Athletics Honors the Legacy of Rodney A. Pierce

WASHINGTON (November 13, 2025) – The Howard University Department of Athletics household not too long ago misplaced one in all its prized treasures: Rodney Alan Pierce, who transitioned Friday (Oct. 31). A local of Gouldtown, N.J., Rodney was one of many first photojournalists to cowl Howard Athletics. It all began in 1976 as a freshman at The Mecca, Rodney served as a photographer for The Hilltop.
 
The digicam that he used was a present from his mom and he made certain that he put it to good use. Over time, Rodney honed his expertise and captured 1000’s of HU athletes, coaches and occasions within the course of. One of the extra iconic pictures within the historical past of HU Athletics is among the former Howard standouts and the world champion Los Angeles Lakers Larry Spriggs. Spriggs was a member of the Howard University staff known as “The Dunk Patrol” within the late 70’s. In the basic picture, Rodney captures Spriggs with a dunk as he seems to be above the rim. It was a basic!
 
But images was simply one in all Rodney’s expertise: He grew to become an skilled within the digital world. He held the skilled roles of Security Analyst and Systems Security Manager for companies in authorities, such because the Department of Justice, Homeland Security and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service for over 4 many years. He was at the moment working as a supervisor for General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) for the previous 10 years.
 
He was additionally an avid lover of classical jazz.
 
As a photographer, Rodney grew to become so revered that he started to shoot quite a few occasions, together with Washington Commanders video games, the Washington Wizards, the Washington Nationals and native school occasions. He ultimately began his personal enterprise, Piercing Images Photography.
 
But what made Rodney so particular was his character and demeanor, which was infectious and left a long-lasting impression on all these lucky sufficient to share area and time with him. He was the final word skilled and was all the time providing tricks to younger aspiring photographers in addition to opponents.
 
To finest describe him and among the lives he touched, listed here are some private testimonials:
 
Tee Webster, pupil freelance photographer
 
“I met Mr. Rodney Pierce two years ago and even though we did not interact much outside of Howard University games together, he was always someone whom I looked up to, the way he carried himself, his consistency and the great work that he produced. His passion for photography was inspirational. Mr. Pierce taught me that taking photos is about telling stories and not just capturing what I thought was cool. His work and legacy will continue to inspire me every time I pick up my camera.”
 
Jayden Lyttle, pupil photographer at Virginia State University
 
“Mr. Rodney Pierce was an exceptional role model to me. His kindness, generosity and willingness to assist others have made a lasting impact on me and others who were fortunate to learn from him.”
 
Rodney Adams, photographer for Delaware State Athletics
 
“Rodney Pierce was a true friend. He was a great photographer and equally as good as a human being. He had a great impact on all those who were around him. When I saw him, he was always engaging and I will miss him.”
 
David Sierra, QbanCigar Photography
 
“Rodney was a class act. He was incredibly knowledgeable about photography and I truly benefitted from the advice that he gave me and the nuggets of wisdom that he passed on to me. The sidelines and baselines will not be the same without him there. I am going to miss his jokes and quick-witted one-liners. Peace and blessings, my fellow Bison.”
 
Yusuf Abdullah, photographer for HU Athletics
 
“We had a good time together shooting games, traveling and comparing notes about photography and coffee and life in general. You will truly be missed. God bless you and rest in peace. “
 
Abdullah Konte, photographer for the Washington Informer
 
“Rodney was a great photographer but an even better man. He always had a smile on his face while on the sidelines and always treated me and everyone out there with kindness and respect. He has so much pride in his family and community and he will be greatly missed. We lost a good one, but he will always be remembered.”
 
Bernard Perry, a former standout on the Howard University males’s basketball staff
 
“Rodney, thank you for making a young man in the early 1980’s feel special, with your iconic photos. Love and prayers to you and your family. #TheDunkPatrol.”
 
Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations & Sports Information
 
“I knew Rodney for nearly 10 years and he was an ultimate professional. He was a joy to work with, capturing incredible images while mentoring the next generation of photographers. He will be missed.”
 
Edward Hill, former Sports Information Director at Howard University
 
“Someone once dropped some wisdom on me that ‘A man is measured by his body of work.’ They must have been talking about Rodney Pierce. I met Rodney back in the early 1980s and it was a great relationship from the start. His work and dedication to Howard Athletics cannot be measured in a few words, but rather in the legacy that he has left behind that will last forever. Rest in Peace and thanks for all that you did to make a difference in the lives of so many.”

Sean Mason, former member of the Howard males’s basketball staff

 

“Rodney was a photographer who used his gift and passion to help memorialize and encapsulate the Legacy of Howard Men’s Basketball. Thank you and job well done, your photography will live on forever.”

 

Rodney Alan Pierce’s providers will likely be held Saturday (Oct. 15), on the Tabernacle Church of Laurel (11601 South Laurel Drive, Laurel, MD 20708). Viewing from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and repair from 10:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m.

 

For extra data, go to the official Howard Athletics web site www.hubison.com.