The graduates in UMBC’s Class of 2022 are leaders, dreamers, entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, and trailblazers. They’ve spent their college careers breaking down barriers, exploring the world, and finding ways to inspire others.
Get to know these remarkable Retrievers and see how they are changing the world.
Class of 2022 Student Profiles
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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
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First-generation grad reflects on the power of seeing potential, giving support
“As a first generation college student … I didn’t know if going to graduate school would be possible for me, but people believed in me, saw my potential, and gave me the ability to succeed,” Kaitlynn says Kaitlynn Lilly ’22, mathematics and physics. “Being able to give that back to other people has been really powerful for me and has made my UMBC experience very fulfilling.” Continue Reading First-generation grad reflects on the power of seeing potential, giving support
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Community leader renews his Baltimore roots
“Service is a pathway to opportunities for everyone if we allow it to be accessible to all,” says Keenan Hickman, M.P.S. ’22, community leadership. “It is about leading through example and perseverance, and finding joy in completing innovative complex projects with a myriad of community members and organizations.” Continue Reading Community leader renews his Baltimore roots
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Future teacher makes mindful and inclusive early childhood education a priority
Ashley Delgado ’22, psychology, has focused on early childhood education at UMBC. In particular, she’s emphasized mindfulness techniques and culturally responsive teaching to support her students in Baltimore City. Continue Reading Future teacher makes mindful and inclusive early childhood education a priority
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Scholar-athlete shines a light on mental health
Courtney Coppersmith, ‘22, biochemistry and molecular biology, experienced UMBC as a welcoming community on her first visit, and she has devoted her time on campus to paying that spirit forward. She is one of the top softball pitchers in the nation. And she has supported fellow UMBC student-athletes and the broader UMBC community through mental health and food security initiatives. Continue Reading Scholar-athlete shines a light on mental health
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Advocate for self-discovery and inclusion
Danylo Leshchyshyn ‘22, history and political science, came to UMBC hoping to receive the support he would need to succeed. He found it in the form of friendly staff members with Student Disability Services, and in strong connections he formed with other students. Continue Reading Advocate for self-discovery and inclusion
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Connecting face-to-face: Valedictorian prioritizes supporting one another
“One of the things I’m most appreciative of is the inclusive and diverse campus of UMBC,” says Shahreen Zannat ’22. “This means a great deal to me because I often find myself to be a little isolated in group settings due to my disability. But not only are the faculty extremely accommodating, but students go out of their way to support me.” Continue Reading Connecting face-to-face: Valedictorian prioritizes supporting one another
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Future engineer helps local students see the possibilities in STEM
“My mom is a teacher at a Title I school. She’s a huge inspiration for me,” says Micah Thorpe ’22, mechanical engineering. “She’s always working to expose her kids to STEM, which encouraged me to do the same—and I realized I could do it here at UMBC.” Continue Reading Future engineer helps local students see the possibilities in STEM
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Right opportunity, right time: Entrepreneur returns to finish her UMBC degree
When Sheila Abellano ‘22 received a letter in the mail about the university’s Finish Line program, she knew it was time. After leaving UMBC in 2009, she raised a family and started two small businesses. Reading that Finish Line would waive her readmission fee and offer support with enrollment, financial aid, and academics, she saw a great opportunity. Continue Reading Right opportunity, right time: Entrepreneur returns to finish her UMBC degree
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First-gen engineering grad is energized by helping others
Diane Stonestreet ’22, mechanical engineering, shares, “my time at UMBC has given me the space to better understand and take ownership of my journey as a first-gen student. I’ve become confident in myself, and aware that I do deserve the opportunities that come my way.” Continue Reading First-gen engineering grad is energized by helping others