Kaiserslautern, Germany (April 19, 2016)—Years of dedication and hard work will be celebrated this April as 200 servicemembers, family members, and civilians walk across the stage at the largest military-affiliated commencement ceremony outside of the United States.

On Saturday, 30 April at 1400, graduates stationed throughout Europe will come together to receive their degrees at the 64^th annual University of Maryland University College Europe (UMUC Europe) commencement ceremony at the Gartenschau Event Hall. UMUC will proudly host graduates and their supporters from military communities throughout Europe, as well as about 800 guests and visitors from around the world.

The ceremony will honor more than 1140 graduates from across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East who earned their associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree with UMUC or its partner institutions. Among the graduates are more than 60 students who are currently in Qatar, Djibouti, and other downrange locations.

The graduating class includes active duty military students from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as family members and civilians stationed abroad. Students graduating in the Class of 2016 have earned degrees in a variety of disciplines, including more than 497 associate’s degrees, 560 bachelor’s degrees, and 84 master’s degrees with UMUC and its partner institutions. UMUC honors over 11,156 graduates at ceremonies worldwide.

Ambassador Marriët Schuurman, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Special Representative for Women, Peace, and Security, will be the keynote speaker, sharing words of wisdom and encouragement with the Class of 2016. Ambassador Schuurman is a career diplomat, whose current efforts include raising awareness for women living in regions with armed conflict, and providing them the opportunity to participate in the political dialogue and reconstruction of their country. She is passionate about education and helping individuals reach their fullest potential.

ABOUT UMUC EUROPE

University of Maryland University College and its partner institutions have awarded more than 55,000 degrees in Europe since 1949. In the 2015-2016 academic year, around 15,000 students enrolled with UMUC Europe at one of 50 sites throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East; worldwide, more than 84,000 students enrolled with UMUC.

For almost 70 years, UMUC has been a leading provider of educational opportunities to the U.S. military and an innovative pioneer in online education and award-winning academic programs such as cybersecurity. To meet the needs of active duty servicemembers, their families, and civilians overseas, UMUC’s worldwide programs extend to more than 140 locations in over 20 countries and territories around the globe. UMUC Europe provides access to on-site courses at military installations throughout the command and global access with thousands of online course opportunities. By combining traditional academic values with innovative learning formats, UMUC helps active duty servicemembers, civilians, and families worldwide achieve their academic goals.

For more information, please visit www.europe.umuc.edu/commencement or contact UMUC Europe at CIV +49-(0)631-534-800.