Adelphi, Md. (May 1, 2025)—As University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) prepares to celebrate its Spring “Grad Walk,” a unique commencement experience that focuses on individual recognition for the university’s graduates while giving family and friends a “front row view” to celebrate the achievement, the university expects to confer nearly 19,000 degrees in the 2024-25 year, breaking the previous high of 16,108 set last year.
More than 2,500 graduates plan to attend Grad Walk, which will take place at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center (3501 University Blvd., Adelphi, Md.), May 15–18. Graduates select a time slot during the four days to have their name called and cross the stage with family and friends cheering from a viewing area close to the stage.
A special Celebration Zone, in which graduates can celebrate their achievements with family and friends, will include a variety of booths and backdrops for photos, opportunities to meet UMGC faculty, staff, and Alumni Association representatives and purchase UMGC Alumni apparel, gear and other mementos.
A website has been created for 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 Tierra Sardine, 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 from the 2024-25 year:
Number of projected degrees and certificates conferred: 18,964
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: 2,924
Bachelor’s: 9,782
Master’s: 4,291
Certificates: 1,936
Doctorates: 31
Degrees Awarded by Division:
Asia: 1,352
Europe: 1,535
Stateside: 16,077
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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