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 Let's Talk
Denise Rolark Barnes
Columnist Page
Friday, March 11, 2005; Page 21
Voices for UDC
This week’s column is dedicated those readers who responded to a recent Let’s Talk column entitled: UDC’s Struggle – Another Case of Black on Black Crime, published in the February 24, 2005 issue.
I attended and graduated from UDC's School of Mortuary Science back during the 70s and have been concerned about its future every since. Yes, UDC has gotten a bomb rap, and the continuous changes in administrations have done nothing but help to weaken the university. We all had high hopes for the institution when it was first established. Continue to write about the positive aspects of the university, which may be difficult to do at time. We have to save the school.
Herbert Simmons, Jr., J.D
Director, The Office of Alumni Affairs
P. O. Box 92
Grambling, LA 71245
I read your op-ed piece. You said it very well. However, there is more to it than budget cuts. I’d like to see an accounting of the money that is grossly mismanaged. Vendors not paid, grant funds “mis-placed”
David K. Jefferson
Extension Specialist
PSEP Coordinator
University of the District of Columbia Cooperative Extension
I can't thank you enough for your article on February 25th reflecting on the recent UDC Founders' Day Program. It made me cheer inside as I was reading your article because you were able to touch on all of the things that are hurting this fine institution. Of course, from my perspective, the bit on channel 19 stands way out. It has been such a challenge to get people here to focus on getting this channel upgraded and back on the air with programming that not only reflects the good work being done at the University for its students but for the residents of this city as well.
Cheryl Lewis Hawkins
UDC Cable TV 19
Thank you for your article about UDC. It is so wonderful to have a reporter to tell the truth about us!
Melanie A. Anderson, Acting Dean
School of Business and Public Administration
UDC
Thank you for sharing with the public the cruel aspects of our situation at the University. I can’t remember when, if ever, a reporter communicated so effectively the reality that we at the University face, yet we continue to do the best we can in spite of everything. Our successes, despite of the adverse conditions you describe, are many and real.
P.C. Thorstenson
Professor of Chemistry
Thanks for the sounding article that was published in the Informer concerning the Founders Day celebration. I am an employee with 37 years of employment at this University and have experienced all as written and even more through experience and years of services. The many sacrifices of working under conditions of budget, human resources and facilities by faculty and staff to support the educational business environment of UDC strained us all. Public conception of our institution by the community, other higher educational institutions and government was cordial and cautious of this new institution that was not expected to last more than three years and abandon. The Founders Day celebration proved them wrong and sent a message that the dedicated commitment of all employees past and present continue to administer improvements and accountability to the enrollment population’s career goals and objectives.
Albert R. Davis
I am a faculty member here at the university and for once my heart rejoiced in something printed about the University. I wish that it could be shared with the world.
Connie M. Webster, DNSc, RN,CNA,BC
Chair, Department of Nursing and Allied Health and Director of Nursing
University of the District of Columbia
In your otherwise excellent article, you failed to point out that UDC has been saddled with presidents who squandered the limited resources available to the school. The current president is a case in point. Though UDC is one of the few schools in the country where students cannot register or even apply for admission online, money was found to renovate the President's residence and install marble toilets in the administration and some class buildings.
Carl Friedman
Associate Professor
I read with interest your editorial on UDC. As a Board member for the past six years I would be happy to talk to you at anytime about the situation at UDC. Your willingness to join the fight for more funds for UDC is more than appreciated.
Peter D. Rosenstein
Washington, DC 20036
The article was wonderful. It will go a long way toward helping us to wake up the community. I really appreciate the article you wrote regarding UDC, I am an alumni and a 1977 and 1995 Graduate and I am very concerned how the place has really changed.
I remember in 1995 how the basic materials such as bulbs, toilet paper and soap along with the bathrooms needing attention was not addressed because of lack of funding? I am really concerned that in years to come that UDC will be history.
John Ward
You are very much on target regarding the support given to our Institution. Prior to attending the UDC campus, I attended UMES, and the campus was small and the budget was buldging, similar to UDC. They cut athletic programs and various student activities.
Today they have newer buildings, and growth. UDC, on the other hand, has become stagnant concerning the needs of students. We’ve gotten tidbits of growth concerning the tech dept., we need better computers, more staff and job placement contacts. The city has yet to utilize some of the talent in the UDC pool. Yes, the city is very guilty of neglect!
John H. Britton
Special Assistant to the President
Meharry Medical College
I read your op-ed article about UDC, which they sent to alumni, it was very good. You made some excellent points and I am so glad you mentioned Channel 19 and their lack of programming. I used to intern there in '99 and volunteered there also. I hope your article stirs up some of the folks on the 3rd floor and downtown.
Sandy Waters
Your article was very cogent and thoughtful. The message is one we have been delivering for a few years now. Unfortunately, this sort of message, which goes against the tide, is usually only heard when delivered by third parties. Thank you for being our “third party”. I hope to have the opportunity to speak with you soon.
Susan D. Saunders McKenzie, Esq.
Director, Governmental Affairs
University of the District of Columbia
I’d just like to thank you for the outstanding op-ed piece you recently penned in the Informer following our Founders Day observance. Never have I seen someone outside of the University so clearly state our case to the public. I’ve taken the liberty of sharing the piece with our students, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees and alumni. The support of the Informer is important to us – you clearly understand the challenges we face as well as how we got to where we are. I look forward to continuing to work closely with you and your paper.
J. Michael Andrews
Senior Director
Communications & Alumni Affairs
University of the District of Columbia
I am certain that the administration, faculty, staff and more importantly the students appreciate the voice that you have shared in this op-ed. Be encouraged.
Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, Director
Office of Community Outreach and Involvement
University of the District of Columbia
Division of Student Affairs
For Denise Rolark Barnes send email to drbarnes@washingtoninformer.com |
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