UMB's newest addition to campus needs a name, and students, faculty, and staff get to decide!
There's a new face — or rather, a new set of propellers — on the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) campus, and it needs a name!
UMB's Office of Emergency Management recently launched its new drone program to support campus safety, emergency preparedness, building inspections, and other University operations. While the drone is equipped with some impressive technology, there's one thing it doesn't have: a name.
That's where you come in!
Welcome to Drone Madness!
We're turning to the UMB community to help name our newest flying colleague with a March Madness-style naming competition.
We've selected 12 potential names inspired by Baltimore culture, UMB history, aviation, and a little pop culture. From Edgar Allan to Hon' Solo, the choices are anything but ordinary.
Just like March Madness, the field will get smaller with each round until one name is crowned champion!
How the Competition Works
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Round 1: Now through Nov. 18 — Vote for your favorite name in each of four brackets, with three names competing in each. Four names will advance.
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Round 2: Nov. 19-Dec. 3 — The four bracket winners compete for two spots in the championship round.
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Round 3: Dec. 4-17 — The final two names go head-to-head as the UMB community chooses the winner.
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January 2027 — The drone's official name will be revealed in The Elm!
You can follow the competition online through our public voting dashboard to see which names are leading and which are falling behind.
Ready to Vote?
Round 1 voting closes Nov. 18, so don't miss your chance to help choose the finalists!
Whether you're a student, faculty member, or staff member, we want your vote!
Let the best name take flight!