All posts by: Kait McCaffrey


Two students talking at a desk in a library

U.S. News highlights UMBC’s national leadership in teaching, innovation, diversity

The new 2022–23 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges undergraduate rankings illustrate why a record number of students chose to call UMBC home this fall. This year’s rankings show UMBC jumping an impressive 25 spots on the list of Best National Universities and appearing on several other prestigious lists, distinguishing the university’s achievements on a national stage.  Continue Reading U.S. News highlights UMBC’s national leadership in teaching, innovation, diversity

UMBC's president and four students stand in front of UMBC map

UMBC opens new academic year with new president, largest-ever incoming class

As UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby looked out at the crowd of eager first-year students during Tuesday’s Convocation ceremony to open the academic year, she reinforced the importance of marking this formative chapter. And with well over 2,100 new first-year students, and record numbers of graduate and international students, this is a new chapter for UMBC’s largest incoming class yet.  Continue Reading UMBC opens new academic year with new president, largest-ever incoming class

A family, coach, and athletic director stand with a softball player on the softball infield holding a framed jersey

Leading a (Retriever) Nation

It’s never easy to start a new job, but athletic director Brian Barrio had more to contend with than which parking lot to use. He joined #RetrieverNation in January of 2020 and after only two months (during which time, he even lived in a campus apartment), UMBC closed its physical campus due to COVID-19. With 17 Division I sports and over 350 student-athletes, this would have been a massive undertaking in the best of circumstances. We talked to Brian about what that transition was like, what he’s learned from the experience, and what’s up next. And he almost managed to make it through the entire interview without one sports reference.  Continue Reading Leading a (Retriever) Nation

Police officer and chocolate lab dog stare at each other at a table

What’s it Like When “Take Your Dog to Work Day” Is Every Day?

National Take Your Dog to Work Day might officially only be celebrated on the Friday after Father’s Day, but for Sergeant Jamie Cheatem of the UMBC Police Department, it’s every day. Coming up on their three-year anniversary this September, Sgt. Cheatem and Chip, UMBC’s comfort dog, have quickly become an inseparable duo both on the job and at home. Continue Reading What’s it Like When “Take Your Dog to Work Day” Is Every Day?

Man wearing face mask walking in commencement regalia waving at audience

Pres. Freeman Hrabowski honors Class of 2022 at final commencement as UMBC leader

Nearly 1,800 students walked across the stage at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena this week during UMBC’s 78th graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies. After pausing to receive their congratulatory elbow bumps from President Freeman Hrabowski and other leaders, they could breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their hard work and perseverance paid off.  Continue Reading Pres. Freeman Hrabowski honors Class of 2022 at final commencement as UMBC leader

UMBC men’s swimming and diving recaptures America East 2022 Championship

For those who insist 13 is an unlucky number, UMBC men’s swimming and diving is here to prove otherwise. Last weekend, the Retrievers reclaimed the 2022 America East Championship title to win their 13th championship out of 15 appearances. UMBC women’s swimming and diving earned second place at their championship meet. Continue Reading UMBC men’s swimming and diving recaptures America East 2022 Championship

Graduating Retrievers are ready to leave their mark on the world

The end of the semester brings a lot to celebrate—the conclusion of finals, a well-deserved break on the horizon, and the addition of new graduates to the UMBC alumni community. Over the course of two days and three ceremonies, UMBC celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2021, as well as 2020 graduates who were unable to celebrate in person before due to COVID.  Continue Reading Graduating Retrievers are ready to leave their mark on the world

UMBC swimming and diving makes waves at ECAC Winter Championships

It may be cold outside, but competition was heating up in the pool last weekend as UMBC men’s and women’s swimming and diving dominated the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) 2021 Winter Championships.  Capturing 15 out of 20 events, UMBC men’s swimming and diving took home first place in the meet. With a difference of 1,896 points, the Retrievers eclipsed runner-up Long Island University (LIU).  “I could not be more pleased with how the team competed at the ECAC meet,” says head coach Matt Donovan. “We are in a tremendous position for this time of year and we are all… Continue Reading UMBC swimming and diving makes waves at ECAC Winter Championships

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