UMGC to Conduct Spring "Grad Walk" May 11-14

University's Unique Commencement Experience to Span Four Days and Feature Specific Times Graduates Can Chose for Individual Recognition

by Bob Ludwig

Adelphi, MD (05/04/2023) — Adelphi, Md. (May 4, 2023)-University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has announced Spring Grad Walk 2023, an intimate graduation experience that focuses on the university's graduates and their family and friends. Of the university's 5,835 winter and spring graduates, more than 2,000 have registered to attend the stateside 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 280,000 worldwide.

Spring Grad Walk 2023 will take place at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center May 12-14. Graduates select from multiple time slots during the three days to cross the stage and receive individual recognition. A special hooding ceremony to honor doctoral degree candidates will be held on the evening of Thursday, May 11.

Spring 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, outdoor 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 the stateside Class of 2023 that includes an on-demand ceremony with the formal conferral of degrees by UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, a special message from Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and remarks by student speaker Joya Costa, 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 FY2023 worldwide graduates (including those who earned degrees in the summer 2022, fall 2022, winter 2023 and spring 2023 terms):

Number of worldwide graduates in FY23: 13,443

Average age: 35

Oldest graduate: 80

Youngest graduate: 18

Graduates come from all 50 states, four U.S territories and 22 countries

Degrees awarded:

Associate: 1,845

Bachelor's: 7,300

Master's: 4,264

Doctorate: 34

UMGC also conducted graduation ceremonies for military servicemembers and dependents overseas in Germany, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Korea and Guam.

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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