UMGC to Celebrate Winter "Grad Walk" Dec. 15-17

University's Unique Commencement Experience Over Three Days Features Specific Times Graduates Can Chose to Receive Diploma in Front of Family and Friends

Adelphi, MD (12/07/2023) — Adelphi, Md. (December 7, 2023)-University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) will hold its Winter "Grad Walk" and continue a tradition started during the pandemic that focuses on the university's graduates and their family and friends. Of the university's 8,358 summer and winter graduates, more than 2,100 have registered to attend Grad Walk.

Leading up to commencement, UMGC will profile more than a dozen graduates whose academic journeys have been particularly inspiring. Several graduates were also invited to serve as #UMGCgrad Social Media Ambassadors, celebrating this important milestone and spreading the word about other commencement activities. UMGC's global alumni community currently totals more than 290,000 worldwide.

Winter Grad Walk 2023 will take place at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 3501 University Blvd., Adelphi, Md., December 15-17. Graduates select from multiple time slots during the three days to cross the stage and receive individual recognition.

Winter Grad Walk 2023 includes a number of features that make it memorable for graduates:

Each graduate's name is called as they cross a formal commencement stage in regalia

Family members and friends can cheer their graduate from a viewing area directly in front of the stage

Professional photographers are on site to take individual portraits as the graduate crosses the stage and afterward, with family and friends

Each graduate receives a video clip of themselves crossing the stage to keep as a memento and share online

Graduates can also commemorate their achievements with family and friends in a special Celebration Zone, where they can meet UMGC faculty, staff, and Alumni Association representatives and purchase UMGC Alumni apparel, gear and other mementos.

A website has been created for winter grads and includes an on-demand ceremony with the formal conferral of degrees by UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, special messages from University System of Maryland Board of Regents Chair, Linda Gooden and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and remarks by student speaker Denise Henderson, as well as an online "Gallery of Graduates" showcasing graduates' personalized recognition slides that can be shared via social media or e-mail.

Graduates receive a mailed Grad Pack containing UMGC 'swag' to help jump-start the festivities. They are encouraged to share their achievements with fellow graduates via social media using #UMGCGrad.

A profile of graduates (including those who earned degrees in the summer and fall 2023 terms):

Number of graduates: 8,358

Average age: 35

Oldest graduate: 76

Youngest graduate: 16

Graduates come from all 50 states, three U.S territories and 24 countries.

Degrees awarded:

Associate: 1,415

Bachelor's: 4,781

Master's: 2,137

Doctorate: 25

About University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of adults in the workforce and the U.S. military. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, at more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and offering more than 125 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.

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