WASHINGTON— During a time of great disharmony and national conflict, the two Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia’s Masonic Order have come together to establish a $400,000 scholarship to support the education of students at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The announcement and presentation of this historic gift will be made as part of the annual Masonic Day of Thanksgiving on Saturday, October 21 beginning at 12:00 noon. The occasion will be marked by the dedication and placement of a bronze plaque on UDC’s Cleveland Dennard Plaza on the Van Ness campus, located at 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW.
The Prince Hall Grand Lodge Endowed Scholarship is funded by the respective Masonic Foundations of the Lodges’ Grand Jurisdictions, and represents an historic partnership between the Prince Hall Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Washington, DC The scholarships are specifically targeted to support students in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and African American students from the District of Columbia. The scholarships will also provide emergency funds for students with critical and immediate financial needs.
“As we watch the increasing divisiveness around the country, it is inspiring to see such an incredible display of unity and brotherhood within the District of Columbia and for DC’s advanced public system of higher education,” said Rodney Trapp, Vice President for Advancement at UDC who was instrumental in finalizing the gift agreement with the Masonic leaders.
“It is an honor and privilege for me to be able to be a part of such an historic event between our two jurisdictions,” said Prince Hall Most Worshipful Grand Master Phillip David, who received his MBA from the UDC School of Business and Public Administration. “The dedication of this plaque and the establishment of this endowment confirm our commitment to education and charity for as long as we exist.”
In the spirit of Universal Masonry, both Grand Masters have expressed their commitment to public education. Grand Master Roman Volsky said the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, DC is proud to join with their Prince Hall brothers to support the only public university in the nation’s capital.
“As Freemasons, we are taught that there is no better tool to improve oneself than an education, firmly grounded in the Liberal Arts & Sciences. So, it’s natural that we would support public institutions of learning that offer that education to the broadest possible audience,” said Volsky.
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The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity. The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 267.284.5000.
