UMBC Alumni Association

“The world does not need you to be flawless. It needs you to be bold enough to contribute your voice.” 🎓

Music Director Jonathon Heyward addressed graduates at UMBC's College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2026 commencement ceremony!

In addition to giving an inspiring speech, Jonathon received an honorary doctorate from UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby and Provost Manfred van Dulmen.

Congratulations to Jonathon, and UMBC's class of 2026!

Through a rigorous academic curriculum, service as a tutor, internships, tennis pick-up games, close friendships, and more, Manav Narendra ’26, mathematics and computer science, has made the most of his time at UMBC and built a strong foundation for future success in applied math and related fields. A leukemia survivor, Narendra has adopted a posture of gratitude and resilience, crediting in part his mother’s unwavering support and UMBC’s close-knit community for helping him thrive academically and personally

Read more of Manav's story: https://umbc.edu/stories/manav-narendra-mathematician-and-cancer-survivor/

While the venue may have changed since 1976, that incredible feeling of achievement is exactly the same. 💛🖤

A huge congratulations to all our graduates! Today, you join a powerful, global community of over 100,000 UMBC alumni! 🎉🐾

📷 1 -Wide shot of graduation, 1976, facing the stage in the Retriever Activity Center (RAC). (University Archives. Special Collections, UMBC)
📷 2 - Wide shot of graduation, December 2025, facing the stage in the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (CEIA). (Brad Ziegler/UMBC)

This spring, the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC celebrates a landmark achievement: 500 program graduates have earned a Ph.D.

The milestone highlights the program’s success as the nation’s original model for increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Grounded in high expectations and robust support, Meyerhoff Scholars consistently go on to excel in top graduate programs and lead in academia, industry, and government while mentoring the next generation.

Read the full story: umbc.edu/stories/meyerhoff-scholars-program-celebrates-500th-ph-d/

For psychology graduate Vunnathi Ankem, '26, UMBC was defined by one word: community. As an RA, Honors College Council president, Sondheim Scholar, and thesis researcher — and now a Fulbright Scholar headed to India — she leaves behind a campus made stronger by her leadership. Read her story.

Vunnathi Ankem ’26—finding Community And Her Place At UMBC - UMBC: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County For Vunnathi Ankem, psychology, the UMBC experience has been defined by one word: community. As a resident assistant, a researcher, and a multifaceted...

On April 21, the Hilltop Society held the first of two regional Artificial Intelligence Salons. Hosted by Renny DiPentima, Ph.D. ’84, at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, the event brought together alumni and friends for a wonderful evening celebrating the power of ideas and the impact of a community dedicated to Inclusive Excellence.

The distinguished alumni panel featured Justin Brooks ’04, Tonya Edmonds ’92, Subha Madhavan, M.S. ’02, and UMBC Chief AI Officer Dr. Anupam Joshi, who shared their insights and experiences on the evolving impact of artificial intelligence.

Your fellow Retrievers want to know: what's new with you in 2026? We're collecting class notes for an upcoming issue of UMBC Magazine and want to know what's new in your world, both professionally and personally. Submit your update here: https://www.alumni.umbc.edu/s/1325/21/interior.aspx?sid=1325&gid=1&pgid=467&cid=1124

We have a special announcement just for you. 📖 is BACK, and we’ve made a few changes for 2026!

📕 We’re shaking things up with a Bingo Challenge designed to help you explore new genres, engage with our community, and give you even more flexibility.

📘 We’re partnering with the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery to help them raise money to better support UMBC students.

Whether you’re an alum, student, faculty, parent, or staff, it’s time to hit the books!

Sign up today at alumni.umbc.edu/retrieversread26

Top-seeded UMBC men's basketball will host No. 2-seeded Vermont on Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. for the 2026 Air Force Reserve America East Conference Championship. The winner receives an automatic NCAA Tournament berth.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 11, at 8 p.m. EST: https://umbctickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=3699