Dear UMBC Community,
Commencement is almost upon us! The first day of classes and Commencement are my favorite days of the year, and this year is no exception. We have so much to celebrate this year as we honor the graduates who will receive their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees later this week.
The road has not been easy, of course, and the contexts for our graduating students continue to be challenging, whether individual or global in nature. Commencement ceremonies, though, are a joyful occasion reflecting on the work and growth of our graduates and the contributions they have made to their chosen fields, to UMBC, and to the world beyond. Commencement also is a chance to express our gratitude to all who have accompanied students on their journeys—their families and friends, fellow students, mentors, advisors, and so many faculty and staff members.
This year feels even more meaningful for me as I celebrate the undergraduate Class of 2026, most of whom began their UMBC journeys at the same time I did, in the fall of 2022. It has been an honor to walk this path with you. Happy Commencement week to us all!
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby