UMGC to Celebrate Winter “Grad Walk” Dec. 12-15, Capping Largest Fall Term Ever

Adelphi, Md. (December 11, 2024)-University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) will hold its Winter "Grad Walk," a unique commencement experience that focuses on individual recognition for the university's graduates while giving family and friends a "front row seat" to celebrate the achievement. Of the university's 9,752 summer and fall graduates, more than 2,500 plan to attend Grad Walk.

Winter Grad Walk 2024 will take place at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center (3501 University Blvd., Adelphi, Md.), December 12-15. Graduates select a time slot during the four days to cross the stage and receive individual recognition.

Winter Grad Walk 2024 includes a number of features that make it a special experience for graduates and their family and friends, such as:

• 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' Josiah Parker (Student Regent) and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and remarks by student speaker Imani Harvey, 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 2024 terms):

Number of graduates: 9,752

Average age: 32

Oldest graduate: 77

Youngest graduate: 16

Graduates come from all 50 states, three U.S territories and 36 countries.

Degrees awarded:

• Associate: 1,789

• Bachelor's: 5,734

• Master's: 2,229

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 135 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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