UDC Law would like to celebrate you as you stand at the threshold of a remarkable new chapter. The culmination of years of rigorous study, perseverance, and purpose. The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law is proud to honor your achievements during a weekend of historic and momentous ceremonies.

Commencement Weekend marks a pinnacle of academic and professional excellence. We begin with the David A. Clarke School of Law Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Theater of the Arts — a solemn tradition where graduates are formally hooded, symbolizing their transition from scholars to practitioners of law and guardians of justice.

The celebrations culminate at the University Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where President Maurice D. Edington will confer degrees in a ceremony that honors not only personal triumphs but the collective spirit of our university.

Together, these events comprise the Commencement Weekend. A once-in-a-lifetime celebration that honors your journey, elevates your accomplishments, and commissions you into a lifetime of leadership, service, and advocacy.

Eligibility to Participate

Graduates must be on track to complete degree requirements by the end of the Spring 2025 semester:

• 80 credits (if you entered law school before Summer 2022)
• 76 credits (if you entered law school in Summer 2022 or later)

This weekend belongs to you. A tribute to your perseverance and the bright future you will shape.

Commencement Weekend Points of Contact

• Yannick Brookes (he/him), Associate Dean of Students
• Loretta Young-Jones (she/her), Staff Assistant for Student Affairs
• Chiquita Shields (she/her), Executive Assistant to the Dean (For Guests Needing Additional Assistance)
• Cassandra Bland (she/her), Law School Registrar and Director of Law Registration (For Degree Requirement/Completion Questions)
• Percy Henry III (he, him), Director of Student Life and Services (For Commencement Ceremony Questions Only)

Commencement Weekend Speakers

• University Commencement Address: C. Brian Williams, Founder and Executive Producer of Step Afrika!
• Invocation and Benediction: Dr. Jeffery Fleming, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
• SBA President Remarks: Angela Banks
• Hooding Ceremony Address: Maya Wiley, President and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Student Speakers: To be selected by the Class of 2025

Commencement Logistics

Requirements for Guests

• Each participating graduate is allowed to receive eight invitations and admit cards so that guests can attend the commencement ceremony.
• Tickets are required for admittance to the UDC Theater of Arts.
• Guests must have their tickets. (Please see Dean Brooks for questions)
• Children three and older will require a ticket. An adult must accompany children at all times.

Prohibited Items

Many items are prohibited from the UDC Theater of Arts, including:

• Metal, plastic and glass containers of any kind
• Backpacks and large bags over 14″x14″
• Large flags and banners
• Food and beverages