Graduation Stories

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) graduated what Dean Mark Reynolds, DDS, PhD, MA, called “one of the most diverse and accomplished classes of dental graduates in the nation” during UMSOD’s Honors Convocation on May 23. The 137 new dentists and dental hygienists represented a blend of backgrounds, experiences, and motivations, from first-generation immigrants to continuing family legacies in health care.

Amid cheers, applause, and heartfelt reflections, the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies honored its newest cohort of doctoral scholars during its Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on May 21. The event celebrated the academic success and resilience of more than 80 graduates from UMB’s professional schools. “Today is a day to celebrate your achievements — all that you have accomplished, all that you have persevered through,” said Dean Kenneth Wong, PhD.

Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, delivered the keynote address at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law’s hooding ceremony May 23, encouraging graduates to view this uncertain moment in U.S. history as an opportunity. “Nothing you do in the service of democracy is wasted,” she said, urging the graduates to view themselves “not as bystanders but as founders and framers of the America your children will inherit.”

The University of Maryland School of Medicine sent 138 new physicians into the world May 22 at the Hippodrome Theatre, where family, friends, faculty, and staff celebrated the Class of 2025’s years of hard work. Dean Mark  T.Gladwin, MD, told the graduates: “Welcome to an absolutely dazzling period of time in the history of science. The world needs you —  it needs dedicated young people on a mission to serve — and you are ready for the challenge.”

The University of Maryland School of Nursing conferred 231 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees, 89 master’s degrees, 126 Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, two PhDs, and six certificates on May 20. Hiu Yu Chan, who arrived in the United States from Hong Kong four years ago, was among the BSN graduates and spoke of how she had fulfilled the American Dream.

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) honored its new PharmD graduates, reflecting on their perseverance, leadership, and the values that will guide their futures during a ceremony May 22. “What stands out about the Class of 2025 is your desire to help each other—  an important characteristic of a pharmacist,” Dean  Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, said. “You are dedicated and compassionate leaders, not only supporting each other through your four-year experience but also mentoring younger classes.”

The University of Maryland School of Social Work celebrated its 2025 Master of Social Work and PhD graduates during a May 19 ceremony at the Lyric Baltimore during which social justice pioneer Ronald Chisom received a Doctor of Public Service honorary degree from UMB and alumna Tisha S. Edwards, JD ’01, MSW ’00, gave the keynote speech.