After more than 22 years of dedicated service to the University of the District of Columbia National Alumni Society, President Bernard M. Grayson, Jr. is concluding his tenure as President. As he prepares for this transition, we sat down with him to reflect on his journey, his impact, and his hopes for the future of UDCNAS.​

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What does UDC mean to you personally?

UDC is more than a university; it is family. It represents opportunity, resilience, and the power of education to transform lives. The relationships and experiences I gained through UDC have stayed with me throughout my life.

What inspired you to dedicate so many years of service to the UDC National Alumni Society?

My inspiration has always been gratitude. The University of the District of Columbia helped shape who I am professionally and personally. I believed that if I benefited from the institution, I had a responsibility to give back. Serving the Alumni Society became my way of ensuring future generations of Firebirds would have opportunities, support, and a strong alumni network.

Looking back over your 22 years of service, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of helping strengthen the connection between alumni and the university. Whether through membership growth, scholarships, events, advocacy, or building relationships across generations of graduates, the greatest accomplishment has been creating opportunities for alumni to remain engaged and invested in the future of UDC.

What has been the most rewarding part of serving as President?

The most rewarding part has been seeing alumni reconnect with their alma mater. Watching graduates return to volunteer, mentor students, join committees, and support university initiatives reminds me that our alumni community is one of UDC's greatest strengths.

How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style has always been collaborative and service-focused. I believe leadership is not about titles; it is about bringing people together around a shared vision. I have always tried to listen, empower others, and create opportunities for people to contribute their talents to the organization.

What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Like many organizations, we faced challenges related to engagement, resources, and adapting to change. The key was remaining focused on our mission and being willing to innovate. Success came from teamwork, persistence, and a commitment to moving forward even during difficult times.

What impact do you hope your leadership has had on the Alumni Society?

I hope my leadership helped establish a culture of service, accountability, and pride. I want alumni to know that their involvement matters and that every contribution, large or small, helps strengthen our university community.

As you transition from the presidency, what are your hopes for the future of the UDC National Alumni Society?

I hope to see the Alumni Society continue expanding its reach, strengthening membership engagement, developing future leaders, and building meaningful partnerships that support both alumni and students. We have established a strong foundation, and I am confident the next generation of leaders will continue to elevate the organization while honoring its legacy.

What advice would you give future leaders of the Alumni Society?

Always remember that the organization is bigger than any one individual. Lead with integrity, listen to the membership, respect the institution's history, and remain open to new ideas. The strongest organizations are built when leaders focus on developing future leaders.

While your term as President is ending, your service to UDC continues as a member of the UDC Board of Trustees. How do you view this transition?

My service to UDC has always been about advancing the institution, regardless of the role. While I am concluding my chapter as President of the National Alumni Society, I remain committed to supporting the university through my work on the Board of Trustees.

I see this not as an ending, but as an opportunity to continue serving UDC from a different perspective.

The Alumni Society and the Board share the same ultimate goal—ensuring the success, growth, and sustainability of our university for future generations.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as someone who served faithfully, cared deeply about the university, and worked to bring people together. If people say that I helped strengthen the Alumni Society and inspired others to serve, that would mean a great deal to me.

Thank You, President Grayson

On behalf of the UDC National Alumni Society, we thank President Bernard Grayson for more than two decades of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to the Firebird community.

His legacy will continue to be felt through the relationships he built, the opportunities he helped create, and the countless alumni he inspired to stay connected and give back.

❤️💛 Once a Firebird, Always a Firebird.