UMSON hosts the first in-person ceremonies since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) hosted three in-person graduation ceremonies, its first in-person degree conferrals since December 2019, when UMSON joined the world in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Summer and fall 2021 graduates from Baltimore and the Universities at Shady Grove were honored at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, and 2020 and spring 2021 graduates were recognized at a 4 p.m. ceremony.
“We are truly honored to host an in-person ceremony after two years,” said Jane Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the School of Nursing, as she welcomed the graduates and saluted those who served on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is a reminder that nursing does not have the luxury to pick and choose its moments of service, but rather, it must always be ready to respond.”
During the summer and fall 2021 graduation ceremonies held at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre, 292 degrees and certificates were conferred by University of Maryland, Baltimore President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. This included 195 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees, 82 master’s degrees, four Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, seven PhD degrees, and four certificates. During the 4 p.m. ceremony, 30 alumni from 2020 and spring 2021 graduating classes were in attendance to be recognized.