UMES celebrates 19th annual commencement

The word excitement may be an understatement when describing the mood at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 19th annual winter commencement Friday morning.

Pulitzer Prize winner Leonard Pitts Jr. provided words of encouragement to the graduates as their commencement speaker. Students received degrees in Human Ecology, Criminal Justice, and PGA Golf management, along with dozens of others. 

One student graduated with two undergraduate degrees simultaneously. School officials can’t remember the last time that’s happened.  47 ABC caught up with some of the graduates after the ceremony, and asked for their favorite memories during their time at UMES.

Yvonne Villarreal says, “I spent time as a resident assistant. I did a lot of programs. I think spending time with the community that I lived with and hosting programs is probably the most exciting thing.”

Dillon Simon says, “Being involved with the track team was pretty much my best experience. Traveling with the track team and competing against all the big schools was my best experience.”

Tara Clark says, “Establishing the friendships throughout the years. I’ll have lifelong friends.”

Three- hundred and thirty- eight students graduated from UMES on Friday.