Dear UMBC Community, 

Happy Monday! This fall, I am starting something new, which I hope becomes a routine, and maybe even a tradition: a weekly glimpse into the inspiration that I encounter on a daily basis. 

The idea is to share with you one such moment each week—fittingly, on Monday, my favorite day of the week. This is not going to be a space to promote events or to communicate lengthy information. It will be a simple, brief message from me to you, sharing a personal reflection or a moment of inspiration or appreciation that occurs over the course of my work and interactions on campus and beyond. I hope these messages will bring you a bit of joy and serve as inspiring reminders of the wonderful work of this institution and its relevance and value in the world. 

So, let’s get started! I can think of no better way to kick off these messages than with a celebration of the amazing incoming class we have just welcomed to campus. With huge thanks to Yvette Mozie-Ross, our vice provost for enrollment management and planning, and her entire team, we have just welcomed the largest incoming class in UMBC’s history—with significant increases in our transfer student population and in the number of students from Baltimore City! 

UMBC’s Class of 2029

You can read more about the class and see photos from the start of the year in this story. Enjoy, and a special welcome to all who are new to UMBC this fall! 

Sincerely,