UMES holds 136th Spring Commencement ceremony

PRINCESS ANNE, Md.- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore held its 136th Spring Commencement Friday. The group of students marks the first post-pandemic graduates.

“This was a historic day for us, May 19, 2023,” says UMES President Dr. Heidi Anderson. “This is our graduation date of the class that was in covid, a worldwide pandemic, as we know, and these students started onlien. That is unusual for any group of students.”

Dr. Anderson says she believes this group of students has the power to transform the world. She says during the pandemic students not online researched covid solutions, they also went out and helped the community in Princess Anne and surrounding areas.

“So the pandemic really helped them begin to understand how to go out and be change agents in the community,” says Dr. Anderson.

Maryland Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones gave the commencement address. She holds the distinction of being the first African-American and the first woman to serve as Speaker.