Happy Monday: The Special Place UMBC Calls Home

Dear UMBC Community,

Some places have a special way of reminding you what community truly feels like.

Late last month, UMBC sponsored an evening at Frederick Road Fridays in Catonsville—an annual tradition hosted by the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce. Every Friday throughout the summer, families and neighbors gather with their lawn chairs to enjoy music, dancing, and local food, while businesses and community organizations connect with those who visit their tents.

I loved being at Frederick Road Fridays alongside our student-athletes, spending time with families, alumni, and elected officials. It was a pleasure to thank our neighbors for creating such a beautiful community, to share in the excitement as the crowd cheered for UMBC, and to listen to stories about how UMBC has impacted our surrounding community.

There is an extraordinary warmth in these gatherings—the carefree kindness of neighbors, the shared laughter, and the simple joy of making time for one another. For me, the evening brought back memories of growing up in Clayton, North Carolina, a small town where mutual care and genuine connection defined everyday life.

Frederick Road Fridays offered a wonderful reminder that UMBC is not merely located in Catonsville—we are deeply rooted here and honored to contribute to the vitality of our hometown. While our academic reach and impact extend across the globe, our heart remains right here at home.

I am grateful for our Catonsville neighbors and the vibrant community we share.

Happy Monday!

President Valerie Sheares Ashby