RSVP BY TODAY for our end of the year Celebration & Awards! 

Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student Affairs has hosted celebration ceremonies for Latinx, Black, and LGBTQIA+ / queer students for several years. This year, we are excited to add the Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards to the lineup. These three affinity events will honor and celebrate the achievements of UMBC's outstanding community members and graduating students.

Inaugural Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards

Thursday, May 15, 2025

5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

University Center Ballroom 3rd Floor

This celebration commemorates the achievements of graduating UMBC students while celebrating the vast cultural diversity of Asian communities and heritage on our campus. We recognize the difficulty of choosing just one identifier or term to capture the vast diversity of all people with heritage in the Asian continent, representing 49 countries and hundreds of cultures. We seek to honor the breadth of experience of people across Asia - East, South, Southwest, West, and Central Asia. 

During the gathering, we’ll enjoy food together, we’ll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who’ve contributed to their success.

Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance. 

Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. 

Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.

For those interested in attending, RSVP HERE (https://forms.gle/1Yg5fMgzj2VsdfGC8)! Graduates that RSVP between Monday, April 14th and Monday, April 28th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.

Folx are still welcome to attend even if there is no RSVP. Graduating students can register to be recognized day-of, but food and seating is only guranteed for those who RSVP'ed.

If you have any questions, please email co-chairs: Priya Bhayana, Project Manager, Global Asias Initiative at priyab@umbc.edu and Angelina R. Jenkins, Assistant Director for The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity at arjenkins@umbc.edu. 

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy. 

This is it your last chance to step up, lead, and make your voice count!

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is closing nominations for the Graduate Senate. If you've been thinking about running, now is the time to act. Don’t miss the opportunity to shape the graduate experience for over 2,500 students at UMBC.

Why Run?
Develop impactful leadership skills
Influence campus-wide decisions
Be part of a passionate, change-making team
And yes it’s a paid position!

Open Position:

• Graduate Senate – Advocate for your department and fellow graduate students

Submit Your Nomination Today:

Senate: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsTgHcAaB7oYHSHGf1GHBvvdACumKChvnvP1DUObtYqbBj-g/viewform?usp=dialog

Deadline: Thursday, April 24 at 11:59 PM

This is your opportunity to lead with purpose and leave your mark on UMBC. Don't miss out!

If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to contact the GSA Election Committee Chairs:

Aijaz Shaik – rx21259@umbc.edu

Eswari Harika Bathina–dg18853@umbc.edu

Let this be your moment to lead, represent, and inspire. Your graduate community needs YOU!

#UMBCGSA #LeadWithGSA #MakeADifference

Celebrate our immigrant communities at UMBC – A Day of Community, Art, and Storytelling

Join us on Thursday, May 1st for a vibrant, day-long celebration honoring the contributions of our immigrant communities at UMBC and beyond.

Morning Kickoff

Start the day by showing appreciation for our custodial staff—many of whom are immigrants—for their essential role in creating a welcoming and thriving campus environment.
Breakfast: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Sports Zone

Keynote Speaker: Jessy DeSantis
Raised in a Nicaraguan household in Miami and now based in Baltimore, Jessy DeSantis is a self-taught artist whose bold, colorful paintings explore themes of identity, culture, and connection. Drawing inspiration from nature, food, family, and their Central American roots, Jessy will share their powerful story navigating culture, identity, and the art world.
Keynote: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Sports Zone
Learn more about Jessy at:www.jdesantisart.com

"Share Your Story" Artwork Activity
Contribute to our community storytelling project! Students, faculty, and staff are invited to showcase where they're from and reflect on their own or their family’s journeys. Help us build a visual "global tapestry" of UMBC.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Commons Terrace

Let’s come together to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the vibrant, diverse experiences that make up our UMBC community. No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, you belong here.

Thank you to our sponsors: PROMISE, COEIT, Latinx and Hispanic Faculty Association, Black Faculty and Staff Association, Asian & Asian American Faculty & Staff Council, Student Belonging (Division of Student Affairs), and  Student Affairs Success Initiatives.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University'snondiscrimination policy.