HAGERSTOWN – Recently the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH) hosted nearly 200 guests in an outdoor graduation celebration in University Plaza. Community leaders, faculty, and staff joined guests under tents to celebrate the 18th graduating class of the regional center’s partner universities.
Dr. Alison Wrynn, the University System of Maryland’s Senior Vice Chancellor, shared uplifting words with the graduates and expressed appreciation for their attaining their higher education goals within their community.
Student speaker, Lyvon Campbell (Frostburg State University, Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary), recognized graduates for their courage, perseverance, and strength in overcoming obstacles to achieve their goals. Like many of the graduates in attendance, Lyvon shared how she persevered to complete the program and acknowledged that many of her fellow graduates did the same all while handling families, jobs, and busy lives.
Lauren Henry (Towson University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing) expressed her appreciation for USMH being a higher education option in the area as she shared that she is now the third in her family to graduate from Towson’s Nursing program. Lauren went on to share her own personal journey and dedication to completing her degree amid international adoption and becoming a first-time mom – all while during the pandemic.
Later in the program, faculty from each partner university presented graduates with leadership and service awards or academic achievement awards.
During the culmination of the event, Dr. Jacob Ashby, executive director of USMH, recognized fall 2022 and spring 2023 graduates in attendance from Frostburg State University, Salisbury University, Towson University, and the University of Maryland Global Campus. As graduates were called to walk the stage, the Honorable Brett Wilson, USMH Board of Advisors chair, congratulated and presented each with a gift from USMH.
To date, more than 2,655 area students have earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees through the programs offered at the center.
