It wouldn’t be a proper farewell to 2018 without reminiscing about some of the biggest UMBC stories from the year. Here are ten highlights from a year we won’t soon forget. Continue reading UMBC’s Top 10 Highlights of 2018
Thousands of Retriever graduates, family, and friends streamed into the new UMBC Event Center last week to celebrate graduate and undergraduate spring commencement. Continue reading UMBC’s spring 2018 commencement honors student achievements, community values
UMBC’s upcoming commencement ceremonies — held for the first time in the new UMBC Event Center — will highlight three honorary degree recipients nationally recognized as top leaders in their fields. Continue reading Leaders in research, policy, and education to address UMBC’s Class of 2018
UMBC made history and Retriever fandom exploded. As New York Times reporter Erica Green wrote, the world came to see how “the U.M.B.C. Cinderella story transcends athletics, and has been decades in the making.” Continue reading NCAA journey spotlights UMBC’s national excellence, from court to classroom
“Freeman is a fierce champion of the traditionally unseen and underserved, and he is a vigorous and powerful mentor,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “He has been called one of America’s best leaders, one of the 100 most influential people in the world, one of America’s best 10 college presidents…At ACE, we just call him our future.” Continue reading UMBC Pres. Hrabowski honored for lifelong commitment to educational opportunity for all
“The completion of the Event Center marks an important milestone in UMBC’s evolution,” says UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. “We are delighted that we will now be able to open our doors even more broadly to the community.” Continue reading Retriever Nation looks ahead to UMBC Event Center grand opening
“The book furthers critical conversations about how whiteness, even enacted by teachers of color, prevents educators from seeing and noticing the brilliance of Black boys,” reflects Keisha Allen, assistant professor of education and the UMBC lead in the Learning Center partnership with Baltimore County Public Schools. Continue reading UMBC hosts “Teaching and Reaching Black Boys in America” conversation
President Freeman Hrabowski encouraged students to “be true to yourselves, and be true in your relationships. Always work to elevate others even when times are challenging” during the 2017 Winter Commencement Ceremonies. Continue reading UMBC welcomes over 1,200 new alumni during 2017 Winter Commencement Ceremonies
UMBC is among nine U.S. research universities and a major cancer institute that just announced plans to give would-be life scientists clear, standardized data on graduate school admissions, education and training opportunities, and career prospects. Continue reading UMBC a founding partner in coalition to increase transparency on life science career prospects
“It is important for our country to support dreamers,” President Hrabowski says, “not only so that they can live fulfilling and purposeful lives, but also so that our country can benefit from the ideas and skills they bring to society.” Continue reading President Hrabowski signs letter urging U.S. Congress to take action on DACA
“Although UMBC has made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint, it is clear that our carbon neutrality goals need to be more aggressive,” says Lenn Caron. A new climate action plan will define those goals with input from students, faculty, and staff. Continue reading UMBC to build on success in shrinking carbon footprint through updated Climate Action Plan
“It’s only when there is a cultural difference, focusing on everybody from faculty, staff to administration, saying the success of students from different backgrounds is a top priority on campus—only then can you make a difference,” Pres. Hrabowski said. Continue reading National media coverage of UMBC leadership highlights collaboration as key to inclusive campus culture
UMBC launched a new $150 million campaign on June 9, on the heels of a joyful 50th anniversary year. Said President Hrabowski, “I’ve never been more excited about this University and what we can do.” Continue reading UMBC launches Grit & Greatness campaign focused on big breakthroughs, true partnerships, and transforming lives
The RISE Zone designation supports existing companies, new companies, and UMBC faculty interested in commercializing their work. Continue reading bwtech@UMBC to expand economic impact through RISE Zone designation
“If the nation’s policymakers and education leaders take the deliberate steps needed to expand the participation and success of underrepresented minorities in STEM based on what we know works, success is possible,” write President Hrabowski and Peter Henderson. Continue reading UMBC a case study for success supporting STEM students of all backgrounds
“We take [our] responsibility to educate tomorrow’s problem-solvers seriously, and we support them in their fight to preserve smart and humane science policy and investment,” write Presidents Hrabowski and Perman. Continue reading President Hrabowski and Meyerhoff Scholars speak out to support March for Science
“What we’re trying to do at UMBC,” President Hrabowski told the crowd gathered at the National Museum of Natural History, “is to teach young people of all races that they can change the world.” Continue reading Smithsonian hosts UMBC president for discussion on promoting diversity
“Our program is successful in part because of its core principle,” President Hrabowski and Peter Henderson, senior advisor to the president, suggest. “The university is responsible for supporting student success, not weeding students out.” Continue reading AAMC highlights UMBC’s national model to support minority student success in med school
“We’re very proud to be part of the UMBC community,” shared Barbara Hill, one of the donors who made the Hill-Lopes Scholars Program possible. “We couldn’t think of a better home for this program.” Continue reading UMBC celebrates launch of Hill-Lopes Scholars Program focused on supporting women in STEM
“Now more than ever, it is crucial to consider the role of coalitions, forged across boundaries, in practicing public humanities and supporting the work of active and engaged communities,” said Dresher Center Director Jessica Berman, at the event. Continue reading Baltimore Stories final event focuses on listening to communities, strengthening coalitions
At 19th annual symposium, 331 students learned from workshops and received insightful feedback on their research projects from cricket behavior to breast cancer to biodegradable polymers. Continue reading Life sciences research symposium attracts a record number of students from across the mid-Atlantic
President Hrabowski shared, “All of you here today represent the best in your disciplines, and we wanted to celebrate what you have done…from literature and history, to the sciences and social sciences, to the arts.” Continue reading UMBC honors faculty fellows, recognizing decades of exemplary scholarship and service
Two UMBC alumni and President Hrabowski discussed how to engage young students in cybersecurity, what cybersecurity professionals do day-to-day, and the importance of partnerships between academic institutions and industry leaders. Continue reading UMBC voices discuss opportunities for today’s students in rapidly growing cybersecurity field
“People you see on this stage are not just amazingly talented, they are good people who have done great work,” shared President Hrabowski. “I can’t think of anything an educator would want more than that: People who care about others, who strive for excellence, and who never, never, never give up.” Continue reading Alumni Awards highlight profound impact, drive, and commitment of UMBC alumni and faculty
“This funding for expanded programs indicates that we are able to continue the legacy of inclusive excellence that UMBC celebrates,” explains Renetta Tull. Continue reading NSF provides $5 million to UMBC-led LSAMP program to support students from underrepresented groups in STEM
Dr. Hrabowski discussed UMBC’s success since it opened its doors in 1966, as well as important national education issues. Continue reading Maryland Public Television highlights UMBC’s 50 years of growth and achievement
“The whole experience at UMBC was gratifying,” said Simmona Simmons ‘72, American studies, who began working in UMBC’s library in 1966. “As UMBC grew, I grew with UMBC.” Continue reading Stoop stories offer a glimpse into UMBC’s first days and rich history
UMBC greeted 2,800 new Retrievers during Welcome Week 2016, in a 50th anniversary year kick-off spotlighted by Baltimore-area newspapers. Continue reading UMBC “turns golden” and kicks off 50th anniversary year with first week of celebrations
A new article by The Daily Record’s Dan Leaderman traces the history of UMBC, from its roots as a university community defying definition to a nationally ranked “research powerhouse.” Continue reading The Daily Record on UMBC at 50: A national leader in teaching and innovation
Complex meteorological conditions and other factors contributed to the storm that ravaged Ellicott City July 31, but the town is determined to rebound. Jeffrey Halverson explains how “humble rain…quickly turns deadly,” and Pres. Hrabowski addresses the UMBC community. Continue reading Washington Post and WAMU call on Jeffrey Halverson to explain causes of devastating Ellicott City flood
UMBC is “a campus deeply committed to pushing America to change the culture of STEM to be more inclusive,” notes Savoy Magazine in a vivid five-page education feature on the university’s leadership at age 50. Continue reading Savoy Magazine honors UMBC’s national leadership in inclusive excellence
“In challenging times, when heartbreaking acts of violence occur so frequently, it can be difficult to find a path forward, but we know it must start with coming together as a community,” write President Hrabowski and Provost Rous in a message to the campus community. Continue reading UMBC leaders call for community support and reflection in response to recent acts of violence
“We have fought together to secure dignity for the LGBTQ community and this hateful act reminds us that the fight continues, and we need to stick together through every obstacle,” said event organizer Chelsea Barker. Continue reading UMBC community gathers to remember victims of Orlando shooting
“What we’ve worked to do at UMBC…is to look in the mirror,” Dr. Hrabowski explained. “We have a theory of change that we’ve been working on now for almost 20 years that focuses on how you create communities of empowerment for students…but also how we rethink the teaching and learning process.” Continue reading Pres. Hrabowski focuses on building supportive learning communities at NYT Higher Ed Leaders Forum
“We are reminded of how important it is to support one another, across boundaries of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, and we hope that our culture of inclusiveness and acceptance at UMBC will be a source of strength as we stand together to uphold our collective values,” write Pres. Hrabowski and Provost Rous. Continue reading UMBC leaders share messages of solidarity following Orlando tragedy
“What is so significant” about Meyerhoff, President Hrabowski told The Baltimore Sun, is that he gives “not only money but also so much of himself. He has shown the kind of interest one shows when one cares deeply about people.” Continue reading Baltimore Sun Hall of Fame honoree Robert Meyerhoff shares pride in achievements of UMBC’s Meyerhoff Scholars
“As the Baltimore County Teacher of the Year, Carter is noted for his enthusiasm, his authenticity, and his work to be a champion for students inside and outside of the classroom,” writes Education Post, in a new story highlighting Corey Carter ’08, biological sciences, ’10 M.A.T. Continue reading UMBC prepares next generation of leading K-12 educators with commitment to community
President Freeman Hrabowski and Dean Julie Ross share ways that UMBC supports students, and how support and high standards encourage students to learn through persistence. Continue reading U.S. News STEM Solutions panels highlight UMBC’s focus on inclusive excellence, supporting students
“Today, 16,000 people live and work on campus, and we recognize that our actions, or inactions, are tied directly to the health of the Chesapeake Bay,” writes President Hrabowski. Continue reading Chesapeake Bay Foundation highlights UMBC’s focus on environmental stewardship
A non-invasive glucose and respiration monitor, low-cost cardboard neonatal incubator, and DARPA-funded “biologics on demand” research were on the agenda when the tech mogul visited campus. Continue reading Former Apple CEO and tech investor John Sculley learns about engineering innovations at UMBC
This visit further cements UMBC’s positive relationships with a number of German research institutions and Germany’s largest funding agency, supporting UMBC’s goal of growing its international reach. Continue reading President of German Research Foundation visits UMBC, discusses academic globalization and UMBC initiatives
“One of the ways we can get students to appreciate what STEM can do for our country is through the humanities, not only through reading skills, but understanding many of the ethical issues involved in the achievement gap, in health disparities, and in the environmental issues that we face.” – Dr. Hrabowski on The Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU. Continue reading President Hrabowski discusses the importance of connecting STEM with the arts, humanities and social sciences
