Dear UMBC Community,
With today’s message, I am doing something slightly different. I do not often focus on a single individual in this space, but I want to share a reflection that reminded me why our work matters so deeply.
Recently, I held my first student office hours of the semester. Sitting with our students is always one of the most meaningful parts of my week. During one of those conversations, I was reminded of the extraordinary journeys unfolding across this campus every day.
Camryn has visited my office hours in semesters past. She is now a senior, and her first semester at UMBC was also my first. In many ways, we began our UMBC journeys at the same time. Watching her growth over these years has been a privilege. She has found her voice, clarified her intellectual interests, and embraced opportunities with curiosity and courage.
A visual arts major with concentrations in animation and modern languages and linguistics, she has launched a student organization, completed internships, worked as a content developer and videographer, and immersed herself fully in campus life. Her path reflects initiative and imagination. More importantly, it reflects the support of faculty who mentor, staff who guide, peers who collaborate, and a community that makes space for exploration and growth.
Camryn’s story is powerful. But it is not singular. Across UMBC, students are discovering who they are, stretching beyond what they thought possible, and experiencing the kind of transformation that defines higher education at its best. That transformation does not happen by accident. It happens because of the care, commitment, and daily dedication of this community.
Moments like these remind me that what we do here changes lives. And that is something worth celebrating.
With appreciation,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby