing a business plan to deliver these services in the most cost-effective way. UDC continues its upward flight. With student housing, a comprehensive facilities enhancement project now underway, and a commitment to building a first-class institution that reaches out to the community, UDC is poised to become the leader in public higher education in the United States. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.