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 into the UDC’s Hall of Fame. They were honored for their outstanding contribution to the Athletic department. This was a great start to the Firebird homecoming week of activities. Faculty, Staff, Guest and family members also attended the ceremony and luncheon. Former and present UDC Students from the various athletic departments introduced themselves and congratulated the legends for their work.
UDC Class of 2025 Inductees Dale Bethel (left) class of ‘71 University of District of Columbia Theaters College; Ivan Jordan UDC class of ‘85 and Larry Overton the class of ‘74. (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
University of District of Columbia Hall of Famer Harold Jackson (left) with UDC Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Jackson Armstrong, first lady Tonya Barge Edington, Hall of Fame Committee (Class of 1998) Charles “Choo” Smith and UDC Head Coach Mike Riley during the ceremony and luncheon at UDC.(AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
Master of Ceremonies C. Eric Collier speaks to those in attendance to support this year’s cohort of inductees. (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
Patricia Thomas the director of Intercollegiate Athletics speaks at the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
Lee Brian Reba the senior advisor for the University Event and Protocol department for the Office of the President at University of the District of Columbia taking in the excitement. (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
University of District of Columbia chair of the Hall of Fame Athletics Committee Jerome Shelton (left) with hall of fame inductee and a District of Columbia Teachers College class of ‘71 Dale Bethel and UDC President Dr. Maurice D. Edington stand for the photo opp. (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
Lauren Benning-Williams (left) the vice president of Marketing and Communication, Richard Lucas is chief advancement officer and Teri little-Berry the chief student Development and Success Officer (UDC) at the induction ceremony. (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
Renowned former athlete and Coach Bessie Stockard (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey) 
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. (AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey)
The Inductees also took to the microphone to share their moments they felt were their highlights during their years as an athlete at UDC. Mr. C. Eric Collier was the Master of Ceremonies and kept the program moving. President Dr. Maurice D. Edington gave closing remarks and welcomed everyone to the “Firebird” Homecoming Week.