05/21/2026
At UDC’s 49th Commencement Ceremony, graduates brought much more than a cap and gown as they walked across the stage.
Some carried the resilience of returning to the classroom after years away. Some carried the pride of rebuilding their lives. Others carried dreams that traveled thousands of miles to reach this moment.
For Donta Thornton, graduation represented a promise he made to himself 11 years ago after leaving prison: to build a brighter future for himself and his family. With determination, hard work and the support of the UDC community, he achieved his goal and received a Bachelor of Science in Urban Architecture with his daughter watching proudly from the audience.
For Md. Mazharul Islam, it meant returning to academia after years in engineering, navigating college classes while building a new life in the United States.
For twin sisters Mahlet and Mahder Akalu Demissie and sisters Kayleah and Kayleigh Shelton, the moment represented years of encouragement, perseverance and shared success.
At UDC, no two journeys look exactly alike, and that’s what makes this community so powerful.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your stories inspire us all.