B4 The Afro-American November 22, 2025 - November 28, 2025
University of the District of Columbia holds 12th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony By Patricia McDougall The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) held its 12th Annual hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Nov. 16 on the campus. The ceremony honored three new living legends who were inducted into the UDC Athletic Hall of Fame. The athletes were honored for their outstanding contribution to the athletic department. The ceremony marked the start of UDC’s homecoming events. One by one, the inductees took to the microphone to share
their moments they felt were their highlights during their years as an athlete at UDC. Eric Collier served as master of ceremonies and kept the program moving, with UDC President Dr. Maurice D. Edington providing closing remarks. Former and present UDC students, known as UDC Firebirds, were present, along with faculty, staff and other members of the UDC community who came from near and far to attend the event. All AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey
Renowned former UDC athlete and coach, Bessie Stockard, makes an appearance.
UDC Chair HOF Athletics Committee Jerome Shelton (left) receives honors for his work by Dr. Stephen B. Robbins, the vice chair of District of Columbia Teachers College, Class of ‘69.
Master of ceremonies C. Eric Collier speaks to those in attendance to support this year’s cohort of inductees.
Shown here, University of District of Columbia Chair of the Hall of Fame Athletics Committee Jerome Shelton (left), with UDC Hall of Fame inductee Dale Bethel and UDC President Dr. Maurice D. Edington.
Attendees enjoy the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon.
Patricia Thomas serves as director of intercollegiate athletics at UDC.
University of District of Columbia Hall of Famer Harold Jackson (left) shares a moment with UDC Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Jackson Armstrong, UDC first lady Tonya Barge Edington, Charles “Choo” Smith a former Harlem Globetrotter and UDC alum, and UDC Head Coach Mike Riley.
University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include Dale Bethel (left), Class of ’71; Ivan Jordan (center), Class of ’85; and Larry Overton (right), Class of ’74.
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