Happy Monday: Honoring UMBC’s 60th Anniversary and Looking Forward With Purpose

Dear UMBC Community,

Sixty years ago, on September 19, 1966, UMBC opened its doors with three buildings, 750 students, and a bold vision to rethink higher education. From the beginning, our university was founded on the vision that academic excellence and broad, inclusive access are inextricably linked.

Today, as an R1 university and a national leader in community engagement and student success, we stand as proof of what happens when a community commits to inclusive excellence. Over six decades, generations of Retrievers have built a vibrant, innovative, leading university that continues to shape Maryland and the world.

As we mark the 60th anniversary of our opening day, we honor our remarkable history and look forward with shared purpose. This week, we will launch UMBC’s new strategic plan—our guiding roadmap for the next chapter of our story. I am deeply honored to build our future alongside you.

Thank you for everything you bring to UMBC. Together, we mark 60 incredible years—and together, we step boldly into our bright future.

President Valerie Sheares Ashby