Members turn out for first-ever Univ. of D.C. Capitol Hill reception

Nearly two dozen lawmakers turned out on Tuesday evening for the University System of the District of Columbia's (USDC) first-ever Capitol Hill reception.

University president Dr. Allen Sessoms greeted members and welcomed their support for the only public higher educational institution in Washington.

Dr. Sessoms acknowledged that the school was in a period of transition, and committed to improving its academic standing, but he said, "we need to lock arms with our local and Congressional partners” to create long-term solutions. 
 
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) echoed Sessom's optimism, telling the crowd that, “This is the year our state university finally rises to become the example of public higher education in this country.”

Members of Congress spotted at the event included Reps. David Obey (D-Wisc.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Marion Berry (D-Ark.), Mike Honda (D-Calif.), Jim Moran (D-Va.), Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), John Boccieri (D-Ohio), Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Ohio), Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.), Howard Coble (R-N.C.), Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.), Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Lacy Clay (D-Mo.), Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.), and Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.).

Pictured here, from left are Reps.Berry, Rahall, and Moran, Dr. Sessoms, and Reps. Obey and Ehlers.