Graduation Stories

At the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) Honors Convocation on May 15, the school’s values of mentorship, service, and giving back ran through nearly every speech, hooding, and conversation in the lobby of the Hippodrome Theatre. More than 150 students received Doctor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degrees at the ceremony. Dean Mark A. Reynolds, DDS, PhD, MA, said UMSOD takes “immense pride in equipping our graduates for leadership roles in clinical care, education, research, and public service.”

Graduates, mentors, families, and colleagues filled MSTF Leadership Hall on May 20 as UMB celebrated its newest cohort of doctoral scholars. The event marked the culmination of years of research, discovery, and perseverance as graduates crossed the stage to receive the academic hood symbolizing entry into the community of scholars. The ceremony, hosted by the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies, honored doctoral graduates from programs spanning neuroscience, social work, pharmaceutical sciences, molecular medicine, epidemiology, rehabilitation science, palliative care, and health professions education. 

On May 20, the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies celebrated hundreds of graduates in the Class of 2026 across its Doctor of Medical Science, Master of Science, and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs. “We celebrate your drive, your scholarly passion, your desire to serve the public good, which is in alignment with the University’s mission,” Dean Kenneth Wong said. “Thank you for investing your time, your talent, your treasure, and your trust with us. ... All of us are better for the diverse perspectives and the life experiences you’ve contributed to our programs.”  

U.S. District Judge Brendan Hurson, a 2005 graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, told the school’s Class of 2026 that defending democracy falls squarely on their shoulders, and the best way to do so is by being a good lawyer. “I encourage you to run toward the injustice, not away from it,” Hurson said in his keynote speech to the class, which included 205 Juris Doctor graduates, 19 who earned Master of Laws degrees, and 18 who received Master of Science in Law degrees.

In August 2022, Mark Gladwin walked through the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s (UMSOM) doors for the first time as dean along with the Class of 2026. On May 14, newly minted physicians from that class  marked the culmination of their journey, celebrated by the families, mentors, and colleagues who helped them along the way. “These are my babies,” Gladwin said. “I spoke with them on my first week on the job about how important it is to have resilience throughout this process and during the transition to becoming a physician.”

Friends and family filled the Hippodrome Theatre on May 12 to celebrate the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s Class of 2026. Dean’s Medal for Distinguished Service recipient Karen Doyle, chief nursing officer of the University of Maryland Medical Center, told graduates that the role of nurse is “sacred,” adding, “You will remember the first patient who trusted you, the family who looked to you for reassurance, the moment you realize that your calm presence changed the trajectory of someone’s worst day.”

Graduates, faculty, family, and friends gathered May 12-20 to celebrate the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s (UMSOP) Class of 2026 during ceremonies across its master’s, certificate, and doctoral programs. Students in the following programs were honored: Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics; MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC); MS and Certificate in Regulatory Science; MS in Pharmacometrics; PhD in PSC; and PhD in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research. “With the education you’ve earned, the relationships you’ve built, and the values you carry forward, there is no limit to what you can achieve,” UMSOP Dean Sarah Michel told the graduates.

Celebrating at their convocation May 14 at The Lyric Baltimore, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduates reflected on the challenges, growth, and community that defined their four-year journey while looking ahead to careers in patient care, research, public health, industry, and residency training. “What stands out about the Class of 2026 is their desire to help each other,” said UMSOP Dean Sarah Michel. “You are dedicated and compassionate leaders, not only supporting each other through your four-year PharmD experience but also supporting and mentoring our younger classes.”

The University of Maryland School of Social Work’s (UMSSW) Class of 2026 entered SECU Arena on May 15 carrying stories of career changes, personal struggles, and advocacy, then left with diplomas in hand and a desire to be change makers in the world. UMSSW celebrated 322 Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates and five PhD graduates during its convocation at Towson University, honoring December 2025 and spring and summer 2026 graduates. It also marked the first graduating class of the fully online MSW program.