On Saturday May 13th, Orlando Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of the District of Columbia and delivered a keynote address to nearly 800 graduates during UDC’s 2023 Commencement Convocation.
The University, a public historically Black land-grant institution and the only public university in the nation’s capital, selected Congressman Frost for his ability to speak truth to power at a time our country has needed it most.
“I am deeply honored to have been invited to join UDC President Mason, the Board of Trustees, students, and faculty to deliver the commencement address at one of our nation’s premier HBCUs and to be able to join the Firebird Nation as an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost. “With education under attack in so many places, including my home state of Florida, it’s more important than ever that we fight to preserve institutions of higher learning and continue fighting for the right to an affordable, quality education.”
University President Ronald Mason Jr., J.D., said, “Congressman Frost, the first Gen Z-er to join Congress, brings a much-needed voice to the highest government chambers on issues of social justice and the many forms of violence that threaten our society.”
“The honorary degree awarded to Congressman Frost signifies that his outstanding leadership and advocacy on key societal issues such as gun violence, homophobia, and hate crimes positioned him to make a deliberate run for Congress,” said Chief Academic Officer Lawrence T. Potter Jr., Ph.D. “His outreach and social activism to combat social injustices is a testament that Congressman Frost’s dedication and courage is a source of inspiration for the University’s graduates and the larger community.”
