UMB graduates finish a year of learning during a pandemic with a mixture of in-person and virtual celebrations.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) celebrated Commencement in a fitting way this year, as its seven schools mixed virtual events and small, in-person gatherings to honor a Class of 2021 that has persevered to graduate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Universitywide level, the theme was clear: Many of us have been apart for much of the past 14 months, but UMB always comes together to improve the human condition and serve the public good.
Rather than leading the annual Universitywide ceremony at Royal Farms Arena, canceled for the second year in a row because of COVID-19 safety protocols, UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, donned his graduation regalia and spoke from Leadership Hall in the Medical School Teaching Facility as the centerpiece of a 17½-minute video celebrating the Class of 2021.
(Watch video below.)
“It is certainly unfortunate that you’re not walking across that stage today,” Jarrell said in addressing the graduates. “I feel your pain, to not be here in person to receive your diploma. But it’s not the act of walking across that stage that defines you or your career. That is just one more step in your career, the end of one more chapter. I’m sure and confident that your studies have prepared you to go forth and write that next chapter.
“Our Maryland community and the world could not be more ready for you to get started. The challenges that we face are daunting, but I’m confident that you will face them head-on with confidence in your abilities, and with an eye toward the future. The entire UMB family, your families, and the state of Maryland are very proud of you and your accomplishments.”