Here stands the University of the District of Columbia Lamond-Riggs Campus formerly known as the Bertie Backus Campus. This campus has a story of transformation and community connection.
The University of the District of Columbia UDC renamed the Bertie Backus Campus to the University of the District of Columbia Lamond-Riggs Campus. This renaming happened on April 25 2023. The goal was to honor the historic neighborhood. The campus is located at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE. It sits in the Riggs Park neighborhood.
This campus is home to the UDC Community College UDC-CC. Over 1450 students were registered here in spring 2023. The building on the campus will still be called the Bertie Backus Building. This preserves the building’s historical importance.
President Ronald Mason Jr. said the renaming aligns with the goal of honoring the community. The goal is to provide an accessible community hub for quality education.
UDC-CC offers associate degrees and certificates. Programs include law enforcement and information technology. You can also study engineering sciences and accredited programs. These include nursing and aviation maintenance technology. The UDC-CC has an open admissions policy.
Dean Marilyn Hamilton believes the renaming strengthens the college’s community connection. It also builds trust. The college hopes to increase its visibility and accessibility. This reinforces the college’s role in public higher education.
The Lamond-Riggs Campus is near the Fort Totten Metro station. You can access it via the Red Yellow and Green lines. The campus is open weekdays and Saturday but closed on Sunday.
UDC is planning to expand the campus. They aim to double enrollment over 10 years. This would increase students from 1500 to 3000. The university is developing a campus plan.
The Zoning Commission approved the plan on November 30 2023. The 2023-2033 plan includes two phases. Phase 1 involves renovating existing buildings. Phase 2 includes constructing a new wing.
UDC’s Green Infrastructure Treatment Train Project won an award. It won first place in the Best Ultra Urban Best Management Practice BMP category. This was for the 2023 Best Urban BMP in the Bay Award. The award recognizes innovative stormwater practices. The project reduces flooding and pollutant delivery.
UDC-CAUSES partners with Study International. This partnership aims to attract international students. Study International is a resource for international students.
Dr. Dwane Jones was quoted in Architectural Digest. The article discussed urban gardening methods. Dr. Jones talked about bringing vertical gardens into homes.
UDC’s 4-H Youth Soccer Program received the Northeast Urban Extension Award. The program integrates physical activity nutrition and wellness.
The University of the District of Columbia Lamond-Riggs Campus stands as a beacon of community engagement. It offers accessible education and innovative programs. From its humble beginnings as the Bertie Backus Campus to its current transformation it continues to evolve.